Since this week is the release of two sequels (Zombieland: Double Tap and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), TCR has made a list of the best sequels in film history. This list is not ordered and is second parts from a franchise, so three-part films will not be listed.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day - While the first film is excellent in its own right, the sequel is a masterpiece, superior to the original, and the greatest action film of all time. James Cameron outdid himself with this sequel due to its game-changing visual/practical effects, action sequences, plot, character development (particularly Sarah Connor), villain and performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong.
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| Image from Carolco Pictures |
The Godfather Part II - The Godfather movies are the most influential films of all time, but between the three films, Part II is by far the best out of the trilogy. The storytelling of Michael Corleone's descent from innocence to crime is fantastic, and Robert De Niro's performance as a younger Vito Corleone is a highlight for the film. With beautiful cinematography, character development, storytelling, and acting by Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and Robert De Niro makes this film the superior Godfather film.
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| Image from Paramount Pictures |
Spider-Man 2 - Even though the first Spider-Man movie kickstarted the superhero film renaissance, the sequel became an instant classic and significant influence on the genre. The film did an excellent job of portraying Peter Parker's struggle of managing his personal life and duties as Spider-Man with clever writing and convincing performance by Tobey Maguire. With incredible visual effects, epic fight scenes (especially the subway scene), and the brilliant performance by Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus makes this sequel superior to the original.
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| Image from Sony Pictures |
Toy Story 2 - The first Toy Story film paved the way for CGI animation and created the Pixar empire, but its sequel is a masterpiece in both animation and storytelling. Avoiding the buddy/comedic themes the first film established, this sequel became more emotional as it went further into the Toy's role in life. Jessie's backstory is a testament to Pixar's storytelling, and the chemistry between Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) is iconic in its own right. Toy Story 2 is the film that convinced the Academy Awards to create the best-animated film category, and it makes one of Pixar's best films.
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| Image from Pixar Studios |
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| Image from Universal Studios |
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - Hands down the best Star Wars film in the saga, Empire Strikes Back is one of the most iconic movies ever made and an example of a superior sequel. The film is known for its shift in tone, character development, and mature thematic elements in regards to Luke's struggles between the light and dark side. Even though everyone knows the infamous plot twist, it's still an impacting moment in cinema history and one that will be talked about for many years to come.
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| Image from Lucasfilms |
The Dark Knight - Known for being the greatest superhero film of all time, The Dark Knight paved the way for the superhero genre due to its action sequences, screenplay, score, and performances. The real highlight of the film is Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker and the dark tone set for Batman, avoiding the campy tone from the disastrous Batman and Robin. With Christopher Nolan's direction and good storytelling, The Dark Knight made a significant impact on superhero movies, and the genre wouldn't be where it is today.
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| Image from Warner Bros Studios |
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Regarded by some as the best film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: The Winter Soldier changed the universe as a whole by the shocking revelation that Shield is Hydra. This sequel expertly became more of a political thriller than a superhero flick, and with the inclusion of the Russo Brothers as directors made this sequel a vast improvement from its predecessor. The chemistry of Chris Evans, Scarlette Johannson, and Anthony Mackie is top-notch, and the action sequences were spot on, especially the fight scenes between Captain America and Winter Soldier.
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| Image from Marvel Studios |
Shrek 2 - The first Shrek film became an instant hit due to its smart humor for both children and adults and for poking fun to various Disney animated films. However, the filmmakers and animators outdid themselves with this sequel with Shrek 2 by bringing more of the same humor the first one did. With the introduction of new characters such as Puss in Boots, improved animation, swashbuckling action, and musical numbers (I Need a Hero), Shrek 2 is by far better than the original.
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| Image from Dreamwork Animation |
Aliens - Another superior sequel by James Cameron, Aliens, transitioned itself from horror to action/sci-fi and a worthy successor to Ridley Scott's horror masterpiece. Sigourney Weaver returns in a career-defining performance as Ellen Ripley, and this sequel alone established herself as an action film icon. With the inclusion of many Xenomorphs, incredible practical/visual effects (looking at you Alien Queen) and breathtaking action scenes make this sequel better than the original.
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| Image from 20th Century Fox |
Blade Runner: 2049 - While many believed that the sequel to Blade Runner wouldn't reach the same heights the original did for the sci-fi genre, the film would later become an instant classic. Blade Runner: 2049 is one of the most visually striking films in recent memory, and its all thanks to Dennis Villeneuve directing and Roger Deakins' award-winning cinematography. With its heavy subject matter on existential philosophy, performances by Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Harrison Ford and visual effects, Blade Runner: 2049 is by far superior to the original and the most underrated film of the decade.
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| Image from Warner Bros. Studios |
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