Top 10 Best Movie Trilogies · 7:02pm Aug 20th, 2022
Recently the editing of the last story of a story trilogy had finished, which can be found below.
All around the trilogy is a grand story about redemption, and I figured a great way to celebrate its completion is with another blog where I talk about the best movie trilogies of all time. I’m welcoming movies that have more than 3 movies, but I’m leaving out trilogies that have bad movies in the franchise. Though I will include them in the 10 if they have a “bad” movie in the trilogy that’s still generally good. Before I get to the 10 though here are some honorable mentions.
Shrek
If the 4th movie was the 3rd this franchise would have been on the main list. But probably still should have stopped after the 2nd film.
Terminator
Another franchise that should have stopped after the first 2. James Cameron even made a movie that picks up after the first two, I want to do something like that as well. Just so I can give this franchise the ending it deserves.
Rush Hour/Lethal Weapons
I put these together because they’re kind of pretty similar, buddy cop movies who are polar opposites. Action, adventure, decent mystery, (when they try to solve the cases) and likable characters. What’s not to like?
The Dark Knight
There’s only one really good movie in this trilogy and it’s sequel all but ignores it. What’s up with that?
Austin Powers
Yeah they’re stupid, but they’re enjoyably stupid.
10 Hotel Transylvania
A hotel for monsters, how can you not like an idea like that? Dracula, played perfectly by Adam Sandler, looks after his daughter Mavis. However everything goes wrong when a human shows up and falls in love with Mavis. The animation in all of these is fast and creative for kids, but it also knows when to slow down for the more emotional moments for the adults. The movies also have deep themes about love and how it can happen twice, they also use the monsters as a clever metaphor for prejudice. Which is actually the villain of the movies except the third one. It’s kind of like MLP: A New Generation, but much better.
9 Equestria Girls
So I know quite a few more movies and specials that continue this story, but there’s one thing that makes these movies standout, Sunset Shimmer. The 1st movie has her as the villain that’s shown the light by Twilight, the 2nd shows trying to find a way to make up for her past sins, and the 3rd has her fully become a hero as she helps the human Twilight come into the light. A pretty clever way to come full circle. The movies have other good things going for it: colorful animation, a wide cast of memorable characters, and catchy music, but Sunset really steals the show. My past is not today, that really gets you in the heart doesn’t it?
8 Spider-Man
Before you get on me with Spider-Man 3, yes Venom needed more screen time, yes emo-Peter is annoying, yes the dance scene is ridiculous. However whatever flaws these movies have they still helped pave the way for what superhero movies are now. Plus there’s still a lot of good things especially in 3: the action is great, the emotional scenes are well done, and the effects are great. It’s not a perfect trilogy, but you shouldn’t let the flaws overshadow the good stuff, and this trilogy has lots of those.
7 Pirates of the Caribbean
Another trilogy that isn’t perfect but is still very entertaining. Loosely based on the ride in Disneyland it was originally going to be just one movie but got more because of how popular it was. The sequels got way too serious but it never stopped them from being fun. (Except for credits) The movies still have fun adventures balanced out with an interesting world, impressive effects that still hold up, and characters who have more character arcs than you might think. With Captain Jack Sparrow in the middle of it all. Seriously if they’re making another pirate movie they need Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, that guy is the heart and soul of the franchise.
6 Indiana Jones
Seriously, who doesn’t like Indiana Jones? Did you know each movie is centered around a religion?
1 Judaism
2 Hinduism
3 Christianity
4 Aliens
Temple of Doom has issues but it’s still a fun adventure story. A series of fun, amazing, and intense adventure with good humor and a hint of the supernatural mixed in. Seriously, who doesn’t like Indiana Jones?
5 The Godfather
Before I watched this movies everyone would tell me you’re probably not going to like it, it’s just a lot of talking. While it does have that, I still liked it. It didn’t have a huge impression of me, but I can still see why it’s loved. Every single actor gives their all, well the first two anyway. The themes of power and the criminal underworld, what stands out to me is Micheal’s descent. Going from killing a corrupt cop and a rival to his father in order to save his life to killing his own brother just to cover his tracks. The 3rd movie gets a hard time but honestly to me it ends on the perfect note for a story like this. The daughter is shot and killed and everyone freaks out, yeah it’s tragic Micheal, but this is the life you choose. Suddenly it’s not just business anymore is it?
4 Toy Story
How could I not put this trilogy on the list? Simple yet emotional with too many lovable and memorable characters to count. All the movies explain how important toys are for kids: it gives them someone to talk to and help figure things out. Even when they grow up they can (and should) pass them on to other kids. I don’t think there’s a lot I can say about these movies, but that’s probably part of what’s good about it. It speaks for itself. To infinity and beyond.
3 Kung Fu Panda
Fun fact: each of these movies deal with a different part of martial arts.
1 Physical
2 Mental
3 Spiritual
Po’s growth throughout these movies is nothing short of amazing, and with a 4th one finally confirmed, we can see more of his growth. Another fun fact of the franchise, each villain in the movies is a dark mirror for Po.
1 Tai Lung-Be the best instead of self improve.
2 Shen-Could never find peace.
3 Kai-Use chi for himself rather than to discover himself.
On top of great themes and villains the action in these movies is nothing short of incredible, the comedy is top tier, and the chemistry between the characters are very well done. It’s almost as good as a movie trilogy can get.
Skadoosh.
2 Star Wars 
No movie trilogy is complete without these movies. (along with number 1) No one can doubt the impact these movies have had on pop culture: the parodies, the homages, the references, and the greatest twist in all of cinema. On top of that the effects were groundbreaking, the stories are fun adventures, and the themes are deep and thought provoking. Also fun fact Jame Earl Jones voiced Darht Vader, but he didn't voice him. He was too fat, but they still wanted to keep him because his voice was just too perfect. So they got another guy to get in the suit and do the fights and poses, David Prowse. Star Wars has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations and will most likely continue to do so for generations more. May the force be with you.
1 Lord of the Rings
So I’m gonna get this out of the way, why is this above Star Wars? The story gets better and better over the course of the 3 movies; there's no drop in quality. Star Wars is good but near the end they kind of just resort to blowing up the Death Star again. (Even Family Guy acknowledges this) With Star Wars, oh it's an ice planet, oh it’s a desert plant, oh it’s a forest planet. Lord of the Rings on the other hand makes everything about it interesting, you don’t care if they sit down and tell a story or explain something, you want to know everything about this world. The stakes of the story just gets bigger and bigger making the drama bigger as well because literally everything is at stake. The religious themes are obvious but still well done, plus the bonds between the characters are just great. I love how despite the elves and the dwarfs having a long shaky history Legolas and Gimli get along like brothers. The battles and effects of these movies are in class all on their own, much like these movies themselves. Peter Jackson made all of these movies at the same time, something that’s never been done before. Winning him the best director award, something George Lucas never won.
Lord of the Rings is a grand epic masterpiece and will always be the one movie trilogy to rule them all.
Hope you liked this list. If you have a trilogy you wanted to see here leave a comment.
