The correct order to watch the Death Race series

First, let’s get the sober chronology of the Corman films out of the way, with Death Race 2000 and Death Race 2050 serving as twin portals to this sadistic, ultra-brutal world. Let’s start with the 1975 original, which uses tonal subversion to its advantage to weave a cheeky, blunt satire about the gamification of basic human rights (à la Battle Royale). The whole point is to run over various groups of people to get the highest score, which leads to a mechanic rigged by resistance groups seeking to put an end to this barbaric sport. The film’s star-studded cast delivers the most over-the-top performances, including the always entertaining Sylvester Stallone and David Carradine, whose characters compete fiercely with each other for the title of champion.

The unique absurdism of Death Race 2000 is mirrored in its sequel, Death Race 2050, which is set in a time when human society is on the brink of total collapse. The only worthwhile distraction in the face of impending extinction is – you guessed it – the Death Race, which now uses the increasingly dystopian wonders of virtual reality to take the race to the extreme. While this sequel offers some memorable moments, they aren’t as head-scratching as its predecessor.

When you’re done, you can move over to the remake side with 2010’s Death Race 2, a prequel to the 2008 reboot. Death Race 2 is perhaps the only remake entry that consciously plays to its logic-defying strengths. It roots itself in the year 3000, a time when only irradiated wastelands can emerge that become the racetracks for the death matches that take place year after year. With its relentless carnage and thrilling lack of logical consequence, Death Race 2 never fails to surprise and entertain.