Are you thinking of diving into the world of Divergent, but feeling a little lost about the right order to watch the movies? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! The Divergent series has sparked a lot of interest since its release, and many new fans are still discovering this thrilling dystopian universe for the first time.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the correct viewing order of the Divergent movies, discuss what each film is about, and touch on why the franchise stirred up so much excitement (and a bit of controversy). Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you enjoy the Divergent saga the right way—from start to finish.
What is the Divergent Series About?
Before we get into the order, let’s take a quick look at what the Divergent series is all about.
Based on the bestselling novels by Veronica Roth, the Divergent series is set in a futuristic, dystopian version of Chicago where society is divided into five factions, each representing a different human virtue:
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Abnegation (selflessness)
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Amity (peacefulness)
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Candor (honesty)
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Dauntless (bravery)
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Erudite (intelligence)
Every citizen must choose a faction at age 16, committing themselves to it for life. The main character, Beatrice “Tris” Prior, discovers that she doesn’t fit neatly into just one faction—she is divergent, which is considered dangerous in this strict society.
What follows is a story of rebellion, identity, love, and survival as Tris navigates a world filled with secrets and lies.
In What Order Do I Watch the Divergent Series?
There are three released movies in the Divergent film series, and they should be watched in the order they were released to best follow the storyline. Here is the correct order:
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Divergent (2014)
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Insurgent (2015)
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Allegiant (2016)
Let’s explore each of these in more detail.
1. Divergent (2014)
This is where it all begins.
In the first film, we meet Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley) as she prepares for the Choosing Ceremony—an event where young people select their faction. Tris makes the surprising decision to leave her family’s faction, Abnegation, and join the fearless Dauntless.
However, after taking an aptitude test, she learns that she doesn’t belong in any one faction. She is divergent—someone who exhibits traits of multiple factions. In a society built on strict classification, this is seen as a threat.
As Tris trains with Dauntless, she uncovers a sinister plot by the Erudite faction to control society and eliminate Divergents. Along the way, she finds strength within herself and begins a romance with her mysterious instructor, Four (played by Theo James).
Why it’s essential: This movie lays the foundation for the series and introduces the rules of the dystopian world. Missing this one would leave you completely lost in the sequels.
2. Insurgent (2015)
Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Insurgent sees Tris and Four on the run from the Erudite-controlled government. They seek refuge with the other factions and the “factionless”—people who don’t belong anywhere.
The central conflict in Insurgent revolves around a mysterious box containing a message from the city’s founders. Only a true Divergent can open it, and the Erudite believe Tris is the key. As tensions rise, Tris faces emotional trauma, betrayal, and tough decisions.
Why it matters: This second installment dives deeper into the politics of the divergent society and the motivations behind the rebellion. It also expands the world beyond the original factions.
3. Allegiant (2016)
Allegiant takes the story beyond the walls of Chicago, where Tris and her allies discover a new world—and a shocking truth about their society. They meet the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, which explains that the city was actually an experiment to fix genetic damage caused by past generations.
As they learn more, Tris and Four realize that the outside world is no utopia. The Bureau has its own agenda, and once again, the future of the divergent hangs in the balance.
Why you should watch it: Even though this film wasn’t as well-received as the first two, it’s essential to understanding the full arc of Tris’s journey and the origin of the dystopian society.
Wait… Wasn’t There Supposed to Be a Fourth Movie?
Great question! Originally, the plan was to split the final book, Allegiant, into two movies—just like what was done with The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. The fourth movie was going to be titled Ascendant and was set to conclude the series.
However, due to the declining box office performance of Allegiant and behind-the-scenes issues (including Shailene Woodley stepping away from the project), Ascendant was canceled. There were talks about turning it into a TV movie or series, but nothing ever materialized.
As it stands, the Divergent film series ends with Allegiant, leaving some fans feeling like the story is incomplete. If you want full closure, reading the books is the best way to experience the entire narrative.
Should I Read the Books First?
This is entirely up to you!
If you want to go into the movies with fresh eyes, watching first can be a great way to experience the story visually. However, reading the books afterward can help fill in details the films had to leave out.
On the other hand, if you’re a book lover who prefers understanding character thoughts and world-building in depth, starting with the novels is a great move. Either way, combining both experiences is the best way to become fully immersed in the divergent world.
How Does the Divergent Series Compare to Other YA Franchises?
The Divergent series is often compared to other young adult dystopian franchises like:
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The Hunger Games
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Maze Runner
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The Giver
What sets divergent apart is its unique faction system and emphasis on identity and individuality. While The Hunger Games focuses on survival and government oppression, and Maze Runner delves into memory loss and experimentation, Divergent explores the dangers of conformity and the power of personal choice.
Fans who enjoy strong female leads, complex world-building, and romantic subplots often find themselves drawn to divergent.
Is the Divergent Series Appropriate for Teens?
The Divergent films are generally rated PG-13 and are suitable for teens and adults. They contain themes of violence, identity, rebellion, and romance, but they’re not excessively graphic. That said, parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
If you’re watching with your family, it can actually open up great conversations about society, bravery, and making tough decisions.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Divergent Series in Order
To sum it up, the best way to watch the Divergent movies is in the order they were released:
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Divergent (2014)
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Insurgent (2015)
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Allegiant (2016)
Even though the planned fourth film never came to life, the trilogy still offers an exciting, thought-provoking journey worth experiencing. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, the divergent series remains a standout in the world of YA adaptations.
