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Hornblower Collection poster
Official Collection
Series Freshness: Apr 16, 2026

Hornblower Collection

A series of 8 films adapting the Horatio Hornblower book series.

8Movies
★ 7.5 Avg Rating

Hornblower Collection Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview

The Hornblower Collection franchise spans roughly 5 years, featuring 8 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.

From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as Hornblower: The Even Chance demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.

Franchise Quality Benchmark

Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 7.3. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.

Viewing Order Strategy

Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.

However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the Hornblower Collection universe.

Timeline & Watch Order

We recommend watching the Hornblower Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.

1
Hornblower: The Even Chance

Hornblower: The Even Chance

1998★ 7.5SUPER HIT

Portsmouth, 1794. Under thundery skies and in lashing rain, 17-year-old midshipman Horatio Hornblower takes the first tentative steps of his naval career, but a...

2
Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant

Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant

1998★ 7.4HIT

Acting Lieutenant Hornblower attempts to study for his promotion examination, but becomes distracted by the serious supply problems that face his crew....

3
Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil

Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil

1999★ 7.1HIT

Acting Lieutenant Hornblower and his crew are captured by the enemy while escorting a Duchess who has secrets of her own....

4
Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters

Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters

1999★ 7.2HIT

Lieutenant Hornblower and his shipmates are sent to accompany a doomed royalist invasion of revolutionary France....

5
Hornblower: Mutiny

Hornblower: Mutiny

2001★ 7.3HIT

Hornblower and his comrades come under the command of a revered but mentally unstable captain and are forced to mutiny in order to save their ship, the HMS Reno...

6
Hornblower: Retribution

Hornblower: Retribution

2001★ 7.3HIT

Hornblower and the other officers of the Renown must return to Jamaica to face a court-martial and possible execution for their actions in relieving their unsta...

7
Hornblower: Loyalty

Hornblower: Loyalty

2003★ 7.1HIT

Hornblower must deliver a French nobleman to a secret rendezvous near Brest, all while coping with enemy agents in his own ranks....

8
Hornblower: Duty

Hornblower: Duty

2003★ 7.2HIT

Admiral Pellew interrupts Hornblower's wedding reception and tasks him to locate a British ship which has disappeared off the French coast, where Napoleon's tro...

Common Questions about Hornblower Collection

How many movies are in the Hornblower Collection?

There are currently 8 movies in the Hornblower Collection, starting from Hornblower: The Even Chance to the latest release, Hornblower: Retribution.

What is the best order to watch the Hornblower Collection?

The best way to watch the Hornblower Collection is usually in release order: starting with Hornblower: The Even Chance and ending with Hornblower: Retribution. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.

Which is the highest-rated movie in the Hornblower Collection?

According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Hornblower: The Even Chance in this franchise.