All 4 RoboCop Movies in Order

Paul Verhoeven directed this masterpiece in which Alex Murphy returns after a brutal murder as an unstoppable cyborg. It's a brilliant satire of privatized government and runaway capitalism. Peter Weller gives an iconic performance as the machine slowly rediscovering his memories. The practical effects, the powerful score and razor-sharp humor make it a timeless classic that changed the genre forever.

Co-written by Frank Miller, this sequel is even more cynical and violent. Murphy fights the spread of the drug Nuke and takes on cult leader Cain. When Cain's brain is used for a new, gigantic robot, a spectacular showdown follows. Irvin Kershner's direction is chaotic and lacks Verhoeven's finesse, but the stop-motion effects of the villain are still impressive.

The third film was plagued by a shrinking budget and the studio's financial troubles. Peter Weller didn't return and was replaced by Robert John Burke. To help sell toys, the violence was toned down to a PG-13. With a jetpack and a child sidekick, the franchise lost its credibility. The result is a tame action film that lost sight of the character's essence.

This remake moves the story to 2028. After an assassination attempt, Alex Murphy is rebuilt by OmniCorp as a cyborg in black tactical armor. The film explores the ethics of drones and automation, but lacks the original's sharp social satire. Although the effects are top-notch, it misses the dark humor and intensity that made the series great.