How to watch Kingsman movies in Chronological Order

The Kingsman franchise is a British-American series that has redefined spy movies for the modern era. Created by Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman, these films blend stylish action, humor, and a contemporary take on the spy genre. Based on the comic book series "The Secret Service" by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, the Kingsman movies have carved out a unique niche in the world of espionage cinema.

The Chronological Viewing Order

Let's explore each film in chronological order, providing insights into their plots, characters, and contributions to the overall Kingsman universe.

The King's Man

Set during the First World War, "The King's Man" serves as a prequel to the main Kingsman storyline. This film explores the origins of the Kingsman organization and sets the stage for the modern-day agency we see in later films.

Plot Overview: The story follows Orlando Oxford, a pacifist aristocrat who becomes involved in preventing a global conflict. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the formation of the very first independent intelligence agency - the Kingsman.

Key Characters:

• Orlando Oxford: The protagonist and founder of the Kingsman agency
• Conrad Oxford: Orlando's son, eager to prove himself
• Polly: Oxford's nanny and a skilled spy
• Butler Shola: Oxford's loyal ally and combatant

Historical Context: The film interweaves fictional elements with historical events and figures from World War I, including Grigori Rasputin and Mata Hari. This blend of fact and fiction provides an intriguing backdrop for the birth of the Kingsman organization.

Significance to the Franchise: "The King's Man" establishes the noble origins and founding principles of the Kingsman agency. It sets up the organization's commitment to maintaining world peace through covert operations and introduces the trademark blend of sophistication and efficiency that defines the Kingsman agents.

Viewing Experience: Watching this film first provides valuable context for the modern-day Kingsman organization. It allows viewers to appreciate the historical depth of the agency and understand the legacy that shapes the actions and motivations of characters in the subsequent films.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

The first Kingsman movie that launched the franchise introduces us to the modern-day Kingsman organization and its newest recruit.

Plot Overview: Gary "Eggsy" Unwin, a troubled youth from a working-class background, is recruited into the Kingsman organization by Harry Hart, a veteran agent. As Eggsy undergoes rigorous training to become a Kingsman, the agency faces a global threat from a tech billionaire with a misguided plan to save the world.

Key Characters:

• Gary "Eggsy" Unwin: The protagonist and Kingsman recruit
• Harry Hart/Galahad: Eggsy's mentor and senior Kingsman agent
• Merlin: The Kingsman's tech expert and trainer
• Richmond Valentine: The eccentric villain with a world-changing scheme
• Sophie Cookson: Portrays Roxy, another Kingsman recruit

Themes and Style: "The Secret Service" establishes the franchise's signature blend of over-the-top action sequences, witty humor, and social commentary. It plays with spy genre tropes while updating them for a modern audience. The film also explores themes of class divide, loyalty, and the nature of true nobility.

Character Development: Eggsy's journey from street kid to sophisticated spy forms the emotional core of the film. His transformation reflects the Kingsman ethos that "manners maketh man" - the idea that true gentlemanly behavior is about actions and values, not birth or social status.

Action and Technology: The film showcases inventive gadgets and weapons that become hallmarks of the franchise. The action sequences set a high bar for choreography and visual flair in spy movies.

Viewing Experience: After watching "The King's Man," viewers will appreciate how the modern Kingsman organization has evolved from its origins while maintaining its core principles. The contrast between the World War I-era espionage and the high-tech operations of the present day adds depth to the franchise's world-building.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

The Kingsman sequel expands the Kingsman universe and raises the stakes for our heroes.

Plot Overview: When the Kingsman headquarters are compromised and the world is threatened, Eggsy and Merlin discover an allied spy organization in the United States called Statesman. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

Key Characters:

• Eggsy Unwin: Now a full-fledged Kingsman agent
• Harry Hart: Returning from the events of the first film
• Merlin: The Kingsman's steadfast tech support
• Poppy Adams: The main antagonist and leader of a powerful organization
• Agent Tequila, Agent Whiskey, and Champ: Members of the Statesman organization

Expanding the Universe: "The Golden Circle" broadens the scope of the Kingsman world by introducing the Statesman, the American counterpart to the British agency. This expansion allows for interesting cultural contrasts and new dynamics between the characters.

Themes and Continuity: The sequel continues to explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the ethics of espionage. It also delves into the personal costs of being a Kingsman, particularly for Eggsy as he balances his professional duties with his personal life.

Action and Spectacle: Building on the success of the first film, "The Golden Circle" features even more elaborate action sequences and gadgetry. From a high-speed chase in London to a showdown in the mountains, the film pushes the boundaries of spectacle while maintaining the series' signature style.

Character Growth: Eggsy's development continues as he grows into his role as a Kingsman agent. The return of Harry Hart adds emotional depth and explores themes of mentorship and legacy. The introduction of the Statesman agents provides new foils and allies for the main characters.

Viewing Experience: Watching "The Golden Circle" after the previous two films allows viewers to appreciate the full arc of the Kingsman organization - from its noble beginnings to its modern-day challenges and global partnerships.

Analyzing the Kingsman Series as a Whole

Themes Across the Trilogy: When viewed in chronological order, several overarching themes emerge:

1. Legacy and Tradition: From the founding of the Kingsman in World War I to the modern-day adventures, the importance of upholding the organization's values and adapting them to new challenges is a constant thread.
2. Class and Social Mobility: The series consistently challenges notions of class, showing that true nobility comes from one's actions rather than birth.
3. Balancing Duty and Personal Life: All three films explore how agents navigate their dangerous profession while maintaining personal relationships.
4. Technology and Ethics: The series grapples with the double-edged nature of technological advancement, both in terms of spy gadgetry and broader societal impacts.
5. International Cooperation: As the series progresses, it emphasizes the need for global alliances in facing world-threatening dangers.

Evolution of Style and Tone

The chronological viewing order allows audiences to appreciate how the franchise's distinct style evolves. "The King's Man" establishes a more classical spy film aesthetic, which gradually transforms into the hyper-stylized, modern approach of the later films. This progression mirrors the Kingsman organization's own evolution from its traditional roots to a cutting-edge spy agency.

Character Arcs and Connections: Watching the films in chronological order provides a richer understanding of the Kingsman legacy. Viewers can trace how the principles established in "The King's Man" influence the actions and decisions of characters like Harry Hart and Eggsy in the later films. This continuity adds depth to character motivations and the overall mythology of the Kingsman universe.

Action Evolution: The action sequences across the trilogy showcase an interesting progression. "The King's Man" features more grounded, historically-inspired combat, while the later films embrace increasingly outlandish and technologically-enhanced set pieces. This evolution reflects both the changing nature of warfare and espionage over time and the franchise's growing confidence in pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking.

Future of the Franchise

Fans of the series are eagerly anticipating news about an upcoming Kingsman film. While details are scarce, there has been speculation about a potential third film in the main series or perhaps another prequel. The success of the franchise has also led to discussions about potential spin-offs, with some rumors suggesting a film focusing on the Statesman organization.

It's worth noting that Matthew Vaughn, the director behind the Kingsman series, has been involved in other spy-related projects. His recent film Argylle has generated buzz among fans of the genre, showcasing Vaughn's continued interest in the world of espionage.

While we await news about the next year's potential releases, it's an excellent time for fans to revisit the existing films. The Kingsman series, with its blend of action, humor, and style, continues to stand out in the crowded field of spy movies.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The use of code names in the Kingsman organization, such as Galahad and Merlin, draws from Arthurian legend, adding a layer of British mythology to the spy narrative.
• Tom Hollander plays a unique role in "The King's Man," showcasing his versatility as an actor in the Kingsman universe.
• The Kingsman series shares some thematic similarities with the X-Men franchise, particularly films like "X-Men: First Class" and "Days of Future Past," which also deal with historical events and the formation of secret organizations.
• The relationship between Harry and Eggsy, central to the modern Kingsman films, has drawn comparisons to other mentor-protégé dynamics in spy fiction, such as James Bond and M.

Conclusion

Watching the Kingsman series in chronological order - "The King's Man," "Kingsman: The Secret Service," and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" - offers a unique and rewarding viewing experience. This order allows viewers to fully appreciate the rich history and evolution of the Kingsman organization, from its noble origins in the First World War to its modern-day global operations.

The chronological approach enhances the viewer's understanding of the franchise's themes, character development, and world-building. It provides a deeper context for the traditions, technology, and ethos of the Kingsman agency, making the high-stakes adventures of Eggsy and his colleagues even more impactful.

Moreover, this viewing order highlights the franchise's clever blend of historical events with fictional spy narratives, creating a seamless tapestry that spans over a century of secret operations. It showcases how the Kingsman series has reinvented the spy genre while paying homage to its classic roots.

For fans of action, comedy, and espionage thrillers, the Kingsman series offers a unique blend of all three, with each film building upon the last to create a rich and entertaining universe. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, watching the Kingsman films in chronological order promises an exciting journey through time, filled with dapper British spies, ingenious gadgets, and world-spanning conspiracies.