Shortly after becoming one of the fastest-selling adult paperbacks of all time, E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey earned a film adaptation. The film was a major commercial success, leading to the whole book series being adapted into a movie trilogy. This guide will demonstrate where and how viewers can watch and stream the entire Fifty Shades of Grey series in order.
The first movie in the series, Fifty Shades of Grey, premiered in 2015, starring Dakota Johnson in the lead role of Anastasia “Ana” Steele and Jamie Dornan in the role of Christian Grey. It is often credited with kickstarting both Johnson and Dornan’s careers. Like the book, the film follows Ana’s experiences as she finds herself falling for the billionaire businessman Christian, though his interest in BDSM complicates their relationship.
Similar to the books, Fifty Shades of Grey received mixed-to-negative reviews but was a major commercial hit, grossing $381 million on a budget of $55 million. Although many disagree on the movie’s quality and how it chooses to frame BDSM, it has garnered widespread attention for tackling topics considered “taboo” and highlighting women’s sexuality.
Hence, it wasn’t long before the sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, was greenlit, with Johnson and Dornan returning. Luke Grimes and Rita Ora also returned to reprise their roles as Mia and Elliott Grey, respectively. Anticipation for this movie was relatively high, especially since James’ husband, Niall Leonard, signed on to write the script. The sequel sees the story heat up as Christian’s past comes back to haunt him while he tries to rekindle his relationship with Ana. Although Fifty Shades Darker received even poorer reviews than the original, earning just an 11% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it matched the original’s commercial success.
In 2018, the final movie in the series, Fifty Shades Freed, premiered. Johnson, Dornan, Grimes, and Ora returned while Leonard wrote the script again. The plot allows viewers to see the culmination of Christian and Ana’s relationship. Like its predecessor, the final film was also critically panned but proved a box office success. Despite its mixed reception, the series’ subject matter ensures the conversation and interest around it remains ongoing.
For viewers wishing to delve into the erotica series, here is where to watch it in order. There is only one viewing order, as the chronological and release date orders are the same.