Spy Games and Memory Lapses: The Bourne Series’ Rise to Fame
It’s hard to talk about spy thrillers without tipping your hat to the Bourne series, which swooped in during the early ’00s aiming to claim its share of the James Bond market. At its core is Jason Bourne, a man grappling with amnesia while hunted by shadowy figures for elusive reasons.
“Looking to take a slice of the James Bond pie in the early ’00s was Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia chased by people who wanted him dead for reasons unknown.”
Featuring a revolving door of stars like Matt Damon, Jeremy Renner, and Jeremy Irvine, the franchise includes five films and a TV series, making it a labyrinthine experience for the uninitiated. With titles ranging from the 2002 hit “The Bourne Identity” to the 2019 TV series “Treadstone,” there’s a lot to unpack.
“There are five movies and one TV series with Matt Damon, Jeremy Renner – of MCU fame – and Jeremy Irvine all taking leading roles across them.”
Which Bourne Are You Watching? A Guide to the Franchise’s Order
If you’re new to the Bourne experience, relax; the cinematic timeline is pretty straightforward. While “Treadstone” serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the movies, the rest of the films are released in chronological order. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Bourne Identity (2002)
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
- The Bourne Legacy (2012)
- Jason Bourne (2016)
- Treadstone (2019)
“How to watch the Bourne movies in order: Other than the recent TV show, which acts as both a prequel and a sequel, the series has been released in chronological order.”
If you’re not into streaming and prefer the feel of a physical copy, you can snag the complete series on Blu-Ray via Amazon.
The Iconic Start: ‘The Bourne Identity’
The franchise began with a literal splash as Jason Bourne, portrayed by Matt Damon, is dragged from the sea by a fisherman. Thus begins a high-octane ride through Europe, filled with chase scenes and conspiracies that introduced the world to Bourne and his quest for self-discovery.
“The first entry in the Bourne series – by release order anyway – and the first movie starts with our protagonist being dragged from the sea, barely alive, by a fisherman.”
The Sequels: Amping Up The Stakes
The intrigue continued with “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum,” each sequel pushing the boundaries in terms of narrative and action. With stakes amplified and the CIA continually after him, Bourne struggles to piece together the fragments of his past.
“The conspiracy that Bourne is caught up in between the CIA and Operation Treadstone showed no signs of slowing down in the second entry in the Bourne series.”
The Oddball and The Return: ‘Legacy’ and ‘Jason Bourne’
After a hiatus, the franchise returned with “The Bourne Legacy,” featuring Jeremy Renner as the lead. Though missing Matt Damon, the film had its merits, sparking conversations about a possible Damon and Renner team-up.
“An oddity in the Bourne franchise and often overlooked – some may say unfairly – The Bourne Legacy saw Jeremy Renner join the franchise to lead the fourth entry.”
2016’s “Jason Bourne” saw the return of Matt Damon and introduced Alicia Vikander’s character as a formidable foe, proving the franchise could still pull off some tricks.
‘Treadstone’: The Series That Almost Was
Launched in 2019 and cancelled after just one season, “Treadstone” offered a complex narrative of two timelines and aimed to give a broader scope of the Bourne universe.
“Cancelled after one season, Treadstone featured two timelines, with one set in 1973 that explored the murky origins of Operation Treadstone.”
The Franchise’s Future: Uncertainties and Possibilities
The jury’s still out on whether we’ll see another Bourne movie, especially with “Treadstone” being shelved.
“The jury is out on whether or not another Bourne film will be made, and Treadstone being cancelled doesn’t bode well for the series.”
Your Takeaway
While the franchise has its share of hits and misses, the Bourne series has cemented its place in the world of spy thrillers. Whether you’re a Bourne rookie or a veteran, this guide should help you navigate the action-packed waters of this iconic franchise.
