Blade Movies In Order & IMDB Scores

The eagerly anticipated Blade Marvel reboot may be on hold (after Disney announced that its previous release date of July 2027 had been removed from the schedule). But with the film still said to be firmly in the works, and a new actor taking on the mantle of the vampire-hunting, um, vampire, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a look back at this franchise in all its gory glory.

The Daywalker Returns: A Look Back at the Blade Franchise

Wesley Snipes’ Blade first snarled onto the screens in 1998, introducing an entirely new concept to the traditional vampire movie. Since then, there have been two more films and the Marvel reboot was set to be the fourth, with a new actor taking on the role. The Blade movie series was one that fans desperately wanted rebooted, with the introduction of Blade into the Marvel universe widely seen as a perfect fit. 

While we may have to wait to see where Marvel takes Blade, there are still three outstanding films that deserve watching and rewatching. If you like your action heroes edgy, the subject matter more intense, and the action non-stop, the Blade movie series is unmissable.

Blade Movies in Order: From Origins to the Marvel Reboot

Let’s take a look at each of the Blade movies in turn, starting with that jaw-droppingly good introduction to the dark and bloody world after the sun goes down. The Blade 1998 movie dropped easily into a genre that was already popular, thanks to the phenomenal success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show a year before. But Blade was darker, edgier, and definitely more violent than the blood-sucking high-school hijinks, appealing to an older audience who wanted something they could ‘get their teeth into’ (pun intended). 

Wesley Snipes’ Blade combined the actor’s martial arts skills, his prowess as an intense and high-energy actor, and a savagely sharp script, making the Blade franchise an instant success. 

Blade (1998): The Movie That Redefined Superhero Cinema

Long before Batman got broody and Superman got moody, Blade redefined the antihero superhero with his first outing as Blade. Half-human, half-vampire, he had a skill that none of the other undead he relentlessly hunted had – he could go out in daylight. Blade embraces his role of protector of humanity, ably assisted by rough and rugged Abraham Whistler, played by Kris Kristofferson. Their aim isn’t just to kill vampires, it’s to cure them of the undead curse entirely. But do the vamps want to be cured, or are they quite happy with the power they possess? With a Blade IMDb score of 7.1, it set the standard for the following two films in the series.

Blade II (2002): Guillermo del Toro’s Dark Vision

Blade II took the story to the next level, turning what was a simple ‘vampire hunts vampires’ story into something much more sinister and darker. In this chilling film, a mutation has thrown up a vampire anomaly, a Reaper. A vampire so savage and consumed with blood lust that even the council of Vampires is frightened. Blade is the only one who can go up against this monstrosity before it turns its many victims into an army of unstoppable mutants. 

Kris Kristofferson revives his role as Whistler, while a team of vampires known as the Bloodpack form an unholy alliance with our hero. An IMDb score of 6.7 may unfairly downplay this sequel, which won several awards, notably for its stunts and fight sequences, and proved a fan favourite.

Blade: Trinity (2004): The Final Chapter of the Original Saga

Blade: Trinity takes us to the next stage of the (anti)hero's journey. In this third instalment, Blade finds himself with more enemies than friends, and when the king of vampires, Dracula, is woken from his endless slumber, the fight is taken to its conclusion, where only one will be victorious. Throw in a virus that could wipe out the vampire race entirely, and you have a battle of epic proportions. Trinity came out with a Blade IMDb score of 5.8, but it is actually a far better film than that score suggests. Also starring Kris Kristofferson, Dominic Purcell, Parker Posey and Ryan Reynolds.

Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: What We Know So Far

It's been a long, long wait for the next stage of the Blade story, and unfortunately, we may all have to be more patient for a while yet. The Blade Marvel reboot remains in development, but its release has been postponed until at least 2028. What is known is that Wesley Snipes’ Blade is also being rebooted, with Mahershala Ali set to take over the lead as Eric Brooks in the MCU's Phase 6. 

Initially a supporting character in Marvel Comics' The Tomb of Dracula #10 in 1973, this particular version of Blade retains the dark edge and dystopian undertones characteristic of the original Blade movies. But it’s also expected to have that typical MCU pizzazz that has done so much to revive the fantasy and superhero genre. 

Why Blade Still Matters in the Superhero Genre

If there’s one word that describes the Blade movie series, it’s slick. Punchy dialogue, fast, martial arts-based action (of which Snipes is an expert), a strong and, most importantly, believable cast of characters, and a deeply dystopian story that suits the modern age typify Blade. It gave the saccharine superheroes that audiences quickly grew tired of a kick in the pants, and it can do the same again for a fantasy genre that’s been flagging in recent years. Blade is urban, edgy, exciting, and dark, everything an antihero superhero should be.

Experience the Blade Legacy on the Big Screen at VOX Cinemas

The best way to experience the Blade movie series, whether it’s the original Blade, Blade II or Blade: Trinity, is in glorious IMAX with a kicking surround-sound so you can hear that soundtrack in all its glory. At VOX Cinemas, we love this spooky time of the year, so expect to see Blade appear on our program of Halloween films soon. And as soon as we hear about the Blade MCU release date, you can be sure we’ll let you know! Keep checking back to be the first in the queue when Blade comes back to a VOX Cinemas movie theatre near you.

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