The Divergent series of novels by Veronica Roth quickly became popular shortly after they were released and, to no one’s surprise, they were converted into a popular movie franchise.  Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant were turned into movies in order of publishing. Divergent in 2014, Insurgent in 2015, and lastly, Allegiant in 2016. There is still no definite news that Four will be turned into movie, however, for now we can re-watch the trilogy. The Divergent series on screen is classified as Mystery and Science Fiction, exactly like the books. For the most part, the movie follows the books closely, with only small, unnoticeable differences.

Divergent, the first book in the series that was published in April of 2011, was respectively the first converted into a live-action movie in 2014. Divergent is rated PG-13, due to minor violence and language, and it runs a total of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It stars Shailenne Woodley as main character Tris Prior and Theo James as love interest Tobias (Four) Eaton. Ansel Elgort makes an appearance as Tris’ brother Caleb Prior, but becomes a bigger part of the story in the second and third movie.  Zoe Kravitz plays Christina, Tris’ witty best friend in her new faction and Miles Teller, who plays Peter, acts brilliantly to portray the sinister Dauntless initiate. Kate Winslet plays Jeannine Matthews, the villain attempting to destroy the factions. This movie follows Tris becoming a Dauntless member and hiding her Divergence and feelings for Dauntless leader, Four. They soon fall for each other and shut down the simulation that Jeannine Matthews has enacted. They then escape the city with rival Peter, Tobias’ hated father Marcus, and Tris’ brother Caleb.

Insurgent, which was released in 2015 is also rated PG-13 and is the shortest of the three movies, with a run time of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It stars the same main characters, Tris Prior (Shailenne Woodley), Tobias Eaton (Theo James), Caleb Prior (Ansel Elgort), Peter (Miles Teller), Christina (Zoe Kravitz), and Jeannine Matthews (Kate Winslet). This movie introduces and focuses on characters that were minor in the first movie. Keiynan Lonsdale as Dauntless-born divergent Uriah, Octavia Spencer as Amity leader Johanna, and Naomi Watts as Tobias Eaton’s mother Evelyn. Tris, Tobais, Peter, Marcus, and Caleb are on the run from the Erudite and Jeannine Matthews and they hid out in the outskirts of town with the most peaceful of the factions, Amity. Amity leader, Johanna takes them in and agrees to hide them. However this does not last long as Dauntless leader, Eric (Jai Courtney) finds them and attempts to take them back to Jeannine. They escape to Candor headquarters where the reunite with Christina (Zoe Kravitz) and other Dauntless members.

Allegiant which was released in 2016 and also rated PG-13, had a run time of 2 hours and 1 minute. This follows the same main characters with more introduced as Tris, Tobias and some other Dauntless members go outside the city to a compound that has been monitoring all of the factions in the world. Matthew (Bill Skarsgård) is the main scientist at this compound and helps Tris and Tobias learn more information about their history and their DNA. David (Jeff Daniels) reveals some information to Tris that makes her question her life and family. At this compound, they all must make decisions that cost them the trust of others and sometimes blood on their hands. Tobias must make a decision on who to trust more. His runway mother, Evelyn (Naomi Watts), or his abusive father Marcus (Ray Stevenson). Tris must decide if she forgives the people who have wronged her.

In all honesty, the movies perfectly showcased the action, adventure, romance, and decision-making that the books set up. However, some of the characters were portrayed differently, which is why the books were slightly better. When reading, it’s easy to portray the characters anyway the reader wants and create the picture in one’s head. All in all, the movie trilogy of the Divergent series is a 4.5/5. But everyone’s opinion differs. This would be a recommendation to anyone who likes action, adventure, and Science Fiction.