When you hear the name 'Fallen,' it might bring to mind a few different things, especially if you're a fan of supernatural or fantasy genres. It's not quite a sprawling, interconnected movie series like some others, but rather a collection of distinct projects that share a title and, in some cases, thematic elements.
Let's untangle them, shall we?
The 1998 Film: A Gritty Detective Story
First up, there's the 1998 film simply titled Fallen. This one is quite different from the more recent interpretations. It's a dark, atmospheric thriller starring Denzel Washington as a detective who finds himself drawn into a series of murders that seem eerily connected to a supernatural entity. Filmed in Philadelphia, this movie leans heavily into the crime and mystery aspects, with a touch of the unexplainable. It grossed over $25 million in the US and Canada, establishing itself as a solid, standalone thriller.
The 2006 TV Movie: Angels and Destiny
Fast forward to 2006, and we get a TV movie also called Fallen. This one takes a sharper turn into the fantasy realm, focusing on an 18-year-old who discovers they have a connection to angels and a destiny to fulfill. Starring Paul Wesley, this iteration delves into themes of good versus evil, divine intervention, and the complex nature of angelic beings. It's a more direct exploration of angelic lore, with a runtime of about 1 hour and 21 minutes. Reviews from the time suggest it sparked curiosity about its mythology, particularly its take on divine characters and their actions.
The 2025 Series: A New Chapter?
More recently, there's news of a Fallen Season 1 Episode 1, titled 'Sword and Cross,' slated to air on AMC in March 2025. While the reference material doesn't give us plot details for this upcoming series, its placement on a major network like AMC suggests a potentially significant new take on the 'Fallen' concept. Given the previous iterations, it's reasonable to expect this might also explore supernatural or angelic themes, perhaps building on or diverging from the 2006 TV movie's narrative.
What About the Books?
It's worth noting that the 2006 TV movie was based on a book series. Some viewers and readers have pointed out that while the movie captured some of the essence, the books offer a more detailed exploration of the mythology and characters. If you enjoyed the 2006 film and are curious about the origins of its story, diving into the books would be the natural next step.
So, when someone asks about the 'Fallen' movie series order, it's less about a chronological sequence and more about understanding these distinct projects. You have the 1998 thriller, the 2006 TV movie (and its book origins), and the upcoming 2025 series. Each offers a different flavor of the 'Fallen' narrative, catering to different tastes within the genre.