Movies to watch before going to Universal

If you’re planning a Universal vacation and wondering which movies to watch before going to Universal, this post is for you. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you don’t want to miss our Universal Orlando Planning Guide.

What better way to get in the mood for your vacation than watching some of the movies on which the rides and attractions are based?

After all, Universal Orlando is a theme park based on the movies!

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Here are over 30 movies to watch before going to Universal, but there are plenty more. This list should give you hours of entertainment to help you get excited about your Universal vacation.

All movies are linked on Amazon, and some are even included in Amazon Prime. Make sure to sign up for a free trial if you’re not yet a Prime member.

All links have options for Blu-ray or Prime Video. Some of the movies can also be found on Netflix or Hulu.

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Now, let’s get to the movies to watch before going to Universal Orlando!

30 movies to watch before going to Universal

Here are the movies to watch before going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Movies to watch before going to Islands of Adventure:

I decided to group the movies to watch before going to Universal by the park. That way, if you’re only visiting one park, you’ll know which ride belongs to which park. Let’s get started with Islands of Adventure.

Jurassic Park

My 11-year-old’s favorite movies are Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. Start with the classic Jurassic Park and watch to the latest Jurassic World movie. Better yet, buy the entire collection.

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These are some of the best movies to watch before going to Universal. Watching them will make you even more excited to meet Blue and a special baby raptor at the Raptor Encounter. Plus, the Velocicoaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure!

Marvel Movies:

There are a lot of Marvel movies, but not all of them are related to Universal Orlando since Disney now owns Marvel. Still, Marvel Island exists in Universal, and you can meet lots of characters like Spiderman or Rogue and Storm from X-Men. So Marvel movies are some of the best movies to watch before going to Universal!

Here are the best ones to watch before your Universal vacation:

King Kong

Skull Island: Reign of Kong is one of the most popular rides at Universal Orlando. This (mostly) family-friendly ride features the largest animatronic in Orlando.

Harry Potter Movies

As a Wizarding World fan, I couldn’t create this list without mentioning the Harry Potter movies. Although it’s not confirmed, it’s rumored that there could be a Fantastic Beasts “world” at Epic Universe.

movies to watch before going to Universal

Either way, the seven original movies, and two Fantastic Beasts movies will excite you to see the Wizarding World for yourself. Don’t forget to check out seven things to buy before visiting the Wizarding World while you’re at it.

Trolls

The Trolls movie is a must because there’s now a Trolls ride in Universal, the Trollercoaster! There is also a fun meet and greet with Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond.

movies to watch before going to Universal Poppy and Branch are one of the most adorable meet-and-greets at Universal! Don’t miss this one.

Movies to watch before going to Universal Studios

Next, we’ll head over to some of the movie-based rides at Universal Studios.

The Mummy

Although I wasn’t a massive fan of The Mummy or The Mummy Returns, I loved the ride, and watching the movies made it more enjoyable. In fact, it’s one of my favorite rides in either park!

The Simpsons Movie

My kids love the Simpsons ride and always ride it multiple times. I get major motion sickness from this ride, but the meet and greet is a lot of fun!

Check out The Simpsons movie, or series, before you go.

Springfield is a large theme park area with multiple rides, so it’s worth watching the movie or show before you check it out.

movies to watch before going to Universal

Men in Black

If you’re a competitive family, you’ll want to compare scores on Men in Black. First, watch MIB and MIB II so that you have a little bit of backstory. Next, watch this fantastic video by Rix Flix, telling you how to get the best score.

Despicable Me

If you have any Minions fans in your house, they will love Despicable Me, Minion Mayhem. Minion Mayhem is not only a fun “ride” (it’s more of an attraction) but also a fun meet and greet at the end.

Watch Despicable Me 1, 2, and 3, or the Minions and Minions: Rise of Gru.

Universal Orlando Planning Guide

Shrek

The Shrek attraction is sadly closed but don’t worry, there’s still a fun meet and greet! Don’t forget to watch Shrek 1, 2, and 3 before your Universal vacation.

Fast and Furious

The Fast and the Furious ride is arguably the worst ride at Universal, but hey, maybe you’ll enjoy it? I lost count of how many movies there are, but feel free to watch them.

Transformers

Transformers is, in my opinion, one of the best 3D rides at Universal. Don’t forget to check out the Transformers movies, particularly the first one, before your vacation.

E.T.

While this ride isn’t very thrilling, it is a classic! My kids had no idea what was happening when they rode it, so I suggest watching E.T. before your vacation.

ng, it is a classic! My kids had no idea what was going on when they rode it, so I suggest watching E.T. before your vacation.

Madagascar

While there is no Madagascar ride or attraction, there is an entertaining meet and greet with the penguins and King Julian! There are plenty of Madagascar movies to watch before you meet the penguins.

movies to watch before going to Universal

Jaws

The Jaws ride was taken away to create London and Diagon Alley, but plenty of areas still pay homage to this former ride. Jaws is one of the best movies to watch before going to Universal. Once you watch it, head to Chez Alcatraz and order an “Ocean Attack” (alcoholic) or “Shark Friendly” (non-alcoholic.)

You can also see a tribute to the Jaws ribe in Knockturn Alley.

Bourne Movies

The Bourne Stuntacular is Universal’s newest and most popular show. The show will make more sense if you watch the movies before you go.

After seeing the show, I researched and learned that there are several Bourne movies beyond the original trilogy! We went home and watched them all and really enjoyed them.

Movies to watch before going to Universal

There you have it! More than 30 movies to watch before going to Universal. I know there are more, but it’s hard to list everything when the theme parks are based on films.

If you have other movies to add, feel free to share them in the comments.

If you’re ready to plan your Universal vacation with a travel agent, contact me to get started.

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movies to watch before going to Universal

30+ Movies to watch before going to Universal

Movies to watch before going to Universal