How To Watch The Sniper Movies In Order

In contrast to action movie franchises brimming with guns throughout, it’s hand-to-hand combat that usually steals the limelight. If John Wick were to take out his adversaries from a distance, say, hundreds of yards away, it might make eliminating enemies easier for him. However, viewers derive more satisfaction from witnessing him engage in close-quarter battles. Movies like “American Sniper” manage to blend action and introspection effectively, but there aren’t many films that delve into the solitary and brutal existence of snipers, their lives often shrouded in violence.

It’s no secret that some remarkable sniper scenes have managed to slip into popular films, yet if we’re talking about unmatched sniper action, one series has ruled the roost in this specific subgenre for over three decades. The “Sniper” series made its debut in the early 90s and continues to produce new movies even today. In the beginning, Tom Berenger embodied the main sniper character; however, more than a decade after the franchise’s inception, Chad Michael Collins took over as the leading man, and he’s held that position ever since.

If you enjoy catching action films on basic cable during the afternoon as a secret indulgence, then perhaps you’ll find yourself hooked on the “Sniper” series. With over 10 movies spanning 30 years, it might seem overwhelming to find where to begin. Let us guide you through the world of “Sniper,” helping you immerse yourself from the start!

Sniper (1993)

1993 saw the initial release of “Sniper,” a film that brought characters Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Beckett (played by Tom Berenger) and NSC Agent Richard Miller (Billy Zane) into the limelight. Following the loss of a comrade in combat, Master Gunnery Sergeant Beckett is teamed up with Agent Miller, who lacks field experience. They are assigned a task to assassinate General Miguel Alvarez. Initially reluctant due to his doubts about Miller’s abilities, Beckett finds himself paired with an agent who has secret orders to eliminate him if there’s any risk of exposing the mission. As they progress on their assignment, Beckett and Miller develop mutual trust and hone their sniping skills together.

The film titled “Sniper” wasn’t a blockbuster at the box office, nor did it receive widespread praise from critics. With a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one might think that the movie would flop, but just like other critically panned action movies, the negative reviews didn’t deter “Sniper” from amassing a devoted fanbase. At the box office, it managed to earn $18 million, which was just enough for a television sequel to be produced. This modest financial success and the handful of fans “Sniper” attracted became the foundation for this franchise’s astonishingly long-lasting existence.

Sniper 2 (2002)

Approximately ten years after “Sniper” underperformed in cinemas, “Sniper 2” shifted the franchise to TV screens as a movie in 2002. In this sequel, Tom Berenger reprises his role as Thomas Beckett, who now lives civilian life following the loss of his trigger finger during the events of the initial film. Despite his altered circumstances, the CIA seeks Beckett’s skills for a fresh assignment. The agency tasks Beckett with eliminating a Serbian general named Mile Valstoria (Peter Linka), and he consents to take on the mission provided he is paired with an assistant. The CIA assigns Beckett to Agent Jake Cole (Bokeem Woodbine), and they are dispatched to Serbia together.

How did the shift in the franchise from traditional cinema release impact things? Not a huge change actually. The first “Sniper” had a cheap, B-movie vibe, and that trend continues in “Sniper 2”. It’s no shocker that viewers on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a lower score compared to the original, but some critics argue that it’s an acceptable action movie. In essence, it could be worse if you’re looking for a way to pass 90 minutes.

Sniper 3 (2004)

Fans didn’t have to wait long for “Sniper 3” to continue the tale of Sergeant Thomas Beckett, portrayed by Tom Berenger. The film resumes some time after the occurrences in “Sniper 2,” with Beckett back in the Marines, dealing with complications from a severed trigger finger affecting his hand’s nerves. As he grapples with this health issue, the CIA re-approaches him for another mission, but this one has a personal touch. The CIA requires Beckett to eliminate a man named Paul Finnegan (John Doman). In the past, Beckett and Finnegan were close friends, yet Beckett believed Finnegan perished in Vietnam. However, it was revealed that Finnegan had gone undercover as a drug dealer; the CIA claims he’s now operating outside the law and needs to be taken down.

2004’s film “Sniper 3” offers a few additional surprises compared to the earlier installments in the series. The narrative is significantly more focused on politics and personal matters, yet it remains quintessentially a “Sniper” movie. In essence, it delivers 90 minutes of action that many fans find comparable to “Sniper 2,” although not quite as impressive as the first one.

Sniper: Reloaded (2011)

The question of the correct viewing sequence for the “Sniper” series becomes more complex. In 2011, “Sniper: Reloaded” marked a departure from numbered titles and introduced a new protagonist, distinct from Tom Berenger’s character Sergeant Thomas Beckett. Instead, the storyline now revolves around Brandon, played by Chad Michael Collins, who is revealed to be Beckett’s son.

In the footsteps of his father, Brandon Beckett chose to serve as a Marine. Tragedy struck when Beckett’s team was ambushed during a mission, leaving them dead. Consumed by vengeance, Beckett sought out the sniper who had claimed the lives of his comrades. With no other choice, he reached out to Richard Miller (portrayed by Billy Zane), who agreed to mentor him in the art of sharpshooting. Together, they embarked on a joint mission to track down the elusive marksman. Despite “Sniper: Reloaded” not being as successful as its predecessors, it added an exciting twist to the series by introducing fresh elements to the storyline.

Sniper: Legacy (2014)

In the 2014 film “Sniper: Legacy,” Chad Michael Collins once again takes on the character of Sergeant Brandon Beckett, and this time Tom Berenger reappears to portray Brandon’s father. While action sequences and sniper shots are still at the forefront, the narrative in this installment delves into more personal matters. In “Sniper: Legacy,” Brandon embarks on a new mission of vengeance. However, as political figures are being targeted by an assassin, things take a shocking turn when he learns that his father is among the victims. As the story unfolds, it transpires that Brandon’s father isn’t actually deceased, and the two snipers join forces to track down the enigmatic killer, engaging in a game of cat-and-mouse.

The unique bond between the two characters portrayed as Becketts is what truly distinguishes this film from others in the series. Collins and Berenger seem to be exploring and refining their characters’ interactions, given they were kept apart for years across previous movies. Essentially, this movie serves to establish the foundations for upcoming films, focusing on the evolving father-son relationship between the Becketts. Additionally, it introduces Colonel Stone, played by Dennis Haysbert, who becomes a recurring figure in the “Sniper” cinematic universe.

Sniper: Ghost Shooter (2016)

2016’s film “Ghost Shooter” continued to propel the “Sniper” series ahead. Although it had begun developing the bond between Brandon Beckett and his father Thomas in the previous movie, “Ghost Shooter” didn’t feature Tom Berenger reprising his role for a deeper exploration of their relationship. Instead, Billy Zane returned as Richard Miller, continuing to assist Chad Michael Collins’ Sergeant Beckett in tracking down an adversary sniper. In this installment, Sergeant Beckett was tasked with safeguarding a Georgia gas pipeline, but the mission became more challenging due to a sniper who appeared to always predict their actions.

In the “Sniper” series, elements like secret assassins, unexpected betrayals, and recurring characters were commonplace by this point, but “Ghost Shooter” could be the most effective blend of these aspects. The Midwest Film Journal rated the film as the best in the series, describing it as “an expertly crafted action-thriller that offers the high-octane violence you’d expect from a direct-to-video release.” Since the plot is self-contained and doesn’t require extensive knowledge of the “Sniper” universe, this sequel is an excellent choice if you’re only going to watch one installment. However, if you’re planning on watching the entire series, it should be the sixth film you watch from beginning to end.

Sniper: Ultimate Kill (2017)

2017’s “Sniper: Ultimate Kill” stands as a sequel tailored for dedicated franchise fans rather than novices. Unlike the more accessible “Sniper: Ghost Shooter,” this installment delivers rich rewards to those deeply immersed in the series lore. For the first time, Brandon Beckett, Thomas Beckett, and Richard Miller share screen space, with Chad Michael Collins, Tom Berenger, and Billy Zane reprising their roles to create an intriguing ensemble.

In a touch of nostalgia, the plotline of “Ultimate Kill” echoes back to the first “Sniper,” as our protagonists are dispatched to Colombia on a mission to capture a drug lord, Jesus Morales (Juan Sebastián Calero). Accompanying him is a deadly sniper known as El Diablo (Andrés Felipe Calero), who works for Morales. Brandon Beckett is tasked with capturing El Diablo, and he enlists the aid of his father, a previous mentor, and DEA agent Kate Estrada (Danay García) to successfully complete the operation.

As a passionate fan, I can confidently say that, based on IMDb users’ opinions, “Ultimate Kill” is among the top films in the franchise – it boasts a 5.6 rating on their site. Conversely, over at Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has only managed to win the hearts of 37% of its audience, which pales in comparison to some of the earlier installments. Nonetheless, if you’ve stuck with this series up until now, you’re certainly in for another exhilarating 90-minute journey with this action-packed team!

Sniper: Assassin’s End (2020)

2020’s film “Sniper: Assassin’s End” bears similarities to “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” within the “Sniper” series for several reasons. A cursory look at the movie’s poster or trailer reveals that the new antagonist, a formidable assassin named Yuki “Lady Death” Mifune (portrayed by Sayaka Akimoto), seems to have been influenced by the character of Bucky Barnes. Moreover, the narrative of this film delves deeper into espionage and adopts a darker, more suspenseful feel compared to its predecessors.

In “Assassin’s End,” Sergeant Brandon Beckett makes an appearance, but this time he finds himself entangled in the complexities of lawlessness. Accusations of assassination have been falsely pinned on him, and now the CIA is relentlessly pursuing him. As he eludes capture and strives to prove his innocence, Beckett unfortunately crosses paths with the Russian mafia and a notorious Yakuza assassin who sports an armband reminiscent of a specific robotic arm from another series, featuring a striking black-and-silver design.

In less than two hours, the movie manages to incorporate its spy narrative, leaving little room for delving into the intriguing background of the fresh villain. Regrettably, even for a “Sniper” film, “Assassin’s End” is excessively action-packed, yet that’s part of the enjoyment. It was met with responses similar to other films in the series, but if you’re already a fan, this one is definitely worth watching. Characters like Lady Death and DHS agent Ryan Robbins’ Zeke “Zero” Rosenberg reappear in future movies, making it essential viewing for those planning a “Sniper” movie marathon.

Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022)

2022’s “Sniper: Rogue Mission” continues essentially where “Sniper: Assassin’s End” concluded, with an intriguing twist reminiscent of the villains in the “Fast and Furious” series. The formidable character known as Lady Death, who was last seen in “Assassin’s End,” has now become a permanent member of the team. Joining forces once again are Agent Zero and Sergeant Beckett, who are working together with Lady Death on an exciting new mission.

Titled “Rogue Mission,” this movie delves into another thrilling narrative surrounding government conspiracies. Here, federal agents are depicted misusing their power, a theme that echoes in the Sniper series. In the storyline, Sergeant Beckett and his associates, including Colonel Stone, uncover evidence of high-ranking U.S. officials and federal agencies being involved in an illegal human trafficking operation. Their mission is to dismantle this criminal network, but they must first gather clues about the intricate workings of the trafficking ring before taking down the culprits.

In terms of action, “Rogue Mission” delivers just like any other “Sniper” film. However, it devotes more time to unraveling a mystery than any other movie in the series, which seemed to be a shift that didn’t sit well with many fans. Unfortunately, this change has resulted in “Rogue Mission” earning a 25% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the least popular “Sniper” movie among audiences. If you’re considering skipping one film from the series, this might be the one to pass up. But if you’re committed to watching them all, there are character development aspects that you won’t want to miss out on.

Sniper: G.R.I.T. Global Response & Intelligence Team (2023)

2023’s “Sniper: G.R.I.T. Global Response & Intelligence Team” sees Sergeant Brandon Beckett taking on a fresh role. By January 2023, he’s part of the new title team. Given that Colonel Stone, the renowned sniper, commands this group, it’s likely that Beckett feels quite comfortable here. In this film, both Agent Zero and Lady Death make their reappearance, but Luna Fujimoto is the actress playing the Yakuza’s top assassin instead of the original portrayer.

As a member of G.R.I.T., I’ve got a hefty challenge ahead: Lady Death, our comrade, has fallen into the clutches of a ruthless terrorist cult bent on global conquest. My squad and I are tasked with chasing them across the globe to rescue our teammate. If we manage to thwart their plans and save the world in the process, that’s just an added bonus. Following the complex narrative of “Rogue Mission,” “G.R.I.T.” breathes new life into the “Sniper” series, offering a thrilling 90-minute adventure once more.

Sniper: The Last Stand (2025)

Despite numerous movie franchises consistently producing excellent sequels, none have matched the enduring success of the “Sniper” series, which has been thriving for over three decades. The “Sniper” franchise refuses to slow down. By now, viewers are well aware of what they’ll get when they watch a “Sniper” movie, and the filmmakers know exactly what their audience craves. This mutually beneficial relationship continues to yield profits for this low-cost, guilty pleasure series. As you might guess from direct-to-digital films, new “Sniper” installments are usually released without much fanfare, and “Sniper: The Last Stand” is no exception. Sony Pictures Entertainment discreetly unveiled the trailer for “Sniper: The Last Stand” on January 7, 2025, a fortnight before its scheduled premiere date.

In the latest chapter of the “Sniper” series, Sergeant Brandon Beckett returns for another thrilling escapade. This time, a malevolent arms dealer, portrayed by Arnold Vosloo, has constructed a devastating weapon that could endanger mankind. Beckett, accompanied by his reliable partner Agent Zero, are summoned to track down this lethal device and protect the world from imminent danger. Although the title suggests this may be the final “Sniper” installment, it’s plausible that the series will continue its longevity by reinventing itself for future generations. After all, we’ve learned from the earlier films that Brandon Beckett is a character who refuses to stay down!

2025-01-16 22:30