10 Best sequels of all time
23 April 2021
There are two types of sequels in the movie industry, ones that are a continuation of the story e.g. Godfather 2 and the others that are more an addition or spin off.
But are sequels unfairly treated, given a reputation of not being able to live up to their predecessor? An original movie might smash the box office and get spectacular reviews, becoming an instant classic - but does that mean that the sequel fails to live up to the original? We think sequels get a bad rep here! If you loved the first movie, don’t you want to see more of that world? Read more here.
There are two types of sequels in the movie industry, ones that are a continuation of the story e.g. Godfather 2 and the others that are more an addition or spin off.
But are sequels unfairly treated, given a reputation of not being able to live up to their predecessor? An original movie might smash the box office and get spectacular reviews, becoming an instant classic - but does that mean that the sequel fails to live up to the original? We think sequels get a bad rep here! If you loved the first movie, don’t you want to see more of that world?
Below is a selection of sequels we believe have lived up to the hype and success of their predecessor, in no particular order. We should mention that some movies from successful franchises have been left out, its not that we don’t like films like Star Trek or Fast & Furious but they have their own cult following.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Following on from the 1995 hit film Jumanji, four teenagers find an old video game, lurking abandoned in a dark basement. The game pulls them in, using the same irresistible and iconic drum beat calling from before, and they find themselves trapped in a virtual world full of danger. In order to escape back to their real world, they have to play through the game and most importantly…survive. Starring Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Dwayne Johnson. A modern take on the original story, this hilarious, heart-racing sequel brings the iconic board-game to the current era of video-games, with countless cultural references and irreverent humour.
We’re currently showing the newest Jumanji movie, the sequel to this much-loved sequel, at our Drive-in cinema in London! Check out the screening schedule for JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL.
Terminator 2 (1991)
Released in 1991, Terminator 2: Judgement Day is the follow up to the now cult hit 1984 film, The Terminator. In the original film good old Arnie Schwarzenegger, the Terminator, was eventually unsuccessful in “terminating” or Sarah Connor and her child, the future saviour of the human race. This second film zips forward, to 10 years later, when Sarah’s son is a healthy young boy, being raised unaware of his heroic destiny. When a newer, more powerful terminator is sent back from the future to finish the job, Arnie returns in a shocking twist, as the stoic anti-hero – ready to save the day! He’ll be back…
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Following up on the much-loved Toy Story and Toy Story 2 was no easy task! But the third film in this kids’ classic franchise is just as good, if not better. In this film, Woody and Buzz’s owner, Andy, is all grown up and heading for college. As he prepares to move, he packs up his toys and sends them to the loft - but horror of horrors – the toys accidentally end up at a day-care centre instead.
Faced with untamed, messy and annoying toddlers, who haven’t learned how to treat their toys with kindness or…grace, the toys band together to plot their escape. Full of joy, family fun and heart-warming moments, Toy Story 3 is one sequel not to be missed.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The epic conclusion: The Return of the King is the final part of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here we see the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil, fighting for control of the future of “Middle-earth”.
Our hobbit heroes, Frodo, Sam and (ex-hobbit) Gollum make their final journey towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, unaware of Gollum's true intentions. At the same time the great wizard Gandalf, true king Aragorn, elf-prince Legolas, and the dwarven warrior Gimli join forces with the rest of Middle Earth against Sauron and his legions in Minas Tirith. Expect epic fight scenes, high fantasy and tears galore.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The electrifying sequel to the 2011 superhero flick, Captain America: The First Avenger, this film follows a WW2 supersoldier, Steve Rogers, who struggles to adjust to his new role after waking up from a frozen slumber, decades later, in the modern world. He joins forces with good friend Black Widow, and a new hero, Falcon, to uncover a conspiracy within the spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D. If only they could get past the mysterious assassin known as the Winter Soldier. And if only Steve could figure out why he seems so familiar…
The Dark Knight (2008)
This film is the second in Christopher Nolan’s explosive The Dark Knight Trilogy. Set a few months after Bruce Wayne aka (spoiler alert!) Batman and his close allies are given a brief moment of reprieve, following their victory over the supervillains terrorising Gotham City in Batman Begins. It’s only the calm before the storm however. In this now iconic sequel, they are quickly undermined and outmanoeuvred at every turn by a mysterious and sadistic criminal mastermind known only as "The Joker", flawlessly brought to life by the great Heath Ledger.
Pushed to almost breaking point, Batman has to re-think everything he knows about what it means to be a hero in order to stop the Joker.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The long awaited for Marvel film was the 22nd (22nd!) in the franchise, and followed quickly on from the 2018 film Avengers Infinity War – this flm is both a sequel and the second instalment of a two-part superhero rollercoaster. Galactic tyrant, Thanos caused so much damage and disaster to the universe in the first film, and now the remaining Avengers assemble once more, with a few new allies, to right the terrible wrongs that shocked so many in 2018.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
An absolute classic! This was the second film in The God Father Trilogy, based on the iconic book by Mario Puzo. This film portrays the early life and burgeoning criminal career of Vito Corleone, founder and patriarch of the Corleone crime syndicate, in New York during the 1920s, at the same time as his son Michael Corleone expands and tightens his grip on the family in present day. With a stunning soundtrack, gripping characters and intense actions scenes, this sequel was critically acclaimed upon its release, and some even claim it to be better than the first!
Shrek 2 (2004)
Sequel to the 2001 movie Shrek, in this whacky instalment Shrek, Donkey and Fiona set off to meet Fiona’s family after their wedding. But not all are happy to see the newlyweds. Fiona’s parents are shocked to find their new son-in-law is a swamp dwelling ogre! And Fiona's zealous Fairy Godmother wants Fiona to marry her own son, the foppish Prince Charming. When their dastardly plot threatens to destroy Shrek and Fiona's marriage, Shrek and Donkey team up with Puss in Boots to save the fairy tale day! Featuring one infamous fight scene with a magical giant gingerbread man, a swashbuckling cat, and Jennifer Saunders singing ‘Holding Out For A Hero’…You know the one. Don’t try to deny it.
Blade II (2002)
After saving the human race from Vampires in the first film in 1998, Blade now has to save humans AGAIN – this time from a mutated and more dangerous version of Vampires – Reapers. But just in case you thought his job was easy, when victims of this mutated Vampire specie survive, they turn into Reapers as well! Psych!
Blade can’t fight them by himself so he’s forced into an alliance with his mortal enemies, The Bloodpack, an elite team of vampires trained in all modes of combat to defeat the Reaper threat.
Wonder Woman 1984
This highly anticipated superhero sequel to Wonder Woman (2017) is a heart pumping, high jumping, Amazonian joy-ride, full to the brim of superhero thrills! And the great news is, you can watch it now. Right now! Playing at our Drive in Theatre in London, check out our weekly schedule for Wonder Woman 1984 to see our most up to date screenings.
Want to watch movies live as lockdown eases? Then come and join us at the London drive through cinema. Book your tickets today!