The 20 Best Movie Series of All Time

1. The Lord of the Rings (and Middle-earth Saga)

Genre: High Fantasy, Adventure
Primary Themes: Good vs. Evil, Fellowship, Sacrifice, Corruption of Power, Nature vs. Industry, Hope.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A monumental achievement in fantasy cinema, widely lauded for its immersive world-building, epic scope, groundbreaking special effects, and faithful adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels. It redefined the fantasy genre on screen and demonstrated the viability of large-scale cinematic sagas.
Movies & Ratings:
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
  - RT: 91% | MC: 92 | IMDb: 8.9
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
  - RT: 95% | MC: 87 | IMDb: 8.7
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 94 | IMDb: 9.0
- (The Hobbit Trilogy, though less critically acclaimed, expands the saga)
  - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
    - RT: 64% | MC: 58 | IMDb: 7.8
  - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
    - RT: 75% | MC: 66 | IMDb: 7.8
  - The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
    - RT: 59% | MC: 56 | IMDb: 7.4

2. Star Wars (The Skywalker Saga)

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fantasy, Adventure
Primary Themes: The Force, Good vs. Evil, Family, Redemption, Hero's Journey, Rebellion vs. Empire.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A cultural phenomenon that revolutionized filmmaking with its visual effects, sound design, and mythological storytelling. It created a massive, enduring franchise spanning generations, profoundly influencing pop culture and modern blockbuster cinema.
Movies & Ratings:
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 90 | IMDb: 8.6
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 82 | IMDb: 8.7
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
  - RT: 83% | MC: 58 | IMDb: 8.3
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
  - RT: 51% | MC: 51 | IMDb: 6.5
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
  - RT: 65% | MC: 54 | IMDb: 6.6
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  - RT: 80% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 7.6
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 81 | IMDb: 7.9
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
  - RT: 91% | MC: 85 | IMDb: 6.9
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
  - RT: 52% | MC: 53 | IMDb: 6.5

3. The Godfather Trilogy

Genre: Crime, Drama
Primary Themes: Family Loyalty, Power, Corruption, The American Dream, Morality.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Considered one of the greatest film series in history, known for its profound exploration of the American Mafia, masterful direction, iconic performances, and sophisticated storytelling. It set a new standard for crime dramas.
Movies & Ratings:
- The Godfather (1972)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 100 | IMDb: 9.2
- The Godfather Part II (1974)
  - RT: 96% | MC: 90 | IMDb: 9.0
- The Godfather Part III (1990)
  - RT: 69% | MC: 60 | IMDb: 7.6

4. Toy Story

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Primary Themes: Friendship, Loyalty, Purpose, Growing Up, Letting Go.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Pioneered feature-length CGI animation, transforming the animation industry. Critically adored for its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, humor, and universal themes that resonate with all ages.
Movies & Ratings:
- Toy Story (1995)
  - RT: 100% | MC: 96 | IMDb: 8.3
- Toy Story 2 (1999)
  - RT: 100% | MC: 88 | IMDb: 7.9
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
  - RT: 98% | MC: 92 | IMDb: 8.3
- Toy Story 4 (2019)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 84 | IMDb: 7.7

5. Indiana Jones

Genre: Action, Adventure
Primary Themes: Exploration, Myth, Good vs. Evil, Anti-Nazism, Archaeology, Destiny.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Revitalized the adventure genre, creating an iconic hero in Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones. Celebrated for its thrilling set-pieces, charismatic lead, witty dialogue, and blend of historical fiction with supernatural elements.
Movies & Ratings:
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 85 | IMDb: 8.4
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
  - RT: 77% | MC: 57 | IMDb: 7.3
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
  - RT: 84% | MC: 65 | IMDb: 8.2
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
  - RT: 77% | MC: 65 | IMDb: 6.1
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
  - RT: 70% | MC: 58 | IMDb: 6.6

6. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Genre: Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi
Primary Themes: Heroism, Responsibility, Teamwork, Interconnectedness, Good vs. Evil, The Consequences of Power.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: The most successful and ambitious shared cinematic universe in history. Its unprecedented interconnected storytelling across multiple films and characters set a new standard for blockbuster franchises, influencing Hollywood's approach to long-form narratives.
Selected Core Movies & Ratings (of 30+ films):
- Iron Man (2008)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 79 | IMDb: 7.9
- The Avengers (2012)
  - RT: 91% | MC: 69 | IMDb: 8.0
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
  - RT: 90% | MC: 70 | IMDb: 7.7
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
  - RT: 92% | MC: 76 | IMDb: 8.0
- Black Panther (2018)
  - RT: 96% | MC: 88 | IMDb: 7.3
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
  - RT: 85% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 8.4
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 78 | IMDb: 8.4
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) (Part of the broader Spider-Man cinematic universe, not strictly MCU, but a landmark superhero film)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 87 | IMDb: 8.4

7. Back to the Future Trilogy

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy
Primary Themes: Time Travel, Paradoxes, Destiny vs. Free Will, Family Relationships, Nostalgia.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A beloved and enduring series that masterfully blends sci-fi concepts with comedic timing and endearing characters. It's renowned for its clever plotting, iconic DeLorean, and feel-good tone.
Movies & Ratings:
- Back to the Future (1985)
  - RT: 96% | MC: 87 | IMDb: 8.5
- Back to the Future Part II (1989)
  - RT: 63% | MC: 57 | IMDb: 7.8
- Back to the Future Part III (1990)
  - RT: 79% | MC: 55 | IMDb: 7.4

8. Alien

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Action
Primary Themes: Survival, Motherhood, Corporate Greed, Fear of the Unknown, Biological Horror.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Redefined sci-fi horror with its terrifying creature design, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the creation of one of cinema's most iconic female protagonists, Ripley. Its sequels expanded the universe, demonstrating versatility in genre.
Movies & Ratings:
- Alien (1979)
  - RT: 98% | MC: 89 | IMDb: 8.5
- Aliens (1986)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 84 | IMDb: 8.4
- Alien 3 (1992)
  - RT: 44% | MC: 59 | IMDb: 6.4
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
  - RT: 55% | MC: 63 | IMDb: 6.3
- (Prequels)
  - Prometheus (2012)
    - RT: 73% | MC: 64 | IMDb: 7.0
  - Alien: Covenant (2017)
    - RT: 65% | MC: 65 | IMDb: 6.4

9. The Dark Knight Trilogy

Genre: Superhero, Action, Crime, Neo-Noir
Primary Themes: Justice, Chaos, Morality, Heroism vs. Vigilantism, Fear, Society's Corruption.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Elevated the superhero genre into serious, gritty, and psychologically complex cinema. Christopher Nolan's grounded approach and Heath Ledger's iconic Joker performance set new benchmarks for character depth and realistic action in comic book adaptations.
Movies & Ratings:
- Batman Begins (2005)
  - RT: 84% | MC: 70 | IMDb: 8.2
- The Dark Knight (2008)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 84 | IMDb: 9.0
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
  - RT: 87% | MC: 78 | IMDb: 8.4

10. Mission: Impossible

Genre: Action, Spy, Thriller
Primary Themes: Espionage, Betrayal, Trust, Identity, Technological Threat, High-Stakes Missions.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A consistently acclaimed action franchise known for its escalating practical stunts, intricate plotting, and Tom Cruise's unwavering commitment to pushing cinematic boundaries. Each film reinvents itself with new directors, keeping the series fresh and exciting.
Movies & Ratings:
- Mission: Impossible (1996)
  - RT: 65% | MC: 59 | IMDb: 7.1
- Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
  - RT: 57% | MC: 59 | IMDb: 6.1
- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
  - RT: 73% | MC: 66 | IMDb: 6.9
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 73 | IMDb: 7.4
- Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 75 | IMDb: 7.4
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 86 | IMDb: 7.7
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
  - RT: 96% | MC: 81 | IMDb: 7.6

11. James Bond

Genre: Spy, Action, Thriller
Primary Themes: Global Espionage, Good vs. Evil, Cold War Politics (historically), Technology, Seduction, British Identity.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: The longest-running film franchise in history, continually reinventing its iconic character and adapting to changing cinematic landscapes while maintaining its core elements of glamour, gadgets, and globe-trotting action. It defined the cinematic spy archetype.
Selected Iconic Movies & Ratings (of 25+ Eon Productions films):
- Dr. No (1962)
  - RT: 95% | MC: 78 | IMDb: 7.2
- Goldfinger (1964)
  - RT: 99% | MC: 87 | IMDb: 7.7
- On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
  - RT: 81% | MC: 61 | IMDb: 6.7
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
  - RT: 82% | MC: 55 | IMDb: 7.0
- GoldenEye (1995)
  - RT: 80% | MC: 65 | IMDb: 7.2
- Casino Royale (2006)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 80 | IMDb: 8.0
- Skyfall (2012)
  - RT: 92% | MC: 81 | IMDb: 7.8
- No Time to Die (2021)
  - RT: 83% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 7.3

12. Planet of the Apes (Reboot Series)

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
Primary Themes: Evolution, Society, Leadership, Empathy, Conflict between Species, The Fall of Humanity.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: The recent reboot trilogy is acclaimed for its masterful CGI work (especially motion capture performances for the apes), complex characters, and thoughtful exploration of sociological themes, breathing new life into a classic sci-fi franchise.
Movies & Ratings:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
  - RT: 82% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 7.6
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
  - RT: 91% | MC: 79 | IMDb: 7.6
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
  - RT: 94% | MC: 82 | IMDb: 7.4
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
  - RT: 80% | MC: 66 | IMDb: 7.2

13. Terminator

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller
Primary Themes: Fate vs. Free Will, Survival, Humanity vs. Machine, Artificial Intelligence, Motherhood.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Launched two of the most iconic sci-fi action films, renowned for their groundbreaking special effects, intense action sequences, and the chilling concept of a dystopian future ruled by machines. The first two films are considered masterpieces of the genre.
Movies & Ratings:
- The Terminator (1984)
  - RT: 100% | MC: 84 | IMDb: 8.1
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 75 | IMDb: 8.6
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
  - RT: 69% | MC: 66 | IMDb: 6.3
- Terminator Salvation (2009)
  - RT: 33% | MC: 49 | IMDb: 6.5
- Terminator Genisys (2015)
  - RT: 26% | MC: 38 | IMDb: 5.6
- Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
  - RT: 70% | MC: 54 | IMDb: 6.2

14. Mad Max

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Action, Sci-Fi
Primary Themes: Survival, Vengeance, Scarcity of Resources, Lawlessness, The Cycle of Violence, Humanity in a Savage World.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A highly influential series that defined the post-apocalyptic aesthetic and action choreography. Fury Road revived the franchise with breathtaking practical stunts and visuals, cementing its legacy as a pinnacle of action cinema.
Movies & Ratings:
- Mad Max (1979)
  - RT: 88% | MC: 73 | IMDb: 6.9
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 77 | IMDb: 7.6
- Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
  - RT: 79% | MC: 71 | IMDb: 6.3
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 90 | IMDb: 8.1
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
  - RT: 90% | MC: 79 | IMDb: 7.7

15. How to Train Your Dragon

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Primary Themes: Friendship, Understanding, Overcoming Prejudice, Growth, Coming-of-Age, Humanity's Relationship with Nature.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A critically beloved animated trilogy known for its stunning animation, compelling characters, emotional storytelling, and sophisticated themes. It showcases the evolution of animation and storytelling within the medium.
Movies & Ratings:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
  - RT: 99% | MC: 75 | IMDb: 8.1
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
  - RT: 92% | MC: 77 | IMDb: 7.8
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
  - RT: 90% | MC: 71 | IMDb: 7.5

16. Spider-Man (Across Main Cinematic Iterations)

Genre: Superhero, Action, Adventure
Primary Themes: Responsibility, Sacrifice, Identity, Ordinary People with Extraordinary Powers, The Cost of Heroism.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Spider-Man is one of the most iconic superheroes, and his cinematic adaptations have consistently delivered critically and commercially successful films across different interpretations, from Tobey Maguire's emotional depth to the groundbreaking animation of Spider-Verse.
Selected Movies & Ratings:
- Spider-Man (2002)
  - RT: 90% | MC: 73 | IMDb: 7.4
- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 83 | IMDb: 7.8
- The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
  - RT: 71% | MC: 66 | IMDb: 6.9
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
  - RT: 92% | MC: 73 | IMDb: 7.4
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 71 | IMDb: 8.2
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
  - RT: 97% | MC: 87 | IMDb: 8.4
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
  - RT: 95% | MC: 86 | IMDb: 8.7

17. Jurassic Park

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Thriller
Primary Themes: Scientific Hubris, Humanity's Interference with Nature, Survival, The Ethics of Cloning.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Redefined visual effects with its groundbreaking CGI dinosaurs, creating a sense of awe and terror. The original film is a masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking, inspiring countless creature features and discussions about scientific responsibility.
Movies & Ratings:
- Jurassic Park (1993)
  - RT: 91% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 8.2
- The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
  - RT: 52% | MC: 59 | IMDb: 6.6
- Jurassic Park III (2001)
  - RT: 49% | MC: 42 | IMDb: 5.9
- Jurassic World (2015)
  - RT: 72% | MC: 59 | IMDb: 6.9
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
  - RT: 47% | MC: 51 | IMDb: 6.1
- Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
  - RT: 29% | MC: 38 | IMDb: 5.7

18. The Matrix

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Cyberpunk
Primary Themes: Reality vs. Illusion, Free Will, Determinism, Philosophy, Technology, Rebellion.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A groundbreaking film series that pushed the boundaries of visual effects (e.g., "bullet time"), action choreography, and philosophical sci-fi. It deeply influenced pop culture, fashion, and philosophical discourse in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Movies & Ratings:
- The Matrix (1999)
  - RT: 88% | MC: 73 | IMDb: 8.7
- The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
  - RT: 73% | MC: 62 | IMDb: 7.2
- The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
  - RT: 34% | MC: 47 | IMDb: 6.7
- The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
  - RT: 63% | MC: 63 | IMDb: 5.7

19. The Hunger Games

Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Action
Primary Themes: Rebellion, Oppression, Survival, Sacrifice, Media Manipulation, The Horrors of War.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: A highly successful adaptation of a popular book series, resonating with young adult and broader audiences due to its compelling protagonist, intense action, and sharp social commentary on political control and reality television.
Movies & Ratings:
- The Hunger Games (2012)
  - RT: 84% | MC: 68 | IMDb: 7.2
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
  - RT: 89% | MC: 76 | IMDb: 7.5
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
  - RT: 69% | MC: 64 | IMDb: 6.6
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
  - RT: 70% | MC: 61 | IMDb: 6.5
- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
  - RT: 64% | MC: 54 | IMDb: 6.7

20. Monsieur Hulot Series

Genre: Comedy, Satire
Primary Themes: Modernity vs. Tradition, Absurdity of Modern Life, Human Interaction in an Increasingly Mechanized World, Observation.
Cultural/Cinematic Impact: Directed by and starring Jacques Tati, this series is a masterclass in visual comedy, subtle satire, and meticulous mise-en-scène. Hulot's gentle, observational humor and the films' innovative sound design stand in stark contrast to mainstream comedies, making them highly influential in cinematic art.
Movies & Ratings:
- Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (Mr. Hulot's Holiday) (1953)
  - RT: 98% | MC: 86 | IMDb: 7.5
- Mon Oncle (My Uncle) (1958)
  - RT: 93% | MC: 85 | IMDb: 7.8
- Playtime (1967)
  - RT: 98% | MC: 96 | IMDb: 7.9
- Trafic (1971)
  - RT: 90% | MC: 75 | IMDb: 7.1