Just In Time

Just In Time

Top 10: Favorite Movie Trilogies

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Three is a lucky number. If you decide to make a movie series, trilogy is always a good choice. Two movies are a bit scarce while tetralogy doesn't sound quite right (which is why I think splitting Mockingjay and Allegient into two films is a bad idea, The Hunger Games Tetralogy, anyone?). When even a Hogwarts textbook can be adapted into a trilogy, you know making this list is no easy feat. How do you even toss any of your favorites out the window without waking up in the midnight regretting your decision? But as hard as it is the task must still be completed.


I'm sorry, you are so close to Top 10:
    The Apu Trilogy (1955 - 1959)
    The Ocean's Trilogy (2001 - 2007)
    The Millennium Trilogy (2009)
    The Matrix Trilogy (1999 - 2003)
    The Three Colors (1993 - 1994)
    The Before Trilogy (1995 - 2013)

Now, here comes the Top 10:

(10) Arthur and the Minimoys Trilogy (2006 - 2010): A Luc Besson movie series that is very unBesson, a.k.a. children friendly. Though not the best animated features you can find, the movies have cutting-edge 3D animation, a fast-moving pace, and conjure a hidden world full of wonder, invention and beauty.

(9) Infernal Affairs Trilogy (2002 - 2003): This is no doubt the best example of how Hong Kong movies can be great if the filmmakers put their hearts into it. You think the English remake version The Departed is good (it won the Oscar for Best Picture)? Try watch this original one. The two subsequent films (one prequel, one sequel) are equally good.

(8) The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005 - 2012): You can count on Christopher Nolan to make a dying superhero franchise interesting again. Superhero and supervillians they might be, but all these characters are also human just like you and me. We feel their glory and their struggle, we see them rise and fall. Slight point deduction for the Katie Holmes / Maggie Gyllenhaal swap (first & second film).

(7) Toy Story Trilogy (1995 - 2010): This is a film series we grew up with. The first film came out when we were kids, and the last one came out when we were already all grown up, thus making Andy's story just like the tale of you and me. It's hard not to weep at the end of the third film when you waved goodbye to it (though they have to cheat and plan another film, totally ruin the whole purpose of the third film).

(6) The Bourne Trilogy (2002 - 2007): The Bourne Legacy is a totally different and independent story which does not include Jason Bourne at all. So it is fair to exclude it from here. No more Bourne film without Matt Damon please. Matt Damon is the reason we watch Jason Bourne, and he brings charm to the character and makes us root for him.

(5) Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy (2003 - 2007): Like in the case of Jason Bourne, I'll pretend the fourth film in this franchise (or any new addition in the future) doesn't exist. By my definition, any "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment without Orlando Bloom & Keira Knightley should be auto-disqualified, since together with Johnny Depp they are the solid trio. Pirates had never been so fun and cool (or flamboyant) before.

(4) The Godfather Trilogy (1972 - 1990): This trilogy is placed on the top of many lists, and it would be on top of my list too if I am not such a sucker for fun and adventurous films (always have the edge over serious & dramatic ones). The movies feature many of the memorable performances, including the great Marlon Brando, and the (at that time) up-and-coming Al Pacino, Robert De Niro & Diane Keaton.

(3) Back to the Future Trilogy (1985 - 1990): A fun and entertaining film series that bring the word "time traveling" to a brand new level. Irresistible even as standalone movies watched separately, but you'll appreciate the movies so much more if you watch them back to back. Some series wear out their core concept after the first movie, but time traveling is ever so fun in all three of the McFly outings.

(2) Indiana Jones Trilogy (1981 - 1989): Once again, let's just pretend The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull doesn't exist, shall we? Why tarnish the good memory of a perfect trilogy with a fourth film that is so far off in quality, not to mention a failed attempt to create a second generation Indy in the name of Shia LaBeouf? Yes I know, looking back at it now it seems very hilarious they even tried at all.

(1) The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 - 2003): Hands down! This trio will no doubt be on every of my favourite list they are eligible for. After the third Hobbit movie comes out later this year, I'm sure The Hobbit will be my second favourite trilogy. It is a combination of superb technical achievements (especially the stunning visual) and great acting. Bonus point: Extra materials featured in DVDs.

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