If you've ever found yourself wondering, "How do I watch the Kingsman movies in order?" then you're in precisely the right tailored suit. The Kingsman franchise, a gloriously over-the-top take on British espionage, delivers a thrilling blend of high-tech gadgets, impeccably styled agents, and heart-pounding action, all wrapped in a darkly comedic bow. But with prequels arriving after sequels and animated shorts thrown into the mix, understanding the definitive [Kingsman Movies In Order: Release & Chronological Guide] can feel more complex than disarming a doomsday device.
Fear not, aspiring secret agent. We're here to cut through the confusion, lay out every entry, and help you decide the absolute best way to experience the world of Kingsman, from its humble origins in a tailor shop to its global exploits.
At a Glance: Your Kingsman Mission Briefing
- Two Main Viewing Orders: You can watch the films by their original theatrical release date or follow the story chronologically.
- Three Core Live-Action Films (So Far): The Secret Service, The Golden Circle, and the prequel The King's Man.
- One Animated Short: That Time Archer Met Kingsman is a fun, non-essential crossover.
- Future is Bright: More sequels, prequels, and even a TV series are in various stages of development.
- Streaming Home: All Kingsman films are currently available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
- Recommendation: For a fresh perspective, consider a chronological watch, especially if you appreciate origin stories. But for the original unfolding narrative, release order is perfect.
What Makes Kingsman... Kingsman? A Tailored Legacy
Before we dive into the viewing orders, let's appreciate what makes the Kingsman universe so uniquely captivating. Born from the pages of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' comic book series "The Secret Service," director Matthew Vaughn brought this world to life with a distinct visual flair and an unapologetic commitment to its outrageous premise.
Imagine James Bond's sophistication, but dial up the irreverence and ultraviolence to eleven. Kingsman agents are gentlemen spies, operating from a bespoke tailor shop on Savile Row, equipped with an arsenal of cunning gadgets disguised as everyday luxury items—bulletproof umbrellas, lighter grenades, poison-tipped shoe blades, and glasses that double as communication devices. At its heart, the franchise explores themes of class, loyalty, and what it truly means to be a "gentleman," often through the unlikely mentorship between the seasoned agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and the street-smart recruit Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton). It's an espionage saga that's both a loving homage to and a cheeky deconstruction of the spy genre.
Kingsman Movies by Release Date: The "As They Happened" Approach
Watching the Kingsman films in the order they premiered in cinemas is often the most straightforward way to experience any franchise, and Kingsman is no exception. This method lets you appreciate the story as it unfolded for audiences worldwide, experiencing the introductions, twists, and expanding universe in the sequence intended by the filmmakers.
Here’s the Kingsman saga, exactly as it debuted:
1. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
- Release Date: February 13, 2015
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Michael Caine
This is where it all began for most viewers. Kingsman: The Secret Service introduces us to Eggsy Unwin, a brilliant but wayward young man from the wrong side of the tracks, who is recruited into the secretive Kingsman organization by the impeccably refined agent Harry Hart (Galahad). As Eggsy undergoes rigorous training alongside other privileged recruits, he learns the agency's mantra: "Manners Maketh Man."
The film expertly blends high-octane action with dark humor, pitting the nascent Kingsman against the megalomaniacal tech billionaire Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), who plans a global "culling" to save the planet. It's a visually stunning, incredibly kinetic ride that immediately established the franchise's unique tone and cemented its place as a cult classic. The dynamic between Eggsy and Harry is the emotional core, making their bond instantly compelling.
2. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
- Release Date: September 22, 2017
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges
A direct sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle picks up a year after the events of The Secret Service. Eggsy, now a fully-fledged Galahad, is living a more refined life, but his world is shattered when a ruthless drug lord named Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), leader of the shadowy Golden Circle, launches a devastating attack that wipes out nearly all of the Kingsman organization.
Left with only a few survivors, Eggsy and Merlin (Mark Strong) travel to the United States and discover Statesman, their equally stylish and gadget-laden American counterpart, operating under the guise of a whiskey distillery. Here, they forge an uneasy alliance with agents Tequila (Channing Tatum), Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), Champagne (Jeff Bridges), and Ginger Ale (Halle Berry). The film is an even larger-scale spectacle, expanding the Kingsman universe and bringing back a beloved character in a surprising twist, pushing the limits of its signature action and humor.
3. #TBT: That Time Archer Met Kingsman (2017)
- Release Date: July 20, 2017
- Director: Adam Reed
- Starring: Taron Egerton, H. Jon Benjamin
This short, animated crossover is a delightful, non-canonical diversion that many fans might not even know exists. Released a couple of months before The Golden Circle, this short features Eggsy Unwin (voiced by Taron Egerton) encountering the famously irreverent and incompetent secret agent Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) from the FX animated series Archer.
It's a brief, hilarious skit that perfectly captures the essence of both franchises, playing on their respective brand of espionage humor. While it doesn't impact the main film canon in any way, it's a fun watch for fans of either property and a testament to the cultural impact Kingsman had in a relatively short time. Think of it as a bonus feature, a delightful chuckle that doesn't require any deep lore knowledge.
4. The King's Man (2021)
- Release Date: December 22, 2021
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson
After two contemporary adventures, the franchise took a bold step backward with The King's Man. This film is a prequel, set during the tumultuous backdrop of World War I, and reveals the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency: Kingsman.
The story centers on Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes), a pacifist duke haunted by tragedy, and his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson). When a cabal of history's most notorious tyrants and criminal masterminds — including Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) and a mysterious figure known only as "The Shepherd" — conspire to ignite a devastating war, Oxford realizes that someone must step in where governments fail. He gathers a trusted circle of agents, operating from behind the facade of a tailor shop, to combat this global threat. The film explores the agency's founding principles, the establishment of its iconic codes and traditions, and the sacrifices made to protect the world. It’s a departure in tone, leaning more into historical drama and gravitas while still featuring bursts of classic Kingsman action. This film retroactively establishes much of the agency's ethos seen in the modern-day stories.
5. Kingsman: The Blue Blood (TBA)
- Anticipated Release: 2023/2024 (currently in development)
- Director: Matthew Vaughn (anticipated)
- Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton (confirmed to return)
While not yet released, Kingsman: The Blue Blood is the highly anticipated next chapter in the main Kingsman narrative. It is slated to conclude the trilogy focusing on the relationship and adventures of Harry Hart and Eggsy Unwin. Details are scarce, but with both Colin Firth and Taron Egerton confirmed to reprise their roles, expectations are high for a fitting culmination of their story arcs. This film will pick up after The Golden Circle, continuing the modern-day timeline.
Kingsman Movies in Chronological Order: Unpacking the Timeline
For those who love to see a story unfold from its earliest beginnings, a chronological viewing order offers a different perspective. This approach allows you to understand the genesis of the Kingsman organization before diving into the modern-day escapades of Eggsy and Harry. You'll see the agency's rules and traditions being forged, which then adds context to the contemporary films.
Here's how to watch the Kingsman films as they occur within their fictional universe:
1. The King's Man (2021)
- Set: Early 20th Century, primarily during World War I
- Key Events: The establishment of the Kingsman agency by Orlando Oxford to combat a mysterious, villainous cabal. It concludes with the purchase of the iconic tailor shop on Savile Row, laying the groundwork for everything that follows.
Starting with The King's Man provides a profound understanding of the agency's foundational values, its origin as a response to global chaos, and the immense personal sacrifices that shaped its early days. You'll witness the birth of the independent spy network, the "round table" code names, and the meticulous attention to detail that defines the Kingsman ethos. It’s an epic historical adventure that provides the "why" behind the secret service before you ever meet Eggsy.
2. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
- Set: Contemporary (circa 2010s)
- Key Events: Eggsy Unwin's recruitment and training into the modern Kingsman organization, his mentorship by Harry Hart, and their first mission to thwart Richmond Valentine's plot.
After understanding the agency's noble, wartime origins, you leap forward to the modern era, where the Kingsman is a well-established, highly sophisticated intelligence network. You witness Eggsy's transformation from a rough-around-the-edges youth to a polished agent, inheriting the mantle of Galahad. Watching The Secret Service after The King's Man enriches the experience by highlighting the continuity of the agency's mission and the evolution of its methods, even as its core values remain steadfast. You see the fruits of Oxford's labor.
3. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
- Set: Approximately one year after The Secret Service (circa mid-2010s)
- Key Events: Eggsy, now a seasoned agent, teams up with the American Statesman agency after the Kingsman headquarters are destroyed. The film features the return of a critical character and a global mission against Poppy Adams.
The Golden Circle continues Eggsy's journey, pushing him into more complex emotional and professional challenges. Having already established the Kingsman's origins and Eggsy's induction, this film expands the universe even further by introducing the Statesman. The chronological flow makes the destruction of Kingsman headquarters feel even more impactful, as you've just seen its historical establishment and its first major modern success. You fully appreciate the threat to the institution that Orlando Oxford painstakingly built.
4. Kingsman: The Blue Blood (TBA)
- Set: After The Golden Circle (future contemporary)
- Key Events: This highly anticipated installment will conclude the main storyline for Harry and Eggsy, presumably taking their relationship and the Kingsman organization into new territory.
This future film will serve as the culmination of the modern-day saga, bringing Harry and Eggsy's journey full circle. Following the chronological path, The Blue Blood will feel like the natural progression, building upon the rich history and character development established in the preceding films. It's the grand finale to the "Eggsy Era" of Kingsman.
Which Viewing Order is Right for You? A Journalistic Recommendation
The choice between release order and chronological order often boils down to personal preference, but for the Kingsman franchise, each offers distinct advantages:
Watch by Release Date if you:
- Prefer the original narrative experience: This is how audiences first discovered the world, allowing the prequel's reveals to be retrospective additions rather than foundational knowledge.
- Want to experience the evolving tone: The first two films are more overtly comedic and action-heavy, while The King's Man takes a more serious, historical approach. Release order lets you experience this shift as the franchise matured.
- Are worried about spoilers: While The King's Man doesn't directly spoil the main films, its deeper exploration of the agency's core principles might subtly influence your perception of the contemporary Kingsman if watched first.
Watch by Chronological Order if you: - Love origin stories and world-building: Starting with The King's Man provides a rich historical context for every rule, gadget, and tradition you encounter later. It’s like reading the prologue before the main novel.
- Appreciate a continuous narrative flow: Understanding how the Kingsman agency was founded during a time of global crisis makes Eggsy's recruitment feel like a continuation of a much larger, vital legacy.
- Are introducing someone new to the franchise: For some, providing the historical backbone first might make the subsequent modern films feel more grounded and meaningful.
Our Expert Take:
While both orders are valid, we lean slightly towards starting with The King's Man for a truly immersive and comprehensive experience. Understanding Orlando Oxford's motivations and the sacrifices made to establish Kingsman elevates the stakes in Eggsy and Harry's modern adventures. It gives greater weight to the "manners maketh man" philosophy when you've seen its brutal, heartfelt genesis. It truly feels like Your complete Kingsman watch guide starts with understanding the roots.
However, if you prioritize the sheer shock and awe of the original Secret Service without any prior knowledge, then stick to release order. You can always revisit The King's Man later as a deep dive into the backstory.
The Future of Kingsman: What's Next for the Super Spies?
The Kingsman universe is far from finished. Matthew Vaughn has ambitious plans to expand the franchise significantly, building out the world with sequels, spin-offs, and even television series. Here's a peek at what's on the horizon:
Kingsman: The Blue Blood
As mentioned, this film is set to be the third main installment in the Harry and Eggsy story. Vaughn has indicated it will serve as the "conclusion" to their particular trilogy, though the wider Kingsman universe will undoubtedly continue. Filming was anticipated to begin in 2023, with a release likely in 2024 or beyond. Fans are eager to see how the bond between mentor and protégé evolves and what new global threats they'll face.
The King's Man: The Traitor King
A direct sequel to the prequel, The King's Man, is also in active development. While details are sparse, Matthew Vaughn has confirmed the plot will revolve around the rise of Adolf Hitler. This suggests a continued exploration of early 20th-century geopolitical conflicts and the Kingsman agency's role in covertly shaping history. It will likely feature a new ensemble of historical figures and espionage.
Statesman TV Series
The American counterpart agency, Statesman, introduced in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, is slated to receive its own eight-hour limited series. This would be a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into the bourbon-fueled, cowboy-hat-wearing world of American spies, exploring their unique methods, characters, and perhaps even their own origin story.
Other Spin-off Movie
Beyond the confirmed projects, there's always talk of other potential spin-off films. Given the rich roster of characters and the expansive nature of the spy world, possibilities are endless, from exploring a specific agent's backstory to an entirely new branch of the Kingsman organization.
Argylle (2024) and the Kingsman Cinematic Universe
In a surprising revelation, Matthew Vaughn's 2024 spy-thriller Argylle, starring Henry Cavill as a fictional superspy, was confirmed to take place within the same universe as Kingsman. A mid-credits scene in Argylle explicitly links the two, suggesting potential crossover possibilities and the formation of a broader "Vaughn-verse" of espionage. This opens up an exciting new dimension for the Kingsman franchise, hinting that its world is much larger and more interconnected than previously thought. Could we see Eggsy and Harry team up with Argylle? Only time will tell, but it certainly keeps the future of the Kingsman world feeling vibrant and expansive.
Behind the Tailored Suits: Box Office & Availability
A franchise's success is often measured by its box office performance, and Kingsman has certainly held its own. The three main live-action films (excluding the animated short) have demonstrated a significant global appeal.
Kingsman Box Office Performance (3 films combined):
- Total U.S. and Canada Gross: $264,455,093
- Total Other Territories Gross: $681,781,119
- Total Worldwide Gross: $946,236,212
- Total Combined Budget: $285–298 million
With a combined worldwide gross nearing a billion dollars against a relatively modest collective budget, the Kingsman films have been a resounding commercial success, demonstrating the audience's appetite for its unique brand of spy action. This strong performance underpins the continued investment in expanding the universe.
Where to Watch the Kingsman Movies
Currently, the Kingsman movies are exclusively available to stream on Amazon Prime. You can rent or purchase all the live-action films through the platform, allowing you to build your own Kingsman collection or simply enjoy a one-time viewing. While they may periodically rotate through other streaming services, Amazon Prime remains their consistent digital home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kingsman Franchise
Is the Kingsman series based on a book?
Yes, the original Kingsman: The Secret Service is based on the comic book series "The Secret Service" by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. The subsequent films expand on this universe with original stories.
Do I need to watch the Kingsman movies in order?
While you don't have to, watching them in a specific order (either release or chronological) will significantly enhance your understanding of the characters, world-building, and evolving narrative. We recommend either approach laid out in this guide.
Is Kingsman: The King's Man a prequel or sequel?
The King's Man is a prequel. It details the origins of the Kingsman organization during World War I, long before the events of Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Will there be a Kingsman 3 with Eggsy and Harry?
Yes! Kingsman: The Blue Blood is confirmed to be in development and will conclude the trilogy focusing on the modern-day adventures of Harry Hart and Eggsy Unwin. Both Colin Firth and Taron Egerton are set to return.
What is the connection between Kingsman and Argylle?
The movie Argylle, also directed by Matthew Vaughn, was revealed in its mid-credits scene to take place in the same cinematic universe as Kingsman. This suggests a potential for future crossovers and shared storytelling between the two spy properties.
Is the Kingsman franchise suitable for children?
No, the Kingsman franchise is not suitable for children. The films are rated R (or equivalent) for strong violence, language, and some sexual content. They are intended for mature audiences who are comfortable with these elements.
Who is the "Shepherd" in The King's Man?
The "Shepherd" is the elusive, overarching antagonist of The King's Man, secretly manipulating global events during World War I. He is ultimately revealed to be Captain Maximillian Morton, working behind the scenes.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It
The Kingsman universe is a vibrant, thrilling, and often hilarious playground for espionage enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the raw, unfolding excitement of a release date watch or the rich historical context of a chronological journey, you're in for a treat. From the humble beginnings of Orlando Oxford's desperate plea for peace to Eggsy and Harry's globe-trotting escapades, the story of Kingsman is one of loyalty, duty, and the enduring belief that "manners maketh man"—even when you're saving the world with an exploding lighter.
So, choose your viewing order, pour yourself a martini (shaken, not stirred, or perhaps a nice bourbon if you're feeling Statesman-esque), and prepare for a spectacular ride. The world needs gentlemen spies, and Kingsman delivers them in style. Happy watching!