10 Best Movie Trilogies Ever Made

What is there left to say about the first three Star Wars movies? Not much, truth be told, but Rian Johnson and Colin Trevorrow have a job on their hands if Episodes VIII and IX are to complete a trilogy to rival the overall brilliance of the OT.

Much like The Godfather, the first Star Wars movie was an uphill battle from the get-go. Few understood what George Lucas was trying to achieve with his ambitious space opera and fewer still believed in a project beset by difficulties.

A New Hope, as it would later come to be known, became the highest-grossing film of all time on its release in 1977 and was a much-needed shot in the arm for 20th Century Fox. However, the studio had already ceded the sequel and merchandising rights to Lucas, enabling him to shape the follow-ups as he saw fit and become one of Hollywood's wealthiest men.

Lucas handed over the reins to Irvin Kershner for The Empire Strikes Back, which was 1980's biggest hit and remains the best Star Wars movie ever released, and Return Of The Jedi arrived three years later. While Jedi is generally perceived to be the weakest link, it's still a fine film and a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy that remains unrivalled in terms of its popularity and influence.