Fantastic Beasts
Return to the Wizarding World with this magical prequel trilogy that expands the mythology that Harry Potter fans adore. In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), shy magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in 1920s New York with a suitcase full of curious creatures … and stumbles into a brewing conspiracy that pits wizards, No-Majs (non-magical beings), and dark forces against one another.
As the series unfolds, the stakes soar. The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) introduces the rise of the infamous dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp), whose clash with a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) reshapes wizarding history. The saga reaches its emotional climax in The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), where Mads Mikkelsen, taking over Depp as Grindelwald, brings the conflict to a riveting close with his chilling performance.
With dazzling creatures, spell-binding special effects, and rich backstories that deepen the Hogwarts legacy, this is a binge-worthy journey into the Wizarding World’s untold past.
The Matrix
More than two decades since it launched, The Matrix franchise remains a mind-bending revolution, melding cyberpunk style, philosophy, and gravity-defying kung fu into an action phenomenon that revitalised cinema. It all began with the genre-defining The Matrix (1999), where hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) discovers, thanks to the enigmatic Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), that reality is an illusion — and he may be ‘the One’ destined to free humanity from machine rule.
The story expands in Reloaded and Revolutions (both 2003), pushing Neo deeper into the war for human survival and into unforgettable confrontations with the ever-evolving Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). Once divisive for their headier themes, these bold sequels have since earned renewed appreciation for their emotional depth and ambition.
Then comes the legacy sequel: The Matrix Resurrections (2021). Part love story, part meta-reinvention, it reunites audiences with Neo and Trinity in surprising, exhilarating ways.
This is a franchise that rewards both first-time explorers and long-time fans ready to tumble down the rabbit hole again.
Mission: Impossible
Since 1996, Tom Cruise has been racing, leaping, and clinging to the sides of planes as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. What started as a stylish TV adaptation quickly evolved into one of cinema’s premier spy franchises. From Brian De Palma’s suspenseful first outing to Christopher McQuarrie’s globe-trotting thrill rides, the series reflects changing filmmaking styles while delivering jaw-dropping stunts — think Burj Khalifa climbs, HALO jumps, and cliffside motorcycle dives. Eight films in, it’s less ‘Mission: Impossible’ and more ‘Mission: Unforgettable’.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Back in 2003, Disney bet big on a pirate movie based on a theme park ride — and struck cinematic gold. Johnny Depp’s Oscar-nominated turn as Jack Sparrow stole the show, alongside memorable performances from Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom. A rogues’ gallery of eccentric villains, from Geoffrey Rush’s Barbossa to Bill Nighy’s squid-faced Davy Jones, made the movie even more memorable.
The first three films became swashbuckling staples, while later entries expanded the mythos with cursed ships and ghostly foes. Bursting with sword fights, sea monsters, and salty humour, it’s a franchise that made pirates cool again.
The Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings didn’t just adapt Tolkien’s legendary books — it redefined epic filmmaking. Shot against New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, the trilogy combined groundbreaking effects, an unforgettable Howard Shore score, and a powerhouse ensemble (Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, and more). Together, the films earned 17 Oscars, with The Return of the King sweeping all 11 of its nominations, including Best Picture. Follow it up with The Hobbit prequels for more Middle-earth magic (and a few extra dragons).
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Text: Jedd Jong, Georgia Ho, Daniel Peters
Images: © 2026 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., © 2026 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved., © 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc.