Best Movie Trilogies

A trilogy is a set of three works of art such as film that can be connected into a single saga or individually appreciated. Hollywood will be most likely expanding on some of the trilogies we know today. Whether you like it or not, don't be surprised if they make a fourth Spider-Man.

Movie trilogies available

The Bourne Trilogy (2002 - 2007)

A series of spy films based on Robert Ludlum's novel, written by Tony Gilroy and directed by such directors as Doug Liman, and Paul (skaking) Greengrass. The films star Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, and Joan Allen. The films as they were released: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum.

What's good: All three storylines; Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, Chris Cooper and the rest of the cast.
What's bad: Shaking camera work during action scenes in Supremacy and Ultimatum.

Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977 - 1983)

A series of science fiction movies created by George Lucas, re-edited and re-distributed several times since it was first introduced to the public in 1977. The films star Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. The movies as they were originally released: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi.

What's good: The Force, the magic, the characters, Darth Vader's breathing, Yoda's tutoring, the space battles, the ground battles, the Ewoks, the Jawas, Han Solo fires first, and much more.
What's bad: Every re-edit, every altered scene, every moment that Revenge of the Sith star, Hayden Christiansen is super-imposed on the original film.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 - 2003)

A series of epic fantasy films that garnered more than 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. They were directed by Peter Jackson and written by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novel. The films star Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellan, and Viggo Mortesen. The movies as released: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

What's good: The Extended Version of the films on DVD
What's bad: The spliced and diced theatrical cuts.

The Back to the Future Trilogy (1985 - 1990)

A series of science fiction movies directed by Robert Zemeckis, and written by Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. The films star Michael J. Fox and Christopher Loyd. The movies as they were released: Back to the Future, Back to the Future: Part 2, and Back to the Future: Part 3

What's good: The fun, the excitement, and comedy of the first film and third film.
What's bad: Parts of the second film are a little too confusing and dark to be a truly exceptional or essential part of this collection.

The Godfather Trilogy (1972 - 1990)

A series of movies following the Corleone Mafia family, directed by Francis Ford Coppolla, and written by Mario Puzo based on his novels. The films star Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia (Adriene!) Shire, and James Caan. This films as released: The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II, and The Godfather: Part III.

What's good: Everything in the first and second films are perfect.
What's bad: The Godfather: Part III

The Indiana Jones Trilogy (1981 - 1989?)

A series of movies created by George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan and Steven Spielberg, and starred Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones or more technically, Henry Jones Jr. Other stars of the series include Sean Connery, Lord of the Ring's John Rhys-Davies, and Denholm Elliot. The movies as released: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

What's good: The thrills, the chills, the fighting, the jokes and most importantly, Indiana Jones himself.
What's bad: Parts of Temple of Doom are weak, especially the whining, screaming blond who eventually married director, Spielberg.

The Terminator Trilogy (1984 - 2003?)

A series of action/adventure science fiction films created by James Cameron. The third film was written by John D. Brancato and Michael Ferris, and directed by Jonathan Mostow. For the most part, the films star Arnold Schwartzenegger and Linda Hamilton. The movies as released: The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

What's good: James Cameron's own The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day
What's bad: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

The X-Men Trilogy (2000 - 2006?)

A series of superhero movies based on the popular Marvel Comics group of characters of the same name. The first and second films were directed by Bryan Singer. The third was directed by Rush Hour director, Brett Ratner. The movies star Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry and Ian McKellan. The movies as released: X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men 3: The Last Stand or X3.

What's good: Wolverine, Professor Xavier, Storm, Magneto, Mystique, and many more. The acting and directing of the first two films, at least.
What's bad: Many comic book lovers consider X-Men 3 an insult.

The Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy (2003-2007?)

A series of fantasy pirate adventure films directed by Gore Verbinski, and written by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio based on a Walt Disney theme park ride. The films star Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley. The movies as released: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

What's good: Effects, the character of Jack Sparrow, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
What's bad: The structure of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

The Spider-Man Trilogy (2002 - 2007?)

A series of superheo movies based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The films were directed by Evil Dead's Sam Raimi, and starred Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. The movies as released: Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3.

What's good: Much of the first and second Spider-Man films.
What's bad: Much of Spider-Man 3.