The Best Movie Trilogies of All Time
Some stories are just too epic to fit into one movie. That’s why we love trilogies—they let us live in those worlds longer, watch characters grow, and get completely obsessed. Here’s a breakdown of the 20 best movie trilogies ever made, including which film of the set was the weakest chapter. Get ready to binge-watch, argue about rankings, and relive some iconic moments!
Discover the ultimate ranking of the best movie trilogies ever made! From epic fantasies and action-packed adventures to beloved classics, this list breaks down the top 20 trilogies every movie fan needs to see.
The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen
This epic fantasy journey set a whole new standard for adventure films. With mind-blowing visuals, incredible battles, and heartfelt friendships, it turned Middle-earth into a second home for fans everywhere. It's a perfect blend of magic, bravery, and emotional storytelling that still holds up today.
Weakest chapter: The Two Towers — it feels like a long middle chapter without a real ending.
Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger
This trilogy took Batman from comic book camp to gritty, grounded heroism. With brilliant acting (especially Heath Ledger’s Joker), deep themes, and jaw-dropping action, Nolan created the ultimate modern superhero saga. It made us believe a man could really become a symbol and protect a city.
Weakest chapter: The Dark Knight Rises — it tries to do too much and doesn’t quite reach the emotional highs of the first two.
The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Godfather Part III
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton
This legendary crime saga dives deep into family, power, and corruption. The first two movies are basically cinematic gold, with iconic performances and unforgettable lines. It defined the gangster genre and made us weirdly sympathize with mobsters.
Weakest chapter: Part III — it lacks the magic and tight storytelling of the first two.
A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
Directed by: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
This trilogy introduced us to the galaxy far, far away and completely changed movie history. With unforgettable heroes, epic space battles, and that iconic father-son twist, it became a pop culture phenomenon. It’s the blueprint for big, bold space adventures.
Weakest chapter: Return of the Jedi — the Ewoks didn’t work for everyone.
A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Directed by: Sergio Leone
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallach
These spaghetti westerns turned stoic cowboys and dusty duels into pure cinematic art. With legendary music and stylish showdowns, they set the bar for Western cool. The final film especially is considered a masterpiece that still inspires filmmakers today.
Weakest chapter: For a Few Dollars More — still awesome, but feels like a stepping stone to the grand finale.
Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part II, Back to the Future Part III
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
A fun, time-travel adventure that’s pure 80s gold. The chemistry between Marty and Doc is electric, and the wild futuristic predictions are still hilarious to revisit. It’s clever, nostalgic, and totally binge-worthy.
Weakest chapter: Part III — the Wild West setting didn’t click with everyone.
Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3
Directed by: John Lasseter (1 & 2), Lee Unkrich (3)
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
These movies turned a simple idea about talking toys into an emotional rollercoaster. The trilogy grows up with its audience, exploring friendship, change, and letting go. Pixar absolutely nailed heartfelt storytelling that hits you right in the feels.
Weakest chapter: Toy Story 2 — still great, but it doesn’t hit quite as hard emotionally.
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Karen Allen
Indy made archaeology the coolest thing ever. These globe-trotting adventures, packed with ancient mysteries and snarky one-liners, never get old. Harrison Ford’s charm and the crazy stunts keep you glued to the screen every time.
Weakest chapter: Temple of Doom — the dark vibes and creepy dinner scenes weren’t for everyone.
The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions
Directed by: The Wachowskis
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne
A mind-blowing cyberpunk saga that changed sci-fi forever. It made us question reality, gave us insane action scenes, and turned Keanu into an action legend. Even with its messy sequels, the trilogy remains unforgettable and endlessly debated.
Weakest chapter: Revolutions — it felt like a messy, overcomplicated finale.
Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco
This trilogy brought Spidey’s struggles and heart to life in a way that felt super relatable. The first two films nailed the emotional stakes and thrilling action. Even with some cheesy bits, it defined early 2000s superhero movies for a generation.
Weakest chapter: Spider-Man 3 — too many villains and that infamous emo dance moment.
The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum
Directed by: Doug Liman (1), Paul Greengrass (2 & 3)
Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen
Jason Bourne redefined spy thrillers with intense chases, gritty realism, and amnesia-fueled intrigue. Matt Damon gave us a vulnerable but deadly action hero who felt grounded and human. While there are more than three Bourne films, the first three tell a cohesive story focused on Jason Bourne's journey to discover his identity and confront his past, and are widely considered a trilogy.
Weakest chapter: The Bourne Supremacy — still strong, but a bit more chaotic than the others.
Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
This trilogy captures love, life, and growing older in the most authentic way possible. It’s poetic, honest, and feels like you're eavesdropping on real people. Perfect for romantics and anyone who loves great dialogue.
Weakest chapter: Before Midnight — a bit heavier and less dreamy than the first two.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes
Directed by: Rupert Wyatt (1), Matt Reeves (2 & 3)
Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Woody Harrelson
A surprisingly emotional and deep reboot that made us root for the apes. Stunning motion capture, strong storytelling, and great action made this a modern sci-fi standout. Caesar is one of the best modern characters, period.
Weakest chapter: War for the Planet of the Apes — still great, but not as tight as Dawn.
The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Swashbuckling adventure meets supernatural curses in this wildly fun trilogy. Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow became instantly iconic with his wobbly charm and unpredictable antics. These films deliver big laughs, epic ship battles, and plenty of pirate-y twists.
Weakest chapter: At World’s End — the plot gets tangled and a bit too over-the-top.
Ip Man, Ip Man 2, Ip Man 3
Directed by: Wilson Yip
Starring: Donnie Yen
A badass martial arts trilogy that celebrates honor and discipline. Donnie Yen shines as the legendary Wing Chun master. Epic fight scenes and strong character arcs keep you hooked.
Weakest chapter: Ip Man 3 — still solid, but doesn’t hit quite as hard emotionally.
The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Bruce Campbell
A gory, hilarious, and totally bonkers horror journey. It starts scary and gets progressively crazier and funnier. Bruce Campbell’s Ash is the ultimate cult horror hero.
Weakest chapter: Army of Darkness — it leans more into comedy, which isn’t for everyone.
Mad Max, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Directed by: George Miller
Starring: Mel Gibson, Tina Turner (3)
A wild, post-apocalyptic ride full of insane car chases and gritty survival vibes. The trilogy turned Max into an icon of 80s cinema. It’s dusty, chaotic, and totally exhilarating.
Weakest chapter: Beyond Thunderdome — fun, but the story goes off the rails a bit.
An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, The Battle of the Five Armies
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage
These prequels take us back to Middle-earth with more dwarves, dragons, and epic battles. It’s visually stunning and brings extra lore to Tolkien fans. Even if it can’t match the original LOTR, it’s still a fun adventure ride.
Weakest chapter: The Battle of the Five Armies — too much CGI action and not enough heart.
Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop II, Beverly Hills Cop III
Directed by: Martin Brest (1), Tony Scott (2), John Landis (3)
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold
Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley is peak 80s action-comedy charm. The mix of laughs, action, and catchy music made these unforgettable. Eddie Murphy’s charisma carries the whole trilogy.
Weakest chapter: Beverly Hills Cop III — not as sharp or funny as the first two.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Directed by: Andrew Adamson (1 & 2), Michael Apted (3)
Starring: Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Ben Barnes
The Chronicles of Narnia is a magical adventure series that brought the beloved C.S. Lewis books to life. The fantasy world is beautiful and full of memorable creatures and battles. It’s a classic for kids and anyone who loves a good fairy-tale escape.
Weakest chapter: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — felt less epic and more like a side quest.
