Top 10 Best Movie Series of All Time
There's nothing quite like the thrill of following a saga unfold on the big screen, from its jaw-dropping origin story to its grand finale. Whether it's the classic allure of old Hollywood or the mind-bending effects of today's blockbusters, movie series have been a cornerstone of cinematic brilliance for generations.So, what elevates a movie series from good to legendary? First off, it's not just about a killer storyline; it's about characters who feel real and evolve, keeping you invested throughout multiple films. We're talking about worlds that are so immersive and detailed, you wish you could hop right into the screen. And let's not forget the spectacle: heart-pounding action, eye-popping visuals, and state-of-the-art special effects that leave you on the edge of your seat.
From epic space odysseys like Star Wars to the gritty, emotional depths of The Godfather, movie series span a buffet of genres, serving up something for every film fanatic out there. These iconic franchises don't just make box office history; they become part of our collective consciousness, shaping the way we see and talk about cinema.
Set in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars is a space opera series that chronicles the epic struggle between the dark side and the light side of the Force, an energy field connecting all living things. The series follows the Skywalker family and their allies as they battle the Sith and the oppressive Empire, culminating in the rise and fall of heroes and villains across generations. Being born in the mid-'90s and growing up watching the Star Wars movies as a kid, starting with Episode I in the theaters, has truly been an amazing experience over the years. I know people trash the prequels for their poor CGI, Jar Jar's annoyance, and Hayden Christensen's acting, but you have to see past that and enjoy the movies for what they're actually presenting.
Episode III is one of my favorite movies of all time, as it literally wraps up the entire prequel trilogy and explains why everything in Episodes 4, 5, and 6 happened at all. It also featured the most Jedi action and fighting, so you get to witness their potential at its peak before it all comes to an end when *spoiler alert* Anakin and the clone army slaughter everyone. I also believe the soundtrack for the prequel trilogy was the best.
The newest trilogy wasn't as good, and I feel it was just constantly poking at nostalgia, especially by bringing Palpatine back from the dead. I know they said this would be the last trilogy, but I'll always be down for more!
Based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling novels, the Harry Potter series follows the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Together, they learn about magic, face dangerous challenges, and uncover the dark secrets of the wizarding world, including the return of the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter is number 1 for a reason. The fact that it is a global sensation and people want to be a part of it says something. A book series turned into a movie, with its own theme park in one of America's most famous theme parks, is also significant. The thoughts and beliefs within the Potter series will stay in your heads forever, and it also confronts controversial issues like racism (Draco saying Mudblood and so on). This gives the film a unique edge.
Children, teens, adults, parents, and even grandparents all enjoy this film, regardless of their age. The film allows you to be a part of their world, and them to be a part of yours. And that's why Harry Potter is the best.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novels, The Lord of the Rings series takes place in the mythical world of Middle-earth. The story follows the quest of a young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins and his companions as they journey to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact that can enslave the world under the dark lord Sauron's rule. Along the way, they face trials and treachery, culminating in a final battle between good and evil. The Lord of the Rings should be #1!! The story and theme are so inspiring, and it's based on some parts of the Bible.
The battles feel so real, and when a character dies, it makes you feel like you can sense everyone's sorrow.
The characters are just the best and are so amazing.
I totally think Lord of the Rings should be number 1. It's absolutely one of the best movie series of all time. The cast of characters is unbeatable.
If it were changed, these movies wouldn't be the same. They are some of my favorite movies and some of the best-selling movies of all time. This is a fantastic series.
One of my favorite aspects is the costumes. I can't get over how amazing they were. The special effects were incredible as well. Thank you, Peter Jackson and crew, as well as all the fantastic authors, for making such an amazing movie series.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight trilogy reimagines the story of Batman, a vigilante crime-fighter in the corrupt and crime-ridden city of Gotham. Bruce Wayne, a billionaire orphan, dons the cape and cowl to battle villains such as the Joker, Two-Face, and Bane while grappling with his own inner demons. The series explores themes of justice, power, and the nature of heroism in a dark and gritty setting. To me, "Batman" is two separate runs. All of the Batman movies prior to Christopher Nolan's trilogy starring Christian Bale ceased to matter the second Nolan got his hands on the series.
What he did for Batman cannot be overstated. He took a series that started off with all the ingredients to become great but floundered into an embarrassment and a laughingstock. He turned it into a gritty and engaging trilogy. The direction he took completely transformed the franchise, taking the childish and gimmicky mess it had become and turning it into a realistic, dramatic masterpiece.
I can honestly say that not only was Nolan and Heath Ledger's "The Joker" the best movie villain of all time up until that point, but I just can't see another ever coming along that could possibly top it.
This action-adventure series stars the charismatic archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Indiana Jones, who travels the world in search of lost artifacts and hidden treasures. Set primarily during the 1930s and 1940s, Jones faces off against Nazis, cultists, and other foes while unraveling ancient mysteries and saving priceless relics from falling into the wrong hands. The series blends humor, romance, and thrilling action sequences to create a timeless cinematic experience. I voted for this one because it was just so low. Sure, the 4th one sucked. The 1st and 2nd are two of my favorite films ever made, and the 3rd ranks just below them.
Indiana Jones just has everything you want in an action movie: a vulnerable hero, sweet action, different storylines, and so much more!
Indiana Jones is at least in the top three. It beats out Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, James Bond, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and The Lord of the Rings, which are all spectacular films in their own right.
Some might argue that this is too high on the list, but this had the 4th highest amount of votes. Personally, I absolutely loved these films but thought they should maybe be around number 5 or 6.
This swashbuckling adventure series follows the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow as he sails the high seas, searches for treasure, and contends with supernatural forces. Joined by a colorful cast of characters, including the blacksmith-turned-pirate Will Turner and the spirited Elizabeth Swann, Sparrow faces cursed pirates, the East India Trading Company, and mythical creatures in his quest for freedom and fortune. The Pirates of the Caribbean series is well-planned. It has a bit of everything: comedy, romance, adventure, horror, and action. There's something for the whole family!
The series isn't very complicated, has a good plot, and they always pick the perfect actors for the roles. I'm excited for the upcoming fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Savvy?
Over time, people have said the series has gotten worse, but I have to disagree. There's always some sort of unpredictability in each movie. I didn't really like the fourth one that much because it portrayed Jack Sparrow as some sort of scared fool, which everyone who's watched the first movie knows he's not.
But the Pirates series is my favorite series ever, and Jack Sparrow is forever my favorite character.
This long-running spy thriller series follows the exploits of James Bond, a suave and skilled British secret agent known as 007. Tasked with protecting the world from various criminal masterminds and terrorist organizations, Bond employs high-tech gadgets, martial arts, and his own wit and charm to outwit his adversaries and save the day. The series has become iconic for its memorable villains, action-packed set pieces, and thrilling espionage. James Bond is a consistently original spy franchise that has gone on for nearly 25 films now, and not without good reason. Each Bond brings his own personality to the table, from well-known ones like Sean Connery and Roger Moore to the unjustly unrecognized Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby.
The series continues to adapt to its audience's needs, and that's why it is going to be a very long time until it is finished, because it's so good.
How is James Bond this low on the list? There are so many twelve-year-olds on this list voting for nothing but Potter. Listen, watch at least the first three films and then express your opinion.
The series has been running since the 1960s, while many of these have been going for only a decade. The hero, the villains, the love interests, the cars, the gadgets - everything is brilliant in this series. Anyone who mocks 007 deserves to die all alone.
Based on Mario Puzo's novel, The Godfather series explores the lives and relationships of the powerful Corleone crime family. The story follows the patriarch, Vito Corleone, and his sons as they navigate the world of organized crime, betrayal, and family loyalty. The series delves into themes of power, corruption, and morality, and has become a defining example of the American crime film genre. This list is stupid. The Godfather trilogy represents the pinnacle of the movie industry. Star Wars is rightfully higher up, but seeing The Godfather down here is a shame.
The fact that the Twilight Saga ranks higher than these masterpieces is proof that most of the voters here are adolescent teens who've never seen a movie from the previous century. If special effects and sheer entertainment are what they seek, where is Chris Nolan's Batman? All in all, this is a pathetic list.
The Godfather is the greatest gangster film and also the greatest film series of all time. The first and second films of the series have both won Academy Awards for Best Picture. It's the only film series in the history of cinema thus far to achieve this.
The Lord of the Rings series also has quite an achievement, but The Godfather is the only series in which two films have been awarded the Academy Award for Best Picture.
This beloved animated series from Pixar tells the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a group of anthropomorphic toys who come to life when humans aren't around. As they navigate the challenges of loyalty, friendship, and change, the toys embark on adventures that span from their owner's bedroom to the wider world. The series has been praised for its heartfelt storytelling, groundbreaking animation, and memorable characters. One of the greatest film series of all time (and the greatest animated film series ever). Each and every film in the series is great. Along with historical significance for being the first-ever CGI animated film series, it's entertaining, it's emotional, and it's a must-watch film trilogy for every film lover.
Who can say no to Toy Story, right? Actually, it was only the other day that I found out one of my favorite actors, Keanu Reeves, was in Toy Story 4. I like that one a lot more now, but the first one is still the best!
Based on the Marvel Comics series, the X-Men films follow a group of superpowered mutants who fight for peace and equality between humans and mutants. Led by the wise Professor Charles Xavier, the X-Men confront powerful enemies, internal struggles, and societal prejudice, while exploring themes of acceptance, identity, and the nature of humanity. The series showcases a diverse array of characters with unique abilities and personal stories. It has a story different from other superhero movies. In "X-Men," the superheroes (often called mutants) aren't given special treatment or recognized for what they're doing for the world. Instead, they are often hated or feared.
This series shows the conflict of philosophy between Professor X (based on Martin Luther King Jr.) and Magneto (based on Malcolm X). Both want to "fit" in the world but use different methods. The series explores the ideas of hope, anger, hatred, hypocrisy, fear, corruption, inferiority, and innocence.
The Newcomers
Curse of the Were-Rabbit and now Vengeance Most Fowl? I guess Wallace & Gromit now count.
This science-fiction comedy series follows teenager Marty McFly and eccentric inventor Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown as they use a time-traveling DeLorean to visit various points in history. The duo faces challenges and adventures while trying to ensure the integrity of the space-time continuum, often causing unintended consequences and having to fix their own mistakes. The series is known for its humor, memorable characters, and exploration of the impact of time travel. One of, if not the best, film trilogy of all time. I loved these films, and I think that for the generation in which they were made, before the days of good CGI or possibly any CGI at all, they did a very good job with it all. The third is my favorite because I like the cowboy theme.
So good! The fact there was this good CGI back in the 19-2000? It was amazing.
It is a really great film, so exciting, amazing characters, and character development, and it has unthinkable twists.
Why is this not in 3rd place?
1- Harry Potter
2- The Lord of the Rings
3- Back to the Future
Really, you think the Star Wars series is better than the Back to the Future series?
Based on the Marvel Comics character, the Spider-Man films follow the story of high school student Peter Parker, who gains superpowers after being bitten by a genetically-modified spider. Balancing his personal life and responsibilities as the web-slinging superhero, Spider-Man battles a variety of villains and navigates the challenges of adolescence. The series explores themes of power, responsibility, and self-discovery. Honestly, I never believed that Andrew Garfield could represent Spider-Man after Tobey Maguire's success. However, I was blown away. I have loved Spider-Man since I was a little kid and think that it definitely deserves to be in the top 10 list of best movie franchises ever.
Thank you to everyone involved in making the movies what they are!
I think Spider-Man is one of the best superhero movie franchises ever. They are so stupid for rebooting the franchise. Until the new Batman movies, it was rated as the number-one bestseller in superhero movies. Why would you reboot that?
The Rocky series follows the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a chance to compete against the world heavyweight champion. Through determination, hard work, and the support of his friends and family, Rocky defies the odds and becomes a symbol of the American dream. The films explore themes of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of the human spirit, while showcasing memorable boxing matches and training montages. This is by far the best movie series ever. All athletes and sports fans can relate in some way to Rocky. The movies just get you pumped.
You can watch them over and over again, and they never get old. It's not about some silly name that a nerd yells when casting a spell, like in Harry Potter. This is by far the best series out there.
I knew this wouldn't make the top 3 because it's overshadowed by films like Harry Potter nowadays. But #14?! I can't believe Twilight is even higher than this! This is the most inspiring movie series of all time.
I will never forget the final moment when Rocky is walking away from the camera as it fades to black. It was the end of an era.
Originating in Japanese cinema, the Godzilla series revolves around the titular giant monster, a powerful and destructive force of nature. The films often feature Godzilla battling other giant monsters, while humans grapple with the consequences of their actions and the devastation wrought by these colossal creatures. The series blends elements of science fiction, horror, and action, while exploring themes of nuclear power, environmentalism, and humanity's relationship with nature. Dang. Godzilla should be in the top 3. It's run longer than any of the ones on this list. The 1954 movie was supposed to be a standalone film, but it was such a success that the Big G has basically become an icon of giant monster movies alongside King Kong and Pacific Rim.
Come on, giant monsters fighting in cities! Many of its movies are very deep and complex. Also, some are very ridiculous and funny! It may not have the best effects, but they are awesome.
The longest-running franchise ever! Needs to be number 1!
Based on Michael Crichton's novels, the Jurassic Park series envisions a world where scientists have used advanced genetic technology to bring dinosaurs back to life. The films follow the disastrous consequences of these attempts to create and control prehistoric creatures, exploring the ethical implications of scientific advancements, the fragility of human control over nature, and the awe-inspiring power of these ancient beasts. I love all 4 movies so much! Sometimes I go on marathons and watch them all in one day. I know how nerdy that is, but I don't care. I just love them so much.
And I think it's got to mean something if it has CGI that still holds up to this day and age. It even looks better than some other recent movies out there. Amazing!
Jurassic Park is one of the most well-written books in history and actually had a decent formula. The movie had somewhat crappy effects here and there, but the story was good. It's the highest-grossing film ever. Good job, Spielberg.
Adapted from Suzanne Collins' novels, The Hunger Games series is set in a dystopian future where the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into twelve districts. Each year, a boy and a girl from each district are chosen to compete in a televised fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The series follows the courageous Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her sister's place, and her journey from reluctant participant to the symbol of a rebellion against the oppressive regime. I'm honestly pretty shocked that this series is so far down on the list. While it may not have gotten as much media attention as Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings, I feel like this series holds its own in terms of a strong plotline.
The fact that it ranks below Transformers seems pretty sad to me. The Transformer movies aren't terrible, but they really lack in character development. The female characters serve merely as sex symbols and are constantly in need of being rescued.
The series is honestly pretty sexist. It's just a lot of stuff getting blown up without much substance.
Set in the distant future, the Alien series follows the terrifying encounters between humans and an extraterrestrial species known as the Xenomorphs. As the crew members of various space missions confront these deadly creatures, they struggle to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds. The films blend horror and science fiction elements, and have become iconic for their suspenseful storytelling, atmospheric settings, and the unforgettable design of the titular creatures. The reason the Alien franchise is so great is that it created a different tone with each movie. The first was a suspenseful horror film. The second created an epic action film. The third made a depressing prison drama. The fourth was just a popcorn film and nothing more.
Great movies, really liked it. I voted for this because it deserves better. But I think Star Wars is the greatest movie franchise ever. Still, this series kicks ass. You should see it!
I just finished watching all six films, from Prometheus to Alien: Resurrection. It's fascinating now that the mystery is solved regarding where they came from when you see parts one and two of Prometheus: Prom + Cov.
This science fiction series explores the conflict between humans and an artificial intelligence called Skynet, which becomes self-aware and attempts to exterminate humanity. The films follow various characters, most notably Sarah Connor and her son John, as they are targeted by Skynet's advanced robotic assassins known as Terminators. The series combines action-packed sequences, time-travel elements, and thought-provoking themes about technology and the nature of humanity. This needs to be higher up. The first Terminator is a masterpiece in '80s sci-fi, horror, and violence. (Yes, it is a horror film. See it again if you don't believe me.) Terminator 2 has the best action I've ever seen in a movie, ever.
Terminator 3 and 5 are mediocre, but I have to admit, Salvation kind of sucked.
This movie is a 1984 classic by James Cameron, which later became a hit. Arnold Schwarzenegger was an awesome actor at that time. This movie rules! "I'll be back" has to be the most deadly and funny movie line of all time!
Centered around the world of illegal street racing and heists, The Fast and the Furious series follows the adventures of Dominic Toretto, Brian O'Conner, and their diverse crew as they navigate high-stakes missions and intense car chases. Throughout the series, the team forms a tight-knit family, confronts powerful enemies, and faces heart-stopping challenges in their pursuit of speed, justice, and loyalty. By far the best. You would really appreciate the genius of the series when you read the following: There was a lot of confusion when a scene from the third movie in the franchise was repeated in the sixth movie's after-credits ending scene. I have come up with a solution to this problem.
The actual order of the movies is: 1 -> 2 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6, and then the third. This means that there was a point in the series that gave us a glimpse of what would be there after three more parts. That, my friend, is true genius.
No, this is not fair. Fast and Furious is the best. It's better than Harry Potter (though it's one of my favorites), Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Godfather, and others. I've watched 1 to 8, and they're amazing, especially 7, 5, and 8, and I'm still expecting part 9. Believe me, it's emotional, funny, and incredible. You guys should try and check this out.
The Batman films center around the story of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire orphan who becomes the masked vigilante known as Batman to protect his crime-ridden city of Gotham. The series explores the psychological aspects of the character and his relationships with allies and iconic villains such as the Joker, Two-Face, and Catwoman. With various adaptations and reboots, the Batman films have showcased different styles and interpretations of the Dark Knight's ongoing struggle for justice. With The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises out, the Batman series is so different and dark compared to other superhero movies. It actually has a great story with twists! It definitely deserves to be higher on the list.
These are the only movies that planned unrelated sequels. It's the only way to do it without directors making the sequel a cheap knock-off, like the Star Wars prequels.
This should be number one. The Dark Knight Rises just secured that spot. I almost laughed and cried myself to death after seeing Harry Potter as number one. The list is a joke.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit serves as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings series, telling the story of Bilbo Baggins, a humble Hobbit who embarks on an unexpected journey with a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. Together, they seek to reclaim the dwarves' lost kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug. The films combine elements of high fantasy, adventure, and friendship, while exploring themes of courage, destiny, and the power of the ordinary. I LOVED this movie series. It deserves to be at the top, just as good as the Lord of the Rings series. The music was phenomenal, and the story didn't stray too far from the book.
I loved how at the very end, it's the start of the first movie in LOTR. It's just excellent. I can't believe it's so low on the list. It makes me want to see the Lord of the Rings series again. Also, there should have been a separate category for The Two Towers because I might have voted for that. Come on, people, 39th?
Ok, it may not have been as good as LOTR, but The Hobbit was still great! Some people will criticize it for not being exactly like the book, but in my opinion, it was actually better. The serious tone fits the story very well.
Radagast is a very likable character, and Smaug has to be the best movie villain ever. Seriously, he needed more screen time.
Based on the popular toy line, the Transformers series revolves around the battle between two factions of alien robots, the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, who can transform into vehicles and other objects. As the robots wage war on Earth, a group of humans becomes entwined in their struggle, fighting to protect humanity from the threat of annihilation. The films are known for their large-scale action, special effects, and epic battles between the titular robots. I have seen all the series on this page, and I believe Transformers deserves to be at least in the top 10. This movie has it all - romance, cars, and best of all, epic battles.
I just liked the first one. The sequels aren't that good, but not as bad as some people say. It's a divisive franchise. In a way, it's the original DCEU.
Transformers is better than Star Wars because it has more action and less plot.
Based on the classic television series, the Star Trek films follow the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise and its crew, led by Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. The series explores themes of exploration, diplomacy, and the human condition as the crew encounters alien species, futuristic technology, and moral dilemmas. The films have expanded the Star Trek universe and continued the franchise's legacy of hope, optimism, and the pursuit of a better future. These characters are still giving. They are a part of the family! I started with Captain Kirk, my kids had Captain Jean-Luc Picard and it still keeps going! Not like that other series, with R2D2 something and laser beams and such that most of us have forgotten anyway. Laugh out loud.
I'm totally a Star Trek nerd, and I don't care! I've been watching it since I was like 3, and I still do. People don't understand why I love it (not looking like a total "nerd" stereotype), but they kinda suck.
It's okay to love Star Trek and Star Wars. They both have great characters and moments. Although they are very different types of movies, they are both wonderful franchises.
This action-packed series stars Bruce Willis as NYPD detective John McClane, who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when terrorists attack various locations. McClane uses his resourcefulness, determination, and combat skills to single-handedly take on the terrorists and save the day. The Die Hard films have become iconic for their thrilling action, memorable villains, and the everyman heroism of John McClane. Come out to the coast, we'll have a few laughs... Classic! Die Hard 2 is the best! The villains are amazing too. The Gruber brothers and that Army Ranger dude, plus the dad from Good Times!
I cried inside when I saw this below Twilight. Come on, guys.
Bruce is the best. He should have been a superhero. "Hent!"
This animated comedy series subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, telling the story of Shrek, a grumpy and solitary ogre who finds himself on an adventure to save the feisty Princess Fiona. Alongside his talkative sidekick, Donkey, Shrek confronts a host of fairy tale creatures, villains, and challenges, ultimately discovering the value of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. The Shrek films are known for their humor, heart, and clever parodies of classic fairy tales. Shrek is my favorite animated movie series, mainly because of the time period it is set in, the humor and jokes, and the heartbreaking meaning of love it portrays.
The cast is pretty good (Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz), as well as the music.
Shrek is so timeless. I was born in the luckiest generation because I was fortunate enough to grow up with Shrek and see them in theaters.
This is a pretty good movie series. I've seen all the movies except Shrek the Halls.