The legacy of the demigod Percy Jackson is a fascinating paradox of adaptation. While the original book series became a beloved phenomenon, its initial cinematic realization became infamous among fans for wildly departing from the source material. It is a unique situation where a franchise reset itself to correct the course, presenting two completely separate versions of the same initial stories. Therefore, one must understand that the films and the series exist in entirely different universes, making the correct chronological order a matter of choosing which version of the story one wishes to follow.

The two adaptations represent distinct, non-overlapping takes on Percy Jackson’s legendary adventures.

The authentic chronological viewing order begins with the series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+ series, 2023), which follows the books closely. The first season is based on The Lightning Thief and introduces twelve-year-old Percy as he discovers he is a demigod, a son of Poseidon. He must undertake a quest with his friends Annabeth and Grover to prevent a war between the gods by finding Zeus's stolen master bolt.

The separate, older movie timeline should be watched in its own release order. It begins with Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), where Percy is aged up to sixteen, and the plot is heavily altered. It is followed by Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013), which continues the revised storyline. This sequence provides an alternative, non-canonical story that diverges significantly from the books and the new Disney+ series.

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All major visual adaptations of Percy Jackson are available to stream under one corporate roof.

The highly praised series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is an exclusive Disney+ original, with the first season and the upcoming second season also around the corner. For those who wish to view the older, separate timeline, both films, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, are also available to stream on Disney+. They can also be purchased or rented through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

The new series adheres closely to the details and spirit of the original books, which is why the author has been directly involved. The eagerly awaited second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 10, 2025. This new installment will adapt the events of the novel, The Sea of Monsters, sending Percy, Annabeth, and his newly discovered Cyclops half-brother, Tyson, on a crucial quest.

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Which Percy Jackson adaptations is your favourite; The movies or the series? Let us know in the comments below.