Movie sequels are, in many ways, Hollywood’s attempt to squeeze every penny they can from their original investments. They often just get thrown out there while moviegoers still remember the original, which often ends up with a disappointment.
But sometimes, a sequel will actually manage to improve the original creation. Be it a better budget, better technology or just a more confident vision, there are sequels that even give you more value for your money.
In order to show you that there are follow-ups that are definitely worth your time, we prepared a list of top 10 sequels that are better than the original.
X-Men 2 (2003)
Sequel to: X-Men (2000)
X-Men franchise is surely one of the best superhero franchises out there. The sequel manages to bring even more energy to the plot and to introduce more interesting characters. The action is still there as Mutant Academy is under attack by military forces, and the X-Men try to find the assassin who attempted to kill President.
Evil Dead II (1987)
Sequel to: Evil Dead (1981)
The first one was a classic, the second one was a masterpiece. Evil Dead II is a sequel that holds a healthy mixture of comedy, violence, blood, and gore as a group of strangers find themselves shacked up in a cabin while mayhem continues outside.
Friday The 13th Part 2 (1981)
Sequel to: Friday The 13th (1980)
The original established this slasher franchise, but the sequel went a step further and introduced one of the most famous and notorious serial killers of all time, Jason Voorhees, and his hockey mask. The dark atmosphere, the action, the blood and gore, everything is there for a bigger and better sequel.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
Sequel to: Toy Story (1995)
We also have animated movies on our list of top 10 sequels that are better than the original. The first Toy Story movie is great, but the sequel improves on everything and gives that emotional bond with the toys. When Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends embark on a rescue mission.
Blade II (2002)
Sequel to: Blade (1998)
The first Blade movie stars Wesley Snipes as a superhero who fights vampires. The role made him famous, but the sequel made him a legend. Forming an unusual alliance with the vampires he despises, he has to stop the Reapers, a more terrifying threat to the world.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Sequel to: Star Trek: The Motion Picture
The first Star Trek movie was a bit disappointing but still a box office success. The sequel, however, brings everything fans have hoped for. Admiral Kirk must stop Khan Noonien Singh, his old nemesis, from using ultimate weapon to dominate the galaxy. Action, emotions, and space voyage were all balanced nicely for a classical masterpiece.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Sequel to: Spider-Man (2002)
The original did a good job in setting up the world of Spider-Man and Peter Parker. The sequel did all that plus upped the action, as well as gave us one of the most iconic villains in the superhero world, Dr. Otto Octavius.
The Dark Knight (2009)
Sequel to: Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan had a tough job of beating his first movie. But with the help of Heath Ledger’s brilliant performance as The Joker, this sequel can be called a worthy successor. Batman’s psychological and physical abilities will be put to the test as Joker wreaks havoc on Gotham.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Sequel to: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The original has set some high standards and precedents, but the sequel brought more action, as rebels where overpowered by the Empire forces on planet Hoth. Relations between characters were deepened and we were given a deeper look into the Star Wars universe.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Sequel to: The Terminator (1984)
We end our list of top 10 sequels that are better than the original with an absolute all-time classic. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns in his iconic role of the Terminator. With a better budget and the initial idea, James Cameron managed to overcome the original. Terminator is now on a mission to save Sarah Connor’s son, John Connor, from a powerful and more advanced cyborg.
