Very few franchises have had as much staying power as Charlie’s Angels, conceived as a female empowerment show but still very much made for the male gaze. Subsequent versions have made it less about how men perceive the women and more about them, which proves that this is the type of idea that has enough staying power that its different versions reflect the times we live in.
But what if you wanted to watch them all? What order should you watch the movies and TV shows in for better enjoyment? Here we bring you all you need to know about watching Charlie’s Angels in order.
Charlie’s Angels (1976)
The show that started it all. Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith were the original Angels, following an invisible boss who we—and they—only know and recognize by his voice. The show premiered at a time where action sequences and a group of smart women figuring things out wasn’t the norm, and it quickly made how competent they were the standard. And the male gaze of it all was ever-present, in how good they looked at every second.
Charlie’s Angels lasted five seasons, with big cast changes almost every season. But that first season remains what every remake has been trying to recapture in not just vibes, but chemistry.
Charlie’s Angels (2000)
It took over two decades for the first Charlie’s Angels movie, and though it once again brought three different actresses to work for an invisible boss, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu were not just new versions of the show’s characters. Instead, this version was much more action meets comedy with big fight choreography and stylish special effects than the series.
The movie’s success proved that the original formula could be adapted, with the right cast and the right chemistry. Charlie’s Angels (2000) also set the standard for an even goofier sequel that wasn’t nearly as popular as the first movie in the series.
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle did what all sequels do, bring more of the things that worked before: more action, more budget, and more goofiness. This time, despite the proven chemistry and the silly and almost larger-than-life fight sequences, the movie wasn’t as well received at the box office. Perhaps it was the absence of Bill Murray, substituted here for Bernie Mac. But for whatever reason, the higher budget and lack of commercial success left the franchise in limbo for years after the movie was released.
There’s, however, no arguing. The movie is still very fun and the cast chemistry is still very much apparent.
Charlie’s Angels (2011)
If you’ve forgotten this ABC series even existed, we won’t blame you. Charlie’s Angels (2011), which was meant to reboot the original show, only lasted four episodes before the network cancelled it, and of the eight recorded episodes, only seven ever aired. But if you want to be a completionist, you can check out this more serious and grounded version of the franchise, starring Annie Ilonzeh as Kate Prince, Minka Kelly as Eve French, Rachael Taylor as Abby Sampson, Ramon Rodriguez as John Bosley, and the voice of Victor Garber as Charlie.
Perhaps it was too soon for another remake, or the vibe was too serious for audiences at the time, because the cast was certainly not the problem.
Charlie’s Angels (2019)
Hollywood wouldn’t even wait another decade before trying the formula once again, this time back on the big screen. The idea is modernized, with Elizabeth Banks directing and acting in a Charlie’s Angels (2019) that focuses on one team of Angels—with different teams working simultaneously all over the world. Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are the new team in a movie that has a feminist, self-aware tone, but that doesn’t forget about the fun.
Audiences, sadly, didn’t respond well to a movie that was a great attempt at widening the scope of the franchise without losing its essence. But that doesn’t make it any less worth the watch.
Where To Watch All 'Charlie's Angels' Movies In Order Online
To discover more about Charlie’s Angels TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
