Best Final Entries in Movie Series

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As a cinephile who’s seen more movies than I can count (and sometimes wish I could forget), I must say, the list you’ve compiled is quite a spectacle! Each title represents a unique journey through various genres, from the action-packed world of Mad Max to the chilling supernatural realm of The Omen.

It’s no secret that Hollywood often extends film series beyond their prime just to rake in profits. Yet, many beloved franchises fall into the trap of lingering too long, losing their charm and becoming nothing more than money-making machines. On the other hand, there are numerous films that have successfully avoided this pitfall, ending on a high note while leaving audiences craving for more without resorting to being mere cash grabs.

Over the past decade, crowds of fans eagerly filled cinema seats to witness Daniel Radcliffe’s transformative portrayal of Harry Potter into one of Hogwarts’ most influential and revered wizards, culminating in the blockbuster finale, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” which wrapped up the adored original series with a resounding climax in 2011. Similarly, audiences found themselves captivated by Christian Bale’s performance in the final installment of Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy, providing Bruce Wayne with an honorable farewell. Let us delve into the top ten film series that conclude triumphantly.

10 Harry Potter Series

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011)

Over a captivating decade, fans of all ages followed the transformation of The Boy Who Lived into one of Hogwarts’ most talented and magical wizards. The beloved character Harry Potter concluded his incredible saga in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” the concluding chapter of the beloved fantasy series. This film centers around Harry Potter, along with his steadfast companions Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as they make their final stand against the malevolent Lord Voldemort by locating and destroying his Horcruxes.

A Magical Grand Finale For Fans

The final installment in the blockbuster movie series inspired by J.K. Rowling’s novels hit theaters on July 15, 2011, receiving widespread praise from both viewers and critics for its exceptional acting, breathtaking visuals, and captivating plot. Known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, this movie raked in over $1.3 billion at the box office, received three Academy Award nominations, and was recognized as one of the top films of the year by the National Board of Review due to its outstanding performance.

9 Candyman Series

‘Candyman’ (2021)

In the fourth installment of the chilling horror saga, reminiscent of its 1992 predecessor titled “Candyman,” audiences are taken back to the Chicago Cabrini-Green district. The characters, artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his art director girlfriend Bri (Teyonah Parris), settle into a fresh loft within the neighborhood. As Anthony delves deeper into the urban legend of Candyman, he starts using it as creative inspiration for his artwork, unwittingly summoning the vengeful spirit that was once thought to be buried.

Candyman’s Terrifying Tale Continues

As a devoted cinephile, I was thrilled to see Tony Todd reappear as the chilling character Daniel Robitaille, alias Candyman, in the spine-tingling sequel. Jordan Peele, alongside directors Nia DaCosta and Win Rosenfeld, co-wrote the script for this follow-up. The film, Candyman, was hailed for its haunting imagery and intriguing delve into the series’ unsettling lore, making it a resounding success both critically and commercially. Not only did it boost the franchise’s reputation, but it also earned Abdul-Mateen the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actor in a Horror Movie, further cementing his performance as unforgettable.

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8 The Dark Knight Trilogy

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Christopher Nolan’s highly acclaimed Batman trilogy concluded spectacularly when “The Dark Knight Rises” hit the screens. This intense, exhilarating film unfolds eight years after the previous installment, finding Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) compelled to resume his role as Gotham City’s vigilante following the emergence of the ruthless and menacing villain, Bane (Tom Hardy), who plans to annihilate the city. With the aid of both familiar allies and newcomers, Bruce makes a valiant last stand to protect Gotham from destruction.

Nolan’s Transcending Superhero Trilogy

Movie enthusiasts were excited to watch The Dark Knight Rises, a film that showcased popular DC characters such as the ruthless Bane and the enigmatic Catwoman, skillfully played by Anne Hathaway. This final installment provided the fitting farewell for Bruce Wayne, resonating with both longtime fans and viewers, who gave it an A CinemaScore and propelled its box office earnings over $1.1 billion. Salon.com went as far as to assert that this sequel was “Perhaps the most epic, ominous, exhilarating, unsettling, and audacious spectacle ever produced for the screen.

7 The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

In Peter Jackson’s legendary fantasy film “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” the renowned cast members Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and others returned for a final confrontation. The story revolves around Frodo and Sam, tenacious hobbits on a long journey to Mordor to annihilate the One Ring. Meanwhile, their brave companions Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf, and others engage in battle against Sauron’s wicked army within Minas Tirith, the stone city capital of Gondor.

‘The Return of the King’ Dominated the Oscars

Regarded as one of the greatest and impactful films ever produced, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” surpassed not only box office records but also set new standards at the Oscars. The J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year with $1.31 billion globally, and it was awarded a staggering 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. This epic fantasy masterpiece has been celebrated as a milestone in cinematic art, sharing the record for most Academy Award wins with “Ben-Hur” and “Titanic“.

6 Daniel Craig’s James Bond Series

‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

In the blockbuster movie “No Time to Die”, Daniel Craig, the remarkable actor, played his last role as the suave and legendary secret agent James Bond. This film sees Bond drawn out of retirement when he’s compelled to help the CIA find a captured scientist. Additionally, Bond has to confront the menacing and unstable bioterrorist Lyutsifer Safin, portrayed by Rami Malek, who seeks to utilize a new technology that could result in catastrophic loss of life for millions.

Craig’s Final Curtain Call as Bond

In five thrilling movies, Craig demonstrated not only his remarkable physical skills but also his talent for metamorphosing into the iconic literary and cinema character, and in No Time to Die, both the actor and devotees of the long-standing series were given a fitting farewell. No Time to Die managed to rake in over $774 million at the box office even during the peak of the pandemic, and it also received several prestigious honors such as the Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

5 Dollars Trilogy

‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)

Without a doubt, one of the most legendary and respected Western films ever made is Sergio Leone’s grand opus The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. This timeless classic showcases an extraordinary performance by the iconic Clint Eastwood, who once again took on the role of the enigmatic Man with No Name. Alongside him is Eli Wallach as the cunning Mexican bandit Tuco, forming a precarious partnership in search of a fortune buried gold before the ruthless Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef) manages to claim it for himself.

Clint Eastwood Becomes a Certified Western Legend

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly marks the concluding chapter in Sergio Leone’s revolutionary Dollars Trilogy. This epic Western played a significant role in launching Clint Eastwood into stardom and is widely regarded as the standout film of the successful series by many. Over the years, the movie’s prestige and enduring influence have continued to expand, with it consistently being listed among the greatest films ever made; Quentin Tarantino even went as far as to call it “the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.

4 Back to the Future Trilogy

‘Back to the Future Part III’ (1990)

In the sci-fi adventure Back to the Future Part III, the endearing and spirited character Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, embarks on a quest to rescue and save his cherished mentor and companion Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), who gets stuck in 1885. However, as he works tirelessly to shield Doc from a grim destiny, an unexpected complication arises when the quirky inventor develops feelings for Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen).

McFly & Doc Are Back and Better Than Ever

In the last thrilling installment of the captivating series, Fox and Lloyd’s outstanding collaboration once again takes center stage. This movie was shot simultaneously with its prequel, which hit theaters six months earlier in 1989 – it was “Back to the Future Part III”. Critics and audiences alike praised this film as a significant enhancement over its predecessor, hailing it as a comeback for the series that leaves fans spellbound. Empire magazine, in their glowing review, stated that the sequel rekindled the charm of the original movie and concluded with a self-contained storyline that left viewers satisfied.

3 Kung Fu Panda Series

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ (2024)

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In another rendition: Jack Black lent his charm and pizzazz once more by voicing the action-packed giant panda, Po, in the hilarious animated comedy Kung Fu Panda 4. The story revolves around Po as he takes on the responsibility of selecting and mentoring his successor for the Dragon Warrior position, preparing to transition into being the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. When the sinister sorceress The Chameleon concocts a scheme to seize all the marvelous kung fu powers in China, Po teams up with the cunning fox outlaw Zhen to thwart her.

Jack Black Is Back for Another Adventure

In the realm of cinematic sequels, especially in large franchises, achieving freshness and excitement in the fourth installment is a rarity. Yet, this is precisely what occurred with the recent addition to the Kung Fu Panda series. Not only did it triumph at the box office, earning over $549 million, but it also garnered an A- CinemaScore and 85% approval from fans on the Popcornmeter. This indicates that Po and Black still had plenty of entertaining humor and family-friendly charm left to offer moviegoers.

2 Mad Max Series

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

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Anya Taylor-Joy demonstrated that she could master any genre, role, or film when she played the leading character in George Miller’s post-apocalyptic hit Furiosa: A Mad Max Tale. This movie offers an account of Furiosa’s past, a strong and tenacious character who was previously portrayed by Charlize Theron in Fury Road. The story follows Furiosa’s life from kidnapping by the warlord Dementus to her rise through the ranks, eventually achieving the title of Imperator.

A Critical Stud But Box Office Dud

The film titled “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and hit theaters on May 24th, but unfortunately underperformed financially. However, it was a smash-hit with critics, earning an outstanding 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes and being hailed as “one of the best prequels ever made” by RogerEbert.com. The film’s thrilling action scenes and powerful performances, particularly by “Furiosa,” were highly praised, and it went on to be included in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films of the year list.

1 The Omen Series

‘The First Omen’ (2024)

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As a devoted cinephile, I eagerly anticipate the chilling prequel to the haunting 1976 supernatural horror masterpiece, “The First Omen“. Stepping into the shoes of American novice nun Margaret (Nell Tiger Free), I find myself assigned to the Vizzardeli Orphanage in Rome, a place that serves as my stepping stone towards taking holy vows. However, what awaits me is far from ordinary – an ominous evil lurking within the walls and a twisted conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of existence, paving the way for the Antichrist’s birth. With Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) as my beacon of hope, I embark on a harrowing journey to thwart this impending terror.

A Triumphant Horror Knockout

Despite being the sixth film in the series, “The First Omen” was critically acclaimed as the most successful since the original, receiving an impressive 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes – a first for the franchise to surpass 50%. Critics appreciated its eerie ambiance and haunting visuals. In fact, it was hailed as one of the top horror releases in recent years. The Guardian even commended it for being more artistic and striking than expected.

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2024-12-09 01:33