“A film becomes a classic if it can stand the test of time”. For a trilogy, it becomes harder to stand against time, mostly because the expectations tend to rise with every movie. The viewers tend to pick out their favourite one from the three. But for trilogies, it is essential to make a strong base to ensure the upper two floors are actually necessary. Prior to 1970s, the concept of threequels gained attention, especially after the Godfather Trilogy. Here are some the world known trilogies and if you haven’t watched them, you really should and also, ’cause sometimes one movie isn’t enough.
The Godfather
The first of the trilogy, The Godfather was directed in 1972 and till date it was one of the best movies ever. The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty that transfers over the unreluctant son, Michael Corleone played by the unbeatable, Al Pacino. The first is considered the best out of the three and it stands at 9.2 rating at IMDB and it successfully won 3 Oscars. The second released two years later winning six Oscars and stands at 9.1 IMDB rating. The third Godfather movie took its time to come to the screen in 1990 but it failed to provide the mass hysteria it could have. Some say the story diminished and it couldn’t compete with the first two. It stands at 7.6 IMDB rating and was nominated for seven Oscars.
The Dark Knight Trilogy
If Christopher Nolan starts directing movies, they have to be extraordinary. Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) have earned million hearts worldwide and also, millions of dollars from across the globe. Even though Batman Begins didn’t do very well at the blockbuster, The Dark Knight couldn’t have been possibly better. The characterisation of Joker and in the next movie of Bane leave an imprint on our memories. Out of the three, The Dark Knight has done the best standing at IMDb rating of 9.0. Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Cilian Murphy are the only actors that remained the same in all three movies.
Interesting Read: Christopher Nolan: The Cinematic Brainiac
SHREK!
Shrek is a movie that is liked by the young crowd as well as adults. The animated fantasy comedy has won hearts worldwide with its cute portrayal of characters, be it Shrek himself or his Donkey or Princess Fiaona. Director Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson released the first of the trilogy in 2001 and with every two years came the sequel. Not only has the animation been applauded but the soundtracks have become quite popular. All the three movies have done critically and commercially well.
Ocean’s
Steven Soderbergh managed to gain immense commercial success with his trilogy Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007). With his three caper comedies he was able to produce the films with Warner bros. Added to the funny storyline is the amazing cast starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. Out of the three, the first film has done most successfully ensuring a strong base for the next two films with an IMDB rating of 7.9. Soderbergh and George Clooney have downplayed the possibility of an Ocean’s fourteen or subsequent sequels due to Bernie Mac’s death in 2008.
The Matrix
Every list seems incomplete without action and thriller. If you’re a fan of stunts and thrill, your mind would definitely be blown by this series. The Wachowskis brothers directed the first of this series, The Matrix in 1999 starring Keanu Reeves as Neo. It won 3 oscars and stands at 8.7 IMDB rating. With every sequel there is a rise in action and stunts.The Matrix Reloaded released on 15th May 2003 and within the same year, its sequel, The Matrix Revolutions was released. Some argue that the last of this trilogy didn’t get as much as appreciation that it should have and is considered one of the most underrated movies. The first movie starts with Neo’s birth, second goes on to his life and the third about the inevitable death. The Matrix is also the inspirational source of the act of dodging bullets that is quite frequently seen in our Bollywood movies!
Also Read: The Master of Suspense: Alfred Hitchcock