Unit 731
A tetralogy of early Hong Kong exploitation films based around the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis
The Unit 731 has evolved significantly over a span of 6 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 4 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.
The "Series" Benchmark: 5.4/10
The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 5.4. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," Unit 731 has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with Men Behind the Sun 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 Unit 731. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the Unit 731 franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
Men Behind the Sun
Japanese troops round up Chinese and Russian prisoners of war and take them to unit 731, where they're horribly tortured and experimented on to test new biologi...
Man Behind the Sun 2: Laboratory of the Devil
In the spring of 1945, Japan established a secret base, Unit 731 in Manchuria, where many innocent Chinese, Korean and Mongolian people were killed in grotesque...
Men Behind the Sun 3: A Narrow Escape
During the shut down and destruction of the Japanese test camp Squadron 731 in Manchuria, a soldier becomes infected with a virus developed during the camp's te...
Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre
Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre depicts the brutal events behind the Nanking Massacre committed by the Imperial Japanese army against the Chinese people during ...
Common Questions about Unit 731
How many movies are in the Unit 731?
There are currently 4 movies in the Unit 731, starting from Men Behind the Sun to the latest release, Men Behind the Sun 3: A Narrow Escape.
What is the best order to watch the Unit 731?
The best way to watch the Unit 731 is usually in release order: starting with Men Behind the Sun and ending with Men Behind the Sun 3: A Narrow Escape. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the Unit 731?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Men Behind the Sun in this franchise.