Everything to Watch Before Epic Universe Grand Opening Next Year

What to Watch (and Play) Ahead of Universal’s Epic Universe May 2025 Opening

The countdown is on! Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, introducing five incredible lands that promise immersive adventures like never before. Whether you’re a fan of wizards, gamers, Vikings, classic monsters, or celestial journeys, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To prepare for this epic experience, we’ve put together a guide to the movies, shows, and games you should watch (and play) to get the most out of your visit.

Related: First Look at the Animated Figures for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Universal Epic Universe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Step into the wizarding world like never before as Epic Universe brings together elements from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Start your prep with a magical movie marathon:

• “Fantastic Beasts” series: Follow Newt Scamander’s adventures through magical Paris in the 1920s (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Crimes of Grindelwald, and The Secrets of Dumbledore).
• “Harry Potter” series: Revisit all eight films, especially Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows, to understand the lore of the Ministry of Magic and to be introduced to Delores Umbridge.

In this new land, you’ll explore wizarding Paris, interact with magical beasts, and travel to the British Ministry of Magic to witness thrilling scenes like Dolores Umbridge’s trial.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Get ready to jump, race, and explore in a vibrant land inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country. The best way to prepare? Dust off your Nintendo console and start gaming:

• Classics: The OG Super Mario Bros. (1985) is a must-do, as well as Super Mario World which sees the first appearance of Yoshi.
• Yoshi’s Adventures: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island and Yoshi’s Crafted World.
• Mario Kart series: Perfect your racing skills with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe before taking on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
• Donkey Kong Country: Revisit favorites like Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze ahead of exploring the new Donkey Kong coaster.

For movie fans, don’t miss The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), which captures the fun and whimsy of the Mario universe.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Live like a Viking in a land inspired by the beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise. To dive into the lore of Berk and its dragons:

• Films: Watch the trilogy (How to Train Your Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and The Hidden World).
• TV Series: Explore deeper stories with Dragons: Riders of Berk, which bridges the first two films and expands on dragon racing, a key element of the park’s Dragon Racer’s Rally ride.

With soaring rides like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and live shows, this land is a dream come true for dragon lovers.

Dark Universe

Prepare for year-round thrills in a land dedicated to Universal’s iconic monsters. Start your spooky prep with classic horror films that inspired it all:

• Essential Films: You are going to want to dig into the lore of the OG Universal Monster films, such as Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Invisible Man (1933), and The Wolf Man (1941).
• Expanded Classics: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1913), Dracula (1931), and The Mummy (1932) are great additions to the above list.

This land will feature rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, character encounters, and spine-chilling references to these timeless tales.

Celestial Park

Related: Epic Universe Single Day Ticket Prices Revealed

While no specific shows or games tie directly to this original land, Celestial Park promises to dazzle guests with lush landscapes, cosmic pathways, and sensory delights. It’s the perfect spot for fans who enjoy the wonder of exploration and storytelling.

With Epic Universe just months away, there’s no better time to start your journey into these incredible worlds. From binge-watching movies to powering up your gaming skills, preparing for this groundbreaking park opening will make your visit all the more memorable. What are you most excited to explore at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments!

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