Hornblower Collection backdrop
Hornblower Collection poster
Official Collection
Series Freshness: Jan 19, 2026

Hornblower Collection

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

8Movies
★ 7.5 Avg Rating

Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis

The Hornblower Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 3 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 8 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.

The "Series" Benchmark: 7.3/10

The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 7.3. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," Hornblower Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with Hornblower: The Even Chance standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.

Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal

Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the Hornblower Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.

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★ 7.2HIT

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★ 7.3HIT

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.