All 4 The Mummy movies ranked from worst to best

388583 09: Imhotep is resurrected and walks the earth once more to fulfill his quest for immortality in "The Mummy Returns." (Photo by ILM/Universal Studios)
388583 09: Imhotep is resurrected and walks the earth once more to fulfill his quest for immortality in "The Mummy Returns." (Photo by ILM/Universal Studios) /
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The Mummy
388583 03: Rick O”Connell (played by Brendan Fraser, left) and Imhotep (played by Arnold Vosloo) face a new threat in “The Mummy Returns.” (Photo by Keith Hamshere/Universal Studios) /

Dust off those archaeologist hats you’ve had since you were 10, we’re diving deep into the sands of Egypt and beyond with our ranking of modern day The Mummy movies.

From ancient curses to swoon-worthy heroes, The Mummy franchise has given us thrills, chills, and even a few spills. Whether you’re here for the love of ancient lore, Brendan Fraser’s iconic charm, Ardeth Bay’s lovely existence, or just to see how many times someone can shout, “RIIIIIIIIIICK!”, this list is for you.

This iconic franchise started decades ago with the black-and-white classics, but it took on a whole new life of its own with a reboot in 1999, with the cinematic masterpiece The Mummy featuring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, and it has since wrapped us (tee hee) in its mummified arms, giving us a combination of action, horror, and humor that I still haven’t quite seen in any other franchise since. With mummies that refuse to stay in their sarcophaguses, love stories that stand the test of time, and treasures that aren’t just gold and jewels but memorable and really quotable moments, these movies have secured a special place in many hearts around the world.

One of the most enchanting elements of The Mummy franchise is its seamless blend of ancient myths with modern-day adventure. Where else can you find cursed priests, roaring sandstorms, and age-old spells combined with cheeky humor, modern wit, and heart-pounding action sequences? These movies take audiences to a world where the past collides with the present, reminding us of the timeless allure of ancient tales and the thrill of discovery.

Beyond the entrancing storylines and special effects, the franchise’s strength lies in its characters. Their resilience, rapport, and unexpectedly comedic encounters with mummies and the undead make them endearing and relatable, ensuring that The Mummy franchise remains not just a series about uncovering ancient tombs, but also about the treasures of human spirit and adventure.

But just how do these films stack up against each other? Which one will rise as the best one of the series, and which one kind of missed the mark? We’re about to rank The Mummy franchise from those that might have been better left buried to those that truly shine like the treasures of Hamunaptra.

Note: While there were multiple iterations of The Mummy, this list will take a look at the famous and infamous modern day installments after the franchise’s 1999 relaunch, including the Brendan Fraser-led trilogy.