There’s something magical about trilogies. They give you enough space to dive deep into a world, fall in love with characters, and witness grand arcs unfold without the intimidation of a ten-book saga. Recently, I reread The Hunger Games trilogy after picking up its prequels, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping. Revisiting Panem reminded me of how satisfying it is to live inside a story that’s complete in three acts—beginning, middle, and end. That sparked the thought of other trilogies I’ve read over the years, ones that have stayed with me long after I closed the final book.
Here are five trilogies that I believe everyone should experience at least once. Each one offers something different—epic fantasy, dark academia, magical adventures, or devastating war stories—but they all prove just how powerful a trilogy can be when done right.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring · The Two Towers · The Return of the King
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings isn’t just a trilogy—it’s the foundation of modern fantasy. With its sweeping landscapes, ancient histories, and the unforgettable journey of Frodo and the Fellowship, it’s a story about courage, sacrifice, and the triumph of hope in the face of despair. It’s grand and slow at times, but every page feels like stepping into another realm, one where you can hear the rustle of leaves in Lothlórien or feel the shadow of Mordor looming overhead.
On rereading it, I realized how timeless it truly is. The characters, from Sam’s unwavering loyalty to Aragorn’s reluctant heroism, resonate just as deeply today as they did decades ago. It’s not just an adventure—it’s a meditation on friendship, power, and resilience. Yes, it’s dense in places, but the reward of immersing yourself in Tolkien’s world is worth the effort.
The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel · Clockwork Prince · Clockwork Princess
Set in Victorian London, The Infernal Devices brings together shadowhunters, demons, and automatons in a steampunk-infused fantasy world. At its heart is Tessa Gray, a young woman with mysterious powers, caught between two very different boys: Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs. The plot is filled with intrigue, supernatural battles, and the gothic atmosphere Clare does so well, making it both addictive and romantic.
What makes this trilogy stand out is how much heart it carries. While the Shadowhunter world has expanded into many series, this one feels especially well-contained and emotionally rich. Clare strikes a perfect balance between action and character growth, and the love triangle—often tricky to pull off—is done with surprising tenderness. By the end, I found myself equally invested in all the characters, and the conclusion was as heartbreaking as it was satisfying.
His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
The Golden Compass · The Subtle Knife · The Amber Spyglass
Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy introduces us to Lyra Belacqua, a headstrong girl from Oxford whose adventures take her across parallel worlds, accompanied by her dæmon Pantalaimon. The series blends fantasy, theology, and philosophy in a way that feels both magical and deeply thought-provoking. With armored bears, alethiometers, and interdimensional travel, it’s as imaginative as fantasy gets.
But beneath the adventure lies a powerful exploration of innocence, authority, and what it means to grow up. Rereading it as an adult, I noticed how layered and daring Pullman’s storytelling is, challenging established beliefs while still holding onto a sense of wonder. It’s both enchanting and unsettling, and it lingers in your mind long after you finish. This isn’t just a children’s series—it’s one of those rare stories that grows with you.
The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab
A Darker Shade of Magic · A Gathering of Shadows · A Conjuring of Light
V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy drops you into a world—or rather, worlds—where multiple Londons exist: Red, Grey, White, and once, Black. At the center is Kell, a magician who can travel between these Londons, and Lila Bard, a thief with big ambitions. Their paths intertwine in a fast-paced, adventurous tale of magic, politics, and survival.
This trilogy hooked me with its inventiveness and characters that leap off the page. Kell’s quiet burden, Lila’s fierce independence, and the vivid magic system make for a reading experience that feels both cinematic and intimate. Schwab’s prose is sharp and fluid, and while the plot is thrilling, it’s the emotional beats—sacrifice, loyalty, ambition—that make it memorable. It’s the kind of series that makes you wish there was a fourth book, even while knowing it ended just right.
The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War · The Dragon Republic · The Burning God
Inspired by Chinese history, The Poppy War trilogy follows Fang Runin, or Rin, an orphaned war heroine who rises from poverty to the highest ranks of military power. What begins as a story of a girl’s grit and determination soon spirals into something darker—a brutal meditation on war, trauma, and the cost of power. Kuang doesn’t hold back, and the result is devastatingly powerful.
Reading this trilogy is not easy—it’s violent, emotionally shattering, and often uncomfortable—but it’s also unforgettable. Kuang has crafted a story that forces you to reckon with the consequences of war and the fragility of humanity. Rin is one of the most complex protagonists I’ve ever read—sometimes admirable, often terrifying, but always compelling. This trilogy isn’t just fantasy; it’s a reckoning.
✨ Honorable Mention: The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake · The Year of the Flood · MaddAddam
Atwood’s trilogy is a chilling vision of the future shaped by climate collapse, biotech experiments, and human greed. It’s equal parts cautionary tale and speculative adventure, showing us a world that feels frighteningly possible.
While it’s not an easy read—dense with science, philosophy, and shifting perspectives—it’s one that lingers. Atwood asks tough questions about survival, morality, and what it means to rebuild after everything falls apart. If dystopian fiction is your thing, this is one to add to your list.
Trilogies have a special kind of magic. They’re long enough to let you live inside another world but concise enough to feel complete. Whether it’s the epic landscapes of Middle-earth, the gothic romance of Victorian London, or the harrowing battlefields of Rin’s war-torn China, trilogies show us just how transformative three books can be.
These series aren’t just stories—they’re experiences. They challenge you, comfort you, and sometimes even change how you see the world. If you haven’t read them yet, I hope you’ll pick one up soon. And if you have, maybe this is your sign to revisit them the way I revisited The Hunger Games.
Have a trilogy you think deserves a spot on this list? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com and share your favorites—I’m always looking for the next world to get lost in.
