This week Jurassic World: Rebirth hits theaters. It’s the seventh theatrical film, and the second attempt to re-boot the franchise. In honor of its release, below is my ranking of the previous six. The films appear in ascending order.

No. 6: Jurassic Park III (2001)
About: This was the third in the franchise, returning Sam Neill to his role. It’s the shortest of the films, barely landing at 90 minutes. Joe Johnston tried to keep things going, but this just isn’t very good. It’s not a surprise this launched a dormant period for the franchise.

No. 5: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
About: This was the follow up to the re-boot in the middle of a second trilogy. Got it? Anyway, it tried to follow the sequel formula from the original, but added an island collapse, some cloning, and some cartoon villainy. It’s fine, but hardly dynamic.

No. 4: The Lost World (1997)
About: I know Michael Crichton wrote a sequel novel in part to help create a sequel film. I’m still frustrated by some of the creative decisions. I’ve actually never finished the book despite having read all of Crichton’s stories. The film is fine and has its moments, but it’s just OK.

No. 3: Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
About: I get it, some people hated this. But it reunites the stars of the original with the stars of the sequel trilogy in a big and interesting film that’s full of nostalgia and some interesting plot decisions. That nostalgia worked for me. This film is funny and has heart. It’s not perfect but it’s engaging.

No. 2: Jurassic World (2015)
About: This is the re-boot. I didn’t know how I’d feel, especially since the idea of a fully functioning park was antithetical to the book. But this film impressed me. I liked the idea that it attacked modern culture and a new idea. It also has some fun performances and cool sequences. It’s one of my favorites.

No. 1: Jurassic Park (1993)
About: I was 12 years old when I saw this on the big screen. It spoke to me in ways I never imagined. I sparked a lifelong love of Crichton’s writing and probably impacted my love of film. To me, it’s a perfect film. It’s the gold standard here that will never be duplicated.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.