Bionicle is a series of direct-to-video animated science fantasy action films based on the Lego toyline of the same name.

In total, four films have been released. The first three from Miramax serve as a trilogy, while Universal's Bionicle: The Legend Reborn is a stand-alone, originally intended to be the start of a new saga of films in the series, but following the discontinuation of the Bionicle brand in 2010, the sequels were ultimately scrapped.

Films Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s) Original trilogy Bionicle: Mask of Light Terry Shakespeare and David Molina Alastair Swinnerton, Henry Gilroy and Greg Weisman Sue Shakespeare, Janice Ross and Stig Blicher Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Henry Gilroy, Greg Klein, Tom Pugsley and Elliot Gabrel Sue Shakespeare Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows Brett Matthews Sue Shakespeare and Bob Thompson Stand-alone film Bionicle: The Legend Reborn Mark Baldo Sean Catherine Derek and Greg Farshtey (story) Kristy Scanlan and Joshua Wexler

Original trilogy Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003) The first film began production in 2002, with production being completed in 13 months. The film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Bionicle co-creator Alastair Swinnerton, Henry Gilroy and Greg Weisman serving as writers. Sue Shakespeare, Janice Ross and Stig Blicher served as producers. It was the only film in the series to be written by Greg Weisman, who was fired during production for "yawning".

Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui (2004) Originally intended for a theatrical release, production on the second film was completed in 12 months, one month shorter than the first feature. The film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Henry Gilroy, Greg Klein, Tom Pugsley and Elliot Gabrel serving as screenwriters, with a story by Bob Thompson and Henry Gilroy. Sue Shakespeare served as producer.

Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows (2005) Also originally intended for a theatrical release, the film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Brett Matthews serving as screenwriter, with a story by Bob Thompson, Henry Gilroy and Greg Farshtey. Sue Shakespeare and Bob Thompson served as producers.

Stand-alone film Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009) The film was directed by Mark Baldo with Sean Catherine Derek serving as writer, with a story by Greg Farshtey. Kristy Scanlan and Joshua Wexler served as producers.

Music

The first three films were composed by Nathan Furst, while John D'Andrea composed the fourth film. Mask of Light, Legends of Metru Nui and Web of Shadows had their soundtracks released on March 10, December 12, and December 22, 2017, respectively by Rising Phoenix Records, although The Legend Reborns soundtrack has yet to be released.Amazon.com: Bionicle: Mask of Light (Original Soundtrack) [14th Anniversary]: Nathan Furst: MP3 DownloadsAmazon.com: Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru-Nui (Original Score): Nathan Furst: MP3 DownloadsAmazon.com: Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows (Original Score): Nathan Furst: MP3 Downloads

Characters

A dark grey cell indicates the character did not appear in that film. A indicates a character in the form of a Matoran. A indicates a character in the form of a Toa. A indicates a character in the form of a Turaga. Character Original trilogy Stand-alone film Bionicle: Bionicle 2: Bionicle 3: Bionicle: Primary cast JallerAndrew Francis rowspan="2" colspan="2" Takua/TakanuvaJason Michas TahuScott McNeil Vakama Christopher Gaze Alessandro JulianiChristopher Gaze Onewa Dale Wilson Brian Drummond Nokama Lesley Ewen Tabitha St. Germain Gali Kathleen Barr Pohatu Trevor Devall HahliChiara Zanni colspan="2" Makuta Lee Tockar colspan="1" Lewa Dale Wilson Kopaka Michael Dobson Onua Scott McNeil Matau rowspan="3" colspan="1" Brian Drummond Whenua Paul Dobson Nuju Trevor Devall Lhikan Michael Dobson Krekka Michael Dobson Nidhiki Paul Dobson Dume Gerard Plunkett Sidorak Paul Dobson Roodaka Kathleen Barr Norik French Tickner Keetongu Scott McNeil Mata Nui Michael Dorn Metus David Leisure Raanu Armin Shimerman Strakk Jeff Bennett Ackar Jim Cummings Kiina Marla Sokoloff Tuma Fred Tatasciore Gresh Mark Famiglietti Berix James Arnold Taylor Vastus James Arnold Taylor Tarix Jeff Bennett Supporting cast Kolhii Announcer Doc Harris Hewkii Michael Dobson Rahkshi Julian B. Wilson Ta-Matoran Guard Julian B. Wilson Kongu Lee Tockar Bomonga Scott McNeil Gaaki Kathleen Barr Iruini Trevor Devall Vorox Dee Bradley Baker Bone Hunters Dee Bradley Baker Skrall Dee Bradley Baker Villagers Mark Baldo

Release The first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light, had its world premiere at Legoland in Carlsbad, California on September 13, 2003, and was released in the United States three days after the premiere, on VHS and DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

The second film, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, had its world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on October 6, 2004, and was released in the United States on October 19, on VHS and DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

The third film, Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows, was released in the United States on October 11, 2005, on DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

A fourth stand-alone film, Bionicle: The Legend Reborn, had its world premiere at Legoland in Carlsbad, California on August 29, 2009, and was released in the United States on September 15, on DVD by Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Promotion Cartoon Network's anime block, Toonami, hosted a sweepstakes contest for the television premiere of the first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light. Viewers could call-in the channel's number to have a chance to win prizes that included miscellaneous Bionicle sets, one Magnavox 36” TV, one Magnavox Progressive Scan DVD player, as well as the addition of one lucky winner receiving a Platinum Avohkii mask. For the film, fast food chain Burger King also released a set of Kids Meal toys in the United Kingdom. Later, Cartoon Network would host another sweepstakes contest on the Miguzi block, for the television premiere of the third film, Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows, where viewers could yet again call-in the channel's number and have the chance to win miscellaneous Bionicle sets as well as one lucky winner receiving a life-size Visorak Keelerak statue made out of Lego pieces. Scholastic, one of the biggest publishing corporations in the world, also released books made to tie-in with the films from the original trilogy.

Reception Critical response The first installment, Bionicle: Mask of Light, received generally positive reviews from journalists upon its release, but in retrospect, has been criticized for its dated visuals. Matthew Attanasio of Comic Book Resources noted that the animation held up but stating for character animations that they are "hit or miss". He also said that the story was "pretty straightforward" while also stating that Takua and Jaller made "great protagonists", but was disappointed to see the Toa, mainly Onua, have little screen time.

The second installment, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, received mixed reviews from journalists upon its initial release, but in retrospect, has been viewed more favorably compared to its predecessor, with it being praised for its upgrade in animation, but was criticized for its filling in of plot holes from the first film. Matthew Attanasio of Comic Book Resources gave a negative review of the film, stating that "LEGO's decision to focus on prequel material was received as a slap in the face". He added that the positive aspects of the film included its animation, but also criticized the editing, saying that like the past film, "maintains the problem of poor editing to the point of being laughably bad".

Accolades Year Award Nominated work Result 2003 Golden Reel Award for Best Visual Effects in a DVD Premiere Movie in December 2003 Bionicle: Mask of Light 2004 Saturn Award for Best DVD Release Bionicle: Mask of Light 2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Animated Premiere Movie Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Director Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Original Score Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004 Saturn Award for Best DVD Release Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004 iParenting Media Award for Best Home Video/DVD Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004 Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video Release Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2005 Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video Release Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows 2005 Annie Award for Best Home Entertainment Production Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows

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