A decade ago, Jurassic World roared onto the big screen, breathing new life into a beloved franchise and reigniting global dinosaur fever. Months of teasers, set images, and interviews sent anticipation soaring, but few could have predicted just how monumental its success would be.
From Anticipation to Box Office Success
I re-watched the official Jurassic World trailer countless times when it hit YouTube in 2014. It is hard to describe the excitement I had back then. The hype for Jurassic World from myself and other fans across the globe was immense. A sequel to Jurassic Park 3, the long awaited Jurassic Park 4 was finally releasing in the summer of 2015.
On June 12th, 2015, Jurassic World hit cinemas in the USA (June 11th in the UK and other territories), shattering expectations and box office records. It was more than just a blockbuster, it was an event. The film grossed $1.671 billion worldwide, cementing its place as a defining cinematic moment of the decade.
Beyond financial success, Jurassic World gave fans a thrilling return to Isla Nublar. The vision of John Hammond, a fully operational dinosaur theme park finally came to life. The immersive cinema experience made every dinosaur encounter feel tangible, with breath-taking sequences like the Gyrosphere ride through Gyrosphere Valley adding to its grandeur.
The film brought the Jurassic Park franchise out of an agonizing fourteen-year hibernation. The franchise had been encased in amber, and Universal had been trying to extract the right story ideas out for years to create the perfect sequel to reinvigorate the franchise.
Welcome to Jurassic World
I vividly remember the experience of watching the film in a cinema for the first time. Seeing the film in a packed RealD 3D screening was such a fantastic ride. From the sequences of Grey opening up the hotel doors to see the open park for the first time to seeing Gallimimus running at speed in the Gyrosphere Valley, I loved every moment of it.
Beyond its record-breaking box office achievements, Jurassic World cemented itself in cinematic history through awe-inspiring sequences that thrilled audiences worldwide, none more so than the final battle on Main Street.
Our Rex is Bigger Than Yours
Among the film’s many exciting sequences, few were as exhilarating as the final showdown on Main Street. The clash between the Tyrannosaurus rex, Blue, and Indominus rex remains one of the franchise’s most thrilling moments.
The whole film was of course, but I have a strong memory of seeing that final dinosaur battle in 3D, one of which I enjoy experiencing again and again with the 3D Blu Ray.
The sequence never fails to make me smile whether it is in 2D or 3D. Claire leads the Tyrannosaurus rex from Paddock 9 to confront the new INGEN (International Genetics Technologies) creation, the Indominus rex. The past meets the present with both huge dinosaurs facing each other for final showdown.
As Indominus rex faces off against the franchise’s most iconic carnivore, the kinetic energy, weighty movements, and dynamic camera work make it a cinematic spectacle.
I still think it is a better dinosaur fight than the iconic Jurassic Park ending fight sequence of the Tyrannosaurus rex against the Velociraptors in the Visitor Centre. The Main Street battle is a much longer fight sequence and more dynamic, given the different camera angles.
Blue jumping from the back of the Indominus rex onto the Tyrannosaurus and back again. The payoff shot of the Mosasaurus jumping out of the lagoon to drag the Indominus rex into the murky depths below. It was all so bombastic and crowd pleasing and remains so to this day.
As the Jurassic World Turns
The new sweeping score for the film by Michael Giacchino featured a rather melancholic but awe-inspiring soundtrack, with some themes returning from Jurassic Park. A wonderful movie soundtrack which added to the already iconic and diverse themes of the original Jurassic Park trilogy. The Jurassic franchise was well and truly back and it looked and sounded better than ever!
Gyrosphere of Influence
While Jurassic World dazzled with stunning visuals and a sweeping musical score, its influence extended far beyond the silver screen, reigniting global interest in dinosaurs and palaeontology and inspiring a new generation of scientists, enthusiasts, and storytellers alike.
Jurassic World introduced a new generation to the Jurassic Park franchise, inspiring future filmmakers, cinematographers, costume designers, marketers, scientists, and palaeontologists.
The film has had a significant impact on children and the public, leading to increased prominence of the Jurassic franchise and sparking a huge interest in dinosaurs among a newer generation.
With a fourteen-year gap between Jurassic Park 3 and Jurassic World the film bridged generational gaps, giving newcomers a gateway into the Jurassic Park universe while offering long-time fans fresh perspectives. Its influence extended into merchandising, science communication, and entertainment, revitalizing the brand for the modern age.
The film and its sequels have resulted in a wide range of merchandise, including replicas, toys, posters, books, board games, video games, and clothing being produced.
Additionally, experiences like Jurassic World: The Exhibition and Jurassic World: Live Tour have been created. Universal Pictures have updated their theme parks with Jurassic World-themed rides, merchandise, and food stands in more recent years.
Jurassic World revitalized the Jurassic Park brand and sparked renewed interest in dinosaur films and palaeontology. It has particularly inspired young people to explore dinosaurs and science.
A decade after its release, Jurassic World’s influence continues to ripple through the world of palaeontology, entertainment, and science communication. As the franchise looks ahead to its next chapter, excitement builds for Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Looking Ahead: The Franchise Evolves
With Jurassic World: Rebirth on the horizon, the legacy of the franchise continues to expand. As the series evolves, Jurassic World’s impact remains undeniable, proof that audiences will always crave the awe and wonder of dinosaurs on the big screen.
Its first official trailer, released on the 5th of February 2025, has garnered over 41 million views. The public eagerly anticipates this new addition to the franchise, and it will be interesting to observe its impact on the established Jurassic World legacy.
The Jurassic World franchise seems to be in a healthy place. Not many Jurassic Park fans could have anticipated that the franchise would have become as big as it has post Jurassic Park 3. Considering the films are based off only two novels by Michael Crichton, it is fascinating to see how many stories can be told based on the books, enhancing the films own story canon and lore.
Even in Jurassic World: Rebirth sequences from the novels Jurassic Park and Lost World have provided influence, with the river raft sequence from the Jurassic Park novel being a key sequence in the new film.
Inside Jurassic World: Exclusive Interview on June 16th
The Jurassic World 10th anniversary celebrations continue! Expect more articles in the coming weeks, including an exclusive interview with a special Jurassic franchise guest. Be sure to check back on June 16th for its release, you will not want to miss it!
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Jurassic World’s legacy continues to inspire new generations. What impact has the film had on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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