Years back, sequels were the hind-end of filmmaking. They were nothing more than a cash-in of the original film’s success. Just to fulfill the desires of audiences, Hollywood would play it safe. They would practically remake the original film with some of the same actors. Perhaps, if the actors weren’t available or turned down the sequel, Hollywood would get actors to replace them. Then, with the help of such great sequels as Aliens, The Empire Strikes Back and T2, Hollywood started to rethink how they made sequels.
There are trilogies like the Star Wars trilogy or Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is whole series of sequels; such as the Star Trek films or Bond films. Any one of the movies in a series or trilogy can be better than anything before or after it. Here is a list of American movie sequels that I have come to love and respect.
Aliens
With his brilliant philosophy on making sequels, James Cameron knew he could not do justice to Alien and feel secure as a filmmaker if he just made another Alien knock off. This time, it was no longer going to be the same claustrophobic thriller in space. This time, it was war.
Cameron, with the help of Giler and Hill, created the story. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) would return to face the terrifying creature or creatures in this case, once more. Instead of a senseless “one man army” theme, these storytellers dropped our heroine in the company of colonial marines, men and women armed to the teeth. They gave Ellen Ripley a backstory that would surface unfortunately much later when the special edition of the film arrived on Laserdisc. Then, to solidify this tale as a classic, these great storytellers put a helpless little girl in the arms of Ellen Ripley.
The colonial marines include Lieutenant Gorman (William Hope), Sergeant Apone (Al Matthews), Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Terminator star, Michael Biehn), Private Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein), Private Hudson (Bill Paxton), and Private Drake (Mark Rolston). Each character was unique. In a group, they were almost ego-maniacal. Then, once they were put to the test, when it all hit the fan, when they weren’t the most “badass” group in space anymore, their humanity started to shine.
Why is Aliens one of the greatest sequels?
It’s simple. Aliens is anything but a knock off of Alien. It is very respectful of the original by maintaining some of the visual style created by Ridley Scott. While continuing the story that Dan O’Bannon created, Aliens simply delivers a different kind of experience. Aliens stands wonderfully on its own and stands wonderfully as one of 3 sequels to Alien.
The Godfather: Part II
Directed by Frances Ford Coppola, The Godfather story continues after the death of Vito Corleone, after his son, Michael took power over the family in this dynamic and brilliantly told film. It was released in 1974. The film went on to win 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Unlike the original, The Godfather: Part II is split into two stories. On one hand, we are shown how Michael deals with betrayal from his friends and family. On the other hand, we’re given a look back at the rise of Vito Corleone.
Robert De Niro is one of the brand new faces in the film, starring as the younger, more brutal Vito Corleone. Al Pacino returns to the role that made him a star, Michael Corleone. His adopted brother, Tom Hagen is once again played by Robert Duvall. Diane Keaton returns as Michael’s wife, Kay. Talia Shire comes back to play Michael’s sister, Connie and John Cazale returns as Fredo. The question is who among all of the people betrayed Michael? You’ll have to see the film to find out.
Why is The Godfather: Part II one of the greatest sequels?
Many people have speculated whether this film is even better than the original Godfather. Purists can’t get over the talented performance of Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone in the 1972 Best Picture winner. That right there is another reason why The Godfather 2 is one of the greatest sequels. Very few sequels in film history have won an Oscar for Best Picture. Since the same writer and director of The Godfather came back to adapt the second Mario Puzo novel, that is definitely respectable. If anything, The Godfather: Part II holds up perfectly next to its predecessor. That by itself is no easy task for most sequels. By itself, The Godfather: Part II is a masterpiece of cinema. As a sequel, it’s one of a few untouchable masterpieces.
The Empire Strikes Back or Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
After Star Wars, George Lucas was probably swimming in money. The film made well over 200 million at the box office in 1977. That’s over 1 billion dollars today if you adjusted for inflation. People went back to see the film, over and over again. But, there was something missing. Everyone in the theater knew couldn’t end with Star Wars. There had to be a sequel. We had to see more of Han Solo, more of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, and of course, more of the evil dark lord, Darth Vader.
In 1979, audiences got their wish. Harrison Ford came back as Han Solo. Mark Hamill returned to play Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher came back as Princess Leia. This time, their story seemed darker, their lives seemed harder and the thrills seemed to be even more powerful. In the first film, Darth Vader basically nothing more than a puppet. In The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader plays the most sinister villain ever to walk in front of the camera. He also surprises the audience with one big whopper of a secret.
Why is The Empire Strikes Back one of the greatest sequels?
George Lucas, writer Lawrence Kasdan and director Irvin Kershner redefined how sequels should be made. After Empire, everyone who went to sequels expected at least one surprise in story or structure. The film almost made the original masterpiece, Star Wars look like a joke, it was so expertly crafted and executed. Characters seemed to have more depth. The story definitely had more to say. And, the sight of Han Solo turned into a block of carbonite is the most painful experience you’ll have in the entire Star Wars saga.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
James Cameron, the master of sequels returns to the Terminator saga after 6 years. Demanded by hordes of fans, the story set forth by The Terminator in 1984 continues in what was later dubbed, T2. Working on a much higher budget than he had for The Terminator, writer and director James Cameron gave us a look into the very heart of humanity. In T2, the film literally questions what makes us human with great and powerful sublety.
The continued story of Sarah Connor as played brilliantly once again by Linda Hamilton is not an easy role in T2. She’s basically insane now. Where she was a delicate flower in The Terminator, Hamilton’s Sarah Connor is a rock hard super woman in the sequel. Her physical attributes speak for themselves, but Linda’s performance really shows that this woman has the fate of the world on her shoulders. Then, there is the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, making a grand entrance by busting up a biker bar. This time, Schwarzenegger’s Terminator is a good guy, much to the disappointment of some skeptics and excitement of some sequel lovers like myself. The villain is one of the brand new faces in this saga, a T-1000 as played to perfection by the mysterious and cat-like Robert Patrick. John Connor is introduced as a 10-year-old boy who is much too big for his britches, played brilliantly by newcomer, Edward Furlong. Joe Morton gives his first stellar performance as the scientist, Miles Dyson.
Why is Terminator 2: Judgment Day one of the greatest sequels?
While continuing the story he created in 1984, James Cameron shakes a few things up and solidifies T2 as a masterpiece on its own merits. Not only that, but you can easily say Terminator 2 beats the original in almost every way. The only thing that sets these brilliant films apart is the intentions of the Terminator character. As I’ve pointed out a few times, the tone and atmosphere of these films lie in the hands of the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger. If he’s bad, the film is made to be dark and scary. If he is good, the film feels cold and machine-like while also a bit positive. Simply put, T2 is hands down one of the greatest films and greatest sequels ever produced.
Bride of Frankenstein
Director James Whale returns to the saga that he helped create in 1931 with Frankenstein. Released in 1935, told by Mary Shelley as played by Elsa Lanchester, this continuation of the legendary horror story may not fit the novel exactly, but Bride of Frankenstein is a masterpiece regardless. This time, the Monster is lonely. This time, the Monster speaks. This time, the Monster somehow turns into a self-sacrificing thinker. The evolution of Boris Karloff’s legendary Frankenstein Monster is some of the most spectacular acting you’ll see in any sequel.
Why is Bride of Frankenstein one of the greatest sequels?
First of all, I think this film is the first truly great sequel. Second of all, James Whale was finally able to put a soundtrack to the film. The moody themes in the score perfectly fit some of the newest characters; such as the Bride and Doctor Pretorius as played to chilling perfection by Ernest Thesiger. Let’s not forget, some of the special effects in Bride of Frankenstein were well before their time. But, the biggest improvement of this sequel is the Monster himself. Before, he was almost a coward and animalistic in his fury. Now, Karloff’s Monster has motivation.
X2: X-Men United
Bryan Singer returns to direct this stunning sequel to a film that brought credibility back to movies with comic book superheroes. The story is brilliantly continued after the events of X-Men. Magneto is still in his plastic prison. Wolverine is still trying to find his past. Rogue still wants to be able to touch people, especially her new boyfriend, Ice Man. But, this time, we’ve got a new kind of villain, William Stryker, an evil man hell bent on wiping out all mutants.
The original cast returns. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, Ian KcKellen as Magneto, Halle Berry as Storm, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, James Marsden as Cyclops and Anna Paquin as Rogue are all better than ever in X2. As the original X-Men proved, it’s a great ensemble, but they never worked together better than they do in this truly awesome sequel.
Why is X2: X-Men United one of the greatest sequels?
The story is stronger. The acting is even more believable. Characters are fleshed out better than ever. The action, especially the scenes with Wolverine, is the most intense and exciting action in the entire X-Men saga and there have been a total of four films. Simply put, X2 is better than the original. It was once called the greatest superhero movie ever made. Given the bombardment of superhero movies Hollywood has thrown at us, that’s a pretty profound statement.
Road Warrior or Mad Max 2
Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Australia, Mel Gibson returns in the role that made him a superstar, Max. In the first film, Max was mad over the murder of his wife and son. In Road Warrior, Max is almost an animal. He’s a rogue, a cynic, a drifter with only one motivation. He’s out to find gasoline by any means necessary. He loves his dog. He loves his car. These two things are all Max has left. So, you can imagine how angry Max was when the bad guys killed his dog. In this profound sequel, Max agrees to help a small community of people who happen to be sitting on a gold mine of gasoline escape, and survive the terrors of The Humungus and his band of maniacs.
Mel Gibson’s Max is the only returning character in Road Warrior. The Gyro Captain as played by Bruce Spence is introduced in Road Warrior and resurrected for the third film, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. So many other great Australian character actors can be found in Road Warrior, including Max Phipps as The Toadie, Vernon Wells as Wez and Emil Minty as The Feral Kid. But, this is and always will be Mel Gibson’s movie.
Why is Road Warrior one of the greatest sequels?
Quite frankly, the first film, Mad Max is almost uninteresting by comparison. The post-apocalyptic environment of Road Warrior set a new standard for this kind of film. Mad Max featured cops in Australia who simply couldn’t handle crazies on motorcycles. Road Warrior gives audiences a look at what our future could actually become if gasoline went scarce and there was no longer any authority left in the world. It’s a brilliant sequel to a really good action film. By itself, Road Warrior is a landmark of science-fiction.
Directed by Pixar master, John Lasseter and co-directed by Ash Brannon, this sequel takes the revolutionary CGI animation of Toy Story to new heights with an even more compelling and great new characters. Of course, Tom Hanks returns as Woody, Tim Allen comes back to play Buzz Lightyear, Jim Varney plays Slinky Dog one last time and Don Rickles brings life back to Mr. Potato Head. It’s these characters or toys that can bring out the child in anyone watching the film. However, Joan Cusack as Jessie and Kelsey Grammar as Stinky Pete the Prospector shake things up as the newest characters in this toy story.
Why is Toy Story 2 one of the greatest sequels?
The first film was about Buzz Lightyear’s realization that he is in fact, a toy. It’s not the most compelling plot. But, Toy Story 2 is about Hanks’s Woody as he comes to feel a sense of belonging in the hands of a baffoon-like toy collector. We all want to feel a sense of belonging or find the place we can call home at one point in our lives. That makes the story of Toy Story 2 so much more profound than its predecessor and one of the greatest sequels ever made.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Extended Cut)
The third film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is not better than the original, Fellowship of the Ring, it’s simply bigger. It’s the film that gave the entire saga a total of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Writer and director, Peter Jackson once again adapts the Lord of the Rings final act with expert craftsmanship, but the real question is whether or not each film can stand on its own merits. Does an audience need to see Fellowship of the Ring or The Two Towers to fully understand what’s going on in Return of the King?
The answer is no. But, Return of the King may be the best continuation or in this case, conclusion of a trilogy since The Empire Strikes Back. I especially recommend the 4-hour extended cut of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There are so many missing pieces to the theatrical cuts of each film in this trilogy, it blew my mind. In the end, the best reason to call Return of the King one of the greatest sequels is because this film rewarded the revolutionary techniques Peter Jackson invented to create this incredible trilogy of films.
Star Trek: First Contact
Star Trek films have come and gone over the years. We’ve seen two captains of the USS Enterprise on film. First, there was Kirk. While he was in command, we saw another great sequel in this on-going franchise, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. Now that Captain Luc Picard is in command, we get one of the greatest sequels in any series of films with Star Trek: First Contact.
Directed by Picard’s first officer, Commander William Ryker himself, Jonathan Frakes, First Contact can stand on its own feet as the best Star Trek film and a truly amazing sci-fi thriller. In the film, the Borg, introduced on the incredible TV series, Star Trek: The Next Generation return to enslave the human race in our post-apocalyptic past. Picard and his crew, including Brent Spiner as Data, Michael Dorn as Worf and Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi have to do everything in their power to make sure their future is safe and secure, and destroy the Borg at all costs. Why does First Contact belong on this list above every other Star Trek sequel? You’ll have to go rent the film, and see it for yourself. But, I’d say that it’s in the way Frakes delivers this solid action thriller in space that puts the film in a class all its own.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The “Spagetti Westerns” as created by Sergio Leone were almost uninspired, given how close they were in story to the Kurosawa film, Seven Samurai. But, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is a masterpiece on its own merits, paying homage to nothing before it or after it. The “Man with No Name” may be called “Blondie” now, but this is one truly great final installment to a trilogy that made Clint Eastwood a legend. This time, Clint’s Man with No Name has to fight a pair of truly ugly and despicable people in order to get his hands on a fortune in gold hidden buried in a grave. Lee Van Cleef plays “Angel Eyes” and Eli Wallach plays Tuco. Let’s not forget the unforgettable theme music, still used today.
From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young, adapted from the Ian Fleming novel, From Russia With Love may be the greatest Bond film ever made. But, I’m being biased. The fight between Sean Connery’s Bond and Red Grant as played by Robert Shaw is the most intense battle I’ve ever seen in any Bond film, and the funny truth is that it’s almost anti-climactic. The film builds on the story of these two contenders so well, you expect their duel to be the most destructive and eye-popping thing you’ve ever seen. Then, Connery and Shaw get it on, so to speak, alone and in a train. But in one sense, this makes the film feel more real than any other Bond film. It’s not epic in scope, it’s epic in story and character.
Goldfinger
One of the most successful Bond film is also one of the best. It’s got all of the same thrills and excitement in every other Bond film, except Goldfinger features one of the greatest villains in film history. He’s Goldfinger. He loves gold. He loves lasers. He loves getting rid of mob bosses. At one point, you might even say Bond has finally met his match in Mr. Goldfinger. But, let’s be realistic here. This is James Bond we’re talking about. Not only that, but it’s Sean Connery’s Bond. So, why is this one of the greatest sequels? In a series of movies that have been going on since the mid-1960s, Goldfinger is literally gold.
The Dark Knight
Featuring another one of the greatest villains, this superhero film about Batman or Batman’s arch enemy, The Joker became the most successful of its kind in film history. The reason I’ve placed The Dark Knight so low on this list is simple. I preferred The Dark Knight’s predecessor, Batman Begins. No, the original didn’t have a villain like The Joker. But, let’s be honest here. The Joker has always been a great villain, no matter who is portraying him. Jack Nicholson did a great job in Tim Burton’s Batman and Heath Ledger proved that he could be just as great as The Joker in The Dark Knight. Christian Bale returns as Batman, Michael Caine returns as Alfred, and Morgan Freeman returns as Luscious Fox. No performance by any other actor can hold a candle to the scene-stealing job by Ledger’s Joker. So, why would this be on this list? Well, the 500 to 600 million at the box office speaks for itself. No superhero film has ever spoke so loudly to that many people. And yet, if you took out Ledger’s Joker, it really would feel like a much weaker film than Batman Begins.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
A truly amazing series of films that have made audiences believe in magic again. Every one of the Harry Potter films are so good, how do you pick just one? Well, this Potter was directed by the man who brought us the original, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Chris Columbus. This Harry Potter features the original composer, John Williams. This Potter has a lot more to offer fans, from kids and adults. Let’s not forget, this is one of the last films the late, great Richard Harris did as he plays Professor Dumbledore for the last time. It’s a thrill ride and a great mystery from start to finish. Truly, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets belongs on any list of the greatest sequels ever made.
Spider-Man 2
While the first Spider-Man made us all feel nostalgic at the sight of the web-slinger swinging from building to building, Spider-Man 2 made audiences really appreciate a hero like Spider-Man. He just turned the love of his life, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) down. He is trying to go to college, get good grades and be your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. With all of this on his shoulders, it’s no surprise why Peter Parker as played once again by Tobey Maguire can’t keep up. He’s “exhausted”. His grades are declining. The love of his life is about to marry some other guy. Tobey’s Peter Parker puts Spider-Man aside to try and get his life back on track. However, Doc Ock is right around the corner to make everything harder on the wall-crawler and Parker has to decide which is more important, his happiness or the safety of the city. The story is brilliantly told and performed by the entire cast. The film is better than the original in almost every way, especially in the character development.
Certainly, Rocky Balboa or Rocky 6 is not better than the original. That’s almost impossible. But, if you look at all of the Rocky sequels, not one of them captures the message and magic of the original better than this final chapter in the life of this legendary underdog boxer. Rocky has many more disadvantages in Rocky Balboa than he has in any of the other films. He’s lost his beloved wife, Adrian. He’s much older now. He’s got problems with his son. But, Rocky insists on taking on the newest heavy weight champ.
Shrek 2
Just when you thought Shrek was hilarious, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz return for even more laughs. Shrek 2 may actually be a smarter animated film than its predecessor. This great sequel earned a great deal of money at the box office, so I suspect there were a lot of people who just fell in love with Shrek 2. This time, Shrek, Donkey and Fiona adopt a new friend in Puss as voiced by Antonio Banderas.
Die Hard with a Vengence or Die Hard 3
The loud, moody and foul-mouthed New York cop that we all know and love from Die Hard, John McClane is back. Bruce Willis gives his legendary character an even darker personality than we’ve seen before in Die Hard with a Vengeance. This time, John has a massive hangover. He’s not even talking to his wife or ex-wife, Holly. He’s basically feeling miserable all over and Willis perfectly conveys John’s emotions. This time, he has a civilian partner in Zeus as played by Samuel L. Jackson. This time, the villain is specifically out for revenge. Then again, the villain, Simon as played to perfection by Jeremy Irons is part of a family of thieves. Die Hard with a Vengeance shines brighter than any other sequel in this highly successful series of action films.
The Bourne Supremacy
The first sequel in what could easily be called the best movie trilogy is well-written and well-executed. It’s not quite as good as the original Bourne Identity, but Supremacy certainly comes close. When Bourne loses his girlfriend, you just can’t help but feel like we’re going to see all hell break loose. It’s a brilliantly written sequel to a brilliantly written and directed spy thriller.
More great sequels that didn’t make the list
Return of the Jedi
Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Ocean’s Thirteen
Rocky 2
The Bourne Ultimatum
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Back to the Future: Part III
Rambo or John Rambo
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Superman 2
For a Few Dollars More
