Who doesn’t love a good dinosaur movie? Giant prehistoric creatures running amok, humans desperately trying to escape, and the sheer thrill of watching nature reclaim its dominance. What’s not to love? The Jurassic franchise has been giving us this adrenaline rush for decades. Whether you were captivated by the original Jurassic Park trilogy or got hooked on the modern Jurassic World series, one thing’s for sure: dinosaurs never go out of style.
With their groundbreaking special effects, the Jurassic Park films have become a huge part of our childhood memories, showing massive, rampaging prehistoric monsters. Then came Jurassic World in 2015, revitalizing the franchise for a new generation of dinosaur lovers.
But there’s a never-ending debate among fans: which franchise is the ultimate winner? Jurassic Park, the beloved classic that started it all, or Jurassic World, the modern-day blockbuster that revived the dino-mania? Let’s settle this prehistoric showdown once and for all!
Jurassic Park & Jurassic World: Box office and ratings battle
When it comes to sheer numbers, both franchises have been massive successes. Jurassic Park, released in 1993, was a game-changer. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg and based on Michael Crichton’s novel, the movie redefined visual effects and storytelling. It became the highest-grossing film of its time, earning over $978 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). If adjusted for inflation, that number would soar even higher, making its financial success even more impressive.
Fast forward to 2015, and Jurassic World hit theaters with a bang. This rebooted sequel took the nostalgia factor and mixed it with modern CGI magic. It raked in over $1 billion at the box office (via Box Office Mojo), proving that dinosaurs still had the power to draw audiences in droves.
However, when it comes to critical reception, Jurassic Park remains the clear winner. The original movie boasts a stellar 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Jurassic World, though a huge hit, falls slightly behind with a rating of 72% (via Rotten Tomatoes). While both movies were loved by audiences, Jurassic Park’s groundbreaking visuals and gripping storyline give it a long-lasting edge.
Some of Jurassic Park’s elements outshine that of Jurassic World’s
Let’s be honest: both franchises gave us epic dinosaur action. But when it comes to characters, suspense, and overall storytelling, Jurassic Park takes the crown.
One of the biggest strengths of Jurassic Park was its unforgettable characters. From the cool and sarcastic Dr. Ian Malcolm to the adventurous Dr. Alan Grant and the intelligent Dr. Ellie Sattler, the original trilogy gave us protagonists we truly cared about. Even the side characters had depth, making the audience emotionally invested in their fate.
The villains of Jurassic Park were equally captivating. John Hammond’s dreams of a utopian park go horribly wrong, and the audience can’t help but watch as his mistakes play out. Meanwhile, Jurassic World introduced genetically enhanced dinosaurs, such as the Indominus rex, which was certainly cool but didn’t quite pack the same emotional punch as the terror of the original T. rex rampage or the cunning of the velociraptors hunting in the shadows. The stakes in the original Jurassic Park movies were higher, and the tension was more palpable.
Jurassic World, on the other hand, introduced new faces like Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt, and Claire Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. While they had their moments, they didn’t quite have the same impact as the originals. The newer films also leaned more towards action, sometimes at the cost of character development.
Another area where Jurassic Park excels is suspense. The first movie was packed with tension, from the terrifying T-Rex breakout to the nerve-wracking raptor kitchen scene. The danger felt real, the dinosaurs were unpredictable, and the horror elements were executed flawlessly. Jurassic World, while entertaining, often relied on CGI-heavy sequences rather than genuine fear. Genetically modified dinosaurs like Indominus Rex and Indoraptor were fascinating but lacked the raw menace of the classic T-Rex and Velociraptors.
That being said, Jurassic World does deserve credit for its humor. The modern trilogy embraced comedic moments, thanks to Chris Pratt’s natural charm and wit. The humor was well-placed and kept things light amidst all the dinosaur chaos. The original films had their funny moments, too, but they were more subtle and a little bit awkward in comparison.
Which franchise comes out on top?
So, after weighing the pros and cons, which franchise wins? The verdict: Jurassic Park still reigns supreme.
The original trilogy had a sense of wonder, fear, and adventure, setting the gold standard for dino movies. It wasn’t just about dinosaurs attacking people—it was about playing with the idea of humans tampering with nature and the consequences that followed. The storytelling, characters, and suspenseful moments made it an unforgettable experience.
Jurassic World, on the other hand, is a worthy continuation of the franchise. It successfully revived the franchise for a new generation, delivering thrilling action and stunning visuals. But despite its success, it remains in the shadow of the original films. Instead of standing as a completely unique trilogy, it feels more like an extension of Jurassic Park’s legacy.
Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Brought Back an Underrated Scene From Jurassic Park 3
That said, if you’re a fan of dinosaurs, both franchises are worth watching. Jurassic World may not surpass the original, but it’s still an enjoyable ride. Plus, with Jurassic World 4 set to release on July 2, 2025, the dino madness is far from over. And if you haven’t seen Jurassic Park yet, you can catch it on Apple TV and witness the masterpiece that started it all!
No matter which side of the debate you’re on, one thing is certain—dinosaurs will always have a special place in cinema, and the Jurassic franchise will continue to keep us on the edge of our seats.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
