While most of us are more familiar with trilogies thanks to The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, and Star Wars, there are several amazing duologies in film history as well. But which are the best film duologies ever? That might be a little harder to narrow down.
While so many duologies deserve the spotlight, these six are more captivating than the rest. These are the best out of them all, and they span various genres from action to war dramas to science fiction films.
6. Dune (2021) / Dune: Part Two (2024)

First on the list of best film duologies is Dune and Dune: Part Two. The epic space operas are based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert. The first film essentially covers the first half of the novel, and the second movie covers the ending. The movie is set in the distant future and follows Paul Atreides as his family, the noble House Atreides, is thrust into a war for the deadly and inhospitable desert planet Arrakis.
5. The Hustler (1961) / The Color of Money (1986)

Starring Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, and George C. Scott, The Hustler is a sports drama film and is considered one of the best duologies ever made. The movie is based on the 1959 book by Walter Tevis and follows “Fast” Eddie Felson, a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. The second film, The Color of Money, follows “Fast Eddie” teaching a talented protege, played by Tom Cruise, the ropes of pool hustling.
Also Read: The Best James Dean Movies
4. Blade Runner (1982) / Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

When you think of classic film duologies, then you’ll probably think about Blade Runner. Similar to Star Wars, Blade Runner is one of the most influential science fiction films. The 1982 film starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos is based on the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The movie follows a dystopian future where synthetic humans are starting to escape Earth, and burnt-out cop Rick Deckard must hunt them down. The second film, Blade Runner 2049, sees a Young Blade Runner, like Deckard, who’s uncovered a long-buried secret by tracking down Deckard.
Read Next: Top Jim Carrey Movies
3. Top Gun (1986) / Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

When it comes to the best film duologies, Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick has to be on the list. The action drama is a classic ’80s film that received an astounding sequel recently. The movie was inspired by an article written by Ehud Yonay and published in California magazine with the same title, following Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The school is where the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When reckless and cocky Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, enters the school, he faces a lot of challenges. The 2022 film follows Maverick, but this time, he’s up against training younger Top Gun graduates who act the same way he did when he was young.
Check Out: Ranked: The Best Elvis Movies Ever Made
2. Flags of Our Fathers (2006) / Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

One of the best film duologies ever made has to be the Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima series. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the two films follow the Battle of Iwo Jima in 2006. The films are so iconic because they tell two different points of view. The first film tells the story from the American’s point of view and the famous lifting of the American flag. But the second film shows the Japanese point of few. Interestingly enough, the second film received better scores and even academy awards, and Japanese critics commended Eastwood for the care he took with the Japanese characters.
Read More: Best Movies Directed by Steven Spielberg
1. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) / Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)

Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill is by far one of the best film duologies ever. The movie was conceived as a single film but was broken up into two post-production. The martial arts action film stars Uma Thurman as the Bride, who swears revenge on a group of assassins and their leaders after they try to kill her and her unborn child. What makes this duology interesting is that Kill Bill Vol. 1 takes inspiration from classic martial arts movies. However, Kill Bill Vol. 2 focuses more on dialogue, with similarities to the Western genres. These two different focus points make this duology the best out of the rest.
More About:Uncategorized