Buzz
While it’s doubtful we’ve truly seen the end of Guardians of the Galaxy, trailers for the third installment tease a “final journey” with the quirky group of cosmic adventurers—possibly marking the conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most eccentric sub-series. The 2014 debut remains a highlight of the franchise, and the 2017 sequel, though not as universally adored, was a solid continuation. Will the Guardians deliver a satisfying finale? Or will it even feel like an ending? The concept of movie trilogies (a clear beginning, middle, and end) was once cherished, but that was before franchises became endless. The three-film structure also places immense pressure on the final chapter, and the list of underwhelming conclusions far outweighs the successful ones (Godfather III, Spider-Man III, Alien 3, Blade Trinity, Rise of Skywalker: none are fan favorites). Still, we can applaud these 10 trilogies that truly delivered a satisfying conclusion.
Back to the Future, Part III (1990)
Fans of BTTF often debate which film in the series is the best (though the answer is obvious—it’s the first). Following the inventive sci-fi chaos of the second movie, the third installment takes a more restrained approach, transporting viewers to the Wild West and focusing on Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown and his love story with the spirited schoolteacher Clara (Mary Steenburgen). The film smartly leaves Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly’s future ambiguous, prioritizing a heartfelt resolution for his mentor while keeping Marty’s path open-ended.
Where to stream: HBO Max
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Including this now, ahead of the fourth installment arriving in 2024... War serves as a fitting (and suitably somber) finale to the modern retelling of Pierre Boulle’s novel. Amidst a sea of blockbuster franchises, this trilogy remained faithful to its dystopian origins and maintained a radical message—rare for a big-budget studio film. It champions the notion that rights are seldom granted and often must be seized, even through force when required. Audacious. The tale of Caesar (Andy Serkis) concludes here, offering a faint ray of hope for what lies ahead.
Where to stream: Fubo, FX Now
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Obviously. Sharing the record for the most Oscar wins in history and grossing over a billion dollars (when that was a monumental achievement), it’s undeniable that Return of the King accomplished everything required to conclude Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. As the epic finale to Tolkien’s masterpiece (let’s just ignore the Hobbit films), it delivers breathtaking action while prioritizing emotional depth and character moments that elevate it beyond mere spectacle. Who doesn’t feel a lump in their throat when Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn declares the hobbits “bow to no one”?
Where to stream: HBO Max
Before Midnight (2013)
Unlike many trilogy finales, even the successful ones, Before Midnight requires no excuses. Richard Linklater’s potential conclusion to a story that began in 1995 is as sharp and impactful as its predecessors, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. The film revolves almost entirely around the conversations between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, who have evolved from strangers to lovers grappling with the cracks in their relationship. What could have been tiresome becomes riveting, thanks to its sharp writing, emotional depth, and stellar performances. Watching Celine and Jessie’s decades-long relationship teeter on the edge of collapse is both heartbreaking and profoundly moving.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy, starting with A Fistful of Dollars in 1964, wasn’t originally planned as a cohesive series, and the links between the films are minimal. What unites them is Clint Eastwood’s iconic Man with No Name, a morally ambiguous figure navigating the American West—as envisioned by an Italian director—during the years surrounding the Civil War. Initially dismissed as part of the once-derided Spaghetti Western genre, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly became a cultural touchstone for its almost nihilistic portrayal of violence. Its exaggerated action can be taken at face value or as a biting critique of America’s violent history, and it excels on both levels. The final installment is the most refined, boasting an epic scale and an unforgettable conclusion.
Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Pluto
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Few would dispute that Return of the Jedi is the weakest of the original Star Wars trilogy, hampered by George Lucas’s focus on appealing to children—a strategy that worked for toy sales but often fell flat in storytelling. While Ewoks were endearing to kids, they feel jarring alongside the film’s more serious moments. That said, the opening sequence at Jabba’s palace ranks among the saga’s best, and the climactic finale is both thrilling and emotionally fulfilling. The middle section drags at times, but it’s redeemed by an exhilarating Speeder Bike chase and a gripping lightsaber duel. The fact that Emperor Palpatine returned decades later is no fault of this film.
Where to stream: Disney+
The World of Apu (1959)
Satyajit Ray’s Apu trilogy, which began in 1955, has no weak entry, making it difficult to declare World of Apu the absolute best. However, it serves as a profoundly fitting finale. The journey began with Pather Panchali, where we met Apu as a child in a poverty-stricken Bengali village, alongside his devoted sister and mother Sarbajaya, with whom he shares a complex relationship. In this final chapter, Apu, now a young college student in Calcutta, attempts to build his own family, only to confront the lingering shadows of his past. It’s a daring choice to show Apu maturing into someone not always likable, underscoring the enduring impact of generational trauma. This trilogy, especially its conclusion, feels strikingly contemporary in its themes.
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel (also as Apur Sansar)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
While it’s challenging to let go of a thriving animated franchise, the time jump at the end of The Hidden World implies that the tale of Hiccup, the dragon rider, and his fiercely loyal companion Toothless has reached its conclusion—despite spin-offs and the possibility of a live-action remake. Throughout the series, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless has remained the emotional core, and it’s remarkable to witness their growth and evolution across the trilogy, culminating in a fitting yet poignant finale. All three films earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature, though none secured the award. Honestly, it would have been well-deserved.
Where to stream: Fubo, FX Now
The 1,000 Eyes of Doctor Mabuse (1960)
Fritz Lang’s final film revisits a character he first introduced in 1922’s Mabuse, The Gambler and later in 1933’s surreal The Testament of Dr. Mabuse. While the earlier films mirrored their respective eras, this installment, though arguably the least polished of the trilogy, bridges the past and future. In this story, Mabuse is more of an omnipresent force than a physical figure—his influence pervades a world of constant surveillance, with cameras and microphones monitoring every move. The film subtly critiques Nazism, Cold War communism, and 1960s espionage, yet its depiction of a society under perpetual watch feels eerily relevant today.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer (1961)
Masaki Kobayashi’s epic trilogy, which began in 1959 with No Greater Love and continued with Road to Eternity, follows Kaji, a pacifist and socialist played by Tatsuya Nakadai, as he navigates the oppressive realities of World War II-era Japan. The series meticulously traces Kaji’s physical and ethical deterioration as his ideals clash with the brutal truths of war. While unflinchingly grim, the trilogy is a visual masterpiece, with this final chapter’s snow-covered climax standing out as particularly breathtaking. Expect no uplifting resolution—such an expectation would entirely miss the film’s profound message.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
