Top 5 Trilogies

First, let me explain my own personal criteria for this segment. A trilogy is any three related works. To me, this doesn’t disqualify any if they exceed three pieces, but for my list the original three will carry the bulk of the responsibility really only to be ruined by any half-baked additional pictures. Now let’s dive right in!

#5. From 1985, ’89, and ’90, Back to the Future. These movies are as fun today (if not better for their time-capsule value) as they were in the Eighties. This three-part comical adventure is good in its entirety as well as three stand alone movies with great characters and fantastic story-arcs. There are undoubtedly some cheesy moments throughout the series, but each pales in comparison to the pure fun of following Marty McFly and Doc Brown in their attempt to explore time travel while avoiding the potential dangers of effecting their own existence, as well as the many incarnations of Biff Tannon who always manages to threaten the success of their mission. What may be the most impressive thing about the trilogy is its ability to follow the same general idea in each movie while never feeling exploited or repetitive. Many trilogies build on the success of the first piece by recycling the same scenarios and jokes but Back to the Future always feels fresh. Its weakest link, in my opinion, is the second part. I give it a pass because it takes place largely in the future and is based around Robert Zemeckis’ interpretation, which sometimes feels far-fetched and cartoony. The series strength lies in the original though I’ve always loved the third one despite the fact that I’m not a big fan of the western genre.

#4. Indiana Jones. I had a hard time with this one because I absolutely love the first three adventures of Indiana Jones but almost left it out of my top 5 because of the abortion we know as The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So, ignoring that one altogether we have a trilogy starring the greatest all-time scientist/action-hero ever! Action, comedy, relic-hunting in ancient ruins… what more can you ask for? Nobody makes history more exciting than the Ford/Spielberg duo. Though I can’t really single one out as a strength or weakness to the series I have without a doubt seen The Temple of Doom the most times. As a kid, my friends and I would run that show on an endless loop. I don’t know if it was the gross-out factor of seeing people eat monkey brains or the sheer terror of witnessing someone getting their heart torn out of their chest, but from top to bottom it was non-stop entertainment!

#3. StarWars. Screw episodes 1-3 completely. The original trilogy is absolutely epic and has become a piece of our culture. Excluding the insecure guys that are trying to protect some macho reputation, I think most of us can admit to watching, and re-watching George Lucas’ masterpiece that ultimately changed the Science-fiction genre forever. I don’t think there is a more recognizable cast of characters than the Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Master Yoda and Princess Leia ensemble. While Return of the Jedi is surely one of the greatest movies to ever be created I cannot overlook the pure genius that is The Empire Strikes Back. I don’t think, in the history of cinema, there is a greater movie where the antagonist consistently wins like in 'Empire. The Hoth base is destroyed, Han Solo is frozen, the heroes hand is chopped off all while weaving through a dark, gripping plot and not leaving the viewer completely unsatisfied by the end. These films will forever be celebrated and timeless, regardless of the releasing of new additions.

#2. The Bourne Trilogy. This is hands down the greatest action/thriller trilogy ever. It achieves the perfect combination of an intriguing plot and fast-paced action. It could easily be in anyone’s top ten based on its heart-pumping chase scenes alone! Matt Damon owns his role as the self-discovering assassin/fugitive. Each successive addition continually matches and exceeds its predecessor while collectively building perfectly to the overall story and individually still maintaining perfectly satisfying conclusions. Overall, the series is packed with suspense, storytelling, dialogue and cutting-edge cinematography. Jason Bourne is the real deal and after seeing this trilogy James Bond, John McClain and Rambo will seem like just a few more of your mom’s friends.

#1. Toy Story. My guess is you won’t find this atop most people’s lists, perhaps because it’s a cartoon or aimed toward children, but I maintain that this is the greatest trilogy to hit the big screen because of its mass appeal to people of all ages and its ability to tell a fantastic story and touch on such a wide range of human emotions. These movies are just impossible not to love. Woody, Buzz and Co. never fail to deliver a great story that is equally hilarious, insightful and touching. Anyone whose heart was not wrenched by Jesse’s Ballad in Toy Story 2 or can walk away from any of these movies without a smile needs to be checked for a pulse. Pixar’s attention to detail and masterful storytelling somehow got better and better after the smash-hit original. The final movie is a perfect finale to a fantastic prison-break and an absolutely epic tale of childhood and growing up. Whether you’re 3 years old or breathing your last breath as a Wal-mart greeter, these movies are both poignant and thoroughly entertaining!

(A few side notes: Jurassic Park was awesome, especially for its time but The Lost World and Jurassic Park III were garbage. Karate Kid was another trilogy that ruined its legacy with below-average sequels. Spiderman and Spiderman 2 were great but the third one was a steaming pile of donkey flop. Even as a hockey fan I couldn’t believe that someone suggested Mighty Ducks as a top ten trilogy let alone a top five. Blade is another that, while it may be good for genre lovers, it has no place in an all-time list. If any of you are thinking I should have included the Transporter films, do the world a favor and put down the pipe.)

Many of you are wondering why you don’t see The Lord of the Rings or The Godfather among my top 5. Well, I definitely think there is a place for both of them in the top ten but for me, The Lord of the Rings was directed toward a smaller audience and to be honest, for me, they were just too friggin’ long and I couldn’t stay awake long enough to figure out which dwarf was good and what old guy in robes was bad. Great movies just not in my top 5. As for Godfather, I’ll just be honest and say that I’ve only seen bits and pieces of them on TV so I couldn’t fairly put it on my list. A couple other honorable mentions would be Terminator and Terminator 2 which were followed by some disappointing sequels and Austin Powers which, in a pure comedy trilogy would be in my top 3.