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Best Sequels Of All Time You Shouldn’t Miss After You’ve Seen The Originals
So you just watched a great movie. The protagonists have come to a (hopefully) happy ending to their challenges, and the story is finished. But what if you really want to know what happens next? Well, this is where sequels come in.
Sure, not every story requires a continuation, but still, there are some where even the filmmakers felt like they hadn’t said it all. Movie sequels are a nice way to revisit your favorite characters, live through another adventure, and see what hides behind the “happily ever after.” The problem, however, is that often sequels turn out to be not as interesting or charming as the original. Unfortunately, this happens more frequently than you would imagine. Whether it happens because the story is too thin or because the characters don’t develop beyond what they were in the first film, it is not the best experience for the audience.
That being said, some movies do get great sequels, and some even have sequels that are better than the original. If that’s the case, now you have another opportunity to remember why you liked the film in the first place and to see whether the filmmaker’s idea of what the characters would be doing after the events of the first movie coincided with yours.
We have collected some of the best movies with sequels as good as the originals. Which ones do you like the most? Do you think there is a sequel that ended up being better than the first film? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Toy Story 2
Toy Story 2
Director: Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich | 1999
Now that Woody and Buzz Lightyear have become friends, it seems like nothing will disrupt the peace in Andy’s toy room. But a series of events lead to Woody being stolen by a toy collector, so now Buzz has to recruit other toys to help him rescue Woody. Toy Story was a universally acclaimed animation, and many would say there was very little room for improvement left. Yet, the team behind the movie worked their magic and made Toy Story 2, a film that is considered to be one of few sequels better than the original.
Paddington 2
Paddington 2
Director: Paul King | 2017
After the events of the first movie, Paddington is happily settled with the Browns. The entire community likes him for his joyful demeanor and orange marmalade. Paddington saves up money to buy a pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. But when the book is stolen from the shop and Paddington is framed as the burglar, it is up to him, the Browns, and all their friends to find the real culprit and return Paddington his honest name. Paddington 2 is considered to be one of the best movie sequels that not only carried the legacy of the original but also made it a little better.
Paddington 1 and 2 were perfect in all aspects. The animation was gorgeous for a movie aimed at kids. Worth every minute.
Goldfinger
Goldfinger
Director: Guy Hamilton | 1964
“A martini. Shaken, not stirred.” You might not be a James Bond fan, and yet, you instantly recognized this phrase. Goldfinger was the first 007 film to use it. And though each Bond film may be viewed as a standalone piece from the series and not as a sequel, this one is considered to be superior to the two that came before it because it shaped James Bond the way we know him now. 007 investigates a gold-smuggling scheme and has to confront a gold magnate before the latter contaminates the gold depository in Fort Knox and obliterates the world economy.
Three Colors: Red
Three Colours: Red
Director: Krzysztof Kieslowski | 1994
The last installment in the Three Colours trilogy, Red was nominated for three Academy Awards. In the same manner Kieslowski employed throughout the trilogy, the film explores human relationships of every nature and destinies intertwined in the most intricate ways. Student and part-time model Valentine meets retired judge Kern, and though initially she is outraged by him eavesdropping on his neighbors, they form an unlikely friendship of sorts. Besides closing the trilogy, this film also became the last for the director who passed away two years after its release.
The Godfather, Part II
The Godfather Part II
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | 1974
One would think that outdoing Coppola’s first film of the mafia saga was next to impossible, but the filmmaker proved this wrong. The Godfather Part II switches between the challenges of Michael Corleone, the Don’s third son and the protagonist of the story, and the early years of Vito Corleone, his struggles in New York upon arrival, and his eventual rise to lead the mafia family. Same as the first part before it, this sequel remains one of the cornerstones of modern filmmaking.
I felt kinda bad for Michael, this wasn't the life that he wanted (when he was speaking with Kay in part 1) yet he's dragged straight back into it.
Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3
Director: Lee Unkrich | 2010
If the first sequel still has a chance to be as good as the original, most second sequels rarely manage to carry the momentum and often fail to produce a compelling story. Most, but not Toy Story 3. As Andy grows up and is getting ready to leave for college, all his toys except Woody accidentally find themselves in the trash instead of the attic. Misunderstanding Andy’s intentions, they carry out a plan to get to a daycare center which “never runs out of children.” Little do they know what dangers await them there.
Before Midnight
Before Midnight
Director: Richard Linklater | 2013
The third installment in the Before franchise, Before Midnight sees the protagonists, Jesse and Celine, married with children. While generally happy, they seem to be struggling to get over certain circumstances, like Jesse’s inability to bond with his teenage son from his previous marriage, and Celine finding herself at a career crossroads. Like the two films before it, the last part of the trilogy is heavily based on dialogues but never feels like it’s dragging.
I'd say the entire trilogy was really good. It wouldn't be everyone's favorite due to the slow pacing and conversational style but it's an amazing series of movies that feels so real because of the way it's filmed.
Bride Of Frankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
Director: James Whale | 1935
Picking up the story right where the first movie ended, Bride of Frankenstein follows Dr. Frankenstein as he, coerced by his former mentor, attempts to create a female that could later mate with the monster. Meanwhile, the monster is on the run from the villagers who want to finish him. As sad and devastating as the original, the sequel continues to raise the moral issue of creation.
Toy Story 4
Toy Story 4
Director: Josh Cooley | 2019
Toy Story might not be the movie with most sequels, but it does have many. From story to characters to cast, it manages to keep up the high standard that was set in the first movie. Now that Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys live with preschooler Bonnie, Woody struggles to find his place in the new environment, at the same time keeping himself busy trying to prevent Forky, Bonnie’s DIY toy, from finishing its own existence. Torn between his loyalty to Bonnie and his wish to stay with Bo Peep, with whom he reunited during a road trip, Woody will need all the help he can get from friends.
Aliens
A rewarding and understandable progression from sci-fi horror to sci-fi action adventure. Better than just trying to redo what was already perfect. I still prefer the original though.
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
I love these films, my dad is a Huge western fan and I grew up watching the likes of Clint, Lee van Cleef and Trinity films xx
Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Mission Impossible: Fallout
Director: Christopher McQuarrie | 2018
The Mission Impossible franchise continued to set the bar higher with each new film, and Fallout, the most recent installment, remains true to its standards. It has everything you would expect from an MI film: high stakes, breathtaking action, double-crossings, an omnipotent group of terrorists who plan to end civilization the way we know it, and of course, impersonation using masks. It is also widely considered to be the best film of the franchise.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Evil Dead 2
Supercop
Triad Election
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
Creed
Before Sunset
Incredibles 2
Shrek 2
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Avengers: Endgame
Spider-Man 2
Ant-Man And The Wasp
Deadpool 2
Star Wars: Episode Vi - Return Of The Jedi
Back To The Future Part III
I think this is where I started to get annoyed watching these, all too much the same type of story
For A Few Dollars More
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Thor: Ragnarok
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Avengers: Infinity War
22 Jump Street
The Bourne Supremacy
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom
Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit
Desperado
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Finding Dory
The Bourne Ultimatum
Captain America: Civil War
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
John Wick: Chapter 2
Ralph Breaks The Internet
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
Indy the Floors on Fire .... two of my fave crushes in the same film
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Probably one of the craziest of storylines but as a die hard Trekkie I loved it :)
Furious 7
Live Free Or Die Hard
Scream 2
Lethal Weapon 2
T2 Trainspotting
Kung Fu Panda 2
Batman Returns
Halloween
Fast Five
The Silence Of The Lambs
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Before Sunset
35 Up
Babe: Pig In The City
Magic Mike XXL
Star Trek VIII: First Contact
The Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift
Casino Royale
28 Weeks Later
Iron Man 3
Father Of The Bride Part II
Look Who's Talking Too
Three Men And A Little Lady
Airplane II : The Sequel
Die Hard With A Vengeance
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Doctor Sleep
The Matrix Resurrections
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Rambo: First Blood Part II
From Russia With Love
War For The Planet Of The Apes
The Dark Knight
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Logan
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Star Trek: First Contact
Mad Max 2
Dawn Of The Dead
Skyfall
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
Blade Runner 2049
The Dark Knight Rises
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
Star Trek Beyond
Star Trek Into Darkness
Kill Bill Vol. 2
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
The Raid 2
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith
The Conjuring 2
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
Wes Craven's New Nightmare
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
2046
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
Rocky II
Top Gun: Maverick
Happy Feet Two
The Devil's Rejects
The Matrix Reloaded
Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy
The Souvenir: Part II
The Purge: Anarchy
Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning
A Goofy Movie
Through The Olive Trees
Blade II
Playtime
Stolen Kisses
Return To Oz
Powaqqatsi
Drunken Master II
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Quatermass And The Pit
Ocean's Twelve
Once Upon A Time In China II
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls
Addams Family Values
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
The Trip To Italy
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time
The Look Of Silence
After The Thin Man
Pusher II : With Blood On My Hands
Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed
The Revenge Of Frankenstein
Final Destination 2
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Dracula Has Risen From The Grave
O Lucky Man!
A Better Tomorrow II
Shaft’s Big Score!
Samurai III: Duel At Ganryu Island
The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
Snoopy Come Home
Funeral In Berlin
The Best Man Holiday
Predator 2
Step Up 3D
No Time To Die
Rocky Balboa
Bad Boys For Life
Scary Movie 2
Scary Movie 3
The Naked Gun 2 1/2
A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
Halloween III: Season Of The Witch
Infernal Affairs II
Manon Of The Spring
Day Of The Dead
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Men In Black II
Psycho II
Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo
Blumhouse's The Craft: Legacy
Bill & Ted Face The Music
Mary Poppins Returns
Candyman
How To Train Your Dragon 2
Saraband
X-Men: Days Of Future Past
10 Cloverfield Lane
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
In The Mood For Love
The Color Of Money
Thunderball
Kung Fu Panda 3
Superman II
The 80’s Superman 2 was the best !! Uggghh it was so good I want to watch it now !