Underworld (2003)

Underworld is a 2003 American action horror film directed by Len Wisemanabout the secret history of vampires and lycans (an abbreviated form oflycanthrope, which means werewolf). It is the first installment in theUnderworld franchise. The main plot revolves around Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a vampire Death Dealer hunting Lycans. She finds herself attracted to a human, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), who is being targeted by the Lycans. After Michael is bitten by a Lycan, Selene must decide whether to do her duty and kill him or go against her clan and save him. Alongside Speedman and Beckinsale, the film stars Michael Sheen,Shane Brolly and Bill Nighy.

The film was released on September 19, 2003. Upon its release, the film received generally negative reviews from critics, but a smaller number of reviewers praised elements such as the film's stylish Gothic visuals, the "icy English composure" in Kate Beckinsale's performance, and the extensively worked-out vampire–werewolf mythology that serves as the film's backstory. The film grossed $95 million against a production budget of $22 million. The film was followed by Underworld: Evolution, released three years later