Top 15 Best Movie Sequels

It's no secret that a Box Office smash often leads to a poorly executed attempt to extend a story that was already complete. Films like The Matrix, Caddyshack, or Weekend At Bernie’s are prime examples. Yet, there are times when sequels breathe new life into a franchise, offering fans deeper adventures with beloved characters. The 15 sequels listed here are shining examples of narrative excellence.

15. Escape from the Planet of the Apes

While perhaps the most unconventional pick on this list, this film earns its spot by flipping the moral perspective of the original. In the first movie, humans are caged like animals, but here, apes are the subjects of human study as they return to Earth in the future. Serving as both a prequel and a sequel, it moves backward in chronology but forward in sequence. The only available footage is from the DVD series trailer.

John McClane wasn’t done taking down villains after Nakatomi Plaza, and he delivered even more action-packed moments at an airport. Bruce Willis elevates the excitement, ensuring the story remains engaging. He’s done it twice more since!

This sequel shifts the setting from the jungle to urban landscapes, with Danny Glover hunting the alien through city streets and buildings, seamlessly stepping into Arnold’s shoes. Memorable scenes include the creature healing in an elderly woman’s bathroom and the shocking reveal of its trophy room, featuring an Alien skull. Unfortunately, only this review clip is available.

Following the beloved children’s book series, the journey continues with Harry, Ron, and Hermione at Hogwarts. Now more accustomed to his magical abilities, Harry and his friends face off against a massive Basilisk!

Initially intended for a direct-to-DVD release, Disney-Pixar made the brilliant decision to bring this sequel to theaters, resulting in another cinematic gem. Buzz and the gang’s quest to rescue Woody is deeply touching and adds a new dimension to the narrative.

The beautiful song featured in the video earned an Oscar nomination.

Widely regarded as the greatest superhero film of all time, the sequel to the phenomenal SPIDER-MAN movie demonstrated that a cherished comic book character could be brought to life on screen without losing any of the humor or humanity from the original pages. Directed by Sam Raimi, better known for horror films, the movie showcased Tobey Maguire’s perfect embodiment of Peter Parker, capturing the essence of the beloved character.

Jackie Chan rose to international fame in 1978 with Drunken Master, though it took longer for him to gain recognition in the U.S. In 1994, on the verge of American stardom, he created this sequel as a tribute to the original, continuing the tale of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung. This film stands as one of his finest works, blending intricate fight choreography with humor. It was released in the U.S. in 2000 with edits, dubbing, and a remixed soundtrack, showcasing Jackie’s unparalleled athleticism and martial arts mastery. The fight scenes are breathtakingly creative, and Jackie’s charisma shines brighter than ever.

Sam Raimi never expected the cult following that emerged after he and Bruce Campbell created the horror classic EVIL DEAD. With the profits from the first film, Raimi crafted a sequel that reimagined the story, blending horror and humor. EVIL DEAD 2, while reminiscent of the original, surpasses it in both creativity and execution, solidifying its place as a genre-defining masterpiece.

While technically a prequel, Batman Begins is included here as it was released later in the timeline. This film marked the first time the Batman story was told on an epic scale, featuring standout performances by Michael Caine and Christian Bale, who remains the best onscreen Batman to date. Its inclusion on this list is undeniable.

Though not a traditional sequel, this film elevates the terrifying tale of the reanimated monster to new heights as Dr. Frankenstein creates a bride. Shockingly, she proves to be even more horrifying than the original creation!

5. Aliens

Ripley lands on a planet allegedly infested with the same alien creatures she narrowly escaped in the first film. With intensified action and a full-scale war against the aliens, Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, and Lance Henricksen join the stellar cast for an unforgettable battle.

4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Though technically a prequel, this second installment follows Indiana Jones as he ventures to India to recover the Shankara Stones from the sinister Mola Ram. Accompanying him are Kate Capshaw, Spielberg’s real-life wife, playing a Hollywood dancer, and the ever-energetic Short Round. The most infamous scene? Monkey brains! And let’s not forget those creepy bugs—definitely not fortune cookies!

3. The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers

Peter Jackson meticulously adapted Tolkien’s epic saga into a visually stunning trilogy. Despite his efforts, a second film was necessary after THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. The cliffhanger left audiences craving more, and THE TWO TOWERS exceeded expectations, delivering an epic continuation of the story.

2. The Empire Strikes Back

Featuring some of cinema’s most shocking twists, this sequel to STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE introduced the world to Darth Vader’s true identity, the wise Yoda, and the blossoming romance between a rogue and a princess. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film’s stark contrasts—from the icy plains of Hoth to the serene Cloud City and the swampy depths of Dagobah—showcased his creative brilliance. The Jedi’s journey through the Force reveals the dark and unsettling nature of a galaxy far, far away.

1. The Godfather Part 2

The Corleone family’s saga immerses us in the ruthless world of the Mafia, and this sequel delivers an even more powerful narrative than the original. Widely regarded as the greatest sequel ever made, THE GODFATHER PART 2 remains a timeless classic celebrated globally.

Notable Omissions: Dawn of the Dead, Terminator 2

Contributor: StewWriter