Buzz
While sequels often seem unnecessary, they still captivate us with the hope that they’ll enhance and expand a story, fulfilling the potential of the original rather than disappointing it. Fans can easily name iconic sequels, but this list is different.
These aren’t the likes of Godfather II or Empire Strikes Back. These sequels aren’t necessarily superior to their predecessors—they might not even match up. Yet, each one brings something unique to the table, whether by continuing a story we didn’t realize needed more or by taking an unexpected turn into new territory.
Many of these films were overlooked because the originals seemed untouchable. However, hidden within these underappreciated follow-ups are moments of brilliance. This is a celebration of sequels that didn’t get the love they deserved but are worth revisiting.
Curse of the Cat People (1944)
Val Lewton, a producer, struck an unusual deal in Hollywood, trading fame for creative freedom. As head of RKO’s horror division, he was given three constraints: low budgets, short runtimes, and studio-mandated titles (resulting in unique films like I Walked with a Zombie). Beyond that, he had full control. The pinnacle of this era was 1942’s Cat People, a psychological noir directed by Jacques Tourneur that explored repressed trauma and existential fear, wrapped in horror elements that made it a success.
The 1944 sequel, while continuing the story of two main characters and their daughter, takes a vastly different tone. It’s a ghost story where the young girl is haunted by her parents’ past, though the danger is more emotional than physical. This heartfelt and empathetic portrayal of flawed characters, living or dead, is both touching and profound. Directed by Robert Wise (West Side Story, The Sound of Music, The Haunting), the film maximizes its minimal budget with stunning visuals. Imagine the surprise of 1944 audiences expecting a horror film about curses and cat people, only to discover a dark yet tender fantasy. Truly, Val Lewton’s greatest trick.
Where to stream: Digital rental
They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970)
Many forget that In the Heat of the Night spawned two sequels, though the 80s and 90s TV series might ring a bell. Inspired by the same book series as the original, They Call Me Mister Tibbs! and The Organization follow Detective Virgil Tibbs as he returns to the city after his encounter with Rod Steiger in the deep south.
This first sequel feels more like a 1970s TV crime drama than a cinematic masterpiece, but it holds its own. It boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Martin Landau as a sinister preacher, Anthony Zerbe as a street thug, and Ed Asner(!) as a pimp (and honestly, “Pimp Ed Asner” is almost reason enough to watch). On a deeper level, it marks Sidney Poitier’s transition from the flawless, iconic roles of the 60s to the more nuanced characters available to Black actors in the 70s. In In the Heat of the Night, he was a cop so skilled that even racists had to rely on him. Here, Tibbs remains exceptional, but the gritty setting of San Francisco allows Poitier to explore a more human side of the character.
Where to stream: Digital rental
French Connection II (1975)
This sequel is often overlooked, despite picking up where the first film left off, with Charnier, the French drug dealer, still at large. Gene Hackman reprises his role as Popeye Doyle, delivering a performance as compelling as in the original, under the direction of John Frankenheimer. While not quite matching the brilliance of its predecessor, it’s still a strong film. It continues a story that didn’t necessarily need extending but succeeds in providing a dramatic conclusion to one of cinema’s most iconic rivalries.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Grease 2 (1982)
No one claims Grease 2 is a masterpiece by conventional standards—its plot is messy, characters break into song with little justification, and Didi Conn’s iconic Frenchy vanishes halfway through, never to return. Scandalous! Yet, none of this has stopped the film from becoming a beloved cult classic, best enjoyed late at night or in a slightly altered state of mind.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Stephanie outshines every character in both Grease films with her undeniable coolness (despite not being a powerhouse singer). Pfeiffer emerged as a star, while others, like male lead Maxwell Caulfield, saw their careers falter. The film also ramps up the raunchiness, turning a bowling-themed song into a thinly veiled innuendo and featuring a risqué dance number led by gay icon Tab Hunter. Think of it as
Where to stream: Prime Video, Sling TV, Pluto TV
Psycho II (1983)
Sequels and remakes of Hitchcock films rarely succeed (ever heard of The Birds 2: Land’s End? Exactly). Psycho II doesn’t try to outdo Hitchcock but instead honors his legacy while bridging the gap between the 1960 original and the slasher genre it inspired. Directed by Richard Franklin, a protégé of Hitchcock, and featuring Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles reprising their roles, the film cleverly extends Norman Bates’ story without rehashing it. This time, Norman is the protagonist...sort of.
While it’s impossible to match the original, Psycho II stands strong on its own, far surpassing expectations. It transformed Psycho from a standalone classic into a franchise, though none of the later entries came close to its quality.
Where to stream: Peacock
2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
Who would dare make a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece? Arthur C. Clarke, who co-developed the original story, continued it in a 1982 novel, paving the way for this film. While it can’t match the visual brilliance of the original, it delivers a compelling space odyssey with a stellar cast, exploring the mysteries left unresolved by the first film.
It attempts to explain the unexplainable, but it also highlights Cold War-era cooperation in the face of cosmic questions. The ending nearly rivals the original’s epic conclusion. If not for comparisons to Kubrick’s work, this film might be celebrated as a classic in its own right.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Color of Money (1986)
Martin Scorsese’s 1986 sequel to The Hustler stands as the only follow-up in his illustrious career, and his involvement alone speaks volumes about its quality. While the 1961 original is a cinematic gem, this sequel holds its own with a stellar cast led by Paul Newman, who reprises his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson, alongside Tom Cruise and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of The Hustler, it’s a compelling character-driven drama that honors Newman’s legendary performance.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The original Gremlins blended comedy with horror, but its sequel, released six years later, took a bold leap into absurdity. Director Joe Dante reunited much of the original cast to create a live-action cartoon that satirizes the very concept of sequels and franchise culture. While it’s not essential for fans of the first film, it’s a wildly entertaining and subversive take that defies expectations. Despite being a box office failure, it has since gained a cult following for its audacious creativity.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Exorcist III (1990)
For every successful horror film, there’s a line of executives eager to turn it into a franchise. The Exorcist was a story that needed no follow-up—it was complete and masterfully told. The 1977 disaster Exorcist II: The Heretic proved that. Yet, this 1990 sequel carved out its own niche by presenting an original tale, loosely tied to the first film. Directed by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the original novel and screenplay, it’s more introspective than expected, offering chilling moments and solid scares, bolstered by George C. Scott’s commanding performance.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock
The Godfather Part III (1992)
Francis Ford Coppola initially believed Michael Corleone’s story concluded with The Godfather Part II. However, pressured to create a third installment, he crafted an epilogue—a sprawling, three-hour summation rather than a continuation. Viewed in this light, it surpasses its reputation. The 2020 re-edit, The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone, clarifies its central theme: a tragic, operatic reflection on a man whose soul died long before his body.
Where to stream: Peacock, Sling TV
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
Freddy Krueger seemed finished after Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare in 1991, a box office and critical flop. Yet, Wes Craven, the creator of Freddy, returned with a bold meta-narrative that broke continuity. This film brings Freddy into the real world, haunting actress Heather Langenkamp and others. It revitalized the character, making him terrifying again and offering a dignified conclusion to the series. It also paved the way for Craven’s later reinvention of horror with Scream.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Ridley Scott’s original Blade Runner is a film endlessly dissected and re-edited, celebrated for its iconic visuals and the electric, if complicated, chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sean Young. A sequel seemed unnecessary, as any follow-up risked unraveling the mysteries that kept the original relevant for decades.
Despite mixed box office results, Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 stands as a testament to his craftsmanship. While it meanders more than its predecessor and lacks the same visual immediacy, it carves out its own identity with a distinct style and vision, making it a worthy successor.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Prime Video, Hulu
Halloween (2018)
This is the 11th installment in the Halloween franchise, the third to bear the simple title Halloween, and at least the fourth reboot. While the series could have been left alone, this entry brings back Jamie Lee Curtis and treats the material with a level of prestige, thanks to Blumhouse’s approach and John Carpenter’s involvement.
The film balances Laurie Strode’s trauma and Michael Myers’ rampage, focusing on the Strode family’s generational struggle. It’s a satisfying watch, especially when Laurie confronts the man who ruined her life, and sets the stage for further exploration of these characters.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Similar to the recent Halloween reboot, this film revives a declining series by bringing back a beloved actress, Linda Hamilton, who hasn’t reprised her iconic role since 1991’s Judgement Day. That film wrapped up the story perfectly, but after three lackluster sequels and a TV series, Sarah Conner returns, erasing the convoluted timeline. Despite the franchise’s decline, Dark Fate restores the gritty, nihilistic tone of the original, pairing Sarah with a strong new cast and delivering some of the series’ best action sequences. It serves as a fitting conclusion to a Sarah Conner-led trilogy.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+, Sling TV
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining left little unresolved, but Stephen King’s sequel novel, Doctor Sleep, expanded the story of Danny Torrance and introduced new psychokinetic characters. Director Mike Flanagan, known for thrillers like Hush and Oculus, faced the challenge of bridging King’s book and Kubrick’s film. The result is a seamless blend, honoring the novel while serving as a sequel to the movie. It revisits iconic locations like the Overlook Hotel and strikes a balance between King’s vision and Kubrick’s legacy, offering a compelling supernatural horror experience.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Prime Video, Hulu
