Zoolander movies in order Zoolander Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Zoolander 2 - 2016
Total Runtime:
189 Minutes
Total Items:
2
Average User Score:
(5.5)Zoolander movies in order
Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a catwalk full of chaos. It's time for a Zoolander movie marathon. Whether you're meeting Derek Zoolander for the first time or have been perfecting your Blue Steel for years, this high-fashion parody deserves a spot on your binge list. But the big question remains: what's the best order to watch the Zoolander films? Don't worry, we've got you covered. From the original to the over-the-top sequel, here's the definitive order to binge-watch the Zoolander franchise. So gather your friends, strike your best pose, and let the absurd comedy begin.
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Zoolander Movie 89 min. 2001Clear the runway for Derek Zoolander, VH1's three-time male model of the year. His face falls when hippie-chic Hansel scooters in to steal this year's award. The evil fashion guru Mugatu seizes the opportunity to turn Derek into a killing machine. It's a well-designed conspiracy and only with the help of Hansel and a few well-chosen accessories like Matilda can Derek make the world safe for male models everywhere.USER SCORE 6 -
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Zoolander 2 Movie 100 min. 2016Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business.USER SCORE 5
Zoolander (2001)
This is where it all starts. Directed by Ben Stiller, the original Zoolander introduces us to Derek Zoolander, a legendary male supermodel with a heart of gold and a brain... well, not so much. In a world filled with glitter, poses, and absurd fashion trends, Derek is at the peak of his career until his world crumbles after losing the Male Model of the Year award for the fourth consecutive time. What follows is a wild mix of fashion industry satire, brainwashing plots, and an over-the-top villain: Mugatu, played by Will Ferrell in one of his most iconic roles.
With Owen Wilson as Hansel ("so hot right now"), Christine Taylor as Matilda Jeffries, and Milla Jovovich as the dangerous Katinka, this film is a parade of absurd humor, celebrity cameos, and the most ridiculous fashion clichés ever put on film. The Blue Steel pose, the "center for ants" scene, and the Derelicte fashion show are now pure pop culture. With its blend of slapstick comedy, modeling world humor, and a dash of action, Zoolander is the perfect start to your marathon. And yes, we know: it's impossible to watch this film without trying a new pose every fifteen minutes.
Zoolander 2 (2016)
Fast forward fifteen years, and we're back in the crazy world of international fashion, but now with even more glitz, glamour, and total absurdity. Zoolander 2 takes place in the Rome fashion scene, years after the events of the first film. Derek and Hansel have faded from the spotlight but are pulled back into chaos when a mysterious plot unfolds involving the biggest stars in pop culture.
The sequel elevates the fashion conspiracy storyline to a new level, with Penélope Cruz as agent Valentina Valencia, Kristen Wiig as the alien-like Alexanya Atoz, and Justin Theroux returning as the Evil DJ. And of course, Mugatu is back. This time, he's even more eccentric with a revenge plan that only a Zoolander film could concoct. The movie constantly nods to its predecessor with Magnum-pose callbacks, new ridiculous facial expressions, and an overload of celebrity cameos (seriously, count them as a drinking game).
Though Zoolander 2 received mixed reviews upon release, it's a must-watch for anyone wanting to fully experience the world of Derek and Hansel. The sequel is a tribute to the fans, full of inside jokes, over-the-top slapstick comedy, and a storyline as ridiculous as you'd hope. Perfect for a late-night binge or a thematic fashion party with friends. Tip: wear your most impractical outfit and host a runway catwalk in your living room.
Why This Order Works
The Zoolander franchise is relatively straightforward in terms of timeline. There are no spin-offs, prequels, or secret side-stories (yet). But it's worth watching the films in release order. The first Zoolander establishes the characters, world, and absurd logic that the sequel plays with. Zoolander 2 is packed with callbacks and inside jokes that you'd simply miss without prior knowledge. Moreover, the character development of Derek and Hansel, bizarre as it is, is linear and dependent on the events of the first film.
In terms of comedy pacing, this order works best. Zoolander (2001) is a fresh, original satire on the New York fashion scene, while Zoolander 2 is a hyper-stylized, international overdrive version of it. The first film sets the foundation, and the second just cranks up the volume. And honestly, that's exactly what you want when diving into a world full of glitter, absurd outfits, and overacting for an evening.
Extra Viewing Pleasure: Trivia and Fun Facts
Did you know that Ben Stiller not only plays Derek Zoolander but also directed both films? And that the first Zoolander actually originated from a sketch at the VH1 Fashion Awards? The films are full of Easter eggs, like the recurring "walk-off" concept in both movies, the return of minor roles (keep an eye on Justin Theroux), and of course, the evolution of poses from Blue Steel to Magnum to... well, you'll have to see for yourself.
Also fun: Mugatu's character is based on an obscure Star Trek villain, and the entire Derelicte fashion show is a sharp (and hilarious) parody of how fashion sometimes completely detaches from reality. The franchise is one big nod to celebrity culture, the fashion world, and how seriously people sometimes take themselves. All with a perfectly timed soundbite or silly look from Stiller in between.
Set Up Your Marathon in Style
For the ultimate Zoolander movie marathon, we recommend watching it all in one evening. It's just two films, making it perfect for a Friday night with friends. Dress in your most extravagant outfit, create a playlist of early 2000s fashion beats, and serve snacks that look like they belong on a catwalk (but are still edible). And don't forget: every time someone says "Blue Steel," strike a new pose yourself. Good luck with the facial muscle soreness.
So whether you're revisiting for nostalgia or diving into the world of male model comedy for the first time, the Zoolander films are the perfect mix of absurdist comedy and iconic pop culture moments. And trust us, this is a franchise you can't take *seriously* enough. Because if you don't know how to watch... how can you expect to participate?