In addition, the film’s use of color and stylish visual aesthetic was also singled out for praise.

Petersen’s performance, in particular, was praised, with many calling it one of the best performances of his career. Manhunter was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $8 million at the box office and receiving mostly positive reviews from critics. The film also features Tom Noonan as serial killer Francis Dolarhyde and Dennis Farina as Jack Crawford, Graham’s boss at the FBI. The film stars William Petersen as FBI profiler Will Graham, who hunts for “Tooth Fairy” killer Hannibal Lecter (played by Brian Cox). This is the first film in the Hannibal movies. Manhunter is a 1986 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Michael Mann and based on the Thomas Harris novel Red Dragon. Hannibal Lecter Movies in Order of the Release Date So whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, check out these Hannibal movies in order. Then, starting with” Manhunter” and ending with” Hannibal,” this list will take you through all the most significant moments in Lecter’s history.

If you want to experience the full Hannibal Lecter story, then you’ll want to watch all the movies in order. Anthony Hopkins took over the role for “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Hannibal,” and “Red Dragon.” The first film starred Brian Cox as Hannibal Lecter. Any fan of horror movies knows the name “Hannibal Lecter.” This iconic character has been played by some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and his gruesome crimes have been the subject of numerous films and books.ĭiabolical cannibal Hannibal Lecter has been the basis for five movies, all adapted from Thomas Harris novels about Lecter: 1981’s Red Dragon, 1988’s The Silence of the Lambs, 1999’s Hannibal, and 2006’s Hannibal Rising.

The silence of the lambs books in order