Top 10 Franchises With No Bad Movies
#10: Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
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There’s never been a cinematic triumph quite like the MCU. In just over a decade, the MCU amassed a whopping twenty-three feature films and more than $22 billion at the box office worldwide… and counting. And thanks to a fairly consistent sense of humor and tone, none of the individual entries feel like an outright black sheep. Sure, some are less momentous than others, like “Thor: The Dark World,” but if that’s the floor, you gotta know the ceiling is through the roof. As if the monumental “Avengers: Endgame” wasn’t awesome enough, Marvel’s managed to make sociologically profound films like “Black Panther” to boot. Even the first film, “Iron Man,” remains one of the best onscreen origin stories to date.
#9: “Back to the Future” franchise (1985-90)
Top 10 Back To The Future Trilogy Moments
You know, we’re actually kind of glad that director Robert Zemeckis has since blocked any attempts to make more of these because the trilogy that we have is perfect as is. Sure, parts “II” and “III” could never have been as iconic as the original “Back to the Future,” but they’re heaps of fun in their own right. To that end, they all hold up incredibly well over thirty years later, with the general spirit and the chemistry between Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd never faltering once. Moreover, the movies manage to feel wholly distinct from one another, each taking the base time travel concept and doing something different with it. Who knew a sci-fi western movie could actually work?
#8: “Ip Man” franchise (2008-19)
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Though they had the monumental task of following up decades of superb martial arts cinema, the “Ip Man” movies starring Donnie Yen have been surging in popularity in recent years, and that is not an accident. Using the fascinating life of the titular Wing Chun grandmaster as their foundation, the movies then springboard off into telling compelling stories with weighty themes. Even though they’re not historically accurate, they more than justify taking creative liberty by backing it up with truly exhilarating fight choreography. Donnie Yen was already a martial arts star before this series, but by now he is easily a legend.
#7: “John Wick” franchise (2014-)
Top 10 INSANE Stunts in John Wick Movies
Speaking of breakout movie franchises with stellar action, it really doesn’t get much better than “John Wick.” The series started small, but by the time the second and third installments came out, the cat was out of the bag how freaking good they were. With all three movies being directed by veteran stuntman Chad Stahelski, it’s no wonder that the fight choreography is as riveting - and surprisingly funny - as it is. We also have this franchise to thank for the career resurgence of Keanu Reeves, who more and more feels like he was born to play the titular hitman.
#6: “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise (2010-19)
Top 10 How to Train Your Dragon Franchise Moments
DreamWorks Animation has had plenty of successful franchises, perhaps none more so than the “Shrek” movies. But if we’re talking consistency in quality, none of their other works rival the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy. The perfect overarching narrative with an equally stirring beginning, middle, and end, the series of films weaves together the story of a barrier-breaking friendship we’re not soon to forget. The animation overall is simply sublime, getting more and more refined with each installment. The voice cast as well is incredibly well-rounded and dynamic. It really doesn’t get more astounding than this.
#5: “Three Flavours Cornetto” trilogy (2004-13)
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Our one and only anthology series on this list, Edgar Wright’s “Cornetto” trilogy consists of 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead,” 2007’s “Hot Fuzz,” and 2013’s “The World’s End,” all starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Though all primarily comedies, they each do a fantastic job at satirizing the horror, action, and sci-fi genres respectively. And despite having dynamic ensemble casts, Wright never settles with just letting them riff, garnering additional laughs from unique camera angles and smart editing. You also won’t find movies more rewatchable than these, as each viewing is likely to reveal an incredibly clever and subtle joke you missed the first few times.
#4: “Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
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While the subsequent “Fantastic Beasts” movies have struggled to replicate the same magic, the core “Harry Potter” movies remain unblemished. Even despite splitting the final book into two films, all eight entries are more or less solid. The series even does a seamless job transitioning from lighter to darker fare as the characters mature, whilst still managing to retain a universal spirit and sense of wonder. Sure, some episodes in the saga are bound to be more beloved than others, but it’s astounding nevertheless how consistent they managed to be while still keeping the quality at an esteemed level.
#3: “Mad Max” franchise (1979-)
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Oh, what a franchise, what a lovely franchise! While “Mad Max” may be one of the more out-there contenders what with its kooky characters and no-nonsense, balls-to-the-wall action sequences, it can’t be denied the level of commitment and craftsmanship that went into creating George Miller’s guzzoline-fueled apocalyptic landscape. While they’re all unique in their own way, with the first one taking place in the pseudo-before-times and “Beyond Thunderdome” being the weird one with Tina Turner, it’s that variety that keeps us coming back for more. Plus, how many franchises can say they peaked with their fourth installment to the tune of six Oscars?
#2: “Toy Story” franchise (1995-)
All the Toy Story Movies: RANKED!
Pixar’s magnum opus, the “Toy Story” movies are good to the point that it defies logic. To say nothing as to how the first film pioneered the use of computer animation, the series is also a tour de force in heartfelt storytelling, wringing out profound themes of purpose and the meaning of existence. To that end, each entry is either perfect or nearly so, with the first two installments more than earning their 100% marks of approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Though some would argue that it ought to have remained a trilogy, few can knock the sheer mastery on display in “Toy Story 4,” which pushes the boundaries of animation to near live-action status. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Bourne” franchise (2002-16) Later Entries Are Acceptable, but the Core Trilogy Is Superb “Hunger Games” franchise (2012-15) Even Outside the Arena, the Story Was Compelling “Kung Fu Panda” franchise (2008-16) Perhaps DreamWorks’ Most Underrated Series “Evil Dead” franchise (1981-) Be They Comedic or Just Plain Horror, All Are Bloody Fun “The Lego Movie” franchise (2014-) “Ninjago” Was Decent, but Everything Else Really Is Awesome
#1: “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001-03)
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While “The Hobbit” trilogy is a mixed bag, Peter Jackon’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is cinematic perfection. The fact that these were all filmed back-to-back-to-back - save for some pick-up shots - truly and rightly gives the trilogy the sense that it’s actually one complete film, which is often how we choose to rewatch it today. The acting, special effects, high-fantasy sequences, and a stellar score from Howard Shore come together to make for one magical moviegoing experience we aren’t apt to forget. These films really do bow to no one.