Trilogies are some of the most iconic things to come out of movies because they represent the perfect three-act structure when done perfectly. From Star Wars to The Dark Knight Trilogy, there are countless franchises people think of as a collection before a singular story.
There are also many forgotten trilogies that don’t get enough love. Ironically, even if they lack the love needed to shine, that doesn’t mean the films are bad, and they deserve their time to shine.
Ralph Bakshi’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Animated Films are Still Overlooked
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is an iconic fantasy series that has defined modern cinema in almost every way. But because of that, it’s easy to overlook what came before, specifically the underrated animated Ralph Bakshi adaptations of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Return of the King.
What makes this trilogy so great is just how amazing Bakshi’s animation is and how it manages to tell the majority of J.R.R. Tolkien’s story long before the live-action version tackled it. It’s like a time capsule of how the designs of characters used to be before the live-action films redefined the franchise’s aesthetic, and it is worth it for any The Lord of the Rings completionist.
The Infernal Affairs Trilogy Is a Masterpiece Crime Trilogy
The Infernal Affairs trilogy is one that explores the story of a cop going undercover in the Triad and a Triad member becoming a mole within the police force. Over three films, the series explores those events as well as the aftermath of the original and how it impacted the main and supporting cast.
While Infernal Affairs III is famous for focusing on intercut time-skips to give more context, it’s a great way to cap off an exciting crime series. The film also served as the foundation for Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, which borrows the foundation of the narrative to tell its story. It’s an exciting drama that could’ve worked in one film but delivered three great entries in total.
The Modern Planet of the Apes Trilogy Is a Perfect Origin
The Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises in the entire genre, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes introduced a new chapter that retold the origin of Caesar and his rise to prominence. With Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, his story was told completely, but it’s still not talked about enough.
Andy Serkis delivered an amazing performance in bringing Caesar to life, and the character’s arc from start to finish is a powerful tearjerker. Though the films don’t get as much attention as other great sci-fi movies, they are still worth the watch.
The ‘Before’ Trilogy Explores the Reality of Relationships
Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight are a trilogy told in nine-year gaps, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, in which a couple meet for one unforgettable night and reconnect, starting a life together. However, the ins and outs of their story are far more complex and lead to very real moments of struggle that relationships go through, but are never explored in film.
It’s not a story filled with action, and it’s not a romance filled with intense passion from start to finish. It’s a realistic look at love that isn’t focused on much in media and may be the reason why so many have already forgotten it. But the same reason people may forget it is also the reason why it’s so good as a ’90s indie trilogy and deserves to be seen.
The Three Colours Trilogy Explores the Values of the French Flag
A trilogy of films from 1993 to 1994, The Three Colours Trilogy explores the three colors of the French flag and their values: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Each movie focuses on an individual who embodies the themes of those colors and how they get through a trying point in their life.
One of the best dramas of the ’90s, it’s a shame the trilogy didn’t get an overseas release and may play a part in why it’s been largely forgotten. Even still, it’s not a series anyone should sleep on, as it’s got a great story and great performances for each entry.