My Top 10 Third-Movie Instalments

  The third time’s the charm right … well, that’s not always the case when it comes to third installments in film franchises. Frequently, they get regarded as the worst in a series, or the point when things go down-hill. Personally, while there are certainly some stinkers, I also feel that third instalments often get a bad rap, and by extent, I feel there’s more than enough good to great third movies to balance out the negatives. Just to prove the point, I wanted to count down my own personal top 10 favorite third-movie instalments in franchises. Just a reminder, I’ not trying to make any official statement … I’m just counting down some of my all-time favorite sequels … which just happen to be third instalments.

#10 “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019)

From 2010 all the way through 2019, the “How to Train Your Dragon” series has been one of my most cherished long running franchises of the decade, … which has expanded through sequels, shorts, TV shows, and now it all comes to a close with a deeply fulfilling final chapter. While I’d put “The Hidden World” just underneath it’s two predecessors, it was still unmistakably a powerful, beautifully animated, and largely entertaining swan song for the series. It was one of those special movie going experiences that felt like an event, as if I completed a journey that began nearly ten years ago, and now we have a truly great trilogy for a modern age … along with “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings”, I think “How to Train Your Dragon” can now be categorized as one of the great movie trilogies.

#9 “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)

I admit, I was on the fence if this film really counted, because it's labeled as a third in the "Captain America" film series, it never really felt like chapter 3 of his stand-alone adventures ... especially when there are so many other superhero's present. 

Still, it is third film in a series, and a great one that deserves mention. Once again, the Avengers assemble … only to disassemble! This is what you call a truly "great" Superhero movie, as it abandons the common hero movie formula, and cliched super villains for a real down to earth story that's laird with subtext, moral debates, conflicting rivals between close friends … yet, it still allows the audience to have fun, thanks to some well-placed comedy, and striking visuals. Throw in some welcome new comers, including the long-awaited appearance of Spider-Man, and one of the most epic hero brawls ever featured on film, and "Civil War" stands as a benchmark among comic book movies! 

 #8 “Logan” (2017)

When it came to Wolverine’s solo film series, things seemed to be in reverse, as it started rough, then got better, and concluded with the best received instalment, even receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. 

This was the Wolverine film we fans were waiting for … while brutally violent, depressing, and some-what inconsistent in pacing, it was still a poignant, powerfully acted send-off for Jackman in his final role as the iconic hero. It's also a deeply thrilling introduction to X-23, making this a satisfying, and strong entry in the series. I know most fans would rank this film higher … like one of the top three best, but this is one case in which, I just need to be in the right mind-set to watch and appreciate it. Otherwise, this film drains me with its brooding nature, but still … I know a good movie when I see one, and this is easily one of Wolverines most dignified ventures, securing his place as a respected icon of the comic-book genera.

 

#7 “Goldfinger” (1964)

People often associate Sean Connery as the absolute best actor to play James Bond, and while I certainly wouldn’t call him my personal favorite, he is unmistakably the most iconic. 

No-one else is quiet as sly, witty and charming as him. Admittedly, I never cared for Sean Connery’s overall film series, as I honestly find them to be boring and dated … all with the exception of some select films. “Goldfinger” in particular absolutely deserves its status as one of the franchises greatest, and it absolutely is “the classic” 007 movie that brought all of his famous trademarks, and phrases to the screen. This is the one that exploited all of his fancy gadgets, this is the one with the most memorable imagery (like the naked gold girl on the bed), this is the film that Bound coined his famous line “A Martini, Shaken, not stirred”, and this is the film with the all-around most famous leading villain … as well as an equally memorable supporting villain. Even though “Dr. No” was the first Bond film, I feel that this one will last till the end of time as a great classic in film history. Having said that, there are still three others that I personally enjoy more.

 

#6 “Toy Story 3” (2010)

Right next to the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, the "Toy Story" series is likewise one of my all-time favorites, and the original three fit quiet comfortably among my top five favorites of Pixar offerings. “Toy Story 3” is another rare third installment that was nominated for Best Picture, but really works, and it’s a perfect ending to a classic series of films. The story is darker, the adventure edgier, yet the comedy is some of the funniest I’ve seen from any Pixar movie, and the emotional highlights … boy, get those tissue boxes ready. I felt this film took all the dramatic content I admired from the previous “Up”, but gave me the right balance of fun, excitement, and a great feeling of closure to a great series. Our lovable cast of characters come full circle. The villain is intimidating, while also sympathetic. It’s a sequel that took me right back to my childhood love for the first two, and is just another solid entry into the Pixar cannon.  

 

#5 “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)

It’s the third Marvel to make my list, and it’s the epic conclusion of Tom Hollands “Spider-Man: Home” trilogy … and subsequently one of the web-heads greatest films without question. 

More than just a conclusion, it was a live-action event crossing over with previous Spider-Man franchises, and with that, we get the novelty of seeing actors reprise their iconic roles, as well as interact with one another … and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming, because this was material, I never thought I’d see on screen. While unmistakably an outlandish comic book plot, it’s also sustained with the same beating heart and soul that’s made Spider-Man one of my favorite hero’s. It's got the spectacle, it’s got the nostalgia, it’s got the heart, it’s got the adrenaline, it’s got the emotional character ties, and it’s got satisfying closure for several character arcs across three different Spider-Man franchises. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has a secure spot among my favorite comic-book movies

#4 “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)

It was already something of a rare anomaly to see a sequel win Best Picture, but on top of that, this marked the very first Fantasy Epic to win the gold prize. 

For a genera that’s commonly associated with B-list entertainment, this marked a special event when both audiences and critics were seeing eye-to-eye. I personally liked this movie when it first came out back in 2004, but it was admittedly the one I liked the least of the original trilogy. However, over the years, not only have I come around to loving this film, but I’ve really come to view it was one of the most important movie sequels ever made. It proved that third times the charm, and an already mighty franchise can have a near-flawless sendoff … which has proven increasingly more difficult with other big trilogies that have come in the wake of “Lord of the Rings”. All these years later, this film still feels epic, and features some of the most stunning action the genera have to offer. Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, "The Return of the King" remains a moving experience, and a satisfying conclusion to a classic movie trilogy!

 

#3 “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)

Whether you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or not, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most colossal, expanded franchises ever to hit the theater, and “Infinity War” was the highly anticipated event that several prior films have been building up to. 

I’m thankful to say that the wait was worth it, as this sequel surpassed my expectations, and in my view is one of the absolute best of the series … like top 3 easily … actually, it might just be my new #1 favorite. With the largest roll-call of hero's thus far, and an all-out war taking place in several locations, we fans knew this was going to be a spectacle, but there's thankfully so much more to the experience than just the spectacle. Our favorite hero’s felt more vulnerable, and subsequently more human than most previous films. There were also several genuine surprises along the way, and considering this franchises line up, it’s challenging to get surprised. All-around, “Infinity War” was a mega Superhero sensation in every respect of the word, with the highest stakes yet, the grandest ensemble cast, hilarious team interplay, large scale battles, emotional character drama, and a villain to be remembered through the ages.

 

 #2 “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983)

I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone had a film from the original “Star Wars” trilogy amongst their favorite movies, and for me, “Return of the Jedi” will always stand as my personal favorite. 

It’s the perfect conclusion to a great string of movies and a rare third installment that’s superior to its predecessors. Not only is it a very entertaining Sci-Fi adventure, with amazing battles both on land and in space, but this is the one with the most heart, and conflict. It’s the father/ son relation that makes this film so much more powerful and memorable then the first two. Neither Luke nor Vader are turning away from what they view is right but beneath it all, they just want to be a family again. The final battle between the two carries so much emotion that it goes beyond a thrilling fight between good and evil. “Return of the Jedi” is a thrilling Sci-Fi adventure with great characters, lots of action and plenty of stirring human emotion at the center.  

 

Before I reveal my Number One Favorite, here are some Honorable Mentions …

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”

“War for the Planet of the Apes”

“National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation”

“Thor Ragnarok”

“Star Trek Beyond”

 

#1 “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989)

   Here it is, my favorite third-movie instalment, and by extent by favorite movie sequel. While “Raiders” is obviously the original classic that broke new ground, “The Last Crusade” is that rare sequel that I feel can stand on equal ground with the first as a motion picture masterpiece, and in my personal opinion is just a hair better. 

For me, this is it, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is hands down my favorite in all of adventure cinema, and is personally one of my all-time favorite movies … quite honestly, I’d put it in my top three. It takes the basic outline of a treasure hunt and transcends it into an epic quest to find one of the most holly artifacts in history, and protect it from an army of evil. Beyond that, it’s an engaging story about a broken family coming closer together through a series of challenges. Harrison Forde and Sean Connery make for one of my favorite on-screen pairings ever, and make for one of the most dynamic father/son relationships I’ve ever seen. The movie balances incredible action with a healthy sense of humor, welcome surprises around every corner, and even a fair amount of moral substance. It’s plain and simply one of the greatest of its kind, and will likely remain as my favorite adventure movie of all time.

  

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!