How to watch

In The Wandering Earth, the sun is dying, so humanity builds thousands of colossal engines to push the entire planet out of the solar system. Directed by Frant Gwo and based on a story by The Three-Body Problem author Liu Cixin, the 2019 film was a huge box office hit and was released worldwide on Netflix. In 2023, The Wandering Earth II went back in time to show how the project began, expanding the world with space elevators, lunar crises and digital consciousness.

🕐 Release Order

Release order lets you experience the world as audiences did, starting with the planet already on its journey.

1. The Wandering Earth (2019)
2. The Wandering Earth II (2023)

Because the second film is a prequel, the two possible viewing orders feel quite different, and both have their fans.

📖 Story Chronology

The Wandering Earth II is set years before the original and chronicles the crises that led humanity to commit to the Wandering Earth project, including younger versions of characters who appear in the first film. Chronologically, it comes first.

1. The Wandering Earth II (2023)
2. The Wandering Earth (2019)

Which Order Should You Choose?

We recommend release order for first-time viewers. The original is a tight, thrilling disaster movie, and the prequel's bigger scope and character backstory hit harder once you know where things are headed. If you prefer a single sweeping saga, the chronological order works too, though the second film is nearly three hours long, so plan for a long movie night.

🔗 Related Guides

• Independence Day Movie Watch OrderGuide
• Dune Movie Watch OrderGuide
• Pacific Rim Movie Watch OrderGuide

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