Unit 731
A tetralogy of early Hong Kong exploitation films based around the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Unit 731 Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The Unit 731 franchise spans roughly 7 years, featuring 4 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 Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre 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 5.6. 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 Unit 731 universe.
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...
Men Behind the Sun 2: Laboratory of the Devil
In 1935, Japan's Unit 731 conducts inhumane experiments. A doctor tries to free prisoners, including his fiancée, from the camp while witnessing atrocities....
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 Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre in this franchise.