There’s something special about a well-crafted movie trilogy—a three-part journey that lets filmmakers fully explore their worlds, evolve their characters, and land a story arc with emotional and cinematic payoff. Since the turn of the century, we’ve seen trilogies that reshaped genres, launched franchises, and earned devoted followings. Whether you’re into high fantasy, grounded superheroes, or genre-defying indie tales, there’s a trilogy here worth revisiting.
Here are 10 of the greatest 21st-century film trilogies—each a testament to the strength of storytelling in three acts.
1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Peter Jackson’s classic adaptation of Tolkien’s fantasy novel established the gold standard for cinematic trilogies. With breathtaking scenery, iconic acting, and a narrative that’s both up-close and epic in scope, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King caught lightning in a bottle. It’s the only trilogy in which every chapter is crucial—and the Academy concurred, giving the concluding film 11 Oscars.
2. The Planet of the Apes Reboot Trilogy
A reboot that evolved into one of the most surprising and strongest trilogies of contemporary cinema. From Rise to Dawn to War for the Planet of the Apes, this is a compelling mix of sci-fi spectacle and emotional drama. Its centerpiece is Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar—a CGI creation with more humanity than most live-action protagonists.
3. The Oslo Trilogy
Joachim Trier’s loosely linked trilogy—Reprise, Oslo, August 31st, and The Worst Person in the World—examines love, youth, ambition, and disillusionment in modern Norway. They’re raw, lovely, and emotionally complex, a soft but richly resonant counterpoint to more bombastic trilogies. If you prefer character-driven storytelling that stays with you long after the credits roll, this is for you.
4. The How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy
DreamWorks gave the world a rare achievement: an animated trilogy that matures along with its viewers. It begins with a young Viking outcast and ends with a wise and fearless leader, Hiccup’s transformation with Toothless the dragon being both exciting and emotional. With stunning animation, catchy tunes, and an underpinning message of acceptance and companionship, the trilogy is as moving as it is aerial.
5. The Cornetto Trilogy
Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost presented us with three very different genre movies—Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End—that have more in common than just Cornetto ice cream. With whip-sharp editing, intelligent writing, and genuine subtext, each film spoofs (and honors) its genre. It’s a feat rarely achieved by comedy trilogies, but it pays off from beginning to end.
6. The Dark Knight Trilogy
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy reset superhero films for a more realistic, character-driven era. Batman Begins gave Bruce Wayne actual emotional resonance, The Dark Knight provided an unforgettable Joker turn by Heath Ledger, and The Dark Knight Rises wrapped up the arc on operatic scope. All three demonstrated that comic book fare could be dark, layered, and Oscar-worthy.
7. The Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy
James Gunn’s space-faring misfits brought humor, heart, and an unbeatable soundtrack to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With emotional depth woven into the wild sci-fi action, the trilogy gave each character room to grow, especially Rocket and Nebula, who emerged as emotional centerpieces by the time Vol. 3 rolled around. It’s one of the MCU’s most consistent and beloved trilogies.
8. The Millennium Trilogy
From Stieg Larsson’s best-selling books, the original Swedish Millennium Trilogy, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, it is a dark, suspenseful epic headed by Noomi Rapace’s mesmerizing performance as Lisbeth Salander. It’s half psychological thriller, half investigative thriller, and all intensity.
9. The Ocean’s Trilogy
Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen are the epitome of stylish, smart popcorn entertainment. With a stacked cast led by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, these heist films mix wit, charm, and clever plotting. While the first film is the standout, the sequels maintain the slick tone and camaraderie that made this trilogy a fan favorite.
10. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Trilogy
Long before the MCU took over, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy helped lay the foundation for modern superhero films. Tobey Maguire brought an earnestness to Peter Parker that resonated with audiences, and Spider-Man 2 remains one of the best comic book movies ever made. While Spider-Man 3 had its flaws, the trilogy as a whole is a landmark in superhero storytelling.
These trilogies demonstrate that when screenwriters are allowed to tell a tale in three acts—and when every installment is crafted with vision and heart—the payoff can be truly unforgettable. If you’re in the mood for high fantasy, emotional independent drama, or superhero epics, the 21st century has produced some of the greatest trilogies ever committed to celluloid.