Should I Watch Suicide Squad Before The Suicide Squad

So, you're thinking about diving into the wild, wacky world of the Suicide Squad, huh? Excellent choice! But then you realize... wait a minute, there are TWO movies with practically the same name. Which one do you watch first?! Fear not, my friend, I'm here to guide you through this chaotic conundrum!

The Million-Dollar Question: Order Matters?

The simple answer? Not really! Think of it like choosing which flavor of ice cream you want first. Sure, some people might argue for chocolate before vanilla, but at the end of the day, you're still enjoying delicious ice cream!

The 2016 Suicide Squad, often referred to (affectionately or not) as "the first one," introduces you to the core concept: bad guys forced to do good (or at least, do slightly less bad). It's like that time you had to help your neighbor move furniture after you accidentally dented their car. You weren't thrilled, but you did it.

Then there's The Suicide Squad (released in 2021), sometimes called "the second one," "the James Gunn one," or "the one with all the exploding heads." This one's a bit like going to a theme park. Loud, colorful, and maybe a little bit scary, but ultimately a fun ride.

Consider These Factors:

Are you a completionist? Do you need to watch everything in order, like meticulously alphabetizing your spice rack? If so, start with the 2016 Suicide Squad. Get the origin story out of the way.

Are you impatient and easily distracted by shiny things (like, say, a talking shark)? Then jump straight into The Suicide Squad. It's got a faster pace and a generally wilder vibe. Think of it as skipping the appetizers and going straight for the main course... a main course that involves lots of explosions.

Do you love a good underdog story? Both movies have that in spades! These are villains, after all, forced into heroic situations. It's like watching your cat accidentally catch a fly and then act like it meant to do it all along.

What You Won't Miss (Much)

Here's a secret: the connections between the two movies are... loose. Like, "my phone's battery connection" loose. The Suicide Squad basically hits the reset button on most of the characters and plot points from the first film.

You might recognize a few familiar faces (like Harley Quinn, she's kind of a big deal). But their character arcs aren't dependent on knowing what happened in the previous movie. It's like seeing a friend at a party and not remembering where you met them, but still having a great time chatting.

The overall narrative is pretty self-contained in each film. You won't be left scratching your head wondering what happened to the MacGuffin of Doom or who betrayed whom. Just explosions, questionable decisions, and maybe a few heartwarming (sort of) moments.

My Highly Subjective Recommendation

Honestly, if you're just looking for a good time, I'd say start with The Suicide Squad. It's generally considered the stronger and more entertaining of the two. It's got that James Gunn magic.

Think of it like this: the first movie is like that slightly awkward first date. The second movie is like the fun, spontaneous road trip you take a week later. Both experiences have value, but one is definitely more memorable (and less likely to involve awkward silences).

But hey, whatever you choose, you're in for a wild ride. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the chaos! Just don't blame me if you develop an unhealthy obsession with sentient weasels.