Universal’s Epic Universe, set to open May 22nd, 2025, is ready to redefine theme park entertainment with its immersive lands and attractions inspired by some of the most iconic films in history. To make the most of your visit, take time to watch the movies that bring these stories to life. They’ll enhance your appreciation for the park’s details and deepen your connection to its experiences. Plus, I’ve included a free printable checklist to help you track your movie marathon!
Movies to Watch Before Visiting Universal’s Epic Universe
How to Train Your Dragon (1, 2, and 3)
The How to Train Your Dragon animated trilogy follows Hiccup, a young Viking, and his dragon Toothless as they navigate a world where humans and dragons coexist.
- The first movie introduces Berk, a Viking village with a complicated relationship with dragons. Hiccup’s bond with Toothless changes everything.
- The second movie delves into themes of leadership and family, as Hiccup takes on a larger role in protecting dragons and humans.
- The third movie, The Hidden World, follows their search for a sanctuary where dragons can live in peace.
If you’re looking for a reason to dive deeper into the How to Train Your Dragon universe, consider adding the animated series Dragons to your watch list. Released in 2012, the series acts as a bridge between the 2010 film and its 2014 sequel, offering more adventures and character development.
Epic Universe Connection
The How to Train Your Dragon land will transport you to the Isle of Berk, set between the events of the second and third movies. Expect dragon-themed rides, interactive Viking experiences, and awe-inspiring landscapes straight from the films. Watching the trilogy will help you appreciate the details and the heart of this fantastical world.
Harry Potter Movies
About the Movies
The Ministry of Magic plays a pivotal role in several Harry Potter films, offering a fascinating look into the magical government. You should not only take a trip down memory lane with a much-needed Harry Potter movie marathon, but also watch its prequel series. If you are not wanting to rewatch everything, concentrate on the 5 movies below.
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Harry and his friends infiltrate the Ministry to retrieve a prophecy, revealing its grandeur and secrets.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Parts 1 and 2): These films show the Ministry’s corruption under Voldemort’s regime and the bravery required to resist it.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: This film, set in the 1920s, follows magizoologist Newt Scamander as he travels to New York City with a magical suitcase filled with creatures. When some of his magical beasts escape, he must work with a group of wizards and non-magical allies to capture them before causing chaos.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: Newt Scamander is recruited by Albus Dumbledore to thwart dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald’s plans for domination over the wizarding world. Set in both New York and Paris, the film delves deeper into the history of magical institutions, the rise of dark magic, and the personal stakes of characters like Grindelwald, Dumbledore, and Credence Barebone.
Epic Universe Connection
In this new land, you will begin your adventure in 1920s wizarding Paris, exploring the hidden district of Place Cachée.
A highlight of the experience is the “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” attraction. You will use the Métro-Floo to travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic. Inside the Ministry, you’ll witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge and join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase to capture her, encountering various magical challenges along the way.
Additionally, the land will feature “Le Cirque Arcanus,” a live, full-scale theater experience presenting a spectacular show with magical creatures and spellbinding performances, further enriching the immersive environment.
Watching the films will help you fully appreciate the architectural beauty and the deeper narratives behind this area.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
About the Movie
This animated adventure brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life as Mario and Luigi team up with Princess Peach and Toad to stop Bowser’s sinister plans. Packed with nostalgic nods to the classic games, it’s a delightful experience for fans of all ages.
Epic Universe Connection
While SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is not based on “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” in any way, the film poses a great option for the non-gaming Nintendo lovers who want to be in the loop.
Dark Universe Themed Movies
To fully appreciate Dark Universe you need to travel back to where it all began: the Universal Monsters franchise. Universal Studios Monsters is made up of horrific characters from films produced by Universal Pictures between the early 1910s and late 50s. Most of these movies are available to rent from Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV.
- Frankenstein (1931): In this iconic adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel, Dr. Henry Frankenstein, a determined scientist, defies nature by creating life from assembled body parts. With the help of his assistant Fritz, he brings his monstrous creation to life using electricity. However, the creature, misunderstood and feared, becomes a tragic figure as it struggles with rejection and violence in a world unwilling to accept it.
- Werewolf of London (1935): In this horror classic, botanist Dr. Wilfred Glendon becomes infected with a sickness that turns him into an animal during an expedition to Tibet. Back in London, he battles the curse of transforming into a werewolf under the full moon, endangering his loved ones.
- The Wolf Man (1941): Larry Talbot returns to his family home in Wales and becomes entangled in the supernatural after an attack by a wolf. Bitten during the attack, Larry transforms into a werewolf under the full moon, wrestling with his humanity as the curse drives him to commit horrendous things. This movie is available to watch for free with a Peacock subscription.
- Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943): This crossover classic sees the resurrected Larry Talbot seeking a cure for his werewolf curse. His search leads him to Frankenstein’s castle, where he hopes to enlist Dr. Frankenstein’s help.
- Bride of Frankenstein (1935): Everyone deserves love. Dr. Frankenstein is coerced by the sinister Dr. Pretorius to create a companion for the Monster. While the Monster yearns for companionship and acceptance, the Bride’s rejection sparks tragedy. With its Gothic elegance and deeper exploration of morality and humanity, this sequel is celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece.
- The Invisible Man (1933): In this chilling adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel, scientist Dr. Jack Griffin discovers the secret of invisibility but at a horrifying cost—his sanity.
Epic Universe Connection
You’ll get to meet characters from the classic Universal Monster movies like the Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster, Invisible Man, and Ygor.
In Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
Why Watch These Movies Before You Go?
Universal’s Epic Universe is designed to immerse visitors in the worlds of their favorite films. Watching these movies will:
- Deepen Your Understanding: Gain a better appreciation for the storylines, characters, and themes behind each attraction.
- Enhance Your Immersion: Recognize iconic locations, props, and Easter eggs scattered throughout the park.
- Build Anticipation: Excite your family or group by familiarizing yourselves with these beloved stories before stepping into their worlds.
Tips for a Themed Movie Marathon
- Plan a Weekend: Dedicate a weekend to watching these movies as a family activity.
- Theme Your Snacks: Make popcorn with themed toppings (e.g., dragon-shaped marshmallows for How to Train Your Dragon).
- Discuss After Watching: Talk about your favorite scenes and how you think they’ll translate into the park.
Are you as excited as I am to explore Universal’s Epic Universe and step into the worlds of your favorite films? Which of these movies are you most looking forward to watching before your visit? Let me help you plan a vacation filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable experiences—start your journey to Epic Universe by reaching out to me at Favorite Grampy Travels.