There are certain sequels, remakes, and adaptations that not only respected their roots but managed to outshine the classics. These films prove that in the world of cinema, sometimes, the follow-up can be even more spectacular than the original. Here’s a list of 18 movie sequels that were better than the original:
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Arnold Schwarzenegger brought action to The Terminator (1984), but he brought on extra soul in Terminator 2 (1991). The Terminator is portrayed as a good guardian angel who’s sent to protect the son of Sarah Connor. It was the highest-grossing film of 1991 and won multiple awards.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
This movie sequel to The Godfather (1972) got the award for Best Picture after its release. Francis Ford Coppola’s first Godfather was good enough, but the second was simply phenomenal. Mario Puzo would have been proud.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Though How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) was released four years after the first, it was nothing short of a masterpiece. The animation was better, and the story deepened with the romance involving Cate Blanchett’s Valka and Gerard Butler’s Stoick.
High School Musical 2 (2007)
The real summer did begin in High School Musical 2. Taking the cast out of the halls of a school and the show of real-life teenage challenges made this sequel better than High School Musical (2006).
Mad Max: The Road Warrior (1981)
The Road Warrior is so good that people even forget it’s a sequel. Sure, Mad Max wowed us with spectacular stunts and actions. However, this sci-fi piece about Max defending an oil refinery is simply a masterpiece.
Superman II (1980)
Everyone liked the first Superman movie because it was a good introduction to cool superheroes. The sequel, Superman II, was just as impressive. It did quite well at the box office and is regarded as one of Reeves’s best performances.
Paddington 2 (2018)
Animated films seem to always get good sequels, and it’s no different here. The first Paddington (2014) was already one of the best-reviewed films in Rotten Tomatoes history. However, Paddington II came back even better, equally warming its way into the hearts of many viewers.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Frankenstein (1931) received such a huge reception that director James Whale was offered a free creative license to produce a sequel. Whale did just that and directed Bride of Frankenstein. The film follows Frankenstein as a guardian of “a little bride.”
Fast Five (2011)
Fast Five turned the series into a full-fledged franchise that has grossed more than $1.5 billion at the box office. Toretto’s family was expanded in this fifth installment by reintroducing characters from the previous movies. The stunts were also bigger and better than Fast & Furious 4.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
To be honest, the first Top Gun (1986) was not the greatest movie. So, people didn’t know how to feel about the announcement of a sequel. Not only did Maverick become a hit, but it also catalyzed nostalgic feelings around the original ‘80s film.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Nicholas Meyer’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan highlighted the repercussions of human nature, unlike the first. It highlights how revenge and spite can ruin good things. The film features charming friendship moments and the greatest villain in Star Trek lore.
Toy Story 2 (1999) & Toy Story 3 (2010)
For a movie that wasn’t originally intended for the theaters, Toy Story 2 became a massive hit. The animation got better, and there was growth in the storytelling, making the film just as beloved as the first. Eleven years later, Pixar did it again with Toy Story 3.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back was a more mature sequel to the 1977 Star Wars. It was pensive and more character-driven. All the lead actors had amazing performances, and the romantic connection between Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher brought some extra magic.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
Seth Rogen truly shows he knows his comedy in Sorority Rising. By swapping the fraternity (in the first movie) for a sorority, Seth made us laugh harder. Some of the best jokes from Neighbors (2014) are also retweaked and added to this sequel.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008) surpassed Batman Begins (2005) in all ramifications and is regarded as one of the great American crime films. The battle between Batman and the Joker reflected terrorism and law enforcement in the post-9/11 years and explored the principles of order and civility.
The Raid 2 (2014)
The Raid: Redemption (2011) was a simple action movie, but the sequel brought in more than action with new intricacies and emotional storytelling. The Raid 2 (2014) tells the story of a cop going undercover to take down crime syndicates.
Rocky II (1979)
Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone came back in this sequel with better fight sequences and more intriguing storytelling. Rocky and Apollo Creed go at it for a second time and pull off an even more incredible ending than what they managed in the first movie.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Of all the installments in the Hunger Games film series, Catching Fire stands out. It improved on the original movie and added more thrill and polish. Critics have also said it felt more confident, and it remains one of the most acclaimed movies in the entire series.
