For over four decades, the Tron franchise has captured imaginations with its glowing light cycles and timeless questions about humanity’s relationship with technology. What began as a bold experiment in computer-generated imagery in 1982 has grown into a cult saga spanning films, games, and now a brand-new movie, Tron: Ares, in 2025. With Tron: Ares on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to revisit the journey so far, and if you have been looking forward to doing so, here is how to watch Tron movies and TV shows in order.
How Many Tron Movies Are There?
There are a total of two movies in the Tron franchise and a TV show (Tron: Uprising). The third Tron movie (Tron: Ares) will be released in theaters soon to expand the franchise.
Tron Movies and TV Shows in Order of Chronology
The chronological order to watch Tron movies is not much different from its release date order. There is only one difference – you will have to watch Tron Uprising before Tron Legacy, as it acts as a bridge between Tron Legacy and the original Tron movie. As for Tron 3, it is rumored to be a soft reboot rather than a sequel, so we are not sure where it will fall in the Tron timeline as of now. So, we are keeping it at the bottom of the list. Below, we have listed the correct order to watch Tron if you want to follow the timeline chronologically.
- Tron (1982)
- Tron: Uprising (TV show – 2012)
- Tron: Legacy (2010)
- Tron: Ares (2025)
1. Tron (1982)
The Tron timeline started with Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a brilliant programmer who got pulled into the Grid, a digital world where programs looked like their human creators. Here he met Tron, the heroic security program, and together they fought against the Master Control Program. This Tron movie was revolutionary, mixing live action with early CGI in ways no one had dared before. The box office may not have been electric, but Tron set a new standard for how cinema could imagine technology.
2. Tron: Uprising (2012)
On Disney XD, Tron: Uprising gave fans more of the Grid than ever before. This animated show, based on Tron, followed Beck, a young program mentored by Tron himself, who rose against Clu’s oppressive regime. The show had a distinct visual style and a surprisingly mature tone, making it one of the most stylish pieces of the franchise. Even though it was short-lived but it proved there was more story to tell between the films.
3. Tron: Legacy (2010)
Then came the comeback. Tron: Legacy wasn’t just a sequel; it was an event. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) found himself sucked into the Grid while searching for his missing father, only to discover Kevin Flynn trapped inside.
What followed was a neon saga of identity discs, light cycles, and one of the best soundtracks ever put on film, courtesy of Daft Punk. This Tron movie gave us Clu, Flynn’s corrupted digital clone, and the mysterious ISOs, who were self-generated programs that hinted at digital life evolving beyond human control. Kevin’s sacrifice at the end left the Grid’s future uncertain, but the film’s cult following cemented it as a modern sci-fi landmark.
4. Tron: Ares (2025)
Now, the long wait is finally over. Tron: Ares, directed by Joachim Ronning, arrives on October 10, 2025. Jared Leto steps into the role of Ares, a program unlike any we’ve seen before. He is sent into the real world on a mission that could reshape everything.
For the first time, the saga leaves the confines of the Grid and fully collides with humanity. Jeff Bridges is back as Kevin Flynn, giving the film a direct tether to everything that came before, while Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith bring fresh blood to the digital frontier. Ares isn’t just another sequel; it’s the next evolution of a 40-year journey.
The Tron Universe Also Expanded to Video Games: Is It Canon to the Tron Timeline?
Released in 2003, Tron 2.0 was a first-person PC game that acted as a spiritual sequel to the original film. Instead of Kevin Flynn, the story followed Jet Bradley, the son of Alan Bradley, who created Tron, as he was pulled into the digital world.
The game expanded the Grid with new environments, mechanics, and enemies, blending action with puzzle-solving while leaning heavily on the franchise’s visual identity. Though it isn’t considered official film canon, Tron 2.0 kept the franchise alive during its quiet years, earning praise for staying true to the spirit of the original movie while experimenting with deeper lore.
Tron Movies and TV Shows in Release Date Order
If you don’t want to follow the chronological timeline and intend to watch Tron movies in order of their release date (as intended by the filmmakers), here is what you need to follow
- Tron (1982)
- Tron: Legacy (2010)
- Tron: Uprising (2012)
- Tron: Ares (2025)
So, with that, you have the complete database for everything Tron, from movies to shows to video games. Now, as we wait for Tron: Ares to be released on the big screen, you are well prepared if anyone challenges you to a Tron pop quiz.
Aparna Ukil
