Ranking the “Pitch Perfect” Movies from Worst to Best

The “Pitch Perfect” trilogy, loved for its fun musical numbers and quirky humour, follows the journey of the Barden Bellas, an all-female college acappella group. Each film brought its unique charm, but they were not equally well-received in terms of plot, cast performance, character development, song selection, and overall audience impact. Here’s a detailed ranking of all three “Pitch Perfect” movies from worst to best:

3. Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)

• Plot: “Pitch Perfect 3” was marketed as the grand finale of the Bellas’ journey. The story picks up after the Bellas have graduated from college, struggling to find their place in the real world. They reunite for one last performance tour overseas with the USO (United Service Organizations), entertaining troops. However, the movie shifts focus to an odd kidnapping subplot involving Fat Amy’s (Rebel Wilson) estranged father, which detracts from the core theme of acappella singing.
• Cast Performance: While the ensemble cast remained the same, delivering solid performances, the character development felt rushed and lacking depth. Fat Amy, played by Rebel Wilson, once again stole the spotlight with her comedic timing, but it felt forced in certain scenes. Anna Kendrick, who plays Beca, retained her charm and wit but was given a thin storyline that didn’t allow her to fully shine. Other beloved characters like Chloe (Brittany Snow) and Aubrey (Anna Camp) were sidelined, which disappointed fans who wanted to see more of their dynamic personalities.
• Character Popularity: By this point, Beca, Fat Amy, and Chloe were the standout characters. However, the focus on Fat Amy’s family issues felt really out of place.
• Level of Song Performances: The music in “Pitch Perfect 3” was still catchy but felt less inspired compared to the previous films. The introduction of live bands competing with a cappella groups added a new twist but also diluted what made the series unique in the first place. Songs like “Toxic” by Britney Spears and “Freedom! ’90” by George Michael were highlights, but they didn’t leave as strong an impression as earlier performances.
• Budget and Box Office Performance: “Pitch Perfect 3” had a budget of around $45 million, higher than the previous films, but its box office earnings of $185 million were less impressive than “Pitch Perfect 2.” The diminishing returns showed that audiences were losing some interest in the franchise.
• Audience and Critical Reception: This film received mixed reviews. Fans who had been loyal to the franchise felt let down by the overly dramatic plot and less focus on the singing competitions that made the series special. Critics were equally disappointed, with some noting that it felt like the franchise was overstaying its welcome. It holds a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of the trilogy.

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2. Pitch Perfect (2012)

• Plot: The original “Pitch Perfect” was a surprise hit and introduced us to the world of college acappella. Beca, a rebellious freshman who wants to be a DJ, reluctantly joins the Barden Bellas after being convinced by Chloe. The plot follows the Bellas as they work their way up to compete in the national acappella championships, battling both personal differences and rival groups like the Treblemakers. It perfectly balances the fun and competitiveness of acappella singing with heartfelt moments about friendship and acceptance.
• Cast Performance: Anna Kendrick as Beca was a revelation, bringing a mix of sarcasm, vulnerability, and musical talent. Rebel Wilson, as Fat Amy, quickly became a fan favourite due to her hilarious one-liners and confident demeanor. The supporting cast, including Brittany Snow as Chloe, Anna Camp as Aubrey, and Skylar Astin as Jesse, also gave memorable performances that helped establish the movie’s quirky, light-hearted tone.
• Character Popularity: Beca and Fat Amy were the breakout stars, with Fat Amy’s outrageous humour and self-confidence becoming a hallmark of the series. The other characters also gained popularity, though their roles were more limited compared to the leads.
• Level of Song Performances: The music in “Pitch Perfect” was fresh, fun, and perfectly integrated into the plot. The Bellas’ final performance of “Price Tag,” “Give Me Everything,” and “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” was electrifying. The riff-off scene where different acappella groups battle it out became one of the most iconic moments of the franchise.
• Budget and Box Office Performance: “Pitch Perfect” had a modest budget of $17 million but was a box office success, earning over $115 million worldwide. Its popularity grew through word-of-mouth and home media, which solidified its place as a modern classic in the musical comedy genre.
• Audience and Critical Reception: Audiences loved the fresh mix of humour, heart, and music. Critics praised it for its witty script, charming performances, and inventive musical numbers. It holds a 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was considered a breath of fresh air in the comedy-musical genre. Its success led to a rise in popularity for acappella singing in mainstream culture.

1. Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

• Plot: “Pitch Perfect 2” takes the top spot due to its perfect blend of comedy, drama, and musical performances. The story picks up after the Bellas are reigning national champions but suffer a humiliating mishap during a performance in front of the President. To redeem themselves, they enter an international acappella competition where no American team has ever won. The stakes are higher, and the introduction of a formidable rival group, Das Sound Machine, added more tension to the competition.
• Cast Performance: Anna Kendrick continued to impress as Beca, while Rebel Wilson’s Fat Amy was given more screen time, which she used to great comedic effect. The introduction of Hailee Steinfeld as Emily, a new Bella with her own songwriting ambitions, added fresh energy to the group. The cast’s chemistry was even stronger in this sequel, and the performances felt more confident and polished.
• Character Popularity: Fat Amy’s popularity soared in this movie, with her daring personality and memorable scenes, like her romantic subplot with Bumper (Adam DeVine). Beca remained a favourite for her leadership qualities and ambition. Emily’s character, though new, was well-received, especially with her song “Flashlight,” which became an anthem for the movie.
• Level of Song Performances: The music in “Pitch Perfect 2” was arguably the best of the series, featuring impressive mashups, powerful group performances, and memorable solos. The Bellas’ final performance of “Flashlight” was a highlight, as was their battle against Das Sound Machine at the riff off. The World Championships stage gave the musical numbers a grander, more epic feel.
• Budget and Box Office Performance: With a budget of $29 million, “Pitch Perfect 2” was a financial success, grossing over $287 million worldwide, making it the highest-earning film in the trilogy.
• Audience and Critical Reception: The film received generally positive reviews, with praise for its humour, music, and energetic performances. While some critics noted that the plot was predictable, the charm and chemistry of the cast, along with the fantastic musical numbers, made it a hit with audiences. It holds a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many considering it a worthy sequel that built on the success of the original.