The best movie series and franchises to binge right now

Rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube drives the three "Barbershop " films, with the first installment from 2002 still the funniest and most genuinely honest of the bunch. Queen Latifah stars in 2005's  "Beauty Shop," a spinoff of the "Barbershop" films and still within the franchise. Sit back, grab some food and drink and make it a day full of laughs.

If one really wanted to grind, then try to take on all the "Batman"-related films out there. Not including cameos and including that of the DC Extended Universe (which we'll get to in a bit), the 1940s serials and 1966's "Batman: The Movie," we are talking more than 10 live-action, feature films. Keaton, Kilmer, Clooney, Bale, Affleck all will be there for those ready to take on this serious binge-watching challenge. Make sure to stretch those legs often.

Eight films currently make up the aforementioned DC Extended Universe, but there are plenty more on the works, including "Wonder Woman 1984," which is still scheduled for a June release. Starting with 2013's "Man of Steel," and including hits like "Suicide Squad" (2016), "Wonder Woman" (2017) and "Aquaman" (2018), this makes for a serious binge run that might be worth a weekend.

Between the three funny, yet endearing, "Despicable Me" films and 2015 "Minions'" prequel, this franchise is one the whole family can enjoy and appreciate during these anxious times. At the end of the day, this film series, which is scheduled to continue with "Minions: The Rise of Gru" set to come later in 2020, is about family and being there for the ones we love. Fitting for our current climate.

Perhaps not the most cheery subject matter, but if you're looking to pass the hours with a true cinema classic, look no further than "The Godfather" series. We're even including "The Godfather Part III," which is a salvageable end to the run. At times, basic cable providers will show "The Godfather Saga," a sensational chronological piece that brilliantly intertwines the first two films. 

Eight official films already in the books, and there seems no end to the franchise (another one in the works for 2021). From the original "Fast and the Furious" installment to 2017's "The Fate and the Furious" (and even spinoff "Hobbs & Shaw"), there is plenty of speed and action to keep one enthralled when looking to escape into one of Hollywood's most popular film franchises.

So it's spring break and those middle-schoolers and high school-aged kids need to keep busy while the adults work remotely from home. If the kiddoes are "Harry Potter" fans, then jackpot. There's the eight films in the Potter series, and if more is wanted or mom and dad are hooked themselves, check out the spinoff prequel "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (2016) and the two films that followed in that run.

This is the film franchise that turned Jennifer Lawrence into a global mega-star. Based on the popular book series (which might not be a bad way to spend time tackling as well), "The Hunger Games" and its three following installments, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2," can be done in a day — as long as there are plenty of snacks and caffeine. 

Another classic film franchise, and one that made Harrison Ford a true Hollywood icon. " Raiders of the Lost Ark" started it all and remains the best of the four films. "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" generated some controversy upon its 1984 release, while " Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," featuring the great Sean Connery, is a fine mix of action and subtle comedy. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"  (2008) is the most recent offering, though a fifth film is reportedly in the works.

The 25th Bond film, "No Time to Die," is slated for a late 2020 release. So in preparation, why not go all out and knock out the previous 24 while having the chance? While Sean Connery 's portrayal arguably remains the best, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, heck, even George Lazenby, are here to entertain in what would be a herculean binge.

Six films between the original "Jurassic Park" trilogy and the "Jurassic World" three pictures. These films are tame enough that younger children (say age 6 and up) will be able to enjoy them (at least dinosaurs) without being frightened throughout. Family time is important at the moment, and this presents an opportunity to get the whole gang on the couch for some pseudo prehistoric entertainment.

Much like the "Harry Potter" films, "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies of the 2000s and 2010s were critical and commercial success. Though it would be quite ambitious to finish all six films in one sitting, we recommend taking a couple of days to complete the binge. There's a lot to process in both realms, and one should have time to truly enjoy it.

Arguably this is the most recognizable character from Tyler Perry's lengthy string of films. While she has a temper and always seems to be out for revenge, Madea Simmons (played by Perry) is a confident woman who will fight for what she believes in while also being protective of the ones she loves. Madea has been part of 11 Perry movies, so that smells like some marathon-viewing. 

The top-grossing film franchise of all time (more than $22.5 billion), there are 23 films that have been released in all — among the three phases of the Infinity Saga. If one has access to each of the those films, that makes for quite the binge. There are also binge-options within the overall MCU family, such as "The Avengers," "Iron Man" and "Thor." Talk about a true escape from reality.

Tom Cruise has certainly become synonymous with this famed franchise. At the moment, we're up to six "Mission: Impossible" films — and there reportedly are two more already in the works. Six, though, is a good number if you're looking for an all-day movie binge. The one good thing about the MI films is they are just enjoyable entertainment that does not involve a lot of deep thinking.

Within Smith's View Askewniverse lies the original New Jersey Trilogy. It features his first three films: the simple, yet highly creative "Clerks" (1994), underrated "Mallrats" (1995) and schlocky "Chasing Amy" (1997). Some storylines and characters (or relatives or those mentioned in the other films) are intertwined and all take place in the same New Jersey area. If Smith fans want to supersize the binge, add 1999's "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" from 2001 and "Clerks II" (2006) to finish the story. However, the first three movies are still the most entertaining.

Looking for more animated fun, Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona and eventually our pal Puss in Boots, who earned his own spinoff film, are more than happy to oblige. Including the latter, that's five films within the franchise for the entire family to enjoy, perhaps on a Saturday, if the kids can keep still for that long, or when the adults need a little down time of their own. Shrek can handle the babysitting for a bit.

It's one of the most cherished works of science-fiction, whether talking television or film. In this case, obviously, it's about the movies. Between the original series of six films featuring the TV legends William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, the four films from the uber-popular "Next Generation" cast and the most recent three from the Kelvin Timeline story arc, there's plenty to keep a Trekkie glued to the screen for hours.

If we include stand-alones "Rogue One" and "Solo," it's 11 films in all. We'd understand if you want to bypass "Episodes I-III," but there will still be plenty of time spent "in a galaxy, far, far away." Those subscribers of popular streaming service Disney+ have nine of these films — sans "Solo" and the concluding "The Rise of Skywalker" — on hand in one place. Regardless how and where you're watching, binges don't get much better than this.

There is plenty of Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to keep viewers of most ages entertained while indoors. Beginning with "The Curse of the Black Pearl"  from 2003 all the way to 2017's "Dead Men Tell No Tales," the swashbuckling can be enjoyed over one full day if so inclined. While the "Pirates" family of films don't hold the same cache as say that of "Star Wars" or the MCU, they still grossed more than $4 billion around the world.

We arrive at the Sylvester Stallone portion of our list. We'll start with the "Rambo" family of films, featuring the tortured war veteran John Rambo. While 1982's "First Blood" had the most depth, follow-ups "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985) and "Rambo III" (1988) were straight-up, Hollywood blockbuster action films known for quick one-liners and plenty of kills. For action film-lovers, this five-part franchise is a must.

If the "Rambo" franchise reinforced Stallone as an international superstar, "Rocky" (eight films) was the one that got the ball rolling. And with the success of "Creed" and "Creed II," it's still relevant for a new generation of viewers to enjoy. The first four "Rocky" films can be frequently found on basic cable and are a good way to pass the weekend or have on in the background while working from home.

There have been several "Superman"-related movies released over the years, but it's still hard to beat the four starring the late Reeve as the Man of Steel. While his debut as the character in 1978's "Superman" was strong, Reeve's most memorable stint in the role came when he took on General Zod and Co. in "Superman II" (1980). And if we listen to Michael Bolton from Office Space, "Superman III" is an "underrated movie, actually." Don't forget 1987's "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace."

There might not be a more beloved animated film franchise than "Toy Story." All four films are readily available for viewing (specifically for those with access to Disney+ and can keep those from 3 to 93 interested while following the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. It also makes for an ideal after-e-Learning treat for the kids.

You're looking at 12 total released films among the "X-Men" series. Yes, there is a rather wide range of critical acceptance and praise among these movies, but if you're looking for pure super hero action, it's worth taking in when time is had. The two "Deadpool" films have helped give the franchise some solid credibility, while 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is an underrated piece of work and the best of the three "Wolverine"-themed projects.