By: Brad Brevet | Monday, March 31, 2008
I almost didn't do this top ten because I know film purists are going to be upset I didn't include the Three Colors trilogy or Ingmar Bergman's trilogy of faith. I am sorry, but I just haven't seen those films, but I plan to, considering so many think they are good, if not brilliant.

The second issue with this piece is that I didn't include any film franchises that have more than three films, because technically they aren't trilogies. This means the Indiana Jones trilogy doesn't count, neither does the Rambo, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Alien, Shrek, Jaws or Final Destination franchises. I know the fourth film in the Indy franchise isn't out yet, but it is close enough that I counted it out even though it definitely would have been near the top.

You may wonder about Star Wars, well, I count the original trilogy separate from the prequel trilogy. That's just me and I really think a lot of the movie world does the same. I hope it doesn't upset you guys, but if it does there isn't a lot I can do about it. Sorry, I know there are also several trilogies many of you would like to see on this and I hope to hear from all of you in the comment section. I am sure one of your favorites rests in the list I made, but just didn't make the cut.

With all that said, let's get underway.

10. The Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy
WHY: It was either Pirates or Ocean's, I know a lot of folks thought the two sequels were a big bloated mess and I actually think the second film is extremely flawed and the third one is a bit long. However, on a whole, and having all three on DVD is quite an adventure. These three films are popcorn films at their very best. The Curse of the Black Pearl is one of my favorite blockbusters of all time, I just love that film and think Depp made Captain Jack Sparrow watchable for hours.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Curse of the Black Pearl; #2 At World's End; #3 Dead Man's Chest
9.The Back to the Future Trilogy
WHY: It's probably just because I am a product of the '80s, but I have fond memories of the Back to the Future trilogy, and the minute it said "To Be Continued" at the end of the first film I was chomping at the bit to see what happened in the second. Then you had the cool, self-lacing Nikes of the future, hover boards and a trip to the Wild West. And who hasn't been driving down the freeway, hit 88 on the speedometer with their friends and yelled, "88 Miles An Hour!!!!!" What? That was just me and my idiot friends?

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Part One; #2 Part Three; #3 Part Two
8.The Mission: Impossible Trilogy
WHY: Because I am a glutton for punishment. If I had wanted to make this list to appease the readers I probably would have left this one out, but I can't help it, I love these films. The first one was simply cool as hell, and the scene where Tom hangs in midair is fantastic as I remember the entire theater going silent. John Woo's way over-the-top part two is actually the one I probably watch the most (don't ask me why, because I don't even know), and I absolutely loved the third film and got so mad it didn't do very well at the box-office since everyone thought Tom was crazy.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 One; #2 Three; #3 Two
7.The Infernal Affairs Trilogy
WHY: When I first saw this trilogy it was after seeing The Departed. I reviewed the DVD set and was partial to The Departed, and I believe it is simply because I saw it first. I am still a little more partial to The Departed over any of the three films in this franchise, but it is hard to say the first two films in this trilogy aren't great. The third one plays more like a television episode, but I actually still like that one as well.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Part Two; #2 Part One; #3 Part Three
6.The Matrix Trilogy
WHY: Just as much as I am a product of the '80s I attribute the majority of my life affected by the '90s and since Fight Club isn't a part of a trilogy I must point to The Matrix as one of the defining moments for me in terms of films early on in my life. From the techno score, to the mix of religion and philosophy, to the mind-bending special effects the first movie in this franchise redefined film. I will admit the final two films weren't what we expected, but I still love Reloaded and can't watch these films without watching Revolutions as well.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 The Matrix; #2 Reloaded; #3 Revolutions
5.The Dollars (Man With No Name) Trilogy
WHY: It was only recently that I finally saw A Fistful of Dollars, but now that I have seen it I truly believe this trilogy is one of the top five ever. I am sure several of you would have placed it higher, but a few logic issues (yeah, nitpicky) keep me from ranking it too high. The first time I was introduced to the franchise it was The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, that film remains my favorite of the bunch, but the rest sure are a lot of fun to watch and made spaghetti westerns a viable genre.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; #2 For a Few Dollars More; #3 A Fistful of Dollars
4.The Original Star Wars Trilogy
WHY: Even though it comes in at #4 I consider the original Star Wars trilogy THE trilogy. It might not be my favorite, but when the word trilogy comes up in conversation I don't think Star Wars will ever be overlooked. The prequels may have been absolute garbage, but I think most film lovers have fond, fond memories of the trilogy that inspires people to boycott films, claim "Han Shot First" and inspired legions of fan sites, videogames and knock-offs. It really is epic.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Empire Strikes Back; #2 A New Hope; #3 Return of the Jedi
3.The Godfather Trilogy
WHY: Because it is a franchise you can get lost in. All three films distinguish themselves from the other and even though the third film isn't all that good it still has a couple of my favorite lines in film, "Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in," and "Maybe they should fear YOU!" That second one makes me laugh every time I hear it.

Of course when it comes to quotes, acting, directing and story the first two films are far superior and the reason this trilogy is rated this high. Had all three films been like Part Three I really don't think we ever would have heard of Don Corleone, but as it stands he is now a film icon.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Part II; #2 Part I; #3 Part III
2.The Bourne Trilogy
WHY: Because it kicks ass! Seriously, the trilogy of Jason Bourne films are three quality action packed films, and the key word there is "quality". Most action thrillers forego intelligent story-telling, but the Bourne series puts its story first and through terrific choreography and directing it takes hand-to-hand combat to a whole new level. It goes from blowing up a house with a toaster, to stabbing a guy in the hand with a pen, to combat with a book and a towel. Seriously, who could have predicted those three fight scenes? Also, after some soul searching, I think I am finally ready to concede that The Bourne Supremacy is my favorite of the bunch.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Supremacy; #2 Ultimatum; #3 Identity
1.The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
WHY: As much as everyone loves this trilogy I think I am going to catch some grief for placing it at #1, but let me explain my reasoning. First off, I can't really point at anything in these three films I don't love. I can't point at the length because I bought the 300 hour extended editions and still can't get enough. The acting is fantastic and Peter Jackson's directing and vision are so superb the series deserved all the love and money it received. Finally, I was having a conversation with someone and the comment was made, "What book isn't better than the movie?" Both of us agreed if there was one it was the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and personally I think the films do surpass Tolkien's books. That's just me though.

RANKING THE THREE FILMS: #1 Two Towers; #2 Fellowship of the Ring; #3 Return of the King (all three are very close though)

What are your thoughts? What did I miss? What do you hate that I added?