It’s almost impossible to make a sequel that is better than the first film. The pressure to surpass something already regarded as a masterpiece is heavy, and most filmmakers fail at this. However, some movie sequels did manage to achieve the impossible and become even greater than the originals. It might take a while for them to hit the theaters, but they are worth the wait.
Scroll down and find out how these movie sequels become way better than the first films. Can you spot your favorite flicks on the list?
We got to see a Wolverine who was on the verge of death. All the pain in his life and his raw emotions were beautifully portrayed on screen. Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart’s performances were amazing. If this was Jackman's last performance in the X-Men universe, then he truly went out with a bang.
Daniel Craig made a great 007, Eva Green was the perfect femme fatale, and Mads Mikkelsen 100% nailed his role as a Bond villain. Of course, Casino Royale scored a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and hit $600 million at the box office!
Do you agree that these movie sequels are much better than the original, or do you think the first movies are still superior? For more interesting facts about iconic movies and behind-the-scenes stories, check out our previous post here.
Scroll down and find out how these movie sequels become way better than the first films. Can you spot your favorite flicks on the list?
1. Logan
Source: 20th Century Fox/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Wolverine appeared in nine X-Men films, but he only got his chance to truly become a legend after the 2017 movie Logan. The movie finally allowed the character to thrive in an R-rated environment, which gave us some of the darkest and most brutal plotlines ever.We got to see a Wolverine who was on the verge of death. All the pain in his life and his raw emotions were beautifully portrayed on screen. Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart’s performances were amazing. If this was Jackman's last performance in the X-Men universe, then he truly went out with a bang.
2. The Dark Knight
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
More than a decade after its first release, Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy remains one of the best movie franchises ever. The Dark Knight was the best of the bunch. Ledger's portrayal of Joker stays as one of the best villain performances in cinema history. He was hysterical, charming, cunning, and mesmerizing every second he was onscreen. Years later and no Batman movie has managed to surpass this film.3. Thor: Ragnarok
Source: Marvel/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
The first Thor movie was a huge flop, so Chris Hemsworth and Taika Waititi decided to change things up a little in the 2017 sequel. Thanks to their choices, Thor: Ragnarok was a big hit. The movie kept the hilarious tone of the comic books but also showed some brutal tragic moments of the Thunder God. Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Tessa Thompson are great additions to the franchise.4. Mad Max: Fury Road
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Fury Road is one of the best movie sequels that we’ll ever get. Not only did it surpass its predecessors, but it also brought the entire franchise to a new height as one of the greatest action films ever made. Mad Max: Fury Road gave us stunning visuals and amazing performances, especially Charlize Theron's Imperator Furiosa. It took 30 years for the sequel to come out, but it’s truly worth the wait.5. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Source: Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Mission: Impossible - Fallout might be the sixth entry in the franchise, but it’s the best movie yet. Came out 22 years after the first film, Fallout brought back a lot of familiar faces and gave us some of the juiciest action scenes in Hollywood. The story was very engaging, and Henry Cavill was an absolute powerhouse in this film.6. Casino Royale
Source: Sony Pictures Releasing/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Casino Royale was the breakthrough that James Bond needed. The franchise has failed to attract new audiences after its last couple of installments. This sequel was the necessary change to turn the series into a modern-day action movie.Daniel Craig made a great 007, Eva Green was the perfect femme fatale, and Mads Mikkelsen 100% nailed his role as a Bond villain. Of course, Casino Royale scored a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and hit $600 million at the box office!
7. Spider-Man 2
Source: Sony Pictures Releasing/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
The first Spider-Man movie is iconic, but the second one is legendary. Spider-Man 2 really hammers the idea of “with great power comes great responsibility.” It shows us Peter Parker’s struggles and his tragic life so well that we can’t help but empathize with him. Plus, Doc Ock’s performance as the movie’s main antagonist was amazing.8. Shrek 2
Source: DreamWorks Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
DreamWorks created Shrek 2 by keeping all the things that make the first movie so good, while also adding other fun and new elements. No wonder why the sequel came out as the greatest movie of the franchise! Shrek 2 was the highest-grossing film of 2004 and it continued to hold the title of the highest-grossing animated film ever in the United States for over a decade.9. Toy Story 3
Source: Walt Disney Studios/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Another great cartoon sequel is Toy Story 3. It could have been such a great ending for a long and memorable journey. The beloved toys get passed on to another kid in the neighborhood, but not before a college-bound Andy said his final goodbye. The montage was super emotional. Toy Story 4 was good, but we doubted that it had a chance of topping the third movie.10. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Source: Tri-Star Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is far better than the original. Sarah Connor transformed from a damsel in distress into a total badass. She was unafraid to sacrifice everything to protect her son from any killing machines in the future. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a hunter to a protector. His performance was one of the best emotional portrayals on the silver screen.Do you agree that these movie sequels are much better than the original, or do you think the first movies are still superior? For more interesting facts about iconic movies and behind-the-scenes stories, check out our previous post here.