In the world of cinema, if a film does really well it is almost expected that it will turn into a trilogy. The first sets the stage and introduces the main characters. The second film challenges what the main character learned. Finally, the third movie is there to hopefully tie everything up in a satisfying way.
However, just because a film belongs to a trilogy does not mean it's very good. Sometimes the series fizzles out by the third film and the amazing story from the first film has become dull and predictable. Other times the films build well on each other and end the trilogy on a strong note leaving fans satisfied with an amazing story.
10 Austin Powers Has A Successful Climax
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers: Goldmember
Austin Powers is a hilarious spy-movie spoof franchise that plays off tropes from the James Bond movies. The films International Man of Mystery, The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Goldmember follow British spy Austin Powers as he tries to thwart the plans of Dr. Evil.
The Austin Powers movies build on the ridiculousness of Austin as they go on further separating the 1960's spy from his own time, creating classic comedy as he fumbles about in the present. Each subsequent film built on the characters and universe created by Mike Myers, with the final film, Goldmember, bringing the story to a perfect ending.
9 Everything Is A Simulation
The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions
The Matrix and its sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, have been extremely influential in pop culture. In the series, it is revealed that the world is a dystopia and the world people think they are living in is just a simulation as the few free humans fight the machines to regain control.
While the first Matrix is considered the strongest of the three, the sequels do a good job of building on philosophical issues and amazing action scenes. Revolutions has some of the best action scenes of the trilogy with all-out epic battles, including the brawl between Neo and Agent Smith ending things on a grand scale.
8 Ash Williams Went On A Wild Adventure
Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness
One of the most popular horror franchises, the Evil Dead trilogy started as a low-budget splatter fest to become a classic in the horror genre. Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness follow unlucky hero Ash Williams as he fights against the Deadites released that Ash and his friends freed from the Necronomicon.
Each of the Evil Dead movies builds on what came before, adding to what director Sam Raimi coined as "spook-a-blast" effect of the series. Evil Dead introduced Ash and Deadites, and Evil Dead II brought Ash his iconic look with the chainsaw hand. Army of Darkness wraps up Ash's adventures and returns him home, giving the bumbling hero the closest thing to a happily ever after he could hope for.
7 Find Out What 1.21 Gigawatts Can Do
Back To The Future, Back To The Future Part II, Back To The Future Part III
Still immensely popular nearly four decades after the release of the first movie, the Back to the Future trilogy holds a special place in many fans' hearts. There is something for everyone in this science-fiction adventure across time with Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
The Back to the Future trilogy is set up perfectly with the introduction of time travel via DeLorean in the first film. Then the problem of time paradoxes is introduced in Part II before the third film wraps things up in the Old West, mixing future technology with the later half of the 1800s. The trilogy kept bringing fans back for more and the sequel films didn't slack off, making for a strong run.
6 Fall To The Dark Side In The Prequel Trilogy
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Attack Of The Clones, Revenge Of The Sith
Attempting to follow in the footsteps of the Original Trilogy and give fans background knowledge of the story, the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy is a touchy subject for some. The prequels, Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith, focus on the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker.
It had been common for fans to poke fun at anyone who enjoyed the prequels and the films have been heavily meme'd. However, it can't be denied that Revenge of the Sith gave one of, if not the most epic lightsaber duel of the entire franchise. The prequels ended on an extremely strong point making them worth the watch.
5 The Perfect Play-Date
Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3
Sometimes forgotten because it was primarily aimed at children, Toy Story has a fantastic trilogy. The films follow Woody and his friends, a group of toys who come to life whenever humans, like their owner Andy, aren't looking at them. The toys must face the challenges of being lost, broken, or forgotten.
The first Toy Story film was highly anticipated, and the story latched onto viewers. The second film took the story to the next level, and the third installment saw the end of the Andy arc. Andy had grown up, and it showed that old toys could still bring joy to others. A nice wrapped-up story and excellent message made this a strong trilogy.
4 Trust In The Dark Knight
Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is an iconic character, and the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy are arguably the best Batman films to date. The films see some of Batman's most iconic villains, including Ra's al Ghul, Bane, and the Joker, battle against the Caped Crusader in epic stories that are still beloved today.
Unlike most trilogies, the second film, The Dark Knight, is considered the strongest of the three, chiefly for Heath Ledger's amazing performance as the Joker. This doesn't mean the trilogy ends on a weak note; The Dark Knight Rises saw Batman broken and then return to finish a plot that had started in the first film, helping the trilogy come full circle.
3 The Godfather Gives An Offer That Can't Be Refused
The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Godfather Part III
The Godfather trilogy has some of the fiercest fans proclaiming Francis Ford Coppola's films to be the best cinema ever. The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, and The Godfather Part III are undoubtedly a fantastic trilogy perfectly marrying its themes of family, immigration, and the American Dream mixed with organized crime.
While The Godfather may hold the limelight, the sequels were not lackluster by any means. The Godfather Part II was able to bring the past and present together to give fans better insight into the first film. The Godfather Part III completed Michael Corleone's arc and made him face his decisions while the next generation tried to take what he had built, creating a perfect allegory for America, family, and aging.
2 Find A New Hope In The Original Trilogy
Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return Of The Jedi
When speaking of trilogies, the original Star Wars trilogy including A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi almost immediately comes to everyone's mind. This trilogy has had so much influence it is hard to not mention it.
The original trilogy birthed Star Wars and did a fantastic job of telling the story of the Rebellion and Luke Skywalker. While a lot of fans would argue that Return of the Jedi is the weakest film, it has some of the best moments in the trilogy and the story wouldn't be the same without it.
1 Journey Through Middle Earth With The Fellowship
The Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring, The Two Towers, Return Of The King
Among the most iconic movie trilogies is Peter Jackson's version of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, consisting of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King. The films follow the quintessential fantasy story written by Tolkien following an unlikely band of heroes trying to save Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings films were massively successful. Each film perfectly built on the last with the action and adventures growing with each movie as they neared the end of their quest. The Return of the King put a nice finish on the quest with massive battles and finally destroying the One Ring, giving the trilogy the ending it deserved.