How to Watch The Night at the Museum Movies in Order

In the realm of family-friendly adventure comedies, few franchises have captured the imagination quite like the Night at the Museum series. Starring Ben Stiller as the newly recruited night security guard Larry Daley, these films bring history to life in the most magical and hilarious ways. This guide will walk you through the best way to experience the Night at the Museum trilogy, providing insights into how these movies weave together history, comedy, and adventure.

To fully appreciate the Night at the Museum franchise, we recommend watching the films in the following order:

This order follows the release dates of the movies and allows you to follow Larry Daley's journey from a struggling single dad to a seasoned adventurer. Now, let's dive into each of these films and explore the magic that unfolds when the museum exhibits come to life.

Night at the Museum (2006)

Set in New York's American Museum of Natural History, the first installment introduces us to Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a down-on-his-luck divorced father who takes a job as a night watchman at the museum to provide for his son Nick (Jake Cherry). Little does Larry know that he's about to embark on the greatest adventure of his life.

Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie brilliantly brings the museum's exhibits to life thanks to an ancient Egyptian artifact called the Tablet of Ahkmenrah. As the new night guard, Larry must navigate the chaos that ensues when historical figures and museum exhibits spring to life after sunset.

The film boasts an all-star cast, including Robin Williams as a wax figure of Theodore Roosevelt, Owen Wilson as a miniature cowboy named Jedediah, and Steve Coogan as his Roman counterpart, Octavius. Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, and Bill Cobbs play the retiring security guards who hold the secret to the museum's nightly transformations.

"Night at the Museum" sets the foundation for the franchise, establishing the magical premise and introducing key characters. It's a delightful blend of comedy, adventure, and historical references that appeals to both children and adults.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

The second installment takes Larry Daley's adventures to new heights - literally and figuratively. Now a successful inventor, Larry discovers that his old friends from the New York museum are being shipped to the federal archives at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. When the tablet of Ahkmenrah is also sent to the Smithsonian, it brings to life the exhibits in the world's largest museum complex.

Directed again by Shawn Levy, "Battle of the Smithsonian" expands the universe of living exhibits. Ben Stiller returns as Larry, now racing against time to prevent an evil ancient Egyptian ruler, Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), from conquering the world.

The sequel introduces new historical characters, including Amelia Earhart, brilliantly portrayed by Amy Adams. The chemistry between Stiller and Adams adds a new dimension to the story. We also meet new historical figures like Al Capone, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Ivan the Terrible, each bringing their unique brand of humor to the mix.

This installment is notable for its expanded scope, featuring exhibits from various Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum. The action sequences are bigger and more spectacular, with a climactic battle involving exhibits from across history.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014)

The final installment of the trilogy takes Larry and his heroic friends on a globe-trotting adventure to save the magic that brings the exhibits to life. When the tablet of Ahkmenrah begins to corrode, threatening the lives of Larry's museum friends, they must travel to the British Museum in London to uncover the secret of the tablet.

Directed once again by Shawn Levy, "Secret of the Tomb" brings back familiar faces while introducing new characters. Ben Stiller pulls double duty, playing both Larry and a Neanderthal who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. Robin Williams returns as Theodore Roosevelt in what would be one of his final film roles.

The British Museum setting allows for the introduction of new characters, including Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens) and Tilly (Rebel Wilson), a British security guard. Ben Kingsley joins the cast as Ahkmenrah's father, the pharaoh Merenkahre, who holds the key to saving the tablet's magic.

"Secret of the Tomb" serves as a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, exploring themes of friendship, legacy, and letting go. It provides emotional depth while maintaining the humor and adventure that fans of the series have come to love.

The Cast and Crew

The Night at the Museum franchise owes much of its success to its stellar cast and crew:

• Ben Stiller (Larry Daley): Stiller's everyman charm and comedic timing are central to the films' appeal.
• Robin Williams (Theodore Roosevelt): Williams brings warmth and wisdom to his portrayal of the 26th President.
• Owen Wilson (Jedediah) and Steve Coogan (Octavius): Their banter as miniature historical figures provides many of the series' funniest moments.
• Rami Malek (Ahkmenrah): Before his Academy Award-winning turn as Freddie Mercury, Malek played the pharaoh whose tablet brings the museum to life.
• Mizuo Peck (Sacagawea): Peck's portrayal of the Native American guide adds depth to the ensemble.
• Ricky Gervais (Dr. McPhee): As the museum director, Gervais provides his signature awkward humor.
• Carla Gugino (Rebecca Hutman): Gugino plays Larry's love interest in the first film, adding heart to the story.
• Shawn Levy (Director): Levy's direction balances humor, action, and heart across all three films.
• Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon (Writers): Their screenplay brings history to life with wit and warmth.

Night at the Museum's Impact on Future Projects

While the original trilogy concluded with "Secret of the Tomb," the impact of Night at the Museum continues to be felt:

• Kahmunrah Rises Again (2022): This animated sequel, released on Disney+, continues the story with Nick Daley following in his father's footsteps as a night guard.
• Museum Interactivity: Many museums have created Night at the Museum-inspired interactive experiences and night events.
• Educational Programs: The franchise has inspired educational programs that use the films as a starting point to teach history and science.

Conclusion

The Night at the Museum franchise offers a unique blend of comedy, adventure, and historical education that has captivated audiences worldwide. From the American Museum of Natural History to the Smithsonian and the British Museum, these films take viewers on a whirlwind tour of history, bringing famous figures and lesser-known historical characters to vibrant life.

By following the recommended viewing order outlined at the beginning of this guide, you'll experience the full arc of Larry Daley's character development. You'll see him grow from a struggling single dad into a confident adventurer, all while forming deep friendships with an eclectic group of historical figures.

The Night at the Museum films are more than just entertaining comedies. They spark curiosity about history, celebrate the power of imagination, and explore themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. They remind us that history is not just a collection of facts and artifacts, but a living, breathing story that we are all part of.

Whether you're a history buff, a fan of comedy adventures, or simply looking for a fun family movie night, the Night at the Museum trilogy has something for everyone. So grab your flashlight, queue up these fantastic films, and prepare for a night of adventure where history comes alive!

As you watch, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt in the first film: "Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them." In the case of Larry Daley and the Night at the Museum franchise, it's a bit of both - and the result is cinematic magic that continues to delight and inspire viewers of all ages.