Before You Press Play: Franchise Marathon Questions
The questions we hear most from marathon planners, answered briefly and with a verdict.
How do you rank movie franchises?
Three legs: the Baton Pass (does each film build on the last?), the Pace Hold (how good is the weakest entry?) and the Finish Line (does it end, or keep going, with purpose?). The full method is on our About page.
How long does it take to watch the whole Infinity Saga?
About 50 hours for the 23 films from Iron Man (2008) to Avengers: Endgame (2019). Over two weeks of evenings, it's comfortable.
Should I watch Star Wars in release order or story order?
Release order for first-timers. Story order or the Machete Order on a rewatch. Both are laid out side by side on the watch-order page.
Which franchise is best for a single weekend?
The Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, the original Bourne trilogy or the four John Wick chapters. All fit a weekend and stick the landing.
Can I skip weaker sequels?
Usually, yes. Each series page has a stumble list. Skipping M:I-2, for instance, costs you almost nothing plot-wise.
Which James Bond film should I start with?
Casino Royale (2006) restarts continuity, so it's the cleanest entry point. For the classic era, start with Goldfinger (1964). See our era table.
Do I need to watch every MCU film?
No. The Avengers films plus the Iron Man and Captain America solo films cover the main Infinity Saga arc. Add Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok for fun.
Are animated franchises good for adult marathons?
Absolutely. Toy Story, How to Train Your Dragon and Spider-Verse have some of the strongest sequel records anywhere. Details on the trilogies page.
Is RankThistleWhistle affiliated with any studio?
No. We're independent and take no payment from studios, distributors or streaming services for rankings or placement.
Question not covered? Ask us directly.
Back to the Baton Board