The 20 best movie series to binge during quarantine (including 'Star Wars,' of course)

Be sure to see: “The Return of the King” won best picture, closed out the “Rings” cycle and set a high bar for fantasy battles.But feel to skip: The “Hobbit” trilogy is fine but doesn’t compare with its predecessor.Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOWAustralian director George Miller has been the master of populating post-apocalyptic wastelands with stoic heroes for decades, first with Mel Gibson for three movies (including 1979’s “Mad Max”) and more recently Tom Hardy in 2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road.”Be sure to watch: “Fury Road” is one of the best movies this century, a two-hour chase flick and blitzkrieg on the senses with a strongly female edge.But feel free to skip: “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” from 1985 is a more cheesetastic entry compared to the rest, though it did gift us Tina Turner with a crossbow.Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOWThe “Infinity Saga” of 23 superhero movies, starting with 2008’s “Iron Man,” is a meticulously crafted story of origins and team-ups that will keep you powered through any lockdown.Be sure to see: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is not just a capes-and-tights movie but a superb political thriller, and you can’t go wrong with any main “Avengers” film (except for “Age of Ultron”).But feel free to skip: We won’t think ill of you moving past “Thor: The Dark World,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Iron Man 2” for streamlining purposes.Where to watch: Disney+, iTunes, FandangoNOWTom Cruise got his pop-culture resurgence starring in the films based on the old 1960s TV show, and he wears the role of action hero well, scooting around in speedy motorcycles and hanging off planes as superspy Ethan Hunt.Be sure to see: The fourth installment “Ghost Protocol” has been the height so far of the six movies – and features Cruise doing his thing 1,700 feet off the ground in Dubai.But feel free to skip: “Mission: Impossible 2” is all John Woo style and not much substance.Where to watch: iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNOWSylvester Stallone headlined the ultimate underdog tale of boxer Rocky Balboa, with championship ups and huge knockdowns aplenty, before passing the baton to Michael B.