How to watch

G.I. Joe has been a cultural institution since the 1980s animated series, and the film franchise brings the elite counter-terrorism unit to the big screen with heavy action and memorable villains. The main trilogy stars action-packed ensemble casts and pits the Joes against the forces of Cobra, while the 2021 prequel Snake Eyes explores the origins of one of the franchise's most beloved characters.

🕐 Release Order

Watching in release order gives you the intended audience experience and the proper context for character introductions before the prequel recontextualizes things.

1. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
2. G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)
3. Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021)

While release order is the most common recommendation, fans who want to understand Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow from the start may prefer a different viewing sequence.

📖 Story Chronology

Snake Eyes is set as an origin story for the ninja operative, taking place before the events of the main G.I. Joe films. Watching it first gives added weight to his appearance in the later films — though the two timelines don't connect seamlessly due to casting and continuity differences.

1. Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021) — prequel
2. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
3. G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)

Which Order Should You Choose?

For first-time viewers, release order is the safer bet. The Rise of Cobra and Retaliation were built as a connected pair, and Snake Eyes is a soft reboot that stands alone. If you're a die-hard fan revisiting the franchise, try the chronological order to appreciate the Snake Eyes mythology before it intersects with the broader G.I. Joe universe.

🔗 Related Guides

• Transformers Watch OrderGuide
• X-Men Watch OrderGuide
• Mission Impossible Watch OrderGuide

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