Are you looking for something that will distract you from thoughts of homework, auditions or exams but don’t want to waste any more time flipping through Netflix? Why not take a break from TV and lose yourself for a few hours in the worlds of some of the best film trilogies? We’re only looking at series of films with three movies today, so larger franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones will have to sit this one out.
Honorable Mention: The Matrix Trilogy
Films include: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions
Couldn’t quite crack the top five because frankly, the two sequels don’t come close to the brilliance of the original. However, it also speaks to just how good the first visit to the Matrix with Neo was, since it didn’t get buried underneath all the pretentiousness that Reloaded and Revolutions heaped on top of it. Released all the way back in 1999, The Matrix still impresses visually with its (then) revolutionary concept of bullet time and incredible fight scenes.
Films Include: Ocean’s 11, Ocean’s 12, Ocean’s 13
Sometimes it doesn’t take much more than some solid humor and gorgeous people having fun to make a great film series. The star-studded cast includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon to name just a few of the Hollywood A-Listers packed into these movies. Throw in some slick heists, Steven Soderbergh’s flashy direction and an enjoyable vibe of everyone just having a good time and you’ll be smiling all the way through.
Films Include: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises
We’re stretching the rules just a little here, as it could be argued that Chris Nolan’s Dark Knight films are part of the bigger Batman universe, but they stand alone enough to merit a spot on this list. Besides, I shudder to think how the Joker would take to not being included. Like The Matrix films, there’s a definite standout in the group with The Dark Knight, strengthened by Heath Ledger’s immortal portrayal of the Joker. Unlike the Matrix’s sequels however Begins and Rises don’t take anything away from the series despite each having their share of problems. These movies helped prove that comic book movies don’t have to only be fun summer blockbusters – they can be legitimate and powerful films as well.
Films Include: Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3
Had to include Toy Story on this list while I could, since with the announcement of a fourth film coming in 2018 it won’t be a trilogy for much longer. Pixar launched onto the scene with arguably their best film and haven’t looked back since, especially in regards to sequels to their original film. Focusing on the bond between a boy and his toys, Toy Story is able to delight the inner child in all of us while also speaking the truth about the hardships of growing up. The characters are iconic and firmly a part of our generation’s culture forever, and Pixar proves with this series alone that they are masters at injecting real emotions amidst all the fun onscreen.
Films Include: The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Godfather Part III
Classics in every sense of the word, The Godfather series has withstood the test of time because it’s just…that…good. While Part III is definitely the weakest of the group, there’s not much shame in that as Part I and II are each regularly (and rightfully) regarded as the best films of all time. With each passing year its legend grows as it continues to hold up. Impeccable direction by Francis Ford Coppola and a cast of acting legends including Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall certainly don’t hurt its chances of that changing anytime soon.
Films Include: Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King
Peter Jackson’s fantasy epic films based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each shot, be it of the beautiful landscape of New Zealand (where the film was made) or an army of Orcs, feels meticulously crafted for the audience. Each character feels real and easy to cheer for, and Tolkien’s amazing story proves why his novel became a literary staple. There’s no true weak link in the films, and the quality of each one is fantastic, making it that much easier to immerse yourself in Middle Earth.
Leave a Reply