Top 10 Movie Trilogies

Kicking off our list is the series that literally blew us away. Even though parts 2 and 3 didn’t quite measure up to the first, we can’t ignore the overall impact of Neo and his friends. This trilogy gave us mind-bending action, bullet-time, a riveting techno score, skin-tight leather outfits, and religion-infused philosophical storytelling. Sure, Keanu gave his usual wooden performance and there was gratuitous green tinting, but it was still spectacular!

Next up is the series that made Spaghetti Westerns a legitimate cinematic genre. Also known as “The Dollars” trilogy, it was created by Sergio Leone as a spiritual remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1961 flick “Yojimbo.” Including “A Fistful of Dollars,” “For A Few More Dollars” and “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” this film series featured marvelous set pieces and saw Clint Eastwood play the mysterious gunman who delivered unforgettable moments, intense close-ups, and differed from all other cinematic cowboys.

This series became the template for modern action films. It centered on an NYPD cop who was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Filled with suspense, tense action and comedy, it showcased Bruce Willis at his best. Yes, this series didn’t stop at three; but we’re praising the older installments that carried confident R-ratings and a lead with a full head of hair.

Before Shia LaBeouf, CGI gofers, aliens and a nuked fridge, the “Indiana Jones” trilogy took moviegoers on never before seen adventures! From the Lost Ark, to the Temple of Doom and the Holy Grail, the subject matter was always fantasy-filled and high octane. It also showcased a love of B-movies, old-fashioned serials, choreographed practical effects and over-the-top sounds – all with a sense of humor! We love Dr. Jones!

Tim Burton came close to trilogy status, and so did Joel Schumacher. However, Christopher Nolan was the one who pulled it off with his mature and gritty take on everyone’s favorite crime fighter. “The Dark Knight” not only made comic films serious again, but also gave the franchise the respect it deserved with pitch-perfect storytelling and excellent casting.

These films were essential the same, yet completely different and totally enjoyable. Created by James Cameron, this series gave us cinema’s most terrifying robotic nightmare, before the formula was reversed and Arnold became an endearing hero. Set against thrilling time-travel action romps, these films dealt with the themes of fate and technology, while also delivering unbelievable effects, action and timeless one-liners.

This is the entry we can’t refuse. Cinema’s greatest gangster epic chronicled the life and times of the Corleone family. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it was an example of flawless movie making, and included such themes as family, cultural assimilation and the fragile balance of power. It also showcased some of cinema’s most haunting music, brilliant storytelling, cinematography, and performances from legends like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

Great Scott! These were some of the most beloved, re-watchable and all-around entertaining movies ever made. Robert Zemeckis’ “Back To The Future” trilogy mixed plutonium-fueled hijinks with the coolest time machine ever built, and the greatest on-screen chemistry ever recorded between Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown. It was fun, hilarious and filled with adventure, with a story that takes you to the future, the past and the old west.

Peter Jackson’s breathtaking and ambitious trilogy transformed the words of J.J.R. Tolkien into a living and breathing world. Filmed back-to-back, these epics spared no expense in bringing us exacting detail, perfect casting, wondrous special-effects, and a story about beating the odds…with lots of walking, talking trees, wizards, hobbits, epic battles and ring wraiths. It truly was precious…

Taking the top spot on our list is the original sci-fi sensation that continues to be referenced everywhere and every day. George Lucas’ space opera changed filmmaking more than any other on this list, captivated generations and truly delivered with two phenomenal sequels that placed characters above pioneering effects. It also gave us cinema’s biggest twist, and inspired countless imitators. The force is strong with this one.

Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite film trilogy? Be sure to check out our other entertaining Top 10’s at WatchMojo.com