How to watch
The Mortal Instruments Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch The Mortal Instruments movie and series in order
Last updated: September 30 2026
Written by: ChronoBob
Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter world reached the screen twice β first as a feature film and then as the Shadowhunters TV series. A watch order guide helps you navigate the two separate takes on the same story.
The Mortal Instruments introduces Clary Fray, a teenager who learns she descends from the Shadowhunters, warriors who protect the human world from demons. Adapted from the bestselling books, the franchise exists as a 2013 movie and a later television reboot, each covering the same origin with a different cast and tone.
π Release Order
Release order simply reflects when each adaptation arrived on screen.
- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
- Shadowhunters (2016β2019)
Because these are two independent adaptations rather than a continuous timeline, story chronology mirrors release order.
π Story Chronology
Both the film and the series begin with Clary's discovery of the Shadow World, so there's no shared timeline to untangle β each stands on its own. The TV series simply tells a fuller, longer version of the saga across three seasons.
- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
- Shadowhunters (2016β2019)
Which Order Should You Choose?
If you want the quick version, the 2013 film delivers the core origin in one sitting. But most fans consider 'Shadowhunters' the definitive adaptation, giving the characters and world far more room to breathe. You can watch the movie first for a taste, or skip straight to the series β they don't need to be viewed together.
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