How The Chronicles Of Riddick Failed Into A Franchise 

I actually really loved Chronicle's of Riddick, and will gladly watch anything related to the character. Also points off for not mentioning butcher bay

Riddick is Vin's coolest character And Pitch Black is one of the best Horror films of the 2000's

Love or hate it, It 's one of the few sci-fi franchise we got that is not an adaption of something else and for that it's commendable. They have attempted to worldbuild a galaxy and for that I can't help but respect.

There’s no way Steven Seagal had a better audition for this role over vin diesel 😂

The first movie is still the most fun and rewatchable. I need more simple monster flicks on isolated planets like that

Couldn't disagree more. Riddick slaps its western live action anime and kicks all the way through

I think one thing that gets overlooked in Pitch Black is the "redemption arc" of Riddick. Even though they could have shown more examples of his wrongdoing earlier in the film (any at all really), it was satisfying to see his character assume the reigns of sheperd to the group. Two moments influenced his transformation: Johns' cowardly self-preservation and false presentation as the "good guy", and Fry overcoming her own past self-interests for the survival of the group. Riddick saw himself in the former and admired the latter. Those moments are when he chose his path morally. My favorite part of the film is the ending dialogue when Jack asks Riddick what she is to tell people when they ask about him and he says, "Tell them he died back on that planet."

Chronicles of Riddick was my favorite of the series. It expanded the Universe, it was creative, had an awesome bad guy. Yea it had cheese but if that is the price for something original I'll pay it.

I absolutely love every movie, game, and anime in the series, and think the Director's Cut of Chronicles Of Riddick is an awesome flick. It's a fun universe, and has a lot of elements of the great 80s and 90s action and sci-fi films that gives you just enough plot, and backstory that's just interesting enough to make the film.

Nowadays, making a PG-13 sequel from an R-Rated movie is a red flag

Just got to the “25 years after release” and I’ve never felt older in my life.

I think the video games (Escape from Butcher Bay especially) are worth a mention. They told smaller stories focused on the "antihero" angle and really captured the flair. IIRC they even went back to Riddick's eye-shine being a surgical enhancement.

They may not have been organized well for a cohesive universe, but it's still has interesting world building. Reminds me of the Firefly setting. Gritty, intergalactic, semi-realistic, and low-budget.

Pitch Black is a great space western that mixed elements from other great movies together quite well. A disparate group of passengers in the middle of hostile territory forced to team up to survive, and the most capable survivor turns out to be the Outlaw that was meant to be escorted to prison à la Stagecoach (1939). And in this case, the hostiles are Extraterrestrial Monsters à la Aliens (1986). This is a very interesting Mash-up of genre tropes and it turned out to be a great movie. Riddick is a very cool character.

The Chronicles of Riddick is bloody awesome, shame the third movie didn't really pick up on the ending of the movie.

How comes you didnt mention the 2 video games made based on Riddick? Those were decent and another sign of how dedicated Diesel was to the role.

I remain a fan of Riddick, all of the films, anime and games. I eagerly await the next one.

I really liked Chronicles of Riddick in the Directors Cut and will defend it. Great sci-fi saga with wild ideas and just what cinema was made for

This is one of my favorite franchise ever and I believe this world still has so much potential. The games are also amazing.

I feel for Vin as he tried and tried again to get this series off the ground. I saw Pitch Black when it came out and it was ok, but it was the Riddick videogame that really got me into the franchise! That game had no business being as good as it was, but I'm glad it was.

Excited??? Are you kidding me??? I'm gonna freaking cry! I actually saw riddick before pitch black so to me he was always a furyan. I remember seeing that movie and I was completely floored it was SO FREAKING AWESOME! "We move at one pace . . . MINE!!" 😁

I was always a little torn on the direction things went after the first film, but I appreciate that they took some risks and Chronicles plenty fun. The first will always be a legendarily quick and dirty sci-horror romp.

Chronicles of Riddick is kind of a guilty pleasure for me. It's not a great film, but it is hard not to enjoy the wildness of the attempt. The Escape from Butcher Bay video game was fantastic as a prequel to Pitch Black. It was a lot more consistent with the character, though it was part of the retcon for the eyeshine.

Dark Fury is so underrated, it was my first ultra-violent animation. Despite it being anime/comic like, it still was a great follow up to Pitch Black

I am excited for the next instalment! Plot holes and dubious acting aside, I like the world he has been trying to build.

The second movie was and is one of the epic sci-fi sequels, imo.

I've always been a big fan of the franchise, and sure, it changed direction, but every movie has been a fun and entertaining ride through a world I love learning more about.

Chronicles was one of my favorite movies. It's so out there and unique.

I'm excited. But that's because I want to see if he ever finds him home world. Finally get an ending to the story and see what Furiya actually looks like.

I say more power to him. If you can make a character you love come to life and bring a few people along for the ride and you're willing to sacrifice to make it happen with profits be damned, that's a true artist. You can dislike the art or the artist but you can't deny that he has created something he loves.

I really liked Chronicles of Riddick. It was the first one I saw. The animated one was pretty good too

I love the character of riddick. I saw the first movie and some other movie, but i can't remember it, but what's mostly in my mind is the video game escape from butcher bay. And i'm happy to learn how much of a nerd diesel is. Good for him.

I actually kind of like the Riddick 2013, it does a somewhat decent job of recreating the gritty tone of the original.

The second one is by and far my favorite. I realize it lost money, but I'd definitely pay to see something like that again.

I think the 3rd one was close to being really good, It was nice to see the savage side of Riddick that was there in the first movie. I've really loved the franchise since Pitch Black and really wish it grew more. There was a game made too where you escape a prison as Riddick, it was amazing playing it as a kid. Vin Diesel is perfect for the role too, he embodies it well.

I think Escape from Butcher Bay was a great addition to the Riddick storyline, especially as a prequel that established a lot of the things we know and love about the Riddick we meet in Pitch Black.

I like these movies. I love the fact they went crazy with part two because it was so different and not just the first movie again, I would absolutely watch a 4th movie.

I don't really think it failed. It launched Vin's career and it had a few sequels. Over the years it's become a cult classic. I did enjoy your video. I had no idea they were looking at Steven Seagal Ughh!!

I love all three movies. All really good and well paced in my opinion. I love the world-building. It's done in a way that leaves a lot of mystery and keeps you wanting to learn more

Love the characters and story.

Riddick is all fantastic and has a cult following. A lot of people really want more Riddick

I remember actually telling people that Riddick was my favorite movie when I was a kid. Got to love an overpowered badass. I have never rewatched them, but maybe I should.

I quite liked the first two films (the only ones i watched, though the anime style one is certainy one I'll add to my list). I feel like there aren't enough unique gritty sci fi adventure films and seeing something being worked on with passion by the actors and directors is something ive always got more time for

Im not a fan of his but as an indie auteur who creates for the passion myself, I find it charming to see actors truly passionate about their projects so I gotta respect stuff when it's done outta genuine joy and fun.

There was wonderful potential here. I feel for David Twohy. He seems like a talented person... and, despite success - it doesn't seem like he ever got the break it seems he deserved.

I really like the two movies. Both for different reasons. The first one is a legit good monster flick movie with proper tension. And the second is just a fun sci-fi movie which bonus points has Karl Urban in it

I would love more riddick movies or shows/cartoons that’s completely canon to the story line.

Dang, this is a franchise I haven’t been back to you in a long time! This video was a fun trip down memory lane. I think this franchise was and is a prime example of trying to go to big too fast. Like many I really enjoy the first movie, because of its smaller atmosphere, and a surprise to me, a very charismatic performance from Vin Diesel. Unfortunately, nowadays, I feel like too many creators or studios Get overzealous too quickly wafter some success. Like the Andrew Garfield Spider-Man movies. I would have loved to have seen a slow building story with Riddick, not the 0 to 100 from one movie to the next we got. It’s a shame, I feel like the character had so much potential. I’m not expecting much from the next movie, but let’s hope for the best.

Maybe I'm in the minority but I really like the Riddick movies. I like how they've expanded the story and the world. I remember when Chronicles of Riddick came out, while watching it, I regularly had the thought that I would love to know more about the world and I'm glad there are more movies coming or at least one I guess. My favorite story is Escape from Butcher Bay, the game. It's the whole reason I bought an Xbox.

I love the Riddick universe. I love how edgy, dark and gritty it is along with all of it's Sci-Fi elements. I am excited to see what they do with the next film. I largely agree with your criticisms and agree that they didn't manage to make the sequels as well as they could have. I think the sequels suffered the same way the Matrix sequels suffered, they were never really intended for more than the single move. Pitch Black on it's own is a really good movie, The Matrix a masterpiece - however there are fans of us out there that still want more from Riddick! :)

Crazy that this video game out the same week I decide to rewatch the franchise. I love the Riddick movies, even though the first one is the only one I think is "objectively" good, I still love every movie in the series. Riddick is such a badass anti-hero and carries himself like he's truly the deadliest thing around. I feel like they made a mistake taking Chronicles into the whole Necromonger plotline, but I think it could have been a strong franchise if that's what the movies were all about from the beginning. And even though I was disappointed that the last movie was just a reboot of Pitch Black, I still massively enjoyed it for the same reasons Pitch Black was so good. Overpowered anti-hero, hostile planet escape, and even adding an alien wolf hound companion.

I have always enjoyed these films. They are by no means highbrow fantasy- sci-fi but they are entertaining and hold one's interest. Sometimes .... nostalgia through tough guy fluff is fine. I'd watch another.

I am excited for more Riddick - don't know why but the character stayed with me.

I loved Pitch Black and was hyped for Chronicles of Riddick. I absolutely detested it - I used to call it Ridiculous/Chronic (go me). Years later I watched it again for some reason - and loved it. I think it was the jump in scale and massive amount of world building that I found jarring the first time around. Looking at it as it's own thing it's really well done.

When chronicles of Riddick came out, I did not even make the connection to pitch black. I didn't follow actors enough to become familiar with them so it just seemed like a new movie to me and my mind was blown when i found out.

"a franchise being kept alive by hubris alone" haha that is so true :D . Still love those movies, they are so weird and unique

VD is one of the actors that I’ll probably watch every single movie… just like Keanu Reeves or Jason Statham or Liam Neeson. Sure, it was I’ll probably be a direct to Amazon prime movie, but they always provide fun 10pm movies to watch after work and having a few beers

How does The 3rd movie, Riddick, feel empty? I think it's a brilliantly writin small movie. Where we first follow the anti-hero to satisfy the audience, and then cut to the story where we see him as the mysterious villain who than later picks up the focus in the story. It was a brilliant movie to pick up the franchise.

I honestly loved the first two films so much as well as Dark Fury. The third film didn't really hit the mark for me and I consider Riddick one of my favorite scifi characters ever. The Games were super fun as well, ans the heavier sci fi action switch was really fun for me in Chronicles. I felt like he maintained that reluctance to be a hero that made him a classic anti hero. He also did alot of murdering. I also had the directors cut R or unrated version as my first viewing so I may be jaded by that. Actually I saw Chronicles before I saw Pitch Black which may have skewed my entire view

There's a whole lotta talk about how people don't want these movies, but the box office results are actually pretty consistent across each title. The only issue is Chronicles had a massive budget that they didn't make back. The series works best with a B-movie budget and Riddick was proof of that. People just expect the word "Franchise" to be attached to MCU-level box office numbers when it can just be a little thing. Can't wait for 4 and I hope the series continues beyond it.

Chronicles is actually my favorite, more depth is not a bad thing and I thought the villains were interesting (not so much “wiping out” but assimilating planets). Enjoyed all 3 movies and will enjoy another.

Pitch Black was amazing. Making him an alien just reminded me of Highlander 2. 😢

I always felt that the first film and the smaller projects (Games, anime, etc) were the superior stories in the franchise rather than the big budget sequels. Maybe Chronicles of Riddick should’ve been a show rather than a film so it could’ve been given some room to grow.

I love Chronicles of Riddick. That movie is absolutely bananas and doesn’t give a shit. It doesn’t really bother to explain anything, it just hopes you catch up. Like “this is the universe now, get used to it.” It is good time, a totally wild ride. I actually wanted more and was kinda disappointed at how Riddick (3) abandoned what the second film had set up.

I love all the Riddick movies, can’t wait for the 4th one😊

I loved this movie, still do! I would have loved to see more on Riddick going to find his home planet, more on his background, and the underverse. the last movie hinted at some of it, but never delivered!

THANK YOU for making a video about this movie! Appreciate that! Also, one year he's the Purifier, the next year he's Thomas Wayne, Linus Roache

These are the movies I want there to be more of. Love filled works of art rather than the cardboard cutouts of famous actors.

Chronicle's of Riddick was great. They rarely make weird sci-fi like this.

I love Chronicles, followed closely by PB. Ridick is the only one I got to see in theaters (in Argentina, both PB and Chronicles were sent directly to video). If they make another one, I'll watch it. :)

I first saw Chronicles on TV and it’s one of my favorite movies from growing up. Would love to see a true sequel to Chronicles in theatres

What a fascinating universe

I've enjoyed all the movies and am excited for the 4th entry.

i like all three movies. it feels like chronicles is the odd one out since it was the most "i dont want to be here" Riddick ever felt. the 1st and 3rd movies were just "this planet sucks, get me out." while the second movie was more "these people suck, get me out." slightly different.

It felt like an entirely new set of people made Chronicles, i tried rewatching on Netflix and it didn't gel, felt like Baby's First Dune or something. My respect for Diesel outweigh a pretty nuts move to center a universe over a ok B plus mercenary killer character, though Riddick 2013 was and is a guilty pleasure.

Ooh first here! Chronicles of Riddick is my fave ... Edit: to be fair it was the first of this franchise I saw

Haha glad it wasn't Steven Segal

I absolutely adore the whole series. Riddick works in just about any setting for me and I'd gladly watch him just sitting around clipping his nails. Chronicles was the first one I saw before going back to Pitch Black and I will often make it a "Riddick Day" when watching, binging all the three films back-to-back. I love Riddick so much it's Riddick-ulous... I'm sorry...

I wonder what Vin Diesel is gonna do once he's done with the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise Because he hasn't done anything decent besides saying "I Am Groot"

The chronicles of Riddick has some of the greatest props and artistic design of any movie ever. The only movie that rivals it os the LoTR trilogy

Missed the opportunity to mention Escape from Butcher Bay, which is pretty great.

Man your videos are good! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I have watched chronicles of riddick 100x over and not once did they say @4:10 his eyes were because of his origin race. The only thing they say about furions is they're born with their umbilacle cord wrapped around their necks. Infact there is another character in the film who is Furyian (one of the necromungers) and he doesn't have the eyes. The only thing that implies it is the video game escape from butcher bay....

The Chronicle of Riddick will never die.

I loved all of them. I didn't watch them as a series so much as a single set of movies starring the character of Riddick. It makes more sense if you see them as standalone versus a series.

What’s crazy I was like 8 years old and chronicle of riddick was my introduction too the franchise, it was movie I would look forward to on FX or TNT back when those channels were popping with no streaming. After that played the games which are top tier

Then, in Escape From Butcher Bay, we learn that he just passively got the surgery for his eyes cuz he stumbled upon a weird old dude who offered it cuz the tunnels ahead were dark

I love this series, especially Chronicles. I wish they’d make more.

Honestly, I love the Riddick series, particularly Chronicles. I’ve always wanted it to be much more and to continue expanding the mythology. The third film at least kept things moving - even if it felt like a retelling of Pitch Black. Moreover, the series could still probably be better served by continuing the video game franchise first. Butcher Bay and Dark Athena give us much more time for character development and world-building.

Totally unrelated, but I just did lights and sound design for a friend’s stage musical. I agreed to help because I thought it was a passion project, but by time we opened, I KNEW it was all just in service of ego. A very thin line that grows thicker and thicker the longer you work on it

Having a movie made by passionnate people who have love for the project is rare. Let them have fun and if the movie turn out to be good, that's even better. So it's a big yes for me.

I really wish they'd push the Dark Fury and Butcher Bay angle and less the Necromonger Chronicles stuff.

I gotta hand it to him making billions for Universal in order to fund his passion projects it's kinda awesome. Dude is living his best geek life. 10 year old Diesel would be proud.

Wait a sec, the Purifier was also Furyan and didn't have the eye shine.

The backstory of Riddick was all over the place. My intro to the series was Pitch Black and Escape from Butcher Bay. In butcher bay he is visited by some etherieal being that brings out his eye shine like it's some kind of trait that comes out in Furians at some point in life. When it happens he seems extremely confused, i agree with the theory that he used the black market surgery to augment his vision to hide it. Riddick is at his strongest when he's in a standalone story, a kind of Mad Max wondering warrior who is selfish with a heart of gold. Someone who gets cought up in the problems of others and inadvertently saves the day.

I just watched through the trilogy, finishing the 3rd a few minutes before watching this vid. The first one was weird but exciting, the second was on level 💯 weird and fun, and the third was like a more fine tuned version of the first one. Enjoyed the experience!

Chronicles was amazing, and I'm sad it wasn't a bigger hit. It had great characters, fun dialogues, and an overall satisfying end, regardless of if the story and plot make total sense or not. I think the problem is trying to turn a low budget B-Movie into a full big budget blockbuster franchise. Maybe Vin needs to admit there just isn't enough people into it and keep them in the 35-50 million budget like the Resident Evil movies and stuff like that, so you don't have to aim for a huge success, just enough to keep going.

The last movie I saw in a theater, was "Riddick" in 2013. --- I consider the "Riddick" character, to be the most intriguing character in cinematic history, way more than any "Star Wars" character, but that's just me. --- The plot, the concept of "Necromongers", the dialog, and the perspective of "Destiny", are over-the-top. Who wrote those lines??? When watching a "Riddick" movie, imagine yourself in his position, and try to imagine what YOU would say, THEN listen to what Riddick says. Where does he get those lines??? --- Some of my favorite lines: "Had to end sometime." "You'd think I'd remember." "Half gram heavy on the bottom side." "Time's up." (when he's strapped down, and it starts to rain) "If you say so." (when told that the Dude he killed, was one of the Lord Marshall's best warriors) and so many more.

I love the direction it took after Pitch Black and I'd love to know more about the Furions.

I love every part of this franchise the movies are all over-the-top and awesome the video games are well-crafted and the anime was top-tier