The rule of three....or more...There has been a long-standing rule in Hollywood among studio bigwigs and producers, directors, etc. that if you can tell a story, why not tell the story over a longer period of time, with extra twists, new characters, and at least three chances for viewers to come sit in the audience and behold what you've put together.
And so was born the Trilogy. Oh sure, some films, especially when you "boldly go where no one has gone before", or drink martinis "shaken, not stirred" or are running away from a masked madman who wields an axe or chainsaw or whatever pointy thing nearby he can grasp, you go beyond trilogy. Let's focus on the rule of three at this point, not as an analysis of profit margins, but more as a critique of why some have historically worked, and others haven't, or have left a lot to be desired with at least one of the three installments. I will not disqualify based on any genre a trilogy may inhabit, so comedies, sci-fi all have the chance to be in the mix.
Sadly though, I can no longer include Indiana Jones, since they made a fourth film, nor Pirates of the Caribbean or The Bourne Trilogy since a fourth was also added to these. They would've ranked HIGH on my list of all time best.
Start with some honorable mentions:
The Man with No Name Trilogy: (Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) It's Clint Eastwood, so there. The first is an unofficial remake of a Kurosawa film, and Good, Bad, Ugly has been called the best directed film of all time. Sergio Leone also did a boon for soundtracks. The music is iconic, and every Spaghetti Western will always lead you back to that soundtrack.
The Matrix Trilogy: I don't have a lot to say here. The first film stands alone. And should've stayed that way. Aside from the highway chase/fight, and a few one-liners from Agent Smith in the last two, there's no reason it couldn't have stayed a single film.
The Evil Dead Trilogy: Sam Raimi makes things fun. He really does. The first film is considered to be a shining gem in the world of campy horror, playing scary in all the right places and silly when needed. The third film, Army of Darkness is a fun way to conclude, and has some great makeup.
My second installment coming soon. It will start the countdown of all time best trilogies.
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