Long before the current golden age of dark superhero stories took shape, there was one particularly cruel antihero who preceded them all – The Crow. A comic character with cult status, created by James O’Barr, The CrowThe cinematic history of stretches even further than that of the most seasoned R-rated superhero films. It’s a prestigious, if not equally complicated, legacy that’s set to continue with an entirely new version.

The original The Crow The 1994 adaptation is legendary for its charismatic hero and distinctive visual flair, but it is also notorious for its mediocre box office and the tragic death of Brandon Lee. While the film received several low-budget sequels and even a TV reboot, there is a new reboot with Bill Skarsgard will bring the story of Eric Draven back to the screen. Would you like a crash course on all adaptations of The Crow so far? Look no further, because we are happy to tell you how to The Crow Movie (and TV show) in chronological order and by release date.

“The Crow” films and series in order of release

• The Crow – 13 May 1994
• The Crow: City of Angels – 30 August 1996
• The Crow: Stairway to Heaven – October 3, 1998
• The Crow: Redemption – 28 June 2000
• The Crow: Evil Prayer – 14 September 2005
• The Crow – 23 August 2024

“The Crow” films and series in chronological order

The original continuity

“The Crow” (1994)

The film, which The Crow to the masses had a tragic beginning in real life. During the filming of one of the film’s key action scenes, star Brandon Lee was hit in the chest by a malfunctioning blank cartridge. He sadly succumbed to his injuries and the incident is considered one of the industry’s most notorious on-set tragedies. Still, it is some small consolation that Brandon Lee’s portrayal of Eric Draven is as iconic as it is timeless.

Eric Draven’s story begins with a dark and bleak view of Detroit, with the only bright spot being Eric’s future wife Shelly (Sofia Schina). However, tragedy strikes when a gang of thugs breaks into their apartment and kills Eric and Shelly. A year after the unspeakable event, Eric returns to the land of the living thanks to a supernatural entity known only as “The Crow.” The Crow’s power turns Eric into an indestructible agent of vengeance, and he vows to punish those who took his wife and his happy ending.

The Crow is available to stream on Prime Video.

The Crow

Release date

11 May 1994

Authors

James O’Barr, David J. Schow, John Shirley

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“The Crow: City of Angels” (1996)

The numerous sequels of The Crow are far from perfect, but they deserve credit for taking an anthology approach to The Crowwith each film focusing on a brand new story with a brand new protagonist taking over the title. As in The Crow: City of Angelsthis time, the spirit of The Crow connects with Ashe Corven, who is powerless to protect his son from being murdered by a group of drug dealers. Now ready to seek revenge at any cost, Ashe scours the streets of Los Angeles to stop the city’s drug ring at the source, starting with a ruthless drug lord named Judah Earl (Richard Brooks).

The Crow: City of Angels can be streamed on Hoopla.

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“The Crow: Salvation” (2000)

The third champion of the Crow is Alex Corvis (Eric Mabius), who has the most unique origin story of the series so far. He is not only tormented by the loss of his beloved partner (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), but he was also falsely accused and convicted of her murder. When he rises from the grave, Alex forges an uneasy alliance with his girlfriend’s sister, Erin (Kirsten Dunst) to find out who is really behind the gruesome murder and show them what true justice looks like.

The Crow: Redemption is available to stream on Prime Video.

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“The Crow: Evil Prayer” (2005)

The final original The Crow Film comes in the form of The Crow: Evil Prayer. Young Jimmy Cuervo (Edward Furlong) was a dream of redemption, but his life as a reformed convict catches up with him and leaves his girlfriend murdered (Emmanuelle Chriqui). This time the culprits are a band of deranged Satanists, but although The Crow looks like a demonic being, he is a spirit who feels absolutely no love for those who treat human life with callous disregard.

The Crow: Evil Prayer can be streamed on Hoopla.

Watch on Hoopla

The television continuity

The Crow: Stairway to Heaven (1998-1999)

In contrast to the various sequels The Crow: Stairway to Heaven is a complete remake of the original The Crow History, now in television format. The series runs for one season and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum star Mark Dacascos plays Eric Draven, whose story is still very similar to the original. However, the show format gives the series significantly more time to focus on selected supporting characters who were not covered in such detail in the film adaptations.

Unfortunately, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven is not currently available for online streaming.

The restart continuity

“The Crow” (2024)

For the first time in decades The Crow returns to the big screen with the reboot in 2024. In the new adventure, Eric Draven (Bill Skarsgård) and his beloved Shelly (FKA branches) fall victim to another tragedy. Eric is resurrected by The Crow and becomes his avatar. He tracks down those responsible before they use their power and influence to harm someone else.

The Crow 2024 is now in cinemas.

The Crow (2024)

A modern reinterpretation of the popular character “The Crow,” based on the original graphic novel by James O’Barr.

Release date

June 7, 2024

Authors

James O’Barr, Zach Baylin, William Josef Schneider

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