The Mummy franchise has been a beloved part of cinema for nearly a century, with its various iterations spanning different decades and production companies. From the classic 1932 Universal Monsters film to the modern-day action-adventure blockbusters, each version has its own unique charm and appeal. But which one should you watch? In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the history of The Mummy films, analyzing each one and offering my personal perspective on which one is the best. So, grab your popcorn and let's explore the world of mummies!
The Original: The Mummy (1932)
The first Mummy film, released in 1932, is a classic in its own right. With a runtime of just 73 minutes, it's a compact and concise horror film that introduced the world to the menacing Imhotep, played by the iconic Boris Karloff. While it may not be the strongest entry in the Universal Monsters series, it's a fun and entertaining film that spawned four sequels. The short runtime makes it an easy binge, and the vintage monster vibes are a blast from the past. However, it's worth noting that the film lacks the guidance of a skilled director like James Whale or Tod Browning, which may have elevated its quality.
The Hammer Reboot: The Mummy (1959)
In 1959, Hammer Films rebooted the Mummy franchise with a modern twist. Their film, starring Christopher Lee as the muddy risen mummy and Peter Cushing as the man he bedevils, is a solid remake. The lurid Technicolor cinematography is a standout feature, making it one of the most visually pleasing mummy movies out there. While it may not be as strong as the original, it's a fun and entertaining film that pays homage to the earlier sequels. The presence of Lee and Cushing adds a layer of legitimacy to the film, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Modern Adventure: The Mummy (1999)
In 1999, Universal released a modern-day adventure film that reimagined the Mummy as an Indiana Jones-style action-adventure. With a two-fisted Brendan Fraser and a lovely Rachel Weisz, the film is a crowdpleaser that appeals to virtually all ages. While the horror elements are downplayed, the filmmakers clearly had a blast with the razzle-dazzle and action sequences. The film also spawned a solid sequel, The Mummy Returns, and a fourth installment is in the works for 2028. However, the film's success was largely due to the void left by the absence of an Indiana Jones film in the decade prior to its release.
The Dark Universe Flop: The Mummy (2017)
In 2017, Universal released a new Mummy film as the cornerstone of their Dark Universe initiative. However, the film, starring Tom Cruise, was a flop that made slightly less money in the U.S. than Oblivion. The film's failure led to the cancellation of all Dark Universe film projects and the repurposing of the brand for a theme park ride. While the film has its moments, particularly with Sofia Boutella's portrayal of the Hot Mummy, it's not a strong entry in the franchise. The presence of Cruise indicates a doubling down on the perception that The Mummy is an action-adventure franchise, but the film's overall quality leaves something to be desired.
The New, Hard-R Take: Lee Cronin's The Mummy (2026)
The latest Mummy film, directed by Lee Cronin, is a hard-R rated horror film that plays more like a possession or demon-child narrative than a traditional mummy film. The film follows a young girl who goes missing in Cairo and returns eight years later, seemingly intact but changed. The gruesomeness of the film is a standout feature, earning its R-rating early and often. While it may not be for the squeamish, the horror fans are gonna love its goopy sicko vibes. The film is a refreshing take on the mummy mythology, offering a new and original perspective on the genre.
The Version Control Verdict: The Mummy (1999)
After analyzing all the Mummy films, I believe that The Mummy (1999) is the best entry in the franchise. While it may not have the strongest horror bona fides, it's a classic of its type that carved out a niche the other monster series haven't really nailed. The film's appeal to virtually all ages and its Indiana Jones-style adventure make it an easy call for those looking for a starting place in the Mummy franchise. However, if you're looking for a more horror-oriented film, the 1959 version or the new, hard-R iteration may be more to your liking.
