A successful movie franchise will use new films to build upon the characters and storylines introduced during the series debut, but that’s much easier said than done. Most of the time, a trilogy continues a steady downward path in the eyes of fans and critics alike, seemingly never living up to the success of the first film.
However, there are always going to be exceptions to this rule. In special cases, a series will improve with each new movie. These five movie trilogies produced sequel films that stood out from all the rest, building on their predecessors to create something amazing.
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The Original Star Wars Trilogy – The Empire Strikes Back
Not only is Episode 5 the commonly selected fan-favorite film of the original trilogy,The Empire Strikes Backhas become one of the most notoriousStar Warsprojects of all time. When the film was first released, fans and critics alike weren’t entirely sold on the film’s plot, but over time, Episode 5 has consistently drawn new and old viewers into its more complex storyline.
Not only did this movie introduce audiences to Jedi Master Yoda, one of the most well-knownStar Warscharacters in existence, it also contains one of the biggest (and most iconic) plot-twists in cinematic history. Luke Skywalker faces off against Darth Vader while vehemently refusing to turn to the dark side, only to be shocked by the revelation that Vader is his father.
Even those who haven’t seen a singleStar Warsmovie know where the phrase “I am your father” comes from. It’s indisputable thatEmpire Strikes Backtakes the cake for best movie in the original trilogy.
How To Train Your Dragon 2
TheHow to Train Your Dragontrilogy is a heartwarming tale by Dreamworks Animation Studios, about a boy and his dragon who work together to convince humans that dragons aren’t something to fear. The series sends a positive message, encouraging viewers to embrace their uniqueness and treat things one does not understand with kindness.
How to Train Your Dragon 2builds well on the original story, keeping theawkward VikingHiccup and his adorable dragon BFF, Toothless, in the center of the action. The second film takes its characters on a far more emotional journey, while still giving audiences a compelling story that parallels real-world issues.
Overall, the second installment of the series outranks films one and three, because of its ability to tackle multiple thematic elements at once.How to Train Your Dragon 2has the same level of quality animation as the first film, while presenting more mature topics about grief, relationship conflict, and dealing with people who prioritize violence over compassion, when dealing with something they don’t understand.
Nolan’s Batman Trilogy – The Dark Knight
Countless versions of Batman have graced both big and small screens over the years,some of which have been received better than others. Christopher Nolan’sBatmantrilogy is widely known by superhero fans everywhere, although the second installment of the series is what keeps fans talking.
Heath Ledger immortalized himself in his role as the Joker duringThe Dark Knight,creating a version of the character that people everywhere still sing praises about. Even now, over a decade later, viewers still compare new Jokers to the one Ledger brought to life in the Nolan trilogy.
Given his substantial role in this film,The Dark KnightsurpassesBatman BeginsandThe Dark Knight Risesbecause of Ledger’s intense dedication tohis part as the Joker. His superb acting skills have made the Nolan trilogy something Batman fans will never forget, and Ledger easily outshines every other character in the series.
Kung-Fu Panda 2
Kung-Fu Panda 2also makes the list, proving that Dreamworks has figured out the science behind creating compelling sequels. The originalKung-Fu Pandashared some similar thematic elements toHow to Train Your Dragon,with the movie’s main character Po struggling to fit in amongst his new peers. Like Hiccup, Po is lovable and a bit awkward, but ultimately uses his individuality to make the world around him a better place.
The sequel installment of the trilogy introduces new characters with just as much charm as the original kung-fu crew. It explores the concept of finding family, and strongly develops the series protagonist. As with mostDreamworks movies, there’s an important message behind all the adorable animations and moments of comedy, which work together phenomenally in this film.
Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man Trilogy – Spider-Man 2
With so many reboots and the MCU multiverse, there’s been a lot of talk about Tobey Maguire and his early 2000sSpider-Manseries. Regardless of which Spider-Man fans have selected as their favorite, there’s no denying thatSpider-Man 2maintains a certain nostalgic charm.
Maguire did a great job capturing Peter Parker’s youthful awkwardness, and Sam Raimi has received an equal amount of praise for the work he did on directing the trilogy.Spider-Man 2has managed to hold its own over the years, much likeThe Dark Knight,and a lot of fans still regard this film as the best of the series. Alfred Molina worked wonderfully alongside Maguire in his role asDoc Ock, and following up Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin from the firstSpider-Manwas no easy task. Maguire, Molina and Raimi all did great work in this film, which is why Marvel fans still think fondly aboutSpider-Man 2.
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