The 20 best movie series to binge during quarantine (including 'Star Wars,' of course)
You've got extra time in self-isolation. We've got a bunch of movie series for you to watch.
After you've binged "Tiger King" like everybody else, maybe it's time to tuck into a film franchise, be it something beloved or a completely new experience. (When all this is over, no one can ever admit that they've never seen a "Star Wars" or a Marvel movie again.)
Thankfully, Hollywood's penchant for sequels, prequels and reboots has wrought a plethora of big-time trilogies and collections where you can dive in head first for a new project. For those wanting to watch every James Bond film, well, that's like a full-time job.
For those who are game, here are the best 20 film series to watch, with advice on the most must-see individual chapters as well as the skippable entries.
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‘Alien’
The always-evolving franchise mixing sci-fi and horror has kept things interesting since 1979, giving us a legendary heroine in Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in the early films and an all-time creature design in H.R. Giger’s Xenomorph.
Be sure to see: Ridley Scott’s original “Alien” and James Cameron’s 1986 “Aliens” are equally astounding, the former being a claustrophobic chiller in space and the latter an impressive action epic.
But feel free to skip: The “Alien vs. Predator” movies are atrocious, and 1997’s “Alien Resurrection” went some weird places with cloning Ripley.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Back to the Future’
You’d be hard-pressed to name a time-traveling series more influential or more referenced as Michael J. Fox’s trilogy of trips to 1955, 2015 (back when that was still the far-flung future) and 1885.
Be sure to see: The original is still the best, as Fox’s Marty McFly has to go to the past to make sure his parents fall in love – and deal with his mom (Lea Thompson) hitting on him.
But feel free to skip: There is definitely a case of gradually diminishing returns in the last two movies, though the wrap-up of the Western-flavored “Back to the Future III" still works.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy
Beginning with “Batman Begins,” the series helmed by Christopher Nolan gave the iconic Caped Crusader grit and depth, an outstanding actor in Christian Bale, plus Heath Ledger’s all-time portrayal as the Joker.
Be sure to see: Ledger arrives in the second chapter, “The Dark Knight,” to lend madness and mayhem to a story ultimately about finding humanity amid pure chaos.
But feel free to skip: Even with a masked Tom Hardy as Bane, the concluding “Dark Knight Rises” is a letdown. (Though it’s “Citizen Kane” compared with George Clooney’s “Batman & Robin.”)
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘The Conjuring’
Horror history is chock full of memorable series (“Friday the 13th,” “Halloween”) and director James Wan’s freaky mythology based on the exploits of real-life paranormal investigators is a haven of recent fright fests.
Be sure to see: The two main “Conjuring” films (starring Patrick Warren and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren) are the primary culprits in doling out chills, especially the 2016 sequel with some serious “Exorcist” vibes.
But feel free to skip: The spinoffs have been a mixed bag, and the worst is “The Nun,” a 1950s-set prequel that completely wastes its demonic leading lady of the cloth.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Die Hard’
Bruce Willis’ John McClane was a breath of fresh air when he showed up in 1988, a relatable action hero who had all sorts of craziness thrown at him, only to get back up with a witty retort and gumption to spare.
Be sure to see: The original “Die Hard” is a towering action film that doubles as one of the best Christmas movies ever.
But feel free to skip: The other four installments are all over the place, though the low point is “A Good Day to Die Hard,” which rolled out Jai Courtney as McClane’s son.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Fast & Furious’
The muscle-bound action series has gifted us with nine testosterone-fueled extravaganzas, as Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his car-loving crew have gone from vehicle-jacking hoods to world-saving good guys.
Be sure to see: After four somewhat lackluster films, the “Furious” films really revved into gear with the addition of “franchise viagra” Dwayne Johnson in “Fast Five.”
But feel free to skip: Not counting Johnson’s spinoff “Hobbs & Shaw,” “2 Fast 2 Furious” is the only “Fast” movie without Diesel. And it shows.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘The Godfather’ trilogy
Francis Ford Coppola’s sprawling family saga is the epitome of gangster flicks in Hollywood with a murderers row of acting talent (including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino).
Be sure to see: The 1972 first film and 1974 sequel both won best picture, so, yeah, those are no-brainers.
But feel free to skip: “The Godfather III” is infamous as the weak link, although why risk having a horse head in your bed?
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Harry Potter’
OK, sure, J.K. Rowling’s books are better. Still, it’s super-fun to witness Daniel Radcliffe grow up as a boy wizard in the span of eight movies and take on the slithery biggest bad this side of Darth Vader.
Be sure to see: “Prisoner of Azkaban,” Alfonso Cuaron’s 2004 third chapter, is dark, ultra-stylish and enjoyably weird as Harry meets the enigmatic Sirius Black (Gary Oldman).
But feel free to skip: The 2002 second movie “Chamber of Secrets” leans very kiddie compared to the rest.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Sorry “Toy Story” nerds, there’s no better animated series than the fantasy epic featuring a Viking boy and his scaly best friend.
Be sure to see: The 2010 first movie is a must-watch in terms of character relationships and the 2014 sequel is a world-building wonder.
But feel free to skip: They’re all pretty good, though last year’s third film lacks some of the others’ magic.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Indiana Jones'
Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist has traveled the world, punched Nazis, saved antiquities and avoided having his face melted off – all for the greater good.
Be sure to see: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” introduced Henry Jones Jr. and is one of the best films ever made.
But feel free to skip: Second film “The Temple of Doom” features an utterly perfect, action-packed opening, so just stop after that and get out before things get bad.
Where to watch: Netflix, iTunes, FandangoNOW
James Bond collection
Coronavirus has delayed Daniel Craig’s 007 swan song, “No Time to Die,” to a fall release, which gives everyone extra time to catch up on the British superspy’s 26 previous efforts and various onscreen personas, from rough-and-tumble Sean Connery to uber-suave Pierce Brosnan.
Be sure to see: Each Bond has a standout, including Connery's "Goldfinger," Roger Moore's "The Spy Who Loved Me," Timothy Dalton's "Licence to Kill," Brosnan's "GoldenEye" and Craig's "Skyfall."
But feel free to skip: Brosnan's finale "Die Another Day" boasts Halle Berry, Madonna and loads of campy nonsense.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘John Wick’
A favorite of dog lovers everywhere, Keanu Reeves’ well-dressed and retired title assassin is yanked back into a global underworld in a series with bonkers-good action sequences and so many memorable kills.
Be sure to see: The first film from 2014 is no slouch, yet 2017’s “Chapter 2” is one that really builds out the intriguing “Wick” mythology.
But feel free to skip: None of them. Reeves is a national treasure.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Jurassic Park’
So genetically engineering a bunch of dinosaurs in a theme park isn’t the greatest idea. You can’t deny the coolness of them romping and stomping yet again, in Steven Spielberg’s 1990s-era movies or the recent incarnations headed up by Chris Pratt.
Be sure to see: Spielberg’s original offers the visual spectacle of CGI dinos paired with a soaring John Williams score for a sense of childlike awe, with some definite high-stakes danger. (Thanks, T. rex.)
But feel free to skip: By the time the B-grade “Jurassic Park III” rolled through in 2001, the initial novelty – and Spielbergian wonder – was gone.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse
Way before Marvel popularized the shared universe, 1994's New Jersey-set indie phenomenon “Clerks” wove together a group of oddball characters, with Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) as the stoner Greek chorus connecting them all.
Be sure to see: While the black-and-white “Clerks” helped kick off a new generation of film, the 1997 romantic dramedy “Chasing Amy” with Ben Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams is Smith's most insightful picture.
But feel free to skip: Last year’s “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” is a retread with familiar callbacks and cameos mainly for the hardcore Smith fans, albeit with the occasional winning bit of nuance.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’
Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is a sight to behold, an epic quest first seen through the eyes of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and then by his "uncle" Bilbo (Martin Freeman) in a prequel story.
Be sure to see: “The Return of the King” won best picture, closed out the “Rings” cycle and set a high bar for fantasy battles.
But feel to skip: The “Hobbit” trilogy is fine but doesn’t compare with its predecessor.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
'Mad Max'
Australian director George Miller has been the master of populating post-apocalyptic wastelands with stoic heroes for decades, first with Mel Gibson for three movies (including 1979’s “Mad Max”) and more recently Tom Hardy in 2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
Be sure to watch: “Fury Road” is one of the best movies this century, a two-hour chase flick and blitzkrieg on the senses with a strongly female edge.
But feel free to skip: “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” from 1985 is a more cheesetastic entry compared to the rest, though it did gift us Tina Turner with a crossbow.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The “Infinity Saga” of 23 superhero movies, starting with 2008’s “Iron Man,” is a meticulously crafted story of origins and team-ups that will keep you powered through any lockdown.
Be sure to see: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is not just a capes-and-tights movie but a superb political thriller, and you can’t go wrong with any main “Avengers” film (except for “Age of Ultron”).
But feel free to skip: We won’t think ill of you moving past “Thor: The Dark World,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Iron Man 2” for streamlining purposes.
Where to watch: Disney+, iTunes, FandangoNOW
‘Mission: Impossible’
Tom Cruise got his pop-culture resurgence starring in the films based on the old 1960s TV show, and he wears the role of action hero well, scooting around in speedy motorcycles and hanging off planes as superspy Ethan Hunt.
Be sure to see: The fourth installment “Ghost Protocol” has been the height so far of the six movies – and features Cruise doing his thing 1,700 feet off the ground in Dubai.
But feel free to skip: “Mission: Impossible 2” is all John Woo style and not much substance.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Rocky’ and ‘Creed’
Sylvester Stallone headlined the ultimate underdog tale of boxer Rocky Balboa, with championship ups and huge knockdowns aplenty, before passing the baton to Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed and making it a generational saga.
Be sure to see: 1976's OG “Rocky” won best picture and is just a spectacular, rousing sports movie. But don’t sleep on the first “Creed,” which conjured a similar feeling nearly 40 years later.
But feel free to skip: “Rocky V” was the bad seed, giving Rocky brain damage to deal with as well as a hotheaded young pugilist (the late Tommy Morrison).
Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOW
‘Star Wars’
Led up by the nine-movie Skywalker Saga, George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away of lightsaber-wielding warriors, megalomaniacal fascist villains, good-hearted rebels, cool bounty hunters and heroic princesses is just as awesome as you’ve heard.
Be sure to watch: The original trilogy is classic in its themes of good vs. evil and impressive in storytelling scope.
But feel free to skip: You won’t really miss anything too important by nixing “The Phantom Menace.”
Where to watch: Disney+, iTunes, FandangoNOW
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Best movie series to binge during COVID-19 quarantine
