How to Watch the 'Child's Play' Chucky Movies in Order When You're Feeling Brave
Here's your guide to the scariest (and funniest) films in the horror franchise.
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The Child's Play Chucky movies might bring to mind one of two things: hearty laughs or an intense fear of little dolls with bright red hair. Regardless of what the films bring out in you, the campy series is a perfect fix to that horror movie itch you may need scratched.
The movies primarily center around Charles Lee Ray – known as Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) – a serial killer who manages to transport his soul into a Good Guy doll. The doll wreaks havoc and terrorizes those around him, usually in an attempt to possess a human form. Originally made in 1988, the series has spawned several remakes, a reboot and even a 2021 television series throughout the decades. While every film follows Chucky’s violent antics, the franchise has transformed and adapted throughout the years. The films range from true slasher horror to satirical dark comedy and many times are a mix of the two. To help navigate the series, here’s our guide on how to watch the Chucky movies in order. Sit back, settle in and make sure any childhood dolls are locked away.
Child’s Play (1988)
The one that started it all! The original Child’s Play introduces us to the serial killer Charles Lee Ray and his transportation into the iconic Good Guy doll. After being gifted to a child named Andy, Chucky terrorizes the child’s family and anyone who comes in his way. Full of jump scares and witty dialogue, this is the essential intro to the characters and the world of Chucky.
Child’s Play 2 (1990)
Starting two years after the ending of the first film, Child’s Play 2 takes us right back to Chucky’s evil antics. When a toy company tries to recreate the Good Guy doll, they inadvertently bring back Chucky’s murderous spirit with it. Chucky returns to terrorize his previous child owner, Andy, who just can’t seem to catch a break.
Child’s Play 3 (1991)
The universe of Chucky never seems to learn its lesson: taking place eight years after the sequel, the Play Pals company remakes the Good Guy dolls, resurrecting Chucky’s evil spirit again. Chucky returns to seek vengeance on a teenage Andy, now played by actor Justin Whalin. After Child’s Play 3, series creator Don Mancini waited seven years before releasing his next addition to the franchise, which took the series in an entirely new direction.
Bride of Chucky (1998)
If you’re more about Chucky’s comedic moments, here’s where the series takes a turn. Although it was released seven years later, Bride of Chucky takes place a year after the ending of the third film. In this flick, we stray away from the continuing plot of the first three films and are introduced to a new murderous doll. When Chucky’s ex-girlfriend Tiffany’s (Jennifer Tilly) soul is transported into a doll, the two work together to get back to human forms. Bride of Chucky starts the franchise’s dive into dark comedy and satire. Come for Chucky’s typical scares and stay for Tilly’s iconic voice and acting.
Seed of Chucky (2004)
Keeping up with the humor of Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky follows Glen, the child son of Tiffany and Chucky. When Glen resurrects his parents from the dead, both of them are appalled by each other — Glen is mad that his parents are murderers, while Chucky doesn't like that his child has no desire to kill. Mancini’s directorial debut delivers on the campiness brought out by the fourth addition to the franchise and gives us a sweet, gentle doll to root for (at least, for a bit).
Curse of Chucky (2013)
Released almost 10 years after Seed of Chucky, this next film deviates from the previous familial storyline and goes back to the franchise’s slasher roots. Chucky returns to terrorize the family of protagonist Nica Pierce. The movie mimics the straightforward horror content of the original Child’s Play, even returning Chucky to his original look. Packed with violence and gore, be prepared for more screams and fewer laughs with this film.
Cult of Chucky (2017)
Cult of Chucky sees a return to the original protagonist of the franchise, Andy, while including new and returning favorite characters from the series. Set in an asylum, this film definitely includes lots of blood and gore. Pro trip: don’t watch this one with the lights off.
Child’s Play (2019)
The most recent Chucky movie in the franchise, Child’s Play is a current reimagining of the first film. Like the original, the film still follows the titular character Chucky as he terrorizes Andy and his family. The remake, however, includes a different type of doll for the character and cast Mark Hamill to voice Chucky. This is also the only film of the series where Mancini was not involved. Aubrey Plaza leads this new imagining of the decades-old franchise.
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