Action movies have a way of gripping us—fast-paced, tension-filled, heavy on adrenaline. Among these, the Sniper franchise stands out. It first hit bull’s-eye in 1993, positioning Marine sharpshooter Thomas Beckett (Tom Berenger) as a cool, calculated force in the jungles of Panama. Since then, it’s grown into an 11-film saga carrying action fanatics through covert ops, betrayal, and explosive missions. The 2017 entry, Sniper: Ultimate Kill, has found fresh fame on Netflix, reigniting interest in the franchise.
These movies pack precision sniping, suspense, father-son dynamics, and globetrotting mayhem. This guide explores the series chronologically—where it all began, how it evolved, why each entry matters, and where to stream the current hit (hint: Netflix).
1. Sniper (1993) | Director: Luis Llosa
Main Leads: Tom Berenger as Master Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Beckett, Billy Zane as Richard Miller
Set in the Panama jungle, the film introduces us to veteran sniper Thomas Beckett. He’s teamed up with the inexperienced Richard Miller, a SWAT sharpshooter, to eliminate a rebel leader. Beckett is gruff, efficient, and brutally honest, while Miller is green and overly idealistic. Their conflicting styles create friction, but the mission forces them to adapt—or die. This is where it all begins. Gritty, grounded, and tactical. It sets the tone for the franchise—long shots, political tension, jungle warfare, and the idea that behind every scope is a mind wrestling with morality. It’s also about discipline, instinct, and the quiet brutality of real combat. It’s a cult favorite because of how focused and stripped-down it feels.
2. Sniper 2 (2002) | Director: Craig R. Baxley
Main Leads: Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett, Bokeem Woodbine as Cole
Beckett is called out of retirement for a new mission—this time in Serbia. He’s paired with Cole, a death row inmate and former sniper, who’s offered a pardon if he completes the mission. Together, they’re tasked with taking out a Serbian general responsible for ethnic cleansing. But not everything is as it seems. A return to form. It elevates the emotional weight by giving Beckett a scarred past and places him in a geopolitical setting that’s more ambiguous. The film brings in moral complexity through Cole, and the stakes feel higher. For fans of gritty war-zone thrillers with personal baggage.
3. Sniper 3 (2004) | Director: P.J. Pesce
Main Lead: Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett
Beckett is now worn out, traumatized, and drinking too much. He’s called in for one last job: travel to Vietnam and eliminate a supposed terrorist who turns out to be someone from his past. As secrets unravel, Beckett is caught between duty and personal loyalty. This one’s more introspective. It humanizes Beckett further and touches on themes of regret, aging, and betrayal. The action is still there, but it’s layered with psychological conflict. A solid entry if you want to go deeper into who Beckett is beyond the rifle.
4. Sniper: Reloaded (2011) | Director: Claudio Fäh
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Billy Zane as Richard Miller
The next generation steps in. Brandon Beckett, Thomas’ estranged son, is a Marine working in the Congo. When his team is ambushed and he barely survives, he’s pulled into a new mission—and a sniper mystery. His mentor? None other than Miller from the original film. It’s a soft reboot and a generational handoff. Brandon is more analytical and methodical. The father-son arc begins here—even if Thomas Beckett doesn’t appear onscreen. The film builds new lore while honoring old ties. Also, Miller’s return adds continuity and charm.
5. Sniper: Legacy (2014) | Director: Don Michael Paul
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett
Military snipers are being assassinated. Brandon is told his father is one of the victims. But plot twist: Thomas is alive—and in hiding. They reunite in the middle of a trap, both trying to uncover who’s pulling the strings and why. The Beckett duo shares screen time for the first time. There’s generational tension and a slow build of trust. It’s also where the narrative gets more conspiracy-driven. Adds emotional stakes and dives into legacy, responsibility, and the cost of being a sniper.
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6. Sniper: Ghost Shooter (2016) | Director: Don Michael Paul
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Billy Zane as Richard Miller, Dennis Haysbert as Colonel Stone
Brandon and Miller are deployed to protect a gas pipeline in Georgia from terrorists. But the enemy sniper—nicknamed “The Ghost”—somehow knows every move. Is there a mole? This one leans more into tactical warfare and internal betrayal. It’s tense, calculated, and well-paced. Colonel Stone enters the picture here, setting up later team dynamics. A good mid-franchise entry to see Brandon under pressure as a leader.
7. Sniper: Ultimate Kill (2017) | Director: Claudio Fäh
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Billy Zane as Richard Miller, Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett
In Colombia, drug kingpin Jesús Morales hires an elite sniper known as “The Devil” to eliminate all competition. Brandon, Miller, and Thomas Beckett must join forces to stop this growing threat. The “holy trinity” of the franchise comes together. For fans, this is the Avengers moment. The father-son arc matures, and the chemistry between all three leads is surprisingly sharp. It’s also trending on Netflix, making it the go-to entry point for newcomers.
8. Sniper: Assassin’s End (2020) | Director: Kaare Andrews
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett
Brandon is framed for the murder of a foreign diplomat. On the run from the CIA and Japanese assassins, he’s forced to reunite with his father and clear his name. Enter “Lady Death,” a sniper with her own vendetta. This one goes full political-thriller. The pace is tighter, the betrayals cut deeper, and the Beckett bond is tested under extreme stress. Also, Lady Death’s entrance adds a new dynamic and brings a fresh face to the franchise.
9. Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022) | Director: Oliver Thompson
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Sayaka Akimoto as Lady Death, Ryan Robbins as Zero
Brandon goes rogue after uncovering a corrupt federal agent involved in a sex-trafficking ring. He teams up with Agent Zero and Lady Death to take down the network from the outside. This is where the tone changes—it’s grittier and darker, with a clear anti-system message. A more ensemble feel takes shape, introducing “Team Rogue” for future missions. You’re no longer just following Beckett—you’re part of a covert vigilante group.
10. Sniper: G.R.I.T. – Global Response & Intelligence Team (2023) | Directors: Paul Parker & Bay Dariz
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Sayaka Akimoto as Lady Death, Dennis Haysbert as Colonel Stone
A global terrorist cult kidnaps Lady Death, and Beckett teams up with G.R.I.T. to rescue her. Think high-stakes operations across continents, and a blend of espionage with full-throttle sniper warfare. It pushes the franchise into team-ops territory, like Mission: Impossible or The Expendables. A wider scope, more tech, international locations. It’s the most franchise-like installment and builds towards a climactic narrative shift.
11. Sniper: The Last Stand (2025) | Director: Danishka Esterhazy
Main Leads: Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, Ryan Robbins as Zero, Sizo Mahlangu as Zondi
A dangerous arms dealer plans to unleash a superweapon in Costa Verde. Brandon, Zero, and new recruit Zondi must prevent a geopolitical disaster while navigating jungle warfare, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The newest, most polished, and currently trending on Netflix. Introduces Zondi, a rookie sniper-in-training, hinting at a possible spinoff or generational sequel. The stakes are global, and the energy feels final—but the door isn’t fully closed.
