The Maze Runner film trilogy (including Maze Runner (2014) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015, Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)) has captured the young adult audience with stunning performances in a science fiction setting filled with betrayal, friendship and underdogs fighting for their freedom.

The movies are based on a novel trilogy written by author James Dashner and was produced and adapted by its director Wes Balls (with Dashner keeping an eye on the production). The movies were each a huge box office success with almost a billion U.S. dollars in gross.

Sadly although there are more books in the Maze Runner series, the author has confirmed there will be no more movies made. Instead of sulking because there will be no more films made, opt to celebrate the two year anniversary release date of the third movie, which has been slowly approaching.

The trilogies followed a trend of book-adapted movies with teenagers in a dystopian world, such as The Hunger Games and Divergent. But they can’t compare to the actors’ well-played betrayal, the intense fighting and escaping scenes, and the plot twists that come out of nowhere.

Watching the movies in chronological order allows for the most enjoyment and helps with building a connection to the setting and the characters.

The first movie opens to a young man named Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) who is terrified and confused as he’s introduced into a new fascinating world where a complicated maze surrounds him and his peers as their only exit. Thomas shows his compassion and bravery throughout the series which inspires others he connects with, Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), and Minho (Ki Hong Lee).

Thomas, Minho, Newt, and others work together to find out what is happening to them and who they are. They discover the truth, but it isn’t pretty and only leads to more conflict. The thriller uses shots that put you right alongside Thomas in trying to survive, whether it be using wits or by force.

The trilogy encapsulates the urge to fight for what’s right and for the lives of others when they are being threatened by a larger power.

Rating: ★★★★★