Every ‘Men in Black’ Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

From secret agents in sleek suits to neuralyzers and a hidden alien underworld, the ‘Men in Black’ franchise spans four theatrical films adapted from the comic by Lowell Cunningham, released by Columbia Pictures with Amblin Entertainment involved across the series. The films follow agents who monitor extraterrestrial life on Earth while keeping humanity unaware, mixing science-fiction action with gadget-driven set pieces and globetrotting missions. Across entries, returning touchstones include the New York headquarters, signature black attire, and leadership figures like Agent O. The series has expanded its scope over time, adding international branches, new partners, and time-travel twists while staying rooted in the core premise of humans policing alien activity in secret.

‘Men in Black: International’ (2019)

Directed by F. Gary Gray, this spin-off follows Agent M and Agent H working from the London branch, introducing a Europe-centered vantage on the agency’s global network. The plot revolves around a suspected mole inside the organization and a threat tied to the Hive, sending the pair across multiple countries and set pieces. The film features Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, and Kumail Nanjiani among its principal cast. Production partners and distributors remain consistent with the franchise lineage, and the release included extensive brand tie-ins and a wide theatrical rollout.

‘Men in Black II’ (2002)

Barry Sonnenfeld returns to direct as Agent J brings former partner K back into the fold, restoring his erased memories to investigate a renewed extraterrestrial threat led by the Kylothian antagonist Serleena. The film reunites Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones and adds notable roles for Lara Flynn Boyle, Rosario Dawson, and Johnny Knoxville. Story beats revisit the New York setting and expand on agency fixtures like Frank the Pug and the Worm Guys. As the direct sequel to the original, it continues the comic-inspired blend of covert policing, gadgets, and interstellar diplomacy under the MIB’s strict secrecy protocols.

‘Men in Black 3’ (2012)

This installment sends Agent J back in time to partner with a younger version of Agent K, portrayed by Josh Brolin, in order to stop the assassin Boris and avert a catastrophic timeline shift. Returning director Barry Sonnenfeld anchors the narrative in a time-travel framework while preserving the series’ alien-monitoring procedures and agency culture. The cast includes Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Jemaine Clement as the principal villain, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Griffin. Iconic elements—specialized weaponry, neuralyzers, and MIB’s operational protocols—are integrated into period settings to connect past and present agency history.

‘Men in Black’ (1997)

The franchise opener introduces Agent J and Agent K as they police extraterrestrial life on Earth, with a case centered on a disguised alien seeking a miniature power source known as the “galaxy.” Barry Sonnenfeld directs, with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones leading a cast that includes Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Rip Torn. Adapted from the comic, the film codifies the agency’s rules, tech, and New York base that subsequent entries build upon. It received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, highlighting creature effects that became a hallmark of the series.

Got a different order in mind—or a favorite scene that defines the series for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!