How to watch

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies in order

Last updated: August 12 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Jeff Kinney's bestselling books have been adapted twice for the screen β€” first as live-action comedies, then as a fresh animated series β€” making the watch order a little more complicated than it looks.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows middle-schooler Greg Heffley through the everyday chaos of school, family, and friendship, with two separate adaptations covering overlapping material. Both versions of the franchise lean on Jeff Kinney's distinctive stick-figure illustration style and relatable, laugh-out-loud takes on the awkwardness of growing up.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order shows the franchise's evolution from live-action films to a rebooted animated series covering the same books.

  1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
  2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)
  3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
  4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
  5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021, animated)
  6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2022, animated)
  7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2023, animated)

Because the animated films retell the same early books, they're best treated as a separate continuity rather than a continuation of the live-action trilogy.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

The original live-action trilogy forms one continuity following Greg through several school years, while the animated films form a separate, more book-accurate retelling.

  1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) β€” live-action continuity
  2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)
  3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
  4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017) β€” later live-action entry, recast cast
  5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021, animated) β€” separate animated continuity
  6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2022, animated)
  7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2023, animated)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Families new to the franchise should pick one continuity and stick with it: the original 2010–2012 live-action trilogy for nostalgic charm, or the 2021–2023 animated films for the most book-faithful adaptations. The Long Haul can be watched anytime since it uses a new cast anyway.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • High School Musical Watch OrderGuide
  • Spy Kids Watch OrderGuide
  • The Princess Diaries Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!