These movies are 90s gems. Scream managed to revitalize the slasher genre with its meta-narrative, self-aware humor, and clever deconstruction of slasher film tropes. The first one is great, the second one is fine, and the third one is not so good, but I still include it on this list, because of its influence on the horror movie landscape.
© Dimension Films
Rapid-fire jokes, visual gags, and absurdist humor. That is what you can expect from this comedic masterclass of a trilogy. Leslie Nielson solidified himself as one of the most talented comedic actors through this trilogy, with his impeccable straight-faced delivery of dry humor. Just as with number 20, the quality dips with every installment, but you can't deny that the core humor is hilarious.
© Paramount
The Bourne Trilogy redefined the action-thriller genre in the early 2000s. Matt Damon puts on a pretty good performance as a hitman who lost all memory of his own identity, trying to get it back. The trilogy was known back then for its gritty realism and cleanly choreographed action. The third movie is not that great, but that's not why I ranked the trilogy this low. Sadly, this series started the awful trend of fast-paced, incomprehensible editing in action sequences, which is why I have to leave it down here.
© Universal Pictures / United International Pictures
I know this isn't a trilogy, but I want to rank the first three movies.
Die Hard might be one of the most iconic action blockbusters to date. A relatable everyman hero cracking jokes while kicking butts. Bruce Willis works great as John Mcclane, and I like Samuel L. Jackson in the second movie as well. It's a classic trilogy tradition that the third one is the worst of the bunch, and this series is no exception. Still, it is a highly entertaining ride and somehow the perfect Christmas movie.
© 20th Century Studios
Here's the first example of the second movie being better than the first. The Terminator trilogy reached its iconic heights because of James Cameron's visionary direction and top class performances. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays his best role, really making it his own. The first movie was a blast, but the second movie shines with its gripping narrative, revolutionary CGI, and iconic set pieces. The third movie is kind of there as well, but not as great as the other ones.
© Tri-Star Pictures
The Matrix trilogy is an odd one, because two movies don't quite measure up in the bunch. The second is definitely the worst one, while the third is also disappointing. Nevertheless, I rank the trilogy this high, because that first Matrix film really carries the whole series. It is one of the best action movies ever, one of the best sci-fi movies ever, and overall one of the best movies of all time. I can't stress enough, how deeply embedded this movie is in our current pop culture. Gotta give it the number 15 spot.
© Warner Bros.
The Vengeance Trilogy is a masterful exploration of revenge, justice, and the human condition. Each film in the trilogy stands on its own, telling separate stories connected by the central theme of vengeance, yet together they create a powerful and cohesive cinematic experience. Like most people, my favorite one is Oldboy. It was so influential for action thrillers at the time that I can't help but love it. It is a visceral and psychologically intense film that combines a gripping narrative with stunning visuals and a shocking twist. Park Chan-wook's direction shines in every single one of these movies. Truly one for the history books.
© Show East
Okay, I hope I won't get too much hate for this, but I think these movies are a bit overhyped. I don't love Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man. But I will say, that the first two movies, managed to revolutionize the Superhero movie genre, which spawned some of my favorite movies of all time. The first one is pretty good, the second one is actually great, and the third one is bonkers garbage, but nevertheless it is still entertaining.
© Sony Pictures Releasing
These movies were way better than I thought, when I rewatched them. The Curse of the Black Pearl, might be the best stand-alone adventure movie of all time. It just works well in every area. I love Dead Man's Chest for introducing Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman's crew. The movie has gotten even more creative with the choreography, I mean, just look at the wheel scene. At World's End is pretty good as well, though it is quite long. But it is an epic climax for a great trilogy.
© Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
I've seen many people online, taking this trilogy for granted. These are all exciting superhero movies, with likeable characters, great performances and both new and old ideas. The first movie is great, with its perfect balance between slice of life, comedy, and action elements. The second one establishes Peter as his own hero, who doesn't need help from Iron Man. And No Way Home delivers the most gripping performances by the main cast and the new characters. Andrew Garfield and Willem Defoe play their characters so well, it's actually bonkers. Tom Holland is probably my favorite Peter Parker, which is why I love these movies. Also, these movies actually got me to care about the romance stuff, which the other Spider-Man movies didn't manage to do.
© Sony Pictures Releasing
The Evil Dead trilogy, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, is a masterclass in inventive filmmaking and genre-blending. The first film was a groundbreaking entry into the horror genre. Its use of practical effects, including the infamous “stop-motion” sequences, and its atmospheric setting in a remote cabin in the woods, set a new standard for independent horror filmmaking. The second one took the original’s foundation and infused it with dark humor, effectively blending horror with slapstick comedy. And the third movie transported Ash to a medieval setting, where he battles an army of the undead. While lighter on horror, Army of Darkness embraced its campy, over-the-top nature, delivering memorable one-liners and a protagonist who had fully evolved into a heroic, if still somewhat bumbling, figure.
The Evil Dead Trilogy is one of horror's most important cornerstones.
© Renaissance Pictures
Indiana Jones is a masterfully crafted trilogy that was directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas. The first movie is considered to be one of the best adventure movies of all time, while it still puts its own unique twist on the genre. The second movie took the franchise in a darker direction, exploring more intense themes and delivering some of the most memorable and daring sequences in the series. The third one went back to the lighthearted tone, while also adding emotional depth with the introduction of Indy's father, played by Sean Connery. The trilogy’s iconic status, from the character of Indiana Jones himself to the memorable set pieces and John Williams' legendary score, has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
© Lucasfilm
The Dollars Trilogy, directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood as the enigmatic “Man with No Name,” is a cornerstone of both the Western genre and world cinema. This trilogy redefined the Western with its stark, brutal portrayal of the Old West, morally ambiguous characters, and a distinctive visual and musical style that has become iconic. The one that shines the most is the third movie, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This epic tale of three men searching for buried gold during the chaos of the American Civil War masterfully combines Leone's vision with Morricone's unforgettable score, resulting in some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history. It might be one of the best films ever made.
© Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
If you've read my Top 25 Comic Book Movies, you would already know how much I love the Guardians movies. James Gunn created an incredibly fun and heartfelt story with complex and relatable characters. He manages to combine these traits with breathtaking visuals, exciting action, an awesome soundtrack and hilarious jokes. For me, the first two feel kind of the same in quality, but I like the third one the most.
© Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Back to the Future trilogy, directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, is probably the most fun time-travel movie series of all time. The first film is a near-flawless blend of science fiction and coming-of-age comedy. The second movie took the story in bold new directions, exploring a dystopian alternate 1985 and a futuristic 2015, while also cleverly revisiting scenes from the first film from a different perspective. The third one brought the trilogy to a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion by transporting the characters to the Old West. This film combines the charm and humor of the series with the adventure and excitement of a Western, while also providing closure to the characters' arcs. A very rounded out trilogy, which is why it is placed this high.
© Universal Pictures
These movies revolutionized the animation industry and set new standards for what animated films could achieve. With a voice cast led by Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, these movies showed audiences early on that animation is not a genre, it's a medium. The first film introduced audiences to a heartfelt story about toys that come to life when their owner, Andy, isn’t around. The film's rich characters, witty dialogue, and clever exploration of the relationship between Woody, the loyal cowboy, and Buzz, the futuristic space ranger, were fun for everyone. The second one defied the odds by not only matching, but arguably surpassing its predecessor. Toy Story 3 is a personal favorite for me, since it includes one of my favorite villains of all time. All in all, this trilogy just rocks!
© Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Christopher Nolan managed to do what no one else even dared to. He put Batman into our world, with more realistic rules and enemies, grounding the character. I love Batman Begins, since it focuses on parts of Bruce Wayne that weren't explored that much before. I also think that in this movie, Batman himself comes across as the most menacing he can be in this trilogy. We don't need to talk about The Dark Knight, since it's literally almost a perfect movie, but The Dark Knight Rises kind of ruined the trilogy for me. It has some real pacing issues, the characters feel very flat, and Batman doesn't really get to shine at all in this one. He's just a punching guy. Nevertheless, I still rank it this high because the first two movies were just that good.
© Warner Bros. Pictures
The original Star Wars trilogy would be number one if not for one fatal flaw. I think Return of the Jedi is pretty overrated. It just contains a lot of plot elements that feel forced, and the pacing really is all over the place. On the other hand, the first two movies are so perfect, that I have to place the trilogy up here. A new Hope was a milestone in cinema history, because of its visionary world-building, character design, music, story structure, and story. The Empire Strikes Back is even better. It is basically a perfect movie. Everything is dialed to 11 here. I love the world, I love the characters, and I especially adore the score, which is why the trilogy is number 3.
© Lucasfilm Ltd.
Speaking of incredible music, The Godfather Trilogy takes the second place. The Godfather trilogy, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel by Mario Puzo, is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in film history. The trilogy shows the rise and fall of the Corleone family, offering a profound exploration of the nature of power, loyalty, and the American Dream. The performances, particularly by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, are legendary, and the films are celebrated for their rich character development, complex moral dilemmas, and meticulous craftsmanship. I have to say that I think the first one is the best. It just has so many iconic lines and scenes, especially with Marlon Brando. The trilogy didn't quite make it to the top, because the third movie, while still good, is a little bit lacking in some aspects.
© Paramount Pictures
Now here we are, at my definitive number one pick. Peter Jackson's the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a perfect trilogy. Every single one of these movies is an absolute banger. The Two Towers, which is considered the weakest one, is still a great movie. I also think that the Fellowship of the Ring is the best of the three, followed by the Return of the King. All the performances are incredible, the costumes are fantastic, the music, the pacing, the shots, it all comes together to form a cinematic masterpiece.
PS: Go watch the behind-the-scenes footage on YouTube, it's extremely entertaining, because these guys are really one big family.
© New Line Cinema
Today, we are going to rank the best trilogies that cinema had to offer, since its beginning. There are some trilogies on this list that later got another sequel, which I'm going to ignore if the series was planned as a trilogy. Also, if you want someone to praise the Star-Wars prequels, you're in the wrong place…
