Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic fictional serial killers of all time. Known for his elegant manners and viscous cannibalistic tendencies, Lecter made his big mark on pop culture in 1991’s Silence of the Lambs played by Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins. Find out how (and where) to stream all the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV series in order below!
With five official Hannibal Lecter films, and two television series based around the characters, there’s plenty of content to work with. So whether you’re keen to rewatch all the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV shows, or are trying to figure out where to start, check out our guide below to find out the best way to watch all things Hannibal in order.
How to watch the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV shows in order of release
The Hannibal Lecter franchise is based on the series of mystery novels written by Thomas Harris. From 1981 to 2006, Harris wrote four instalments (Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and Hannibal Rising) that were all subsequently adapted into feature films. The first book, Red Dragon, was first adapted into 1986’s Manhunter, before it was remade in 2002 using the book’s original title.
The Hannibal Lecter movies and TV shows in order of release:
- Manhunter (1986)
- Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Hannibal (2001)
- Red Dragon (2002)
- Hannibal Rising (2007)
- Hannibal - TV series (2013–2015)
- Clarice (2021)
In addition to the five film adaptations, there are two TV series in the franchise: Hannibal (three seasons released between 2013 and 2015), and Clarice (one season in 2021).
How to watch the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV shows in chronological order
The chronological timeline of the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV series is not the most consistent or easy to follow. However, Hannibal Rising is clearly the best film to start with as it explores Hannibal’s origin story as he goes from traumatised WWII survivor to Nazi hunter, to cannibalistic serial killer.
The Hannibal Lecter movies and TV shows in chronological order:
- Hannibal Rising
- Hannibal - TV series
- Manhunter
- Silence of the Lambs
- Clarice - TV series
- Hannibal
Next comes the Hannibal television series. Although the series does not fit aesthetically into the timeline because it is set in “modern” times (i.e. sound 2013–2015), it fits thematically because it explores the relationship between criminal profiler Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter before his capture. Red Dragon sees the continuation of this relationship, although this time mostly with Lecter finally behind bars. Red Dragon is actually a remake of Manhunter (1986), which is the first film in which Lecter appears as a character.
After Red Dragon/Manhunter comes the best known Hannibal film, Silence of the Lambs, which sees young FBI trainee Clarice Starling seek Lecter’s help in identifying a new serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The 2021 television series Clarice acts as a sequel to the film, continuing Clarice’s story as she navigates her newfound reputation at the FBI.
The 2001 Hannibal film takes place a decade after the events of Silence of the Lambs. It follows FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling, who is put back on the Lecter case in an attempt to lure him out of hiding.
Where to watch all the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV series in order online
Find out how (and where) to watch all the Hannibal Lecter movies and TV series in order by scrolling down to the list below. The films are all available to stream across a variety of platforms, including Apple TV+, and more!
