The 5 Greatest Movie Trilogies Ever And Where to Watch Them

Gollum next to Luke Skywalker.

Gollum next to Luke Skywalker.
  • Primary Subject: Greatest Movie Trilogies Ever Made
  • Key Update: The Godfather trilogy — often regarded as the best movie trilogy — returned to Paramount+ in February 2026, while the original Star Wars films remain a Disney+ exclusive.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: February 10, 2026
  • Quick Answer: You can stream the greatest movie trilogies across Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Prime Video.

Admit it, there are only a few movie trilogies that consistently hit the mark. But some masterpieces never miss, delivering from start to finish.

Today, it’s rare to see a three-film saga consistently excel, without viewers insisting that the first film is the best. But there are a few worth talking about...

From The Lord of the Rings to The Godfather, here are five of the greatest movie trilogies where every installment shines and where you can stream them.

Back to the Future

Who would have thought that the adventures of high school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd), traveling through time in a DeLorean, would become such a significant part of pop culture? 

The Back to the Future trilogy left a lasting cultural impact, so much so that fans celebrate Back to the Future Day every October 21.

A perfect blend of sci-fi adventure, comedy, and heartfelt character drama, the first film became an international phenomenon, leading to Back to the Future Part II and Back to the Future Part III

Although it has been more than 30 years since the franchise began, it remains one of cinema’s most beloved trilogies, maintaining its time-traveling fun from start to finish without losing track of its story – or the iconic hoverboard – earning praise for its consistency and joy.

The Godfather

The Godfather isn’t called a timeless classic for nothing. Chronicling the trials of the Italian-American mafia Corleone family, the saga follows patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) as he rises to become a major figure in American organized crime, while his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), steps into his role as successor. 

Francis Ford Coppola’s epic stands as a towering achievement, earning 28 Academy Award nominations (winning nine) and 20 Golden Globe nominations (winning five). The first film was even regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. 

The same can be said of its sequel, The Godfather Part II, which elevates the drama even further and is often considered superior to the first film. 

While The Godfather Part III remains a subject of debate among fans, there’s no denying that its continuity completes a monumental saga, bringing Michael’s journey to a fitting and poignant close.

Star Wars (Original)

Calling the original Star Wars trilogy a masterpiece may be debatable for some, but there’s no denying that it is one of the most influential three-film sagas ever made.

George Lucas’ landmark work transformed pop culture and blockbuster filmmaking, earning widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, characters, John Williams’ iconic musical score, and groundbreaking visual and sound effects.

Composed of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, the trilogy follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as he embarks on a journey with the help of exiled Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda to confront the Empire and the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader alongside Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance.

From its storytelling and characters to its lasting impact on genre cinema, the trilogy remains timeless.

  • Where to Stream Star Wars (Original) Trilogy: Disney+

The Dark Knight

Sure, there are a lot of superhero movie trilogies out there, but not many have reached the success of Christopher Nolan’s renowned The Dark Knight trilogy

Nolan reinvented the superhero genre with his grounded, gritty take on the Caped Crusader, featuring Christian Bale as Batman and the iconic performance of the late Heath Ledger as Joker. 

Encompassing Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises, this saga remains one of the few superhero trilogies where each entry is critically celebrated and commercially successful.

The Lord of the Rings

Don’t be surprised if The Lord of the Rings lands at number one on our list. The epic saga is often cited as the greatest film trilogy of all time, with all three entries, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, standing out in their own right.

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy, Peter Jackson’s adaptation delivers a richly detailed cinematic journey of friendship, courage, and destiny.

Each installment meets and often exceeds both fan and critical expectations, thanks to its groundbreaking visuals and immersive world-building. It’s no surprise that the trilogy dominated the Academy Awards, with the final film sweeping the Oscars and winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

More than two decades later, the trilogy still holds up, cementing its place as one of cinema’s all-time greats.

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