The 20 Greatest Movie Duologies of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - March 9th 2025, 17:12 GMT+1

Cropped Die Nibelungen — Die Nibelungen: Siegfried & Kriemhild’s Revenge (1924 & 1924)

Before there was *Lord of the Rings*, before *Game of Thrones*, there was *Die Nibelungen –* a two-part German silent epic so grand, so mythological, that it practically invented cinematic fantasy. The first film, *Siegfried*, follows our chiseled, dragon-slaying hero through a world of betrayal and tragic fate. But hold onto your chainmail, because *Kriemhild’s Revenge* is where things get *real –* our leading lady is out for blood, and she’s not taking prisoners. Director Fritz Lang pulls no punches, crafting a visually stunning saga dripping in operatic drama and sheer, old-school cinematic magic. It’s Shakespearean tragedy on steroids, but with medieval armor and a serious grudge match. If you can handle the silent film experience, this duology will reward you with some of the most breathtakingly designed and narratively intense spectacles of early cinema. | © UFA

Cropped The Hustler — The Hustler & The Color of Money (1961 & 1986)

If you thought pool was just a casual bar game, Paul Newman’s legendary turn as Fast Eddie Felson will make you reconsider. *The Hustler* is a slick, moody, black-and-white classic that turns a smoky pool hall into an arena of ambition, ego, and downfall. It’s got everything – high-stakes gambling, psychological warfare, and Newman’s piercing blue eyes (even in monochrome, you *feel* them). Fast-forward 25 years, and *The Color of Money* arrives, now directed by Martin Scorsese, with an older, wiser Fast Eddie mentoring a hotheaded young Tom Cruise (who, shocker, plays a cocky upstart). It’s a different beast – flashier, looser, and dripping in 80s neon – but still packs a mean cue stick. Newman even won an Oscar for it, because, well, he’s Paul Newman. Together, these films paint a fascinating portrait of an aging hustler’s evolution, proving that some legends never fade, they just change their game. | © 20th Century Fox & Touchstone Pictures

Cropped The Emigrants — The Emigrants & The New Land (1971 & 1972)

Ever wondered what it was *really* like for those 19th-century immigrants chasing the American Dream? Well, wonder no more, because this Swedish duology delivers the harsh, unfiltered truth with all the grandeur and emotional depth of a sweeping epic. *The Emigrants* takes us on a grueling, wind-swept journey from Sweden to the New World, following a struggling family led by Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann (a powerhouse duo if there ever was one). Then comes *The New Land*, which doesn’t let up – it’s less about "happily ever after" and more about the sheer survivalist grit needed to carve out a life in the wilderness. Directed by Jan Troell with stunning realism, these films feel like flipping through the pages of history, but with all the cinematic beauty of an arthouse masterpiece. It’s like *Oregon Trail*, but without the option to reset when things go south. | © SF Studios

Cropped Blade Runner — Blade Runner & Blade Runner 2049 (1982 & 2017)

When *Blade Runner* first dropped in 1982, audiences weren’t quite sure what to make of it. Was it a sci-fi film? A detective noir? A philosophical think piece on what it means to be human? Turns out, it was all of the above – and then some. Ridley Scott’s rainy, neon-drenched world of rogue androids and existential dread became the gold standard for cyberpunk, influencing everything from *The Matrix* to *Ghost in the Shell*. Then, 35 years later, *Blade Runner 2049* arrived, and somehow, Denis Villeneuve *actually* pulled it off – crafting a sequel that expands the universe while still feeling like a meditative fever dream. Ryan Gosling steps in as the brooding new lead, while an older, wearier Harrison Ford returns to remind us why Rick Deckard is one of sci-fi’s greatest antiheroes. If you love moody, visually hypnotic storytelling with a side of "What *does* it mean to have a soul?" – this duology is your holy grail. | © Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures

Cropped Top Gun — Top Gun & Top Gun: Maverick (1986 & 2022)

If *Top Gun* was the ultimate 80s movie – complete with high-fives, motorcycle rides at sunset, and Tom Cruise defying the laws of both gravity and common sense – then *Top Gun: Maverick* is its adrenaline-fueled, surprisingly emotional encore. The original film was all about speed, sweat, and shirtless beach volleyball (oh, and jets, of course), while the sequel somehow took all that and made it even *better*. Cruise, now in his 60s but still acting like he’s got a death wish, performs stunts that would make younger actors cry. The sequel delivers stunning aerial dogfights, a genuinely moving story, and a powerful reminder that nostalgia works best when it’s backed by *actual* storytelling. Whether you’re here for the action, the callbacks, or just to see Cruise outdo himself yet again, this duology flies higher than anyone expected. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Manon of the Spring — Jean de Florette & Manon of the Spring (1986 & 1986)

If you thought rural life in Provence was all lavender fields and sipping wine under the sun, *Jean de Florette* is here to ruin that fantasy – brilliantly. This tragic French saga follows a hunchbacked outsider (played by the legendary Gérard Depardieu) as he tries to cultivate land that two scheming locals (Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil) are determined to keep dry. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well. But wait! *Manon of the Spring* flips the script, giving us a years-later revenge story led by Manon, Jean’s now-grown daughter, and oh boy, does karma come collecting. Beautifully shot, heart-wrenching, and morally complex, these films prove that revenge truly is a dish best served… with subtitles. If you can handle the emotional gut punches, this is one of cinema’s most rewarding two-parters. | © Gaumont

Cropped Addams Family — The Addams Family & Addams Family Values (1991 & 1993)

Snap twice if you’re obsessed with the *Addams Family*! These two delightfully macabre films take Charles Addams’ iconic comic strip and make it into a gothic fever dream of creepy, kooky brilliance. The first film introduces us to the gloriously bizarre Addams clan, led by Raul Julia’s suave Gomez and Anjelica Huston’s so elegant Morticia, with Christina Ricci’s deadpan Wednesday stealing the show. Then, *Addams Family Values* comes along and somehow *outdoes* the original with an even sharper script, featuring Joan Cusack as a murderous gold-digger and the greatest Thanksgiving play in cinematic history. These movies are funny, stylish, and so perfectly twisted that you can’t help but wish you were born into the family yourself. Seriously, where do we sign up? | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Waynes World — Wayne’s World & Wayne’s World 2 (1992 & 1993)

Party on, Wayne! Party on, Garth! These two films prove that the transition from SNL skit to full-length movie *can* be legendary. The first *Wayne’s World* is a love letter to rock ‘n’ roll, public access TV, and the power of goofballs with a dream – oh, and it gave us *that* iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” headbanging scene. Then *Wayne’s World 2* cranks up the absurdity with a full-blown parody of rock festivals and kung fu movies, complete with a cameo from Christopher Walken, because why not? Are they the *best* movies ever made? No. Are they endlessly quotable, weirdly wholesome, and guaranteed to make you laugh? *Schwing!* Absolutely. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Trainspotting — Trainspotting & T2 Trainspotting (1996 & 2017)

There are drug movies, and then there’s *Trainspotting –* a frenetic, hilarious, and horrifying dive into addiction, Scottish counterculture, and the worst toilet in cinema history. Danny Boyle’s 1996 classic made Ewan McGregor a star and left us all with the impossible decision of whether to “choose life” or just… choose more *Trainspotting*. Enter *T2 Trainspotting*, a sequel that miraculously *works*, despite the 20-year gap. It’s less of a drug-fueled rollercoaster and more of a reflective, middle-aged reckoning with the ghosts of youth. The energy is still there, but now it’s laced with nostalgia, regret, and a killer *Underworld* soundtrack. If you ever wondered what happened to Renton, Sick Boy, and Begbie – spoiler: Begbie *is still terrifying –* this duology gives you the closure you didn’t know you needed. | © Channel Four Films & TriStar Pictures

Cropped Monsters Inc — Monsters, Inc. & Monsters University (2001 & 2013)

Pixar has a way of making kids *and* adults weep, and *Monsters, Inc.* is no exception. This wildly imaginative buddy-comedy-slash-emotional-gut-punch follows Mike and Sulley, two lovable monsters who accidentally bond with a human child (*Boo forever!*). The concept is brilliant, the animation still holds up, and let’s be real – Roz’s “I’m always watching, Wazowski” is iconic. Then, instead of a sequel, Pixar gave us *Monsters University*, a prequel that asks, “What if *Animal House*, but with adorable monsters?” It’s fun, colorful, and gives us Mike and Sulley’s origin story, proving that sometimes friendship starts with rivalry. While it doesn’t pack quite the emotional weight of the original, it’s a worthy addition to one of Pixar’s most charming franchises. And hey, we’ll never say no to more of Billy Crystal and John Goodman’s pitch-perfect banter. | © Walt Disney Pictures & Pixar

Cropped Kill Bill — Kill Bill: Volume 1 & Volume 2 (2003 & 2004)

Quentin Tarantino loves his revenge stories, but *Kill Bill* isn’t just a revenge movie – it’s *the* revenge movie. A love letter to samurai films, grindhouse cinema, and spaghetti westerns, this two-parter follows Uma Thurman’s Bride as she slices, dices, and absolutely *wrecks* anyone who stands between her and Bill. *Volume 1* is pure, adrenaline-fueled mayhem, featuring *that* legendary showdown against the Crazy 88 and a deadly duel with Lucy Liu’s O-Ren Ishii. Then *Volume 2* slows things down, trading the blood-soaked action for deeper character moments, culminating in a final confrontation that’s oddly… tender? It’s brutal, stylish, and effortlessly cool – like Tarantino distilled into its purest form. And let’s be honest, that yellow jumpsuit is forever iconic. | © Miramax

Cropped The Incredibles — The Incredibles & Incredibles 2 (2004 & 2018)

Before superhero movies took over Hollywood, *The Incredibles* gave us something special – a film that’s equal parts action-packed, heartfelt, and utterly hilarious. Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl are trying to live a normal suburban life, but their kids are full of untapped superpowers, and their enemies *do not* take a break. It’s a superhero story, yes, but also a family drama, a spy thriller, and an absolute masterclass in animation. Then, after *14 years* (*FOURTEEN!*), *Incredibles 2* finally arrived, picking up right where we left off, but flipping the dynamic – this time, Elastigirl is in the spotlight while Bob struggles with stay-at-home dad life. The action is bigger, the humor is sharper, and Jack-Jack steals every single scene. Brad Bird, you mad genius, thanks for proving that good things come to those who wait. | © Walt Disney Pictures & Pixar

Cropped Election — Election & Triad Election (2005 & 2008)

Forget the high school politics of Reese Witherspoon’s *Election –* this is *Hong Kong* politics, and by politics, we mean *brutal gang warfare*. Johnnie To’s *Election* is a tense, slow-burning crime drama about the cutthroat world of triad leadership, where loyalty lasts about as long as it takes to grab a knife. The sequel, *Triad Election* (aka *Election 2*), is even darker, showing the price of ambition as a reluctant gangster is *forced* into the top spot. These aren’t your flashy, action-packed crime thrillers – no, this is methodical, cold-blooded storytelling that pulls you into a world where power is the only currency that matters. If *The Godfather* was made in Hong Kong, it would look a *lot* like this. | © Media Asia Films

Cropped Flags of Our Fathers — Flags of Our Fathers & Letters from Iwo Jima (2006 & 2006)

Clint Eastwood didn’t just make a war movie – he made *two*, and together, they create one of the most powerful depictions of World War II ever put to screen. *Flags of Our Fathers* tells the American side of the Battle of Iwo Jima, focusing on the soldiers who raised the iconic flag and the way propaganda shaped their lives afterward. Then, *Letters from Iwo Jima* flips the perspective, showing the battle from the Japanese side, revealing the humanity behind the so-called "enemy." It’s a brilliant, gut-wrenching double feature that reminds you that war isn’t just about winners and losers – it’s about the people caught in the middle. Rarely do we get to see both sides of history in such a raw, honest way. If you’re looking for a war film experience that hits *hard*, this is it. | © Warner Bros. & DreamWorks Pictures

Cropped Sherlock Holmes — Sherlock Holmes & Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2009 & 2011)

Sherlock Holmes has been around for over a century, but let’s be real – he was never this *cool* until Robert Downey Jr. stepped in. Guy Ritchie’s *Sherlock Holmes* takes the world’s greatest detective and turns him into a bare-knuckle brawler with a brain that moves at warp speed. The chemistry between RDJ’s Holmes and Jude Law’s Watson is perfection, full of witty banter and reluctant bromance energy. Then, *A Game of Shadows* ups the stakes by bringing in Holmes’ ultimate nemesis – Professor Moriarty, played with chilling brilliance by Jared Harris. The slow-motion fights, the steampunk aesthetics, the mind games – it’s all here, wrapped in Ritchie’s signature high-energy style. Sadly, we never got a third film (yet?), but as a two-movie run, this Sherlock duology still reigns supreme. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped The Raid — The Raid & The Raid 2 (2011 & 2014)

If *The Raid* was just a movie, it’d be illegal – because nothing this intense should be allowed to exist. This Indonesian action masterpiece follows a SWAT team trapped in a high-rise full of criminals, where every floor is an escalating death trap. The fight scenes? Brutal. The choreography? Insane. The tension? Through the *roof* (literally). And just when you think you’ve seen peak action cinema, *The Raid 2* comes along and says, “Hold my machete.” Expanding from a claustrophobic building to an all-out crime epic, the sequel somehow manages to outdo the original with *even* crazier fights, car chases, and bone-crunching brawls. If you love martial arts, *The Raid* duology is your holy grail – just be prepared to question if Hollywood action movies are even trying. | © XYZ Films & Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Jump street — 21 Jump Street & 22 Jump Street (2012 & 2014)

Who would’ve thought that a reboot of an old ‘80s TV show would turn into one of the *funniest* duologies of all time? *21 Jump Street* takes the buddy cop formula, injects it with self-aware humor, and gives us the ridiculously perfect pairing of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as two bumbling undercover cops infiltrating a high school drug ring. The chemistry? Immaculate. The jokes? Non-stop. And the cameos? Peak nostalgia. But just when you think they couldn’t top it, *22 Jump Street* swings in, turns up the meta-humor to 11, and somehow makes fun of the fact that it’s a sequel *while* being an *even better sequel*. | © Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped Gangs of Wasseypur — Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

Technically one *massive* movie split into two parts, *Gangs of Wasseypur* is India’s answer to *The Godfather*, but with even *more* revenge, violence, and family feuds spanning generations. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this crime epic follows a decades-long bloodbath between rival coal mafia families in the small town of Wasseypur. The first part sets up the betrayals, the backstabbing, and the *why* behind the rage, while the second part unleashes absolute chaos as the next generation picks up the guns. The film is raw, stylish, and packed with dark humor, giving us some of the best gangster storytelling in modern cinema. Oh, and the soundtrack? Pure fire. If you’ve got five hours to spare, buckle up – because this isn’t just a movie, it’s *an experience*. | © Viacom18 Motion Pictures

Nymphomaniac: Vol. I & II (2013 & 2013)

Leave it to Lars von Trier to make a movie duology that’s as uncomfortable as it is brilliant. *Nymphomaniac* is not for the faint of heart – it’s provocative, explicit, and psychologically intense, following Charlotte Gainsbourg’s character as she recounts her lifelong addiction to "adult time." The first film lures you in with dark humor and unexpected tenderness, while the second film takes a nosedive into some seriously disturbing territory. It’s not just about shock value, though – this is a deep, philosophical dive into human nature, desire, and self-destruction. Is it fun to watch? *Absolutely not.* But is it fascinating, boundary-pushing cinema? Oh, *definitely*. If you’re in the mood for something *way* outside the Hollywood norm, this duology will challenge everything you think about storytelling… and probably make you squirm. | © Zentropa

Avengers Infinity War — Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame (2018 & 2019)

This isn’t just a duology – it’s the *culmination* of over a decade of superhero storytelling. *Infinity War* drops us into absolute chaos, as Thanos – Marvel’s most intimidating villain yet – decides to play God and erase half the universe with a snap of his massive, purple fingers. The result? One of the most *devastating* endings in blockbuster history (*Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good…*). Then, a year later, *Endgame* arrives, giving us a time-travel heist, a Thor who’s let himself go, and *the* most epic final battle ever filmed. The moment when Cap wields Mjolnir? Pure cinematic euphoria. Tony Stark’s sacrifice? Heartbreaking perfection. This duology isn’t just a spectacle – it’s a pop culture event that defined an era of filmmaking. And whether you cheered, cried, or both (admit it), there’s no denying Marvel stuck the landing. | © Marvel Studios & Walt Disney Studios

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In the world of cinema, franchises often dominate the spotlight, with trilogies and sprawling sagas stretching across multiple films. But sometimes, less is more. Enter the movie duology – a perfectly crafted two-film experience that tells a complete, compelling story without unnecessary sequels or franchise fatigue. From action-packed thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, these two-part masterpieces prove that great storytelling doesn’t always need a third act.

This carefully curated list of the 20 greatest movie duologies of all time celebrates the best two-film journeys across genres, from legendary crime epics to animated gems and groundbreaking sci-fi spectacles. Whether you’re looking for high-octane action, deep emotional narratives, or simply a pair of films that complement each other perfectly, this list has something for every movie lover.