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 Crow

The original movie

✦ Start here

The 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.

The Crow: City of Angels

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.

The Crow: Salvation

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.

The Crow

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.

Want picks tuned to your taste across every medium?

Try Tangent

Free, 30 seconds, no account.