Movie Series to Binge: In self-isolation, you have some extra time. We have some movie series available for you to watch.
After one has binge-watched “Tiger King” like everyone else, it might be time to dive into a film franchise, whether it’s an old favorite or something completely new.
The 20 Best Movie Series to Binge
After all of this, no one will ever profess to have never watched a “Star Wars” or “Marvel” film again.
Thankfully, Hollywood’s love for sequels, prequels, and Reboots has resulted in a slew of big-budget trilogies and collections into which you may jump right into a new project.
It’s like a full-time job for people who want to watch every James Bond film.
For those interested, here are the finest 20 film series to see, along with recommendations for the most important individual chapters and the entries that may skip.
1. ‘Alien’ | Movie Series to Binge
Since 1979, the sci-fi/horror franchise has kept things exciting by offering a renowned heroine in the movie Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in the early films.
- All-time creature design in the H.R. Giger’s Xenomorph in the later films.
- Make sure to see both Ridley Scott’s original “Alien” and James Cameron’s 1986 “Aliens,” the first a claustrophobic space chiller and the latter a great action epic.
- But feel free to skip it: the “Alien vs. Predator” films are terrible, and 1997’s “Alien Resurrection” took cloning Ripley to some strange extremes.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
2. ‘Back to the Future is a film that was released in 1989 | Movie Series to Binge
There are few time-traveling series as significant or well-known as Michael J. Fox’s trilogy of excursions to 1955, 2015 (back when it was still a far future), and 1885.
- Make sure to check out: Marty McFly (Fox) has to travel back in time to make sure his parents fall in love — and deal with his mother (Lea Thompson) hitting on him in the process.
- But feel free to skip it: the previous two films are a clear case of Diminishing returns, while the wrap-up of the Western-themed “Back to the Future III” is still entertaining.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
3. The Trilogy ‘The Dark Knight’ | Movie Series to Binge
Beginning with Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins,” the trilogy gives the legendary Caped Crusader grit and complexity, as well as an exceptional performer in Christian Bale and Heath Ledger’s all-time portrayal of the Joker.
- Make sure to watch: Heath Ledger appears in the second chapter, “The Dark Knight,” to add a sense of craziness and mayhem to a story about discovering compassion during turmoil.
- But feel free to skip it: the final “Dark Knight Rises,” even with a masked Tom Hardy as Bane, is a letdown.
- (Though, in comparison to George Clooney’s “Batman & Robin,” it’s “Citizen Kane.”)
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
4. ‘The Conjuring’ is a horror film | Movie Series to Binge
Director James Wan’s weird narrative based on the actions of real-life paranormal investigators is a refuge of recent scare fests, and horror history is stuffed with iconic series (“Friday the 13th,” “Halloween”).
- Make sure to see: The two main “Conjuring” films (featuring Patrick Warren and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, respectively) are the most chilling, especially the 2016 sequel, which has a lot of “Exorcist” undertones.
- However, feel free to ignore the spinoffs, the worst of which is “The Nun,” a 1950s-set prequel that entirely wastes its demonic leading lady of the cloth.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
5. ‘Die Hard’ is a popular action film | Movie Series to Binge
When Bruce Willis’ John McClane first appeared in 1988, he was a breath of new air, a likable action hero who faced all kinds of madness only to come back with a smart Quip and plenty of guts.
- Make sure to check out: The first “Die Hard” is a massive action blockbuster that also happens to be one of the great Christmas films ever made.
- However, feel free to ignore the remaining four chapters, the worst of which is “A Good Day to Die Hard,” which introduced Jai Courtney as John McClane’s kid.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
6. In ‘Fast Five,’ Diesel shatters a chunk of “The Rock,” Dwayne Johnson
In “Fast Five,” Vin Diesel shatters a piece of Dwayne Johnson’s “The Rock.”
- Universal Studios, Jaimie Trueblood
7. ‘The Fast and the Furious’ | Movie Series to Binge
Dominic Toretto’s role by (Vin Diesel) and his car-loving crew have gone from vehicle-jacking hoods to world-saving good guys in the muscle-bound action series, which has given us nine testosterone-fueled extravaganzas.
- Make sure to check out: With the arrival of “franchise viagra” Dwayne Johnson in “Fast Five,” the “Furious” films revved up after four somewhat poor pictures.
- But feel free to skip it: “2 Fast 2 Furious” is the only “Fast” film sans Diesel, excluding Johnson’s spinoff “Hobbs & Shaw.” And it’s obvious.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
8. Trilogy of ‘The Godfather | Movie Series to Binge
With a murderer’s row of acting skill, Francis Ford Coppola’s sweeping family saga is the apex of gangster pictures in Hollywood (including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino).
- Make sure to see: The original film won the best picture in 1972, and the sequel won the best picture in 1974, so those are no-brainers.
- However, you are free to skip it: “The Godfather III” is known for being the weak link, but why does chance have a horse head in your bed?
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
9. ‘Harry Potter is a fictional character created by J.K. Rowling
Yes, J.K. Rowling’s books are superior. Nonetheless, it is a lot of fun to watch Daniel Radcliffe grow up as a young wizard throughout eight films and face off against the slithery biggest evil since Darth Vader.
- Make sure to see: Alfonso Cuaron’s 2004 third chapter, “Prisoner of Azkaban,” is dark, ultra-stylish, and delightfully strange as Harry encounters the intriguing Sirius Black (Gary Oldman).
- However, feel free to skip the second film, “Chamber of Secrets,” from 2002, which is quite childish compared to the others.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
10. ‘How to Train Your Dragon is a children’s animated film
Sorry, “Toy Story” fans, but the fantasy epic about a Viking lad and his scaly best buddy is the best-animated series.
- Be sure to see: The first film, released in 2010, is a must-see for character interactions, and the 2014 sequel is a world-building marvel.
- But don’t worry if you don’t want to see them: they’re all fairly excellent, though the third one from last year misses some of the magic of the others.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
11. ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’
All for the greater good, Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist has traversed the world, punched Nazis, saved treasures, and escaped having his face melted off.
- See “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which starred Henry Jones Jr. and is considered one of the best pictures ever made.
- However, you are free to skip the following: Stop after that and get out before things get terrible in the second picture, “The Temple of Doom,” which has an incredibly fantastic, action-packed opening.
- Netflix, iTunes, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
12. Collection of James Bond
Daniel Craig’s final 007 films, “No Time to Die,” has been postponed until the fall. They are giving fans more time to catch up on the British superspy’s 26 prior outings and numerous onscreen personas, from rough-and-tumble Sean Connery to uber-sultry Pierce Brosnan.
- The best Bond films were Connery’s Gold finger, Roger Moore’s The Spy Who Loved Me, Timothy Dalton’s Licence to Kill, Brosnan’s Goldeneyes, and Craig’s Skyfall.
- However, if you choose to skip it, Brosnan’s final film, “Die Another Day,” features Halle Berry, Madonna, and a lot of campy foolishness.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
13. ‘John Wick is a film about a man named John Wick
Keanu Reeves’ well-dressed and retired title assassin is hauled back into a global underworld in a series with bonkers-good action sequences and so many spectacular deaths, making him a favorite of dog lovers everywhere.
- Make sure you see: While the first film from 2014 isn’t bad, “Chapter 2” from 2017 is the one that fleshes out the intriguing “Wick” mythology.
- But don’t worry if you don’t want to: any of them. Reeves is something of a national treasure.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
14. ‘Jurassic Park’ is a film about dinosaurs
So, in a theme park, genetically engineering a bunch of dinosaurs isn’t the best idea.
You can’t dispute the coolness of them romping and stomping again, whether in Steven Spielberg’s 1990s films or Chris Pratt’s more contemporary renditions.
- Make sure to check out: The original Spielberg film combines the visual spectacle of CGI dinosaurs with a soaring John Williams score to create a sense of youthful awe, as well as some definite high-stakes danger. (Thank you, Tyrannosaurus rex.)
- But feel free to skip it: by the time the B-rated “Jurassic Park III” came out in 2001, the novelty – and Spielbergian amazement – had worn off.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
15. View Askewniverse by Kevin Smith
“Clerks,” a 1994 indie hit set in New Jersey, knitted together a cast of quirky individuals, with the role of Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) serving as the Greek stoner chorus that brought them all together.
- Make sure to check out: While the black-and-white “Clerks” helped to launch a new generation of films, Smith’s most insightful film is the 1997 love dramedy “Chasing Amy,” starring Ben Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams.
- But feel free to skip it: Last year’s “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” is a retread with familiar callbacks and cameos aimed mostly at Smith’s diehard fans, but with the occasional winning twist.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
16. ‘The Lord of the Rings’s and ‘The Hobbit’ are two well-known fantasy novels
The epic trek initially seen through the eyes of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and later through the eyes of his “uncle” Bilbo (Martin Freeman) in a prequel story is a sight to behold in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
- Check it out: “The Return of the King” won the best picture, brought the “Rings” trilogy to a close, and raised the bar for fantasy warfare.
- However, consider skipping it: the “Hobbit” trilogy is great, but it pales compared to its predecessor.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
17. ‘Mad Max’ is a film directed by George Miller
Marvel Studios’ Universe
Starting with 2008’s “Iron Man,” the “Infinity Saga” of 23 superhero films is a beautifully planned saga of origins and team-ups that will keep you energized through any lockdown.
For decades, Australian director George Miller has populated post-apocalyptic wastelands with stoic warriors, first with Mel Gibson in three films (including 1979’s “Mad Max”) and more recently with Tom Hardy in “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
- You can’t go wrong with any key “Avengers” film (save “Age of Ultron”), and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” isn’t simply a capes-and-tights movie but a terrific political thriller.
- But feel free to move ahead: We won’t hold it against you if one skips the films like “Thor: The Dark World,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Iron Man 2” to save time.
- Disney+, iTunes, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
18. ‘Mission: Impossible is a film based on the film’ Mission: Impossible
Tom Cruise’s pop-culture rebirth came from his part as superspy Ethan Hunt in the movie based on the classic 1960s TV show, and he excels in the role of action hero, whizzing around on fast motorcycles and hanging off planes.
- Make sure to check out: The fourth installment, “Ghost Protocol,” has been the most successful of the six films thus far, with Cruise performing at the height of 1,700 feet above the ground in Dubai.
- But feel free to ignore it: “Mission: Impossible 2” is more about John Woo’s style than substance.
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
- 19. ‘Rocky’ and ‘Creed’ are two films that come to mind
With championship ups and massive knockdowns aplenty, Sylvester Stallone starred in the quintessential underdog story of boxer Rocky Balboa before transferring the torch to Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed and turning it into a generational saga.
- Make sure to check out: The original “Rocky” won the best picture in 1976 and is a fantastic, exhilarating sports film.
- But don’t overlook the first “Creed,” which elicited a similar reaction over four decades later.
- But feel free to jump ahead to “Rocky V,” which dealt with Rocky’s mental injury as well as a rowdy adolescent pugilist (the late Tommy Morrison).
- iTunes, Vudu, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
20. ‘Star Wars is a film franchise created by George Lucas
George Lucas‘ galaxy far, far away of lightsaber-wielding warriors, megalomaniacal fascist villains, good-hearted rebels, cool bounty hunters, and brave princesses, led by the nine-movie Skywalker Saga, is just as wonderful as you’ve heard.
- Keep an eye out for: The original trilogy’s themes of good vs. evil are timeless, and the scale of the plot is amazing.
- But feel free to skip it: you won’t be missing out on much by skipping “The Phantom Menace.”
- Disney+, iTunes, and Fandango NOW are some of the places where you can view them.
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