Everybody loves a movie marathon. Whether it’s the Harry Potter series in its eight-movie entirety or a trilogy with three-hour runtimes each, sitting down with comfort food, a blanket, and good company will always be the definition of a perfect lazy day for many. Movies are a source of escapism for people all around the world, and no matter the genre, they can be precisely what someone needs to brighten their mood.
A film doesn’t have to be flawless to be rewatchable. There are many people out there who turn to a cheesy action flick, an infamously bad horror story, or a movie that holds a nostalgic place in their hearts when looking for something to watch. Whether it’s a standalone feature or part of a multi-movie franchise, they never get old, always bringing their audiences back for more. From successful reboots to original stories, these ten trilogies are some of the most endlessly rewatchable, and if you’re going to watch one, you might as well watch them all.
10
The ‘Planet of the Apes’ Reboot Trilogy (2011-2017)
‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ (2011), ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ (2014), and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ (2017)
Reboot movies or TV shows don’t always work out for the better. Some things are better left alone, while others can thrive with a more modern take on their iconic tales. For this 2010s trio of reboots, Planet of the Apes has become one of the more successful triumphs of its kind. Every movie got progressively better, both critically and commercially, so they must have been doing something right.
In 2011, the first film was released to praise from critics and became a commercial hit after grossing more than four times its budget. It tells the story of Caeser (voiced by Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who creates an uprising against the human race after he is exposed to a drug that drastically increases his intelligence. The storytelling, special effects, and loyalty to its source material have helped keep this franchise going, and the success of the fourth installment, released in May 2024, has only assisted in bringing people back for more and more rewatches of this now iconic reboot trilogy.
- Release Date
-
August 5, 2011
- Director
-
Rupert Wyatt
- Runtime
-
105 Minutes
- Writers
-
Pierre Boulle
, Rick Jaffa
, Amanda Silver
9
The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Trilogy (2003-2007)
‘The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003), ‘Dead Man’s Chest’ (2006), and ‘At World’s End’ (2007)
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may consist of more than three installments as a whole. Still, for many fans of this swashbuckling adventure series, its original three are where it holds the strongest, albeit maybe just for nostalgic reasons for some of its fanbase.
The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End are the three highest-rated Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and the original trilogy stands as some of the most recognizable pirate adventure films to date. Johnny Depp has fronted the features as Captain Jack Sparrow for their entirety, joined by a brilliant cast of characters, both heroic and villainous. This swashbuckling trilogy outright defined the 2000s, and it remains a beloved example of blockbuster filmmaking at its most enthusiastic.
8
The ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Trilogy (2008-2016)
‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008), ‘Kumg Fu Panda 2’ (2011), and ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ (2016)
Dozens of animated movies consider children their primary target audience. However, throughout the years, it has become evident just how much enjoyment adults can get from them as well. Create a gripping story, a heartwarming adventure, or an otherworldly getaway, and these films can be more meaningful to an adult than a child.
In the case of the Kung Fu Panda trilogy, Podgy Panda Po, voiced by industry legend Jack Black, won over many audience members very early on with its comedic storytelling of a dumpling-loving panda prophesied to become the Dragon Warrior. As the trilogy continues, so does the story of Po and other leading characters within the series. They never get boring to watch. The visuals are impressive, and the connecting stories of each are entertaining, to say the least. And with Jack Black as a lead voice actor, it can be even more enticing to sit down for another rewatch of this classic animated adventure.
Kung Fu Panda
- Release Date
-
June 4, 2008
- Director
-
Mark Osborne
, John Stevenson - Runtime
-
95 minutes
- Writers
-
Jonathan Aibel
, Glenn Berger
7
Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ Trilogy (2002-2007)
‘Spider-Man’ (2002), ‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004), and ‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007)
Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man trilogy is one of the most influential in the superhero genre. Widely considered an avid example of what a fantastic origin story should look like, this trio of web-swinging feature films has become one of the most iconic to date, remaining strong even more than two decades into one of the most ever-expanding franchises ever made.
They’re nostalgic for those ’90s and 2000s babies who grew up with them and provide some of the best depictions of big-screen villains in comic book-to-movie history. They hold a special place in hearts all across the globe and given that they are some of the earliest depictions of one of the most popular superheroes ever created, they are frequently considered the best over the many that have followed. It’s where it all began for Spidey’s big screen features, and there’ll never be a wrong time to swing back and revisit them.
Spider-Man
- Release Date
-
May 3, 2002
- Runtime
-
121 Minutes
- Writers
-
David Koepp
6
The Original ‘Shrek’ Trilogy (2001-2007)
‘Shrek’ (2001), ‘Shrek 2’ (2004), and ‘Shrek the Third’ (2007)
The Shrek trilogy has become one of the most iconic film series of the 2000s. Its fourth installment may have been released as the new decade hit, but for late 1990s and early 2000s babies, the original trio of films is a staple part of many childhoods that they could happily rewatch as adults.
Putting a unique spin on the fairytale world and the many stories that came before it, Shrek and its sequels take their viewers on a comedic, enjoyable adventure with its colorful characters front and center. Shrek (Mike Myers), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and many more have become some of the most instantly recognizable animated characters of the 21st Century. Going back for another Shrek rewatch will always be a well-received idea, not only for those who grew up with them but for the thousands who joined the ride later down the road.
- Release Date
-
May 18, 2001
- Runtime
-
90 minutes
- Writers
-
Ted Elliott
, Roger S.H. Schulman
, Joe Stillman
, Terry Rossio
5
The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Trilogy (2010-2019)
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010), ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (2014), and ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ (2019)
The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is a highlight of the last fifteen years of animated cinema. They are breathtakingly stunning inside and out, with flawless cinematography and a beautifully told story from the start of the first to the end of the last. It’s one of those rare occurrences where all three movies within a trilogy are equally adored.
The adventures with Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his adorable dragon Toothless have depicted a truly phenomenal story of a timid boy who became a leader in every meaning of the word. Kids will undoubtedly always be up for a rewatch with Hiccup and Toothless. But the adults who cherish these animated classics will continue to return for their emotional depth and outstanding storytelling in one of the most impressive animated trio of features ever made.
- Release Date
-
March 18, 2010
- Director
-
Dean DeBlois
, Chris Sanders - Runtime
-
98 Minutes
- Writers
-
Chris Sanders
, Dean DeBlois
, William Davies
4
‘The Dark Knight’ Trilogy (2005-2012)
‘Batman Begins’ (2005), ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)
Often regarded as three of the best Batman movies ever made and one of the best superhero trilogies across the genre, Sir Christopher Nolan‘s Dark Knight saga became the benchmark for all future superhero movies. This trio of movies is effortlessly easy to return to for yet another rewatch, no matter how many times it may have already been seen.
For those who aren’t fans of the world of heroes and villains but are in the mood for a gritty action film with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, these three movies could still stand as strong contenders for choice of feature. 2005’s Batman Begins, 2008’s The Dark Knight, and 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises create a multi-award-winning trilogy that embodies the definition of a faultless Batman movie. There are numerous renditions of this iconic hero’s story, but Nolan’s saga will remain the best for many for years to come.
3
The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Trilogy (2014-2023)
‘Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017), and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
For many fans, the Guardians of the Galaxy films had the potential to be a somewhat black sheep of the Marvel family, but that was far from how they ended up. These films became one of the favorite sub-trilogies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking the top spot for many fans. James Gunn‘s out-of-this-world band of unlikely superheroes had its final installment in early 2023, wrapping everything up perfectly and taking their audience on an emotional final ride.
Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), Drax (Dave Bautista), and others made these movies the funny, down-to-earth adventures that have come to hold a special place in hearts around the world. The first film introduced the world and iconic characters to the big screen, the second explored Star-Lord’s backstory, and the third dug into Rocket’s in one of the most heartbreaking additions to the MCU. Yet, they never lost the comedy, brilliant writing, and, of course, the fantastic music at their core. The original Guardians may have disbanded, but rewatching their iconic superhero trilogy will always be effortless for a trip down memory lane with everyone’s favorite a-holes.
2
The Original ‘Indiana Jones’ Trilogy (1981-1989)
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984), ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)
Indiana Jones is a story that’s been told many times over the last forty years. But for many fans of this iconic adventure franchise, the original trilogy, released between 1981 and 1989, will always be the best. Not only are they three of the most memorable movies of the 1980s, but Raiders of the Lost Ark sits in the top ten of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Movies of the 1980s list, and for good reason.
Harrison Ford stars as the titular character in Steven Spielberg‘s first addition to his ’80s filmography. What followed was an expansive and influential franchise that has continued to stand the test of time. These movies will never get old, thanks to their boisterous score, sense of adventure, and mix of history and action. With Paramount Pictures releasing a 4K transfer to DVD a few years ago, it makes it even easier to rewatch this iconic film. However, if anyone plans on watching the first one, the others must follow suit.
- Release Date
-
June 12, 1981
- Runtime
-
115 Minutes
- Writers
-
Lawrence Kasdan
1
The ‘Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001), ‘The Two Towers’ (2002), and ‘The Return of the King’ (2003)
There’s no denying that Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved book-to-movie trilogies of all time. They may all have run times of at least three hours long, but for the fans that love and adore the world of Middle-earth and its characters, they’ll take that nine-hour-plus total runtime head-on and settle in for a comfy day of movie marathoning with one of the best fantasy franchises ever created.
It’s hard to imagine a book-to-movie trilogy with as big a following as LotR, excluding ever-expanding comic book franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe. These movies are masterful epics that defy expectations and beautifully bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s fascinating fantasy world to life. Widely considered the apex of 2000s cinema, they continue to entice seasoned as well as new viewers to experience the magic of the world more than twenty years later.
- Release Date
-
December 19, 2001
- Cast
-
Elijah Wood
, Ian McKellen
, Liv Tyler
, Viggo Mortensen
, Sean Astin
, Cate Blanchett
, John Rhys-Davies
, Billy Boyd
, Dominic Monaghan
, Orlando Bloom
, Christopher Lee
, Hugo Weaving
, Sean Bean
, Ian Holm
, Andy Serkis - Runtime
-
178 Minutes
