So you want to dive into the Hellboy universe but don't know where to start? You're not alone. I remember when my buddy Mark tried watching the 2019 reboot first and got completely lost – he thought Abe Sapien was some kind of fish-man villain! Getting the Hellboy movies in order right makes all the difference between enjoying this wild supernatural universe and total confusion. Let's fix that.
Fun fact: I actually worked at a comic book store when Del Toro's first Hellboy dropped in 2004. We sold out of the trade paperbacks in two days flat because of that movie. People kept asking "Where does this universe start?" and honestly, I gave different answers depending on whether they were comic fans or total newbies.
Why Hellboy Viewing Order Actually Matters
You might think "It's just movies, I'll watch whatever." But Hellboy's timeline jumps around like a demon on caffeine. The animated films fill gaps between live-action stories, and the reboot totally ignores the previous continuity. Mess up the sequence and you'll miss:
- Character development arcs (especially Hellboy's struggle with his destiny)
- Running jokes that build across films (like Abe's egg obsession)
- How the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) evolves
- Important lore about the Ogdru Jahad and apocalyptic prophecies
After helping dozens of customers navigate this at the comic shop, I can tell you there are three main ways to approach the Hellboy movies in order: release order for production context, chronological order for storyline flow, or character-focused order for specific threads.
The Complete Hellboy Release Order List
This is how they actually came out – perfect if you want to see how the cinematic vision evolved. Guillermo del Toro's films feel like moving paintings, while the 2019 version tries way too hard to be edgy. Not gonna lie, I walked out of that reboot feeling like someone microwaved my favorite comic.
| Movie Title | Release Date | Director | Key Cast | Runtime | Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellboy (2004) | April 2, 2004 | Guillermo del Toro | Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, John Hurt | 132 min | 81% |
| Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms | October 28, 2006 | Tad Stones | Voice cast: Perlman, Blair, Hurt | 75 min | 88% |
| Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron | March 17, 2007 | Victor Cook | Voice cast: Perlman, Blair, Hurt | 75 min | 86% |
| Hellboy II: The Golden Army | July 11, 2008 | Guillermo del Toro | Perlman, Blair, Doug Jones | 120 min | 86% |
| Hellboy (2019) | April 12, 2019 | Neil Marshall | David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane | 121 min | 17% |
Wait, Why Are the Animated Films Important?
Most fans skip them, which is a huge mistake. Sword of Storms actually explains how Johann Krauss (that gas dude from Golden Army) joined the BPRD, while Blood and Iron dives into Hellboy's 1940s paranormal investigations. Without these, you're missing puzzle pieces.
Pro tip: The animated films are surprisingly dark – Blood and Iron features literal vampire strippers draining victims. Definitely not just for kids.
Chronological Hellboy Timeline Order (Story Sequence)
If you want pure story continuity without production jumps, follow this timeline. I tried this order during a Hellboy marathon last year and finally understood why Rasputin kept coming back like a bad rash.
1944 Segment from Hellboy (2004)
Duration: Opening 15 minutes
Key Event: Hellboy's summoning as a baby demon by Rasputin during WWII
Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron (2007)
Timeline: Late 1940s
Plot: Young Hellboy fights Erzsebet Ondrushko (a vampire based on Elizabeth Bathory)
Importance: Shows Hellboy's early BPRD training
Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms (2006)
Timeline: 1990s
Plot: Hellboy battles Japanese thunder/storm spirits
Importance: Introduces Professor Kate Corrigan properly
| Story Sequence | Film / Segment | Primary Antagonist | Key Character Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hellboy (1944 segment) | Rasputin | Hellboy's arrival on Earth |
| 2 | Blood and Iron (Animated) | Erzsebet Ondrushko | Teen Hellboy learns paranormal combat |
| 3 | Sword of Storms (Animated) | Thunder & Storm Kami | BPRD team dynamic established |
| 4 | Hellboy (2004) | Rasputin | Hellboy-Liz romance begins |
| 5 | Hellboy II: The Golden Army | Prince Nuada | Hellboy's public revelation |
| 6 | Hellboy (2019 Reboot) | Nimue / Blood Queen | Separate continuity! |
Okay real talk: Chronological order makes Rasputin's return in the 2004 film way more impactful. But it ruins the awesome intro reveal of baby Hellboy if you've already seen the animated stuff. Trade-offs, man.
Deep Dive: The Must-Watch Hellboy Films Explained
Hellboy (2004) – Where It All Began
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Ron Perlman (Hellboy), John Hurt (Trevor Bruttenholm), Selma Blair (Liz Sherman)
Box Office: $99 million
Plot: In 2004, the adult Hellboy works for the secretive BPRD, fighting monsters while hiding from the public. When his Nazi-summoner Rasputin returns seeking to unleash apocalyptic monsters called the Ogdru Jahad, Hellboy must confront his demonic destiny.
Key sequences you can't miss:
- The spectacular Rasputin resurrection scene in Moscow's subway
- Sammael's creepy regeneration chamber
- Hellboy's heartbreaking choice between humanity and power
The Underrated Gem: Hellboy Animated Films
These direct-to-DVD releases are shockingly good. Sword of Storms has Hellboy battling Japanese spirits after a possessed professor unleashes them, featuring incredible ink-wash animation during dream sequences. Blood and Iron is even better – think haunted mansion meets vampire origin story, with young Hellboy investigating a cult.
Why they work: Perlman's voice acting brings 100% commitment, Mike Mignola's art style translates perfectly to animation, and they explore cases the live-action films couldn't afford. The Baba Yaga sequence in Blood and Iron still gives me chills.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) – Del Toro's Masterpiece
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Perlman, Blair, Doug Jones (Abe Sapien), Seth MacFarlane (voice of Johann Krauss)
Box Office: $160 million
Plot: When elven prince Nuada reactivates the indestructible Golden Army to wage war on humanity, Hellboy must ally with Nuada's twin sister Nuala to stop him. Meanwhile, Hellboy's relationship with Liz hits boiling point.
Unforgettable moments:
- The Troll Market scene (practical effects masterpiece)
- Abe Sapien's drunken karaoke to Barry Manilow
- The elemental forest god's death – most beautiful apocalypse ever
Hellboy (2019) – The Controversial Reboot
Director: Neil Marshall
Cast: David Harbour (Hellboy), Ian McShane (Bruttenholm), Milla Jovovich (Nimue)
Box Office: $55 million
Plot: In this continuity reboot, Hellboy faces the Blood Queen Nimue while discovering his true destiny as the beast of apocalypse. Features gore-heavy battles against giants and demons.
Full disclosure: I disliked this version. Harbour tries hard but the script forces constant quipping ("I'm not your f**king boyfriend!") during serious moments. The practical effects are great though – that Baba Yaga design? Chef's kiss.
Hellboy Character Guide: Who's Who Across the Films
- Hellboy / Anung Un Rama - Half-demon BPRD agent. Perlman's version is gruff but noble; Harbour's is angrier.
- Liz Sherman - Pyrokinetic and Hellboy's love interest. More developed in Del Toro's films.
- Abe Sapien - Aquatic telepath. Doug Jones' elegant portrayal vs. reboot's underused version.
- Trevor Bruttenholm - Hellboy's adoptive father. John Hurt's warmth vs. Ian McShane's tough love.
- Johann Krauss - Ectoplasmic scientist. Only appears in animated films and Golden Army.
- Ben Daimio - Military were-leopard. Exclusive to 2019 reboot.
- Rasputin - Occultist villain. Main antagonist in original film.
- Prince Nuada - Elven warrior. Primary foe in Golden Army.
Where to Stream Hellboy Movies Right Now
Availability changes constantly, but as of late 2023:
| Movie Title | Streaming (Free) | Streaming (Subscription) | Rental/Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellboy (2004) | Tubi | Hulu | Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu ($3.99 rent) |
| Hellboy II: Golden Army | Peacock | None | All major platforms ($3.99 rent) |
| Animated Films | Freevee | Hoopla (library) | Disc only – hard to find digitally |
| Hellboy (2019) | Pluto TV | HBO Max | Widely available ($4.99 rent) |
Heads up: The animated movies disappear from streaming frequently. If you find the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack, grab it – they go for $40+ on eBay when out of print.
Hellboy Movie FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
How many Hellboy movies exist?
There are 5 core films: 3 live-action (including the reboot) and 2 animated. Plus various shorts and comic adaptations not covered here.
Are the Del Toro films and reboot connected?
Absolutely not. The 2019 reboot ignores all previous films and comics. David Harbour's Hellboy exists in a separate continuity with different rules (e.g., Bruttenholm survives into Hellboy's adulthood).
Why didn't Guillermo del Toro make Hellboy 3?
Studio politics. Despite Golden Army's success, Universal wanted a lower budget ($70M vs $160M). Del Toro refused to compromise his vision. Perlman still tweets #Hellboy3 occasionally – it's a real "what if" for fans.
Do I need to read the comics before watching?
Not at all. The films adapt stories loosely: Hellboy (2004) combines "Seed of Destruction" and "Wake the Devil"; Golden Army adapts original Del Toro ideas; the reboot mashes up "The Wild Hunt" and "Darkness Calls." Comics enhance but aren't required.
Which Hellboy movie order is best for first-timers?
For newcomers: Release order.
For comic fans: Chronological order.
Short on time? Skip animated films and watch Del Toro's duology. You simply can't go wrong with those two.
The Sad Truth About Missing Hellboy Sequels
It still stings that we never got Del Toro's planned trilogy finale. He revealed concept art showing:
- A fully demonic Hellboy ruling in hell
- A pregnant Liz Sherman fighting monsters
- A time-jump showing an older Abe Sapien
- The final battle against the Ogdru Jahad
Meanwhile, the reboot sequel got axed after poor box office. Rumor has it Amazon might revive the franchise as a series – but without Perlman's iconic cigar-chomping charm, is it even Hellboy?
Look, if you take one thing from this guide: Watch Del Toro's films back-to-back. That double feature captures everything magical about this universe – the gothic beauty, the misfit family dynamics, Perlman's perfect "aw crap" delivery. The rest is bonus material for hardcore fans. Now pass me a Tecate and crank up the Rasputina!
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