Dive into the crazy world of ‘Sharknado’ from worst to best

Sharks, tornadoes, cyborgs, celebrity cameos , Xfinity product placement and plenty of chainsaws. To most, these elements may seem like a random hodge podge of ideas but f0r millions of others around the world, these are the ingredients for one of the biggest cultural summertime phenomenons to hit television — the “Sharknado” series.

“Sharknado” is far from the quality you’d see in most modern day film franchises, but that’s why so many have fallen in love with it since its introduction in 2013. Every year since then, the SyFy channel has released a new entry in the series, only further building upon and embracing the absurdity with every addition. With the beloved B-movie franchise having come to an end this summer with “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time,” it’s time we rev up our chainsaws to see which of these sharks have the best bite.

6. “Sharknado: The 4th Awakens” (2016)

While the title may suggest a full on “Star Wars” parody, what we get instead is nothing more different in feeling and tone from the previous entry. Despite some amusingly crazy moments, particularly the finale — which involves a mech suit, a shark defibrillator and the introduction of cyborg April — this is the entry where the idea started to wear thin. The absence of April and Nova throughout most of the action and replacing them with a cast of much more forgettable characters is the only cherry on top of this underwhelming entry.

5. “Sharknado” (2013)

The one that started it all may be the most “grounded” installment in the franchise, but when compared to the later films, lacks much rewatch value. Much of the film consists of our leads driving around in a car and arguing, which gets tiring very quickly. The ending is where things pick up and there are still some laughable moments sprinkled throughout, but there’s sadly not much more the first does to expand on the wild concept.

4. “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming” (2015)

“Global Swarming” shares a lot of the same issues as the fourth film, especially with the concept feeling like it has run its course. However, this entry improves things with the focus of the film primarily being on Fin, April and Nova instead of Fin’s irritating son, even if some of the drama between them felt forced at times. The ending, now seems to be standard at this point, is the real highlight. Especially given its appropriately dark tone that worked as a solid cliffhanger for the last entry.

3. “Sharknado 2: The Second One” (2014)

The second film may share some of the same pacing problems and repeat some of the ideas from the original, but this is where things took a turn for the best. The film takes advantage of its New York location to provide some of the most exciting moments in the franchise while also including some of the more hilarious cameos alongside it. The climax is one of the best, complete with a corny speech and all of New York teaming up to battle the sharknado.

2. “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time” (2018)

The supposed final installment in this legendary series went out with a bang. Featuring time travel, knights, cowboys, dinosaurs and the return of some of the better side characters from previous entries — there is no shortage of entertainment on display here. While the climax is more insane than ever, the entire film is so enjoyable that it only makes for a satisfying dessert to this fitting conclusion.

1. “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” (2015)

Out of the entire franchise, no entry embraced its absurdity better than “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” With the best use of cameos, the return of Nova, the series’ most thrilling opening action scene, some laughably obvious product placement and another enjoyable finale, this is simply a blast to watch from beginning to end. While the first film introduced us to this cult phenomenon, “Sharknado 3” is the entry that perfected it and would be the template that all the sequels would follow from then on.

It’s sad to see the “Sharknado” series go, as this highlight of the summer for many kept the art of B-movies alive in this age of flawless blockbusters. Hopefully it will live on in some way, but for now, the franchise was great while it lasted and its legacy is sure to be remembered.