Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Guide to the Iconic Dinosaur Franchise
Introduction
Welcome to Jurassic Park, the ultimate destination for dinosaur lovers. Whether you are a fan of the original novel by Michael Crichton, the blockbuster movies by Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow, or the spin-off media such as animated series, video games, and theme park attractions, you will find something to enjoy in this guide. We will take you on a journey through the history, the plot, the characters, and the legacy of one of the most successful and influential science fiction franchises of all time.
What is Jurassic Park?
Jurassic Park is a science fiction media franchise that revolves around a disastrous attempt to create a theme park of cloned dinosaurs on a tropical island. It explores the themes of genetic engineering, bioethics, human greed, corporate corruption, environmentalism, and survival. It also features thrilling action scenes, stunning visual effects, memorable music, and iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, and more.
Why is Jurassic Park so popular?
Jurassic Park is popular because it appeals to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, from casual viewers to hardcore fans. It combines scientific realism with fantasy adventure, creating a sense of wonder and awe. It also taps into the universal fascination with dinosaurs, which are both majestic and terrifying. It also features relatable characters, witty dialogue, emotional moments, and moral dilemmas. It has inspired generations of filmmakers, writers, artists, scientists, and enthusiasts.
How many Jurassic Park movies are there?
There are currently five Jurassic Park movies released in theaters, with a sixth one scheduled for 2022. The first three movies form the original trilogy, while the next three movies form the sequel trilogy. The movies are:
- The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
- Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
In addition to the movies, there are also two short films that serve as epilogues or prologues to the main films:
- Battle at Big Rock (2019)
- Jurassic World Dominion prologue (2021)
The Jurassic Park Movies
Jurassic Park (1993)
Plot summary Plot summary
Jurassic Park is based on the novel by Michael Crichton, which tells the story of a billionaire philanthropist, John Hammond, who has created a theme park of cloned dinosaurs on a remote island near Costa Rica. He invites a group of experts, including paleontologist Alan Grant, paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, and mathematician Ian Malcolm, to inspect and endorse the park before its opening. He also brings along his two grandchildren, Tim and Lex, who are eager to see the dinosaurs.
However, things go wrong when a disgruntled employee, Dennis Nedry, sabotages the park's security system and steals some dinosaur embryos for a rival company. This allows the dinosaurs to escape their enclosures and roam freely around the island, posing a threat to the visitors and staff. The group is separated during a tour of the park, and they have to survive various attacks from the dinosaurs, including the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex and the intelligent Velociraptors. They also have to restore the power and communication systems in order to call for help and escape the island.
Cast and crew
Jurassic Park was directed by Steven Spielberg, one of the most influential and successful filmmakers of all time. He is known for his works in various genres, such as adventure, science fiction, drama, and history. Some of his other famous films include Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and Ready Player One.
The screenplay was written by Michael Crichton and David Koepp, based on Crichton's novel of the same name. Crichton was a best-selling author and screenwriter who also created the medical drama series ER. He wrote several novels that explored the implications of science and technology on society, such as The Andromeda Strain, Sphere, Congo, and Timeline. Koepp is a prolific screenwriter who has worked on many blockbuster films, such as Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, War of the Worlds, Angels & Demons, and Inferno.
The cast of Jurassic Park features many talented actors who brought their characters to life. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
Jurassic Park was a huge success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1993 and the highest-grossing film of all time until Titanic surpassed it in 1997. It earned $401.8 million in North America and $1.03 billion worldwide, adjusted for inflation. It also received critical acclaim, with a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won three Academy Awards for Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
Jurassic Park is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of cinema, especially for its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and animatronics to create realistic and lifelike dinosaurs. It also influenced the fields of paleontology, biotechnology, and theme park design, sparking a renewed interest in dinosaurs and science among the public. It also spawned a multimedia franchise that includes sequels, novels, comics, video games, toys, merchandise, and theme park attractions.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Plot summary
The Lost World: Jurassic Park is based on the novel by Michael Crichton, which is a sequel to his original novel. It follows the adventures of Ian Malcolm, who returns to the dinosaur island four years after the events of the first film. He is accompanied by a team of researchers and activists who want to document and protect the dinosaurs from a rival team sent by John Hammond's nephew, Peter Ludlow, who wants to capture and exploit the dinosaurs for profit. They soon discover that there is another island nearby, where the dinosaurs were bred before being transported to the main island. This island, known as Site B or Isla Sorna, is home to more diverse and dangerous species of dinosaurs, including the vicious Spinosaurus and the stealthy Carnotaurus.
Cast and crew
The Lost World: Jurassic Park was directed by Steven Spielberg, who returned to helm the sequel after being impressed by Crichton's novel. He also served as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy and Gerald R. Molen. The screenplay was written by David Koepp, who co-wrote the first film.
The cast of The Lost World: Jurassic Park features some returning actors from the first film as well as some new faces. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
The Lost World: Jurassic Park was a commercial success, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1997 and the sixth-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release. It earned $229.1 million in North America and $618.6 million worldwide, adjusted for inflation. It also received mixed reviews from critics, with a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park is considered by some fans and critics to be a weaker sequel than the original film, due to its darker tone, less likable characters, and more violent scenes. However, it also has its supporters who praise its action sequences, its exploration of new dinosaur species, and its commentary on environmental issues. It also expanded the Jurassic Park universe by introducing a new island, new characters, and new conflicts. It also set up the stage for the third film in the series.
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Plot summary
Jurassic Park III is not based on any novel by Michael Crichton, but rather on an original story by the filmmakers. It follows the adventures of Alan Grant, who returns to the dinosaur island eight years after the events of the first film. He is tricked by a wealthy couple, Paul and Amanda Kirby, who claim to be tourists who want to fly over the island. In reality, they are looking for their son, Eric, who went missing on the island after a parasailing accident. They also bring along a mercenary team to help them in their search. They soon realize that they have landed on Site B, where the dinosaurs are more aggressive and dangerous than ever. They also encounter a new threat: the Spinosaurus, a larger and stronger predator than the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Cast and crew
Jurassic Park III was directed by Joe Johnston, who took over from Steven Spielberg, who remained as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy. Johnston is a veteran filmmaker who has worked on films such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, Jumanji, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
The screenplay was written by Peter Buchman, Alexander Payne, and Jim Taylor, based on a story by Buchman. Buchman is a screenwriter who has worked on films such as Eragon, Che: Part One, and Che: Part Two. Payne and Taylor are a writing duo who have collaborated on films such as Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, and The Descendants.
The cast of Jurassic Park III features some returning actors from the first film as well as some new faces. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
Jurassic Park III was a moderate success at the box office, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2001 and the 15th-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release. It earned $181.2 million in North America and $368.8 million worldwide, adjusted for inflation. It also received mixed reviews from critics, with a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for one Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film.
Jurassic Park III is considered by some fans and critics to be the weakest film in the series, due to its shorter running time, simpler plot, less memorable characters, and lack of originality. However, it also has its supporters who praise its fast-paced action, its introduction of the Spinosaurus, and its return of Alan Grant. It also concluded the original trilogy and paved the way for the sequel trilogy that would begin 14 years later.
Jurassic World (2015)
Plot summary
Jurassic World is a sequel to the original trilogy, set 22 years after the events of the first film. It follows the story of a new theme park of dinosaurs that has been built on the same island as the original park. The park is owned by Simon Masrani, who inherited it from John Hammond. The park is managed by Claire Dearing, who oversees the operations and attractions. The park also employs Owen Grady, a former Navy SEAL who trains and studies a group of Velociraptors.
However, things go wrong when a new hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus rex, escapes from its enclosure and goes on a rampage across the island, killing and eating other dinosaurs and humans. The park's security forces are unable to stop it, and they have to rely on Owen and his raptors to track and capture it. Meanwhile, Claire's nephews, Zach and Gray, who are visiting the park, are stranded in the wilderness and have to evade the Indominus rex and other dangers. They also have to deal with a covert military operation led by Vic Hoskins, who wants to use the raptors as weapons for war.
Cast and crew
Jurassic World was directed by Colin Trevorrow, who made his debut with the indie sci-fi comedy Safety Not Guaranteed. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Derek Connolly, based on a story by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. Trevorrow was handpicked by Steven Spielberg, who served as an executive producer along with Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley.
The cast of Jurassic World features some new actors as well as some cameo appearances from the original trilogy. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
Jurassic World was a massive success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2015 and the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time. It earned $652.3 million in North America and $1.67 billion worldwide, adjusted for inflation. It also received positive reviews from critics, with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for three Saturn Awards for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Actor, and Best Music.
Jurassic World is considered by many fans and critics to be a worthy sequel and a revival of the franchise, due to its homage to the original film, its updated visual effects, its charismatic leads, and its thrilling action. It also introduced new elements to the Jurassic Park universe, such as the Indominus rex, the Mosasaurus, and the raptor squad. It also set up the stage for the next film in the series.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
Plot summary
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a sequel to Jurassic World, set three years after the events of the previous film. It follows the story of Owen Grady and Claire Dearing, who return to the dinosaur island to rescue the surviving dinosaurs from a volcanic eruption that threatens to wipe them out. They are hired by Benjamin Lockwood, John Hammond's former partner, who wants to relocate the dinosaurs to a new sanctuary. They are also joined by a team of mercenaries led by Ken Wheatley, who has ulterior motives for capturing the dinosaurs.
However, things go wrong when they discover that Lockwood's aide, Eli Mills, has been secretly working with Dr. Henry Wu to create and sell new hybrid dinosaurs to the highest bidder. One of these hybrids is the Indoraptor, a highly intelligent and aggressive creature that can be controlled by a sonic device. Owen and Claire have to stop Mills and Wu from unleashing the Indoraptor and other dinosaurs into the world, while also protecting Lockwood's granddaughter, Maisie, who has a shocking connection to the dinosaurs.
Cast and crew
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom was directed by J.A. Bayona, who is known for his works in horror and fantasy genres, such as The Orphanage, The Impossible, and A Monster Calls. He also co-produced the film with Belén Atienza. The screenplay was written by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, who also wrote the previous film.
The cast of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom features some returning actors from the previous film as well as some new faces. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom was a commercial success, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2018 and the 12th-highest-grossing film of all time. It earned $417.7 million in North America and $1.31 billion worldwide, adjusted for inflation. It also received mixed reviews from critics, with a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for one Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is considered by some fans and critics to be a divisive film in the series, due to its darker tone, its controversial plot twists, and its departure from the island setting. However, it also has its supporters who praise its suspenseful action, its emotional moments, and its bold direction. It also introduced new elements to the Jurassic Park universe, such as the Indoraptor, the volcanic eruption, and the cloning of humans. It also set up the stage for the final film in the series.
Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
Plot summary
Jurassic World: Dominion is the upcoming sequel to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, set four years after the events of the previous film. It follows the story of Owen Grady and Claire Dearing, who have to deal with the consequences of the dinosaurs being released into the world. They are also reunited with Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, who have their own perspectives on the dinosaur situation. They also face a new threat from Biosyn, a rival company that has been secretly creating and experimenting with new hybrid dinosaurs. They also discover a shocking secret that links the origins of the dinosaurs to the origins of humanity.
Cast and crew
Jurassic World: Dominion is directed by Colin Trevorrow, who returns to direct the final film in the sequel trilogy after co-writing and producing the previous film. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Emily Carmichael, based on a story by Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. The film is produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, and Trevorrow, with Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy as executive producers.
The cast of Jurassic World: Dominion features some returning actors from the previous films as well as some new faces. The main cast includes:
Reception and legacy Reception and legacy
Jurassic World: Dominion is scheduled to be released on June 10, 2022, after being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to be one of the most anticipated and hyped films of the year, as it marks the conclusion of the Jurassic World trilogy and the Jurassic Park saga. It is also expected to be a box office hit, as the previous films have proven to be very popular and profitable. It is also expected to receive positive reviews from critics and fans, as it promises to deliver an epic and satisfying finale that ties together all the previous films and characters.
Jurassic World: Dominion is considered by many fans and critics to be a potential masterpiece in the series, due to its ambitious scope, its nostalgic appeal, its stellar cast, and its visionary direction. It also aims to introduce new elements to the Jurassic Park universe, such as new dinosaur species, new locations, new conflicts, and new revelations. It also hopes to leave a lasting legacy for the franchise, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary and its impact on culture and society.
The Jurassic Park Universe
The novels by Michael Crichton
The Jurassic Park universe began with the novels by Michael Crichton, who wrote two books that inspired the films: Jurassic Park (1990) and The Lost World (1995). The novels are similar to the films in terms of their main characters, plot, and themes, but they also have some differences in terms of their details, events, and tone. The novels are more scientific, violent, and complex than the films, and they explore more aspects of the dinosaur creation and behavior. The novels also have some characters and scenes that were not included or changed in the films, such as Lewis Dodgson, Ed Regis, John Hammond's death, and the pteranodon attack.
The novels by Michael Crichton are widely praised for their originality, creativity, and suspense. They are also credited for popularizing the genre of techno-thriller, which combines science fiction and action. They are also considered to be influential in the fields of paleontology and biotechnology, as they sparked a renewed interest and research in dinosaurs and genetics. The novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages.
The animated series: Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
The animated series: Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is a spin-off of the Jurassic World films that follows the adventures of six teenagers who are invited to a summer camp on Isla Nublar. They are Darius Bowman, a dinosaur enthusiast; Brooklynn, a social media star; Kenji Kon, a rich kid; Sammy Gutierrez, a friendly farm girl; Yasmina Fadoula, an athletic prodigy; and Ben Pincus, a timid boy. They are accompanied by two counselors: Dave and Roxie.
However, things go wrong when the Indominus rex escapes from its enclosure and causes chaos on the island. The campers are stranded and have to survive various attacks from the dinosaurs while trying to find a way off the island. They also discover some secrets and mysteries about the park and its operations. They also bond with each other and grow as characters.
The animated series: Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is produced by DreamWorks Animation and Netflix. It is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Colin Trevorrow, Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley, and Lane Lueras. It premiered on September 18, 2020, and has three seasons so far. It has received positive reviews from critics and fans for its animation quality, its story development, its character diversity, and its connection to the films.
The short films: Battle at Big Rock and Jurassic World Dominion prologue
The short films: Battle at Big Rock and Jurassic World Dominion prologue are two short films that serve as epilogues or prologues to the main films. They show what happens after the dinosaurs are released into the world at the end of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Battle at Big Rock is a short film that takes place one year after Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. It follows a family of four who are camping at Big Rock National Park in California. They encounter a Nasutoceratops and its baby, who are being hunted by an Allosaurus. They have to hide and fight for their survival while witnessing the clash between the dinosaurs.
Battle at Big Rock was directed by Colin Trevorrow and written by Trevorrow and Emily Carmichael. It was released on September 15, 2019, on FX and YouTube. It has a runtime of eight minutes. It has received positive reviews from critics and fans for its suspenseful action, its realistic effects, and its implication for the future of the franchise.
Jurassic World Dominion prologue is a short film that takes place 65 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. It shows the natural behavior and diversity of the dinosaurs, including a feathered Tyrannosaurus rex, a Giganotosaurus, a Quetzalcoatlus, and a Dreadnoughtus. It also shows a mosquito biting a dinosaur and preserving its blood in amber, which is the source of the dinosaur cloning in the films. It then transitions to the present day, where a drive-in theater in Nevada is showing Jurassic Park. The film is interrupted by a stampede of dinosaurs, including a T-rex and a Mosasaurus, who have escaped from captivity and are roaming freely in the world.
Jurassic World Dominion prologue was directed by Colin Trevorrow and written by Trevorrow and Emily Carmichael. It was released on October 25, 2021, on IMAX theaters before screenings of Fast & Furious 9. It has a runtime of five minutes. It has received positive reviews from critics and fans for its stunning visuals, its homage to the original film, and its teaser for the upcoming film.
The video games: Lego Jurassic World, Jurassic World Evolution, and more
The video games: Lego Jurassic World, Jurassic World Evolution, and more are some of the video games that are based on or inspired by the Jurassic Park franchise. They allow the players to experience the dinosaur world in different ways, such as recreating the scenes from the films, building and managing their own parks, or exploring and surviving on the islands.
Lego Jurassic World is a video game that adapts the first four films of the franchise in Lego form. It was developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It was released on June 12, 2015, for various platforms, such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices. It features over 100 playable characters and 20 levels that cover the main events of the films. It also features humor, puzzles, collectibles, and customization options.
Jurassic World Evolution is a video game that simulates the creation and operation of a dinosaur park. It was developed by Frontier Developments and published by Universal Pictures and Frontier Developments. It was released on June 12, 2018, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It features over 60 species of dinosaurs that can be bioengineered and exhibited in various environments and attractions. It also features voice acting from some of the actors from the films, such as Jeff Goldblum, Bryce Dallas Howard, BD Wong, and Chris Pratt.
Other video games that are related to the Jurassic Park franchise include Jurassic Park: The Game (2011), a cinematic adventure game that follows a new story set during and after the first film; Jurassic World Alive (2018), an augmented reality game that lets the players collect and battle dinosaurs in the real world; Jurassic World Aftermath (2020), a virtual reality game that puts the players in a stealth survival horror scenario on Isla Nublar; and Jurassic World Evolution 2 (2021), a sequel to Jurassic World Evolution that adds new features and content.
The theme park attractions: Jurassic Park: The Ride, VelociCoaster, and more
The theme park attractions: Jurassic Park: The Ride, VelociCoaster, and more are some of the theme park attractions that are based on or inspired by the Jurassic Park franchise. They allow the visitors to experience the dinosaur world in an immersive and thrilling way, such as riding on boats, roller coasters, or simulators.
Jurassic Park: The Ride is a water ride that recreates the tour of the dinosaur park from the first film. It was designed by Universal Creative and Industrial Light & Magic. It opened on June 21, 1996, at Universal Studios Hollywood. It features animatronic dinosaurs such as Parasaurolophus, Stegosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, and Tyrannosaurus rex. It also features a climactic drop of 84 feet into a splash pool.
VelociCoaster is a roller coaster that recreates the chase scene from Jurassic World involving Owen Grady and his raptor squad. It was designed by Universal Creative and Intamin. It opened on June 10, 2021, at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando. It features two launches, four inversions, airtime hills, near-miss elements, and animatronic raptors. It also features a top speed of 70 mph and a height of 155 feet.
Other theme park attractions that are related to the Jurassic Park franchise include Jurassic Park River Adventure (1999), a water ride that is similar to Jurassic Park: The Ride but with some differences, such as a different layout, a different drop angle, and a different ending; Jurassic Park: The Flying Dinosaur (2016), a f
