Where to start withThe Crow
4 versions · originally a film, 1994
Themes: Revenge, Grief, Loss, Supernatural Justice, Urban Decay.
Start with The Crow (Alex Proyas, 1994) — the film. The Crow exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1994; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Crow is a dark, supernatural revenge saga centered on a murdered soul resurrected to hunt those who destroyed their life.
✦ Most fans start here
The Crow (1994)

The original movie
✦ Start hereThe Crow
Alex Proyas · Film · 1994
The Crow (1994) stands as the definitive cinematic vision, defined by Alex Proyas’s hypnotic visual style and a poignant, iconic performance that perfectly captures the gothic tragedy of Eric Draven.

1996 film
The Crow: City of Angels
Tim Pope · Film · 1996
The Crow: City of Angels (1996) attempts to replicate the atmospheric gloom of the original while introducing a new protagonist, serving as a stylistic companion piece for fans of nineties gothic cinema.

2000 film
The Crow: Salvation
Bharat Nalluri · Film · 2000
The Crow: Salvation (2000) shifts the narrative focus toward a procedural mystery by exploring the perspective of a man wrongly executed, offering a more grounded, gritty take on the resurrection trope.

2004 book
The Crow
James Vance · Book · 2004
The Crow (2004) book expands the mythos by shifting the gender of the protagonist, providing a brutal, introspective look at the psychological toll and moral cost of pursuing relentless, bloody vengeance.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Crow movies in?
You should watch the movies in their release order to track the franchise progression. Start with the 1994 original The Crow, followed by The Crow: City of Angels released in 1996, and finally The Crow: Salvation which was released in 2000.
Is The Crow book a novelization of the 1994 movie?
No, the 2004 book titled The Crow is a distinct publication separate from the 1994 movie. While they share the same title and thematic roots, the book is not a direct novelization of the original film adaptation.
Are The Crow: City of Angels and The Crow: Salvation direct sequels?
The Crow: City of Angels and The Crow: Salvation are separate entries in the franchise following the 1994 movie The Crow. Each film functions as a standalone installment within the series rather than a continuous narrative following the same protagonist from the first film.
How many films are in The Crow series?
There are three films listed in the franchise provided. These include the 1994 original titled The Crow, the 1996 sequel The Crow: City of Angels, and the 2000 entry The Crow: Salvation. Each film contributes to the overall cinematic history of the property.