Year: 2009
Runtime: 92 min
Language: English
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
A rebellion ignites when a fierce werewolf rises to challenge the tyrannical vampire king, Viktor. Lucian, a formidable werewolf, finds himself at the forefront of this uprising, joined by the mysterious Sonja. Their fight for freedom clashes with Viktor’s brutal reign, threatening to shatter the fragile balance between vampires and werewolves and reshaping the destiny of both warring factions.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Underworld: Rise of the Lycans yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The intense conflict between the werewolves and Vampires rages on for several decades as the Vampires assemble a formidable army with the goal of exterminating the werewolves. Among the forsaken, Lucian (Michael Sheen), the first of the werewolves born with the ability to take on human form, emerges as a pivotal figure. He is the offspring of a werewolf, born into the captivity of the vampires. His life is spared by the clan’s leader, Viktor (Bill Nighy), who grants him the name Lucian, recognizing the unique strength he possesses. Viktor does not merely see Lucian as a son but also as a means to create an army of Lycans, the new name bestowed upon werewolves by Viktor himself.
Under Viktor’s oppressive reign, Lucian is thrust into the role of a forced slave, constrained by a leash to control his abilities. Viktor, who is an elder of the vampires, foresees a future where this new breed of Lycan slaves serve as guards to the coven’s fortress during the day and work for the vampires at night. Lucian, brimming with courage, rises to leadership among the Lycans, fiercely defending the aristocratic vampires from the pure bloods, the savage breed of werewolves that cannot take on a human form.
The landscape is marked by chaos as William, the first werewolf, unleashes savagery upon the forests and countrysides. Human nobles, pressed by the threat of werewolves, turn to Viktor for protection, urging him to assign Lycans to defend the countryside in daylight. Although Viktor is initially resistant, he eventually concedes in exchange for silver tributes, thus ensuring the control of his slaves remains intact.
As Lucian matures, he finds love in Sonja (Rhona Mitra), Viktor’s spirited daughter. Their bond blossoms in secrecy, starting when Lucian saves Sonja’s life from a pack of werewolves drawn to her recklessness. One fateful night, while escorting a group of human nobles through the forest, Sonja stumbles into danger. Lucian, breaking free from his shackles, fights fiercely to rescue her, showcasing the strength and valor that define him. Yet, for his audacity, Viktor lashes out in anger, imprisoning Lucian.
In prison, Lucian finds an unlikely ally in Raze. Their mutual understanding of their distinction hones Lucian’s resolve. During clandestine meetings, Sonja and Lucian uncover the treachery of Tanis, who has become aware of their forbidden relationship. When Sonja trades her seat on the vampire council to free Lucian, it sparks a series of events leading to his escape. Despite the chaos that follows, he vows to return for his fellow Lycans, setting the stage for further confrontation with Viktor.
As Sonja is left behind, Viktor discovers the truth of her involvement through dreadful means, leading to her imprisonment as well. Meanwhile, Lucian begins forging alliances among both human slaves and other werewolves, rallying them against the vampire menace. With the vampire council demanding Lucian’s recapture, tension mounts, as both sides gear up for an inevitable clash.
In a tragic twist of fate, Sonja reveals her pregnancy to Viktor in a desperate attempt to spare their lives, but it only leads to greater despair. Sonja meets a tragic end at the hands of the council, while Lucian’s transformation into a werewolf enables him to rally the wild werewolves for vengeance. As chaos erupts in the fortress, Lucian confronts Viktor in a fierce battle that ends in triumph, but he realizes this victory serves only as the beginning of a larger conflict.
With Viktor surviving the confrontation, the stage is set for an even more profound struggle between the races, as Lucian’s legacy intertwines with future generations in a saga marked by loss, rebellion, and the unyielding quest for freedom. The deeply rooted enmity continues as modern vampire Selene finds herself enveloped in the shadows of this ancient feud, unaware of the tragic truths that illuminate the path ahead.
Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:16
Don't stop at just watching — explore Underworld: Rise of the Lycans in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Underworld: Rise of the Lycans that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Underworld: Awakening (2012) Full Summary & Key Details
Underworld (2003) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Underworld: Evolution (2006) Full Summary & Key Details
Vampires (1998) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Van Helsing (2004) Complete Plot Breakdown
Blood and Chocolate (2007) Movie Recap & Themes
Blade: Trinity (2004) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Wolves (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Bloodthirsty (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
Dracula 2000 (2000) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Daybreakers (2010) Movie Recap & Themes
Dracula Untold (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Werewolves (2024) Full Summary & Key Details
Vampire Academy (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
Vamps (2012) Movie Recap & Themes