The Best Animated Movie Trilogies

Long-running franchises are increasingly common, with series maximizing their intellectual property for better or worse. However, a well-crafted trilogy remains a beloved format, and animation is experiencing a surge in popularity, with audiences hoping for more exceptional trios in the medium.

With the rise of animation, now is the perfect time to rank some of the best movie trilogies, with each entry offering significant artistic merit. Based on animation quality, writing, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, here are seven must-watch trilogies that define the genre’s best.

7. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc (2012–2013)

Berserk is widely considered one of the greatest manga series of all time, though its anime adaptations have received mixed reviews. This set of films adapts the Golden Age arc, a flashback detailing Guts’ backstory – from his initial encounters with the Band of the Hawk to numerous battles, culminating in a life-altering event. While later Berserk adaptations are less successful, these films are at least great, if not matching the quality of the manga. This story is timeless, and the trilogy effectively highlights this iconic fantasy arc. It is dark, compelling, and rich in storytelling, making for a worthy adaptation of a manga masterpiece. Fans may prefer reading the manga, but these movies stand on their own as impressive works.

6. The Lego Movie Trilogy (2014–2019)

Growing up with LEGOs is a universal experience, making a movie adaptation inevitable. The LEGO Movie initially consisted of two films, but this entry also includes The LEGO Batman Movie. The story follows Emmett (Chris Pratt), an ordinary construction worker chosen to lead the resistance against evil. The LEGO Movie was unexpectedly successful, becoming a family classic and a staple of animated cinema. It was fun, creative, and relatable to anyone who has ever played with LEGOs. The LEGO Batman Movie was another surprisingly fascinating and entertaining film, offering a fresh take on the character with new humor, resulting in a trilogy many fans hope will continue.

5. Puss in Boots Trilogy (2011–2022)

Shrek is one of the most iconic trilogies of all time, but it doesn’t appear on this list as not all entries are masterpieces. However, it spawned an equally impressive spin-off, Puss in Boots. The titular cat’s three films take him from encounters with a bad egg and three adorable kittens to a confrontation with death itself. Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s still a solid and enjoyable film. The first film is entertaining, but Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is one of the greatest modern animated films, conveying emotional weight rarely seen in the genre. The themes, story, and villain create a masterpiece rivaling most animated trilogies.

4. Kizumonogatari Trilogy (2016–2017)

The Monogatari Series is one of the greatest anime series of all time, and the Kizumonogatari trilogy is the first part of the franchise chronologically, following Araragi as he gains vampire powers. To regain his humanity, he must retrieve the limbs of the vampire who infected him, embarking on a perilous journey. The Monogatari Series is often polarizing due to its controversial themes and sexual content. However, the Kizumonogatari movies feature less of that and a more cohesive story, making it the series’ best arc. The animation is gorgeous, fluid, and distinct, and the direction, editing, and style create a mesmerizing experience. Kizumonogatari is a wild ride with action, gore, romance, and drama, and each film surpasses the last.

3. How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (2010–2019)

Live-action adaptations of animated films are common, but rarely successful. How to Train Your Dragon is a standout example of a successful adaptation, becoming a staple of 2010s animation. The story follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a Viking boy considered too weak for his warrior culture. Instead of killing a dragon, he tames one, hoping to foster harmony between his clan and the creatures. The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is remarkably consistent, with each film offering a fun adventure filled with drama, emotion, action, and magic. The messages are wholesome and significant, adding depth to an already essential animated trilogy. Each movie is grander than the last, and the natural progression and aging of the characters is a welcome addition.

2. Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy (2016–2022)

Most anime films are part of a franchise or adaptation, but Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy is an original story. The trilogy consists of Your Name, which follows two teenagers who switch bodies; Weathering With You, where a runaway student meets a girl who can control the weather; and Suzume, where the titular protagonist can see supernatural forces and tries to prevent a global catastrophe. Your Name quickly became a high-stakes race against time and is often hailed as one of the greatest anime films of all time, known for its visual beauty, powerful themes, and profound romantic story. Weathering With You is the least popular but arguably the most daring, with an unexpected plot twist that resonates with viewers. Suzume is a direct response to the 2011 earthquake, detailing a deeply personal film that is also the most important. It concludes the trilogy on a fantastic note, with masterful writing, themes, and animation.

1. Toy Story Trilogy (1995–2010)

Pixar has increasingly relied on sequels, with varying degrees of success. However, their magnum opus remains Toy Story. When Andy accidentally leaves his toys behind while moving, Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) must function together to discover him. Toy Story 2 involves the gang escaping a greedy collector, and Toy Story 3 follows the toys trying to avoid abandonment. While technically a tetralogy with the 2019 release of Toy Story 4, and a fifth film planned, the original three films form a perfect conclusion. The original trilogy is a flawless, complete story, wrapping up character arcs and bringing themes full circle. Each film delivers a powerful and inventive message, making the Toy Story trilogy arguably the greatest of all time.