Sequels always have a lot to live up to because if one is created, there is enough interest in the original to demand another story from that world. It instantly pressures everyone involved in the project because audiences want to see something better, and topping the original can be challenging. It’s tough to navigate giving nods to the first movie and that world, all while creating something fresh. Over the years, there have been some terrible sequels, but there have also been some unforgettable ones that ended up outshining the original.
The Godfather Part II
The Godfather Part II is often considered one of the greatest sequels ever made and is highly praised. The movie does a great job building on the foundation of the first while diving deeper into the Corleone family. Giving more detail is beneficial, plus the fact the characters are already fleshed out means this movie doesn’t waste any time, which is why it became an award winner.
The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy provides three of the best movies ever created in that world. But The Dark Knight took the superhero genre to new heights, showcasing how good it is. Kicking things off with one of the best opening sequences in movie history, audiences were instantly hooked. With a darker tone and an unforgettable performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker, the film was a significant step up from Batman Begins, setting new standards for this genre.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Photo Credit: 20th Century-Fox.
Everyone has their own opinions on the best Star Wars movie, but Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as the best. It created a darker feel while expanding the already-created universe. Introducing iconic characters and creating one of the biggest shocks in movie history with Darth Vader’s revelation, this one has it all.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The Terminator franchise is strong, but this particular installment is James Cameron’s finest. It brought some unbelievable special effects to cinema’s forefront, which helped change the industry. The decision to change the Terminator to be a hero also proved to be a risk worth taking, creating an iconic character people could talk about for years to come.
Aliens
The original Alien is an incredible horror movie that blends science fiction elements perfectly. But the sequel went in a different direction, proving that not everything has to be exactly the same and that some gambles are worth taking.
Toy Story 3
Pixar had many fans questioning their decision to make Toy Story 3 so many years after the first two movies. Not only because they’re of such a high standard but also because the time gap meant it would be tricky to get back into that world. But Pixar did a fantastic job, and the fact that the children who watched the first two when they were young had grown up alongside Andy meant this packed a real emotional punch. This has something for everyone, bringing comedy and excitement for younger audiences, new characters to freshen things up, and one of the most emotional endings in animated history.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller, redefined the action genre with its high-octane stunts and stunning visuals. While technically the fourth installment in the Mad Max series, it is often considered a sequel that surpasses its predecessors in every way. This film has a relentless energy that doesn’t stop, and the focus on action over dialogue works out brilliantly as viewers barely get a rest.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
This movie was always going to stand the chance of being stronger than the original because the book that it’s based on has a lot more going on. With more characters and a more profound sense of adventure, there’s much more to play with in The Two Towers. Peter Jackson took full advantage of that with fantastic battle scenes, actual character development, and relationship building that led to a great film.
Spider-Man 2
The main reason Spider-Man 2 was a stronger movie than the original was how much better the storyline was. With an amazing villain that people could connect with emotionally, this film brought the charm and humor people want from a superhero movie while also backing it up with great action and emotion.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men: Days of Future Past brought together the casts of the original X-Men trilogy and the prequels in a time-traveling adventure that surpassed everything that came before it. It got the franchise back to life with a compelling story, excellent performances, and impressive visual effects.
Shrek 2
DreamWorks’ Shrek 2 expanded on the charm and humor of the original with even more wit and memorable characters. The introduction of Puss in Boots and the film’s clever references to pop culture made it a hit with audiences of all ages, solidifying Shrek’s place in animated film history.
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne franchise is fantastic, with every movie bringing a high level of quality, which is why people keep returning for more. But The Bourne Supremacy did a great job of building on what came before and ramping things up with the action.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier took the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a bold new direction with its thriller tone. The film’s complex plot, intense action, and character development made it one of the best entries in the MCU, a significant improvement over the original, and one of Marvel’s best overall.
Blade Runner 2049
This movie honored Ridley Scott’s original while expanding the universe meaningfully. With stunning visuals, a thoughtful story, and strong performances, it not only lived up to its original but also established itself as a sci-fi masterpiece in its own right.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
There have been many Star Trek movies over the years, with varying quality. However, the fact that Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is often credited with saving the Star Trek franchise showcases how good this one was. The film’s intense storyline, memorable villain, and emotional moments make it a fan favorite.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
By the time Mission: Impossible – Fallout rolled around, most people presumed there was nothing new that the franchise could do. But then this movie took it to new heights with its jaw-dropping stunts and detailed plot. Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts helps to draw viewers in, and then the story backs it all up.
Paddington 2
The original Paddington charmed people in a way few expected ahead of time, but Paddington 2 managed to pack even more emotion into its story. This was a perfect family movie with a superior villain and some lovable characters that were given even more depth.
Logan
Logan took some extremely bold risks in the superhero genre due to its bleak, depressing, and emotional nature. It’s less focused on crazy action scenes and wild costumes and more on the human aspect of Wolverine. With some stunning performances from Hugh Jackman and Sir Patrick Stewart, this was one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.
