Top Trilogy Movies

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

"The Godfather" is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a fictional New York crime family. The story, spanning 1945 to 1955, chronicles the family under the patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), focusing on the transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss. The film also features Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and James Caan in supporting roles. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, having won three Academy Awards. It is one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and its iconic theme music has been used in many other films and television shows. It has also been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the third and final installment of the epic fantasy film trilogy based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. It was directed by Peter Jackson and stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Liv Tyler. The story follows the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring as they continue their quest to destroy the powerful One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. The Fellowship must battle the evil forces of Mordor and the Nazgûl in a climactic battle of good versus evil. Along their journey, Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) and Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) must traverse the treacherous lands of Mordor and face the ultimate test of their friendship and courage. In the end, the power of the Ring is destroyed and the forces of Mordor are defeated, bringing peace to Middle-Earth.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the second installment of the Godfather trilogy. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film builds upon events from the first movie, The Godfather. It follows the further adventures of Michael Corleone, the son of Don Vito Corleone. Michael is now the Don of the Corleone crime family and is faced with multiple challenges. At the same time, the story also explores the early life of his father, Don Vito. Through a series of events, Michael is forced to confront the consequences of his ruthless decisions. He is challenged to protect the Corleone’s interests while also seeking to legitimize the family. He must also battle old enemies and new threats as he attempts to maintain his family’s power and influence. While doing so, he discovers secrets of his father’s past that further test his loyalty and commitment. In the end, Michael is forced to make a difficult decision to protect his family and his own legacy. The Godfather Part II is an epic gangster drama that expands upon the themes of family, loyalty, and power introduced in the first film. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. It is the second installment of The Dark Knight trilogy, following Batman Begins. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Heath Ledger as The Joker, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, and Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth. The film follows Batman as he attempts to thwart the schemes of the Joker, and prevent Gotham City from descending into chaos. The Joker has a plan to destroy Gotham and to prove that anyone can be corrupted by chaos and fear, no matter how strong their moral convictions. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out on a mission to stop the Joker and save Gotham from destruction. The Dark Knight is widely hailed as one of the best superhero films of all time. Its dark and realistic tone, outstanding performances, and thrilling action sequences have earned it multiple awards and critical acclaim.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic fantasy adventure film based on the novel by J. R. R. Tolkien. Directed by Peter Jackson, it follows the quest of a group of hobbits to destroy the powerful One Ring, a weapon of evil created by the Dark Lord Sauron, before Sauron can use it to enslave Middle-earth. Along the way, they are joined by a fellowship of elves, dwarves, and men led by the wizard Gandalf. Faced with overwhelming odds and powerful enemies, they must overcome their own weaknesses and unite together to defeat the forces of evil. The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the second installment of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel. The film follows the continuing quest of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee as they attempt to destroy The One Ring and defeat the dark forces of Sauron. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fellowship - Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli - battle against the forces of Saruman in the kingdom of Rohan, while Frodo and Sam are pursued by the creature Gollum. Along the way, they receive aid from the Ents, a race of ancient tree creatures, and a powerful ally in the form of Gandalf the White. The Two Towers culminates in a dramatic battle between good and evil. In the end, the fellowship is reunited as they face the ultimate challenge: the destruction of the One Ring and the defeat of Sauron.

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood as "The Good", Lee Van Cleef as "The Bad" and Eli Wallach as "The Ugly". The film follows the three characters as they search for a fortune in Civil War gold hidden in a grave, in a race against one another. Along the way, the three must contend with the Union and Confederate armies, ruthless bounty hunters, and their own greed and personal agendas. The movie is noted for its iconic Ennio Morricone soundtrack and Leone's unique visual style, blending elements of widescreen photography, long shots, and extreme close-ups to create a unique and immersive experience. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and is credited with redefining the genre.

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 science fiction space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner. It is the sequel to the 1977 film Star Wars, and the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Frank Oz. The film takes place three years after the events of Star Wars. The Galactic Empire, under the leadership of the ruthless Darth Vader, is in pursuit of Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. As the Rebels are driven to the edge of extinction, Luke embarks on a journey to find his long-lost mentor Yoda and is faced with the life-altering choice between the light and the dark side of the Force. With the help of Han Solo and Princess Leia, the Rebels make a daring escape from the Empire and plan their next steps to overthrow the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a sci-fi action film directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski in 1999. It follows the story of Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who discovers a dystopian world where most humans are enslaved by machines in a simulated reality known as the Matrix. Anderson, known as Neo, is contacted by a group of rebels who reveal to him the truth of his existence. With their help, Neo learns how to manipulate the Matrix and use its power to fight the machines and their agents. With a combination of physical and virtual fighting, Neo and his allies wage a battle against the machines in order to free the human race.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, directed by George Lucas, is the fourth installment of the Star Wars saga and the first in the original trilogy. The story centers on Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy living with his aunt and uncle on the remote planet of Tatooine. After finding a pair of droids carrying a secret message from the recently-captured Princess Leia, Luke embarks on a journey that will lead him to the Rebel Alliance and involve him in a desperate struggle for freedom against the Galactic Empire. Along the way, he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca and eventually comes face-to-face with Darth Vader. With the help of the Rebel Alliance, Luke and his friends must find a way to destroy the Empire's dreaded Death Star before it can be used to obliterate the Rebel base. This action-packed adventure is filled with thrilling space battles, lightsaber duels, incredible creatures, and one of the most iconic villains of all time.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West tells the story of a mysterious stranger who arrives in a small town to seek revenge for the murder of his brother. He joins forces with a brutish outlaw and a recently widowed woman who is determined to keep the land promised to her late husband by a ruthless railroad tycoon. Together, they must fight to protect the land from the tycoon and his gang of ruthless henchmen. The film features epic gunfights, gritty violence, and an iconic score by Ennio Morricone. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest westerns of all time and an influential work of Italian cinema.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 science-fiction adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a high-school student who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955. During his time-traveling adventures, Marty must make sure his parents-to-be fall in love in order to ensure his own existence in the future. Along the way, he befriends scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (Christopher Lloyd), and the two must outwit the villainous Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) to ensure Marty's safe return to his own time. With its unique blend of comedy, action, romance, and science-fiction, Back to the Future is a beloved classic and one of the most successful films of the 1980s.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 British-American superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman. It is the third and final installment of the Batman trilogy. Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne is a broken man, his life having spiraled out of control since taking the blame for Harvey Dent's death. Wayne and Wayne Enterprises are now facing financial ruin while the city is struggling under the oppressive rule of terror mastermind Bane. To save Gotham City and restore his own honor, Wayne must come out of retirement and accept the help of Selina Kyle and Lucius Fox in a final battle against Bane. Along the way, he will learn what it truly means to be the hero Gotham needs and deserves.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su, an ordinary Seoul businessman who is suddenly kidnapped and imprisoned in a strange, private prison for 15 years without explanation. After his release, Dae-su embarks on a quest for revenge against his captor, eventually learning the shocking truth about why he was imprisoned. The film is widely praised for its visual style, complex story, and gripping action sequences.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi is the sixth film in the Star Wars franchise and the third installment in the original trilogy. The film is directed by Richard Marquand and stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and many others. In the film, the Rebel Alliance continues their fight against the evil Galactic Empire. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker struggles with the temptations of the dark side of the Force. The Rebels launch an attack on the new Death Star, while the Emperor hopes to use Luke to help turn Darth Vader back to the dark side. The film culminates in a climactic battle between the Rebels and the Empire in which the Rebels ultimately prevail. Luke faces Darth Vader and the Emperor in a duel to the death and ultimately defeats them. This victory brings peace and freedom to the galaxy, while also revealing that Darth Vader is in fact Luke’s father.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows a group of Jewish childhood friends who grow up to become a powerful organized crime syndicate in New York City. The story is divided into two parts, one in the 1930s and one in the 1960s. The film follows their lives, from the early days of crime in the Lower East Side, to their years of power, which culminates in betrayal and tragedy. At its core, the film is a meditation on friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of crime. The all-star cast includes Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Treat Williams, Danny Aiello, and Burt Young.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is a 1995 computer-animated comedy film directed by John Lasseter and produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It is the first feature-length film to be entirely computer-animated, as well as the first feature from Pixar. The film follows the adventure of a group of toys, led by the beloved Sheriff Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and his sidekick, the astronaut action figure Buzz Lightyear, as they try to find their way home when they are accidently left behind at their owner Andy's house. Along their journey, they make new friends, face danger, and discover the true meaning of friendship. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, and grossing over $373 million worldwide. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, won two Annie Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. Toy Story was the highest-grossing film of 1995, eventually becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, a record it held for 12 years until it was surpassed by another Pixar film, Finding Nemo. It is now the 9th highest-grossing film of all time, and is widely considered

From Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty
Rated G

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the third installment in the Toy Story series. The plot follows the toys Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their friends as they struggle to survive when their owner Andy departs for college. The toys are donated to a daycare center where they are initially welcomed, but later find themselves being subjected to the whims of the toddlers who play there. To escape, Woody, Buzz and their friends formulate a plan to return to Andy's room. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2010 and the second highest-grossing animated film of all time. It also became the highest-grossing film ever released by Walt Disney Studios and holds the record of being the highest-grossing film in the Toy Story franchise. The film's success led to a sequel, Toy Story 4, which was released in 2019.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Rated PG-13

"Batman Begins" is a 2005 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and based on the DC Comics character Batman. The film follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he returns to his hometown of Gotham City after years of self-imposed exile. With the aid of his mentor, Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Bruce begins his journey to become the dark knight, Batman. The film follows Bruce as he confronts the corruption and criminal activity taking place in Gotham. He utilizes his inherited wealth and personal gadgets to take on the criminal organization known as the League of Shadows, led by Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson). He discovers their plans to destroy Gotham and decides to take them on himself. Through the help of allies such as Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine) and Lieutenant James Gordon (Gary Oldman), Bruce begins to unravel the truth behind his parents' death and the city's criminal underbelly. Bruce eventually defeats Ra's and his forces, and saves Gotham from destruction. The film is a critical and commercial success, and is credited for reinvigorating the Batman film franchise. Along with its sequels, The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), it forms the "

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Gian Maria Volontè, Mara Krupp
Rated R

For a Few Dollars More is a 1965 spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. The film follows two bounty hunters, Eastwood's "Man with No Name" and Van Cleef's Col. Douglas Mortimer, as they hunt down the notorious bandit El Indio, played by Gian Maria Volontè. Along the way, the two men battle for supremacy over who will be the one to finally capture El Indio. The film is noted for its intense action sequences, as well as its in-depth characterization of the two bounty hunters. The film was a commercial success and marked the second installment in Leone's Dollars Trilogy.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl
Rated R

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater. The movie follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) as they meet on a train going through Europe and impulsively decide to spend the day together in Vienna. As the two wander around the city, they share conversations about love, life, and the meaning of existence. As the night draws to a close, they must decide whether their budding romance is real or merely a passing moment in time. The film captures the beauty of the fleeting connections that people make in their lives and serves as an exploration of what happens when two people come together in an unexpected way.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès
Rated R

Before Sunset is a romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater. The story follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), two former lovers who reconnect nine years after their initial encounter in Vienna. They meet in Paris and spend a day together as they journey around the city discussing their lives and rekindling their old romance. They reflect on the paths their lives have taken and come to terms with the choices they have made, ultimately realizing that they may have missed out on the love they had nine years earlier. In the end, they must decide whether or not to take a chance on their love once more.

From Krzysztof Kieslowski, starring Irène Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Frédérique Feder, Jean-Pierre Lorit
Rated R

Three Colors: Red is a 1994 French-Polish drama film directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. The film follows Valentine, a young model, and her interactions with the various people in her life, including a retired judge, who listens in on private telephone conversations, and a young law student. As their lives intertwine, they discover unexpected truths about themselves, as well as each other. Through this exploration of the idea of freedom in a connected world, the film also explores themes of justice, guilt, and forgiveness. In the end, Valentine and the judge come to realize the interconnectedness of their lives and the importance of compassion and empathy. Ultimately, Three Colors: Red celebrates the power of friendship and love to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Emilio Echevarría, Gael García Bernal, Goya Toledo, Álvaro Guerrero
Rated R

Amores Perros is a 2000 Mexican drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and written by Guillermo Arriaga. It portrays a series of interconnected stories that are woven together by a single car accident in Mexico City. Three separate stories are told showing how the accident impacts each of the characters. The stories focus on the themes of family, friendship, love, and betrayal. Amores Perros explores the depths of the Mexican capital and its inhabitants, the class disparity and the effects of fate on their lives. It features an ensemble cast of renowned actors such as Gael Garcia Bernal, Emilio Echevarría and Vanessa Bauche. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the 2000 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director and the 2001 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From James Mangold, starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Rated R

Logan (2017) is the tenth installment in the X-Men film series, directed by James Mangold. Set in 2029, the film follows a weary, aging Logan (Hugh Jackman) as he cares for an ailing Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in a hideout on the Mexican border. Logan's attempts to hide from the world are upended when a mutant child, Laura (Dafne Keen), arrives, pursued by dark forces. In order to protect Laura, Logan must face his past and confront a new, powerful enemy. Along the way, he is joined by Caliban (Stephen Merchant) and an old friend, Dr. Eriq La Salle. The film follows Logan on an epic journey of redemption, self-discovery and sacrifice as he faces his mortality and confronts the ultimate enemy.