Throwing a bunch of teenagers into some sort of Gladiator-style arena is the pinnacle of young adult dystopian fiction, executed to perfection in franchises like "The Hunger Games." While "The Maze Runner" films also follow the same principle, the worldbuilding here is markedly different, woven deftly with interesting characters and plot developments that make it such an intriguing premise. With three movies that map the trajectory of such a grim world and its inhabitants, "The Maze Runner" emerges as a staple for those who wish to immerse themselves in its labyrinthine action and fantastical setting.

As "The Maze Runner" films are rather overlooked, at least in comparison to blockbuster offerings within the same genre, it can be a bit confusing for casual fans to denote its viewing order. Moreover, things get more complicated once we venture into its sprawling source material — James Dashner's "Maze Runner" novels extend beyond its theatrical counterparts,...