Major franchises are now the norm in the movie world, and have led to many great series. Some of these series make use of the trilogy format. While some movies may not need a whole trilogy, there are others who use the formatbeautifully and cohesively. Trilogies are a great way to develop a story across three movies, or to thematically and conceptually link three similar movies. While there are many well-known trilogies like theLord of the Rings, there are also lesser-known ones worthy of a watch. Here are some great movie trilogies that deserve more appreciation.
Related:5 Trilogies Where the Third Movie is Undisputedly the Best
10Red Curtain Trilogy (1992-2001)
Baz Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy is a conceptual trilogy of movies sharing similar themes. The movies includeStrictly Ballroomin 1992,Romeo + Julietin 1996, andMoulin Rouge!in 2001. Luhrmann said that each follows a certain style, and contains a theatrical motif.Strictly Ballroom, about two dancers who compete in a competition, features dance as its motif.Romeo + Julietfeatures poetry in its adaptation of the classic play.Moulin Rouge!, a jukebox music about two lovers in a cabaret, features music. They all center around love and its different forms, with great music, costumes, and visuals.
9Irish Folklore Trilogy (2009-2020)
Like the Red Curtain Trilogy, the Irish Folklore Trilogy contains movies connected by similar location, themes, and animation. It consists of 2009’sThe Secret of Kells, 2014’sThe Song of the Sea, and 2020’sWolfwalkers.The Secret of Kellsfeatures Brendan, a young boy who seeks the magical Book of Kells.Song of the Seatells the story of Ben, who resents his younger sister because he blames her for their mother’s death. Finally,Wolfwalkersexplores the friendship between a human girl and a werewolf girl. Each movie adapts elements of Irish history and folklore, and shows their importance. It breathes new life into the history, paired with beautiful hand-paintedanimation that looks like genuine art.
8Mexico/Mariachi Trilogy (1992-2003)
This trilogy begins with 1992’sEl Mariachi, about a traveling musician who is mistaken for an escaped killer, and put in danger. Made for a low budget of $7,000, it was so well-received that an American studio picked it up for distribution. Mariachi’s tale of revenge after losing his loved ones continues withDesperadoin 1995 andOnce Upon a Time in Mexicoin 2003. The main character was first played by Carlos Gallardo, but this changed to Antonio Banderas for the last two movies. Each movie features great performances bringing the characters to life, with action and a spirit recalling classic westerns.
7The Mighty Ducks Trilogy (1990-1996)
The Mighty Duckscenters around Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), a lawyer who gets caught drunk driving, and must coach a youth hockey team as community service. The team is underfunded and always finishes last in the league, but with Bombay’s help, the team grows closer and succeeds. The second movie,D2: The Mighty Ducks, sees the team take on the Junior Goodwill Games, a tournament with teams from around the world. It concludes withD3: The Mighty Ducks, where players deal with challenges in joining a hockey prep school team. They’re considered some of thebest kids' sports moviesby Collider, and are sure to make you feel good.
6Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy (2004-2013)
Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy features three comedy movies led by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. 2004’sShaun of the Deadsees the two take on a zombie invasion. 2007’sHot Fuzzfeatures them as police officers investigating dark murders. Finally, 2013’sThe World’s Endcenters around a pub crawl that is derailed by an alien invasion. The movies make great use of running jokes and repeating themes. An additional highlight is the chemistry and friendship between Pegg and Frost carried through each movie, along with memorable supporting characters.
Related:Why the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy is One of the Best of All Time
5Three Colours Trilogy (1993-1994)
The Three Colours Trilogy is a series of French and Polish movies, each one centered around a color and word of the French motto: liberty, equality, and fraternity. 1993’sBluestars Juliette Binoche as Julie, who struggles after losing her family. 1994’sWhitetells of Karol, a divorced man who heads down a dark path. 1994’sRedcovers a model who is challenged by many mishaps until she survives a boat crash. The other survivors of the crash are Julie and Karol. Their stories intersect at times throughout the trilogy, showing how close their lives are all along.
4Jersey Trilogy (1994-1997)
Kevin Smith’s Jersey Trilogy is the debut of the beloved characters Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). Beginning with 1994’sClerks– which Den of Geek considersSmith’s best movie– we watch the pair loiter outside the Quick Stop, and get drawn into trouble. 1995’sMallratstakes place the day beforeClerks, and sees the two spend their day in a mall, attempting to destroy a game show stage for a friend. Finally, in 1997,Chasing Amybrings a bit of depth to their story; the two become famous comic book characters, and Silent Bob explores his past relationships. The characters would continue appearing in Smith’s movies, but this is their original trilogy, and captures humor and the aimlessness of the time.
3Millennium Trilogy (2009)
Based on the book trilogy, the Millennium Trilogy begins withThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander, a hacker who teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist), who is investigating an unsolved murder. The second movie,The Girl Who Played With Fire, continues the duo’s story when Lisbeth is falsely accused of murder, and Blomkvist tries to help her. It concludes withThe Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, as Lisbeth goes to trial against her murderous father.Each one is gritty and complex, making for a thrilling mystery that’s brought to life by its excellent main duo.
2Night at the Museum Trilogy (2006-2014)
This trilogy begins with 2006’sNight at the Museum, which stars Ben Stiller as Larry, who becomes the night security guard at a history museum. While on duty, all the museum’s exhibits come to life, and wreak havoc until he gains control and earns their trust. The second movie,Battle of the Smithsonian, takes Larry and the exhibits to the Smithsonian, where they get into more trouble. Finally,Secret of the Tombsees the group in London, hoping to protect the tablet that brings the exhibits to life. The trilogy features fun history and humor, and has many standout performances, including Robin Williams’ Theodore Roosevelt.
1How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (2010-2019)
How to Train Your Dragontellsthe story of Hiccup(Jay Baruchel), a Viking who’s at odds in his village of fierce warriors who slay dragons. This unease grows when he befriends a dragon he’s supposed to kill. Though their friendship brings risks, it continues strong in 2014’sHow to Train Your Dragon 2, where Hiccup takes on dragon trappers. 2019’sThe Hidden Worldtakes both on a journey to find a secret world of dragons. Each one pops with colorful animation, and the great characters further set them apart, as Hiccup grows and matures. It’s a fun trilogy that’s also a great human story.
