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Image via Paramount Pictures
Movies are beloved by people all around the world. They have the ability to transport someone from their couch to another universe in just a matter of seconds, providing a one or two-hour escape from reality where they can experience a world like no other. Be it from the comfort of their home or on a memorable trip to the cinema, there really is nothing like watching a movie and being engrossed from the moment that "play" button is pressed.
But what about when more than one movie in a series constantly keeps audiences gripped? When a trilogy, for example, is as strong and consistent in keeping someone hooked as the first film, it can be just that little bit more enticing to go back and watch for another viewing. It doesn't always work, and there are times when a predecessor or successor feels like they don't belong with the others, but when it does, these movie trilogies can described as nothing less than perfection to a target audience. From animated classics like How to Train Your Dragon to a record-breaking web-swinging superhero trio, these cinematic trilogies never fail to impress, no matter how old or new they may be.
10 The Original 'X-Men' Trilogy (2000-2006)
'X-Men' (2000), 'X2: X-Men United' (2003), and 'X-Men: The Last Stand' (2006)
X2 is a favorite of this extensive franchise for many of its fans, often considered everything an excellent sequel should be and one of the best comic book sequels of all time. Its predecessor is just as successful as a standalone feature, but when partnered with the next in the series, they are a powerhouse duo of entertainment.
As a trilogy, X-Men, X2, and X-Men: The Last Stand are a strong point for the superhero genre, and while the third installment isn't everyone's favorite, this nostalgic team of misfits and mutants is one of the most iconic group of heroes to date. The fourteen films that make up this franchise, including the Deadpool trilogy, have garnered over $7 billion at the worldwide box office — over $1 billion of that impressive total comes from the first three films alone. Now that a final farewell has been said to the Fox universe's X-Men, these movies will hold even more of a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide and will remain one of the best superhero trilogies ever made.
9 Sam Raimi's 'Spider-Man' Trilogy (2002-2007)
'Spider-Man' (2002), 'Spider-Man 2' (2004), 'Spider-Man 3' (2007)
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
It's no secret that the third and final installment in Sam Raimi's original Spidey trilogy isn't the best film ever made. That said, it has become such a well-referenced and loved piece of camp entertainment for all the right reasons that fans can now look past its poor pacing and convoluted plotlines to enjoy its sheer silliness.
The 2000s Spider-Man movies hold an extraordinarily special place in the hearts of fans from all across the world. But it's not just the nostalgia that makes this trilogy one of the best of all time. Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 broke multiple records and offered some of the finest and most resonant storytelling in the superhero genre. They are both widely regarded as two of the best superhero movies ever made and continue to be the favorite Spidey trilogy made to date for many of those who grew up with them.
Spider-Man
Release Date May 3, 2002
Runtime 121 minutes
Writers Stan Lee , Steve Ditko , David Koepp
8 The 'Back to the Future' Trilogy (1985-1990)
'Back to the Future' (1985), 'Back to the Future Part II' (1989), 'Back to the Future Part III' (1990)
Image via Universal Pictures
The Back to the Future franchise is a trio of sci-fi films that defined a decade, with the first in the series becoming a phenomenon that impacted audiences worldwide. Despite being an early indication of the stereotypical "third film isn't as good" trope, these movies are three of the most iconic in the sci-fi genre even forty years after release.
The overall success of the Back to the Future trilogy paved the way for further media projects based on the source material. Board games, video games, comic books, and even a stage musical stemmed from the original 1980s triumph, and the franchise has become one of the most impactful of its kind. The original Back to the Future was the highest-grossing film of 1985, and the trilogy has continued to entertain audiences ever since.
Back to the Future
Release Date July 3, 1985
Runtime 116 minutes
7 The 'Toy Story' Trilogy (1995-2010)
'Toy Story' (1995), 'Toy Story 2' (1999), and 'Toy Story 3' (2010)
Image via Pixar Animation Studios
The Toy Story movies aren't just for kids to enjoy. Many adults nowadays grew up with Woody and Buzz, and the toy gang has become a significant part of many lives. The movies make up a funny, emotional, and wholesome franchise, and their loveable characters, impressive writing, and nostalgic undertone make them easily one of the most universally loved of all time. Toy Story 4 may be the most financially successful of the quartet, but the first three will always be a perfect trilogy.
Fans have taken the adventures with Woody (Tom Hanks) and friends into adulthood, and the movies are effortlessly easy to rewatch for a trip down memory lane or as a quiet movie night in. However, the overall success surrounding these movies is a solidifying reason why they remain one of the most perfect trilogies thus far. They reside in the top five highest-grossing animated franchises ever made, have an average Tomatometer score of 99%, and have won numerous industry awards. They will remain one of the greatest animated trilogies for decades to come.
Toy Story
Release Date November 22, 1995
Director John Lasseter
Runtime 81 minutes
Writers Joss Whedon , Alec Sokolow , Joel Cohen , Andrew Stanton
6 'The Godfather' Trilogy (1972-1990)
'The Godfather' (1972), 'The Godfather Part II' (1974), and 'The Godfather Part III' (1990)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Arguably one of the most referenced crime franchises ever made, The Godfather and its successors have become known worldwide. The trilogy is so notable and influential that even if someone hasn't seen the films, they've likely heard a quote or two or seen a subtle easter egg in another movie without even realizing where it's from.
But its endless quotability and recognizable dialogue aren't The Godfather's only strong point. The Godfather was a box office success that redefined the gangster genre for the New Hollywood period. The films also received critical acclaim atop its combined twenty-eight Academy Award nominations, winning several major awards, including Best Actor for Marlon Brando for the first movie and Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro for the sequel. Seminal and outright game-changing, The Godfather will always be a trilogy you can't refuse.
5 The Dollar's Trilogy (1964-1966)
'A Fistful of Dollars' (1964), 'For a Few Dollars More' (1965), and 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' (1966)
Image via United Artists
Consisting of three iconic Western movies released between 1964 and 1966, The Dollars Trilogy is a staple of the American Western. A Fistful of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly are some of the most instantly recognizable trilogies of its kind ever made. It may be sixty years old and the oldest addition to this list, but that does not make it weak in any sense of the word. In fact, it's arguably one of the best Western trios to date.
This Spaghetti Western trilogy is perhaps one of Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone's most universally loved works, collaboratively and independently. To this day, they remain on multiple Best Movies of All Time lists and are widely regarded as such by numerous modern-day Western directors and moviemakers, including Quentin Tarantino. A timeless classic with recognizable theme songs and some of the most referenced old-school quotes around make this iconic Western series one to stand the test of time.
Release Date December 29, 1967
Director Sergio Leone
Runtime 161 minutes
4 'The Dark Knight' Trilogy (2005-2012)
'Batman Begins' (2005), 'The Dark Knight' (2008), and 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Batman is one of the most instantly recognizable superhero characters ever created. He is a man of tragic backstory who became a dark, vengeful force to be reckoned with. The Caped Crusader's story has been depicted numerous times since his debut in the 1939 comic, with varying levels of success. But The Dark Knight trilogy is regarded by many as one of the most favored to date.
The three films that make up this acclaimed trio are 2005's Batman Begins, 2008's The Dark Knight, and 2012's final installment, The Dark Knight Rises. Sir Christopher Nolan directed all three features, which are widely regarded as the best of the best when it comes to making a good Batman movie, thanks to their phenomenal cast performances, strong plot, and cinematography. The winner of multiple accolades and solidifying itself as the definition of an enthralling comic book adaptation, The Dark Knight trilogy will always be a favorite for millions.
Release Date July 18, 2008
Runtime 152 Minutes
3 The Original 'Star Wars' Trilogy (1977-1983)
'Star Wars' (1977), 'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980), 'Return of the Jedi' (1983)
Image via Lucasfilm
In the entertainment industry, it's difficult to name a franchise as expansive and far-reached as the Star Wars universe. It all began almost fifty years ago when the first film was released in 1977. What followed was a multi-media universe with continuous new additions, from TV show spin-offs and mini-series to multi-billion dollar feature films and even theme park attractions.
But it all began in the late 1970s when many discovered their love for the universe. No one could've imagined where it would end up, but the original trilogy is considered one of this expansive franchise's most iconic and, for many, nostalgic pieces of entertainment. A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi hold a place in fans' hearts that some feel the later installments couldn't accomplish. Be it for nostalgia to those who grew up with the original three or the fact that it's where this incredible journey all began nearly fifty years ago, the original Star Wars trilogy will always be one of the best.
Release Date May 25, 1977
Director George Lucas
Runtime 121 Minutes
Writers George Lucas
2 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy (2001-2003)
'The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001), 'The Two Towers' (2002), and 'The Return of the King' (2003)
It can be incredibly beneficial for a film's success when all three installments in a trilogy are directed by the same person. They know the world, the characters, and the style inside and out, which can make telling a story with consistency and continuity all the more effortless. Peter Jackson's iconic Lord of the Rings franchise is no exception in this regard.
LOTR is one of the most well-known film series created thus far. Its following spans millions of people across the globe, thanks to incredible storytelling, effortless worldbuilding, and characters you just can't help but adore. Its loyalty to the source material also does wonders for its success. Set in Middle-earth with Frodo, Aragon, and fellow Company of the Ring affiliates, this book-to-movie trio has become an influential part of the fantasy genre. It stands as one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever made, and with thirty Academy Award nominations, of which it won seventeen, it is a near-unbeatable triumph in book-to-movie adaptation trilogies.
1 The 'How To Train Your Dragon' Trilogy (2010-2019)
'How To Train Your Dragon' (2010), 'How To Train Your Dragon 2' (2014), 'How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' (2019)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Placing these trilogies in an order everyone will agree on is impossible. A favorite genre for one person may vastly differ from that of someone else. But the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy has been regarded by many who see it as an absolute masterpiece with nothing to fault.
For almost a decade, the HTTYD story engrossed its audiences of all ages on an incredible journey with heart, love, and life at its core. Breathtaking visuals, a plot without flaws, and characters to fall in love with sit at the heart of this trilogy, and from beginning to end, it brought tears, laughter, and, of course, an overwhelming need to have a Toothless of our own. Nominated for four Academy Awards and acting as one of the most financially triumphant animated franchises to date, this lovely franchise is an undeniable success. Ask anyone who's seen it if it ranks as one of the best trilogies of all time, and that's one thing millions of people can agree on.
Release Date March 18, 2010
Director Dean DeBlois , Chris Sanders
Runtime 98 Minutes
Writers Chris Sanders , Dean DeBlois , William Davies
English (US) ·