Credit: Universal PicturesThe Jurassic Park/Jurassic World franchise is teeming with iconic characters. From heroes like Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) to villains like Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight) to Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott), there’s no shortage of great characters, whether good or bad, for Jurassic Park fans to sink their teeth into.
But the real stars of the show are the dinosaurs. InGen’s genetically engineered theme park monsters, especially those of the more carnivorous variety, have been “spared no expense.” As such, the Jurassic films feature terrifyingly realistic prehistoric predators that, to quote Jurassic World‘s Simon Masrani (Irrfan Khan), are enough to “give the parents nightmares.”
The Ferocious Giganotosaurus — Jurassic World Dominion
Giganotosaurus is the largest predator in the Jurassic Park franchise. Its enormous size and strength make it as a formidable opponent, even capable of a swift takedown of Tyrannosaurus Rex, as seen in the Jurassic World: Dominion prologue. But despite its imposing presence throughout the main Jurassic World Dominion (2022) film, fans criticized its appearance, highlighting the fact that it actually performs no kills in the film.
Still, it’s pretty terrifying to look at.
The Cunning Velociraptor — Every Jurassic Park Movie
Related: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ May Force Several Fans To Exit Movie Theaters in Blind Rage
In the Jurassic Park franchise, Velociraptors are depicted as intelligent pack hunters, capable of outsmarting their prey and even opening doors. Memorable scenes like the terrifying kitchen sequence in the original Jurassic Park (1993), and the brutal takedown of park warden Robert Muldoon (Bob Peck), have left a lasting impression on audiences. The evolution of these six-foot predators has remained a focal point for the Jurassic film series.
“Six-foot turkeys,” eh? We don’t think so.
The Mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex — Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the most iconic prehistoric antagonists in the Jurassic Park series. This fearsome “super predator” captivated audiences from the moment it broke out of its enclosure in the 1993 film. The evolution of the T-Rex in the Jurassic World trilogy, however, has seen it go from a menacing creature to an anti-hero, thus blurring the lines between animal and anthropomorphic, which has been a huge point of criticism for fans.
But she’s still the king of the dinosaurs, though. Or queen.
The Venomous Dilophosaurus — Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Dominion
Related: ‘Jurassic Park’ Releasing Official Never-Before-Seen Version of 1993 Film
Dilophosaurus embodies a beautiful but deadly design, complete with distinctive neck frills. Its venomous capability also sets it apart as a unique threat within the Jurassic Park universe. The notable kill scene involving Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight) showcases the terrifying nature behind this dinosaur’s attractive appearance. With its blinding venom spray and spine-chilling hoots, Dilophosaurus is just as memorable as the likes of T-Rex.
And yes, the smaller ones are just as bad as their “big brothers.”
The Ruthless Spinosaurus — Jurassic Park III
The Spinosaurus, first introduced in Jurassic Park III (2001), is a fierce rival to T-Rex. While the battle between the two creatures became infamous for all the wrong reasons, as the Spinosaurus ends up overpowering and killing the fan-favorite T-Rex, the fan-pleasing design and relentless nature of the Spinosaurus has long since redeemed the enormous super predator for countless fans, who are now hoping it will return in a future film.
Best keep an ear out for that iconic satellite phone ringtone.
The Agile Indoraptor — Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
The Indoraptor, a monstrous creation born of hybrid genetics (part-Indominus Rex, part-human), boasts a strikingly sleek jet-black design that instantly captured fans’ attention. But despite being underutilized in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), the stealth-like hunting techniques the creature adopts as it stalks the dark hallways of the quasi-gothic Lockwood Manor makes it one of the Jurassic Park franchise’s most memorable dinosaurs.
A very “clever girl” indeed.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Directed by Gareth Edwards (2014’s Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), the upcoming sequel Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Mahershala Ali (The Green Book), Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (Dead Boy Detectives), Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).
The film will be released in theaters worldwide on July 2, 2025.
Are you excited to see more dinosaurs in Jurassic World Rebirth? Let Inside the Magic know your thoughts in the comments down below!