Let's face it, whenever you hear that one of your favorite movies is getting sequel you never expect it to be anywhere near as good as the original. But every once in a while, something rare happens in the world of cinema: a good sequel happens! Not only that, but sometimes there's even a sequel that tops the original. Here is a list of nine sequels that topped their predecessors....
1. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The horror/monster movies of old may seem hokey to today's younger generations, but “Frankenstein” and its sequel were a huge deal in their day. Just as “Star Wars,” “Jaws” and Marvel's “The Avengers” were the huge blockbusters of their day, so was the hype surrounding James Whale's “Frankenstein.” Though he wasn't crazy about the idea of a sequel, James Whale returned four years after the original to make “Bride of Frankenstein.” “Bride of Frankenstein” takes the best parts of the first movie, and develops them. In the first movie, we saw the childlike innocence of Frankenstein's monster. In this movie, you can't help but be overwhelmed by emotion whenever you see (and hear, now that he's learning to speak) what the monster goes through. The best sequence, hands down, is the monster's stay with the blind hermit. We see him for what he really is: a misunderstood creation who has no real place in the world and just wants a friend.
2. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
1972's “The Godfather” was considered by many to be the best crime drama ever made when it was released. When the second part was released two years later, people started lumping the two together, some even saying that the second was better than the original, and I have to say I agree with that consensus. While the first film shows the mere beginning of Michael Corleone's moral decline as the new head or “Godfather” of the Corleone family, the second shows just how deep he winds up going and the repercussions that take place as a result. We also see Michael's journey mirrored by scene's of his father's ascent to power within the mafia. Both Al Pacino as Michael Corleone and Robert DeNiro as his father Vito give outstanding performances. It's saddening to see the once bright and hopeful Michael sink into the irredeemable position he finds himself in by the end of the second film.
3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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When “Star Wars” entered into the mainstream, no one was prepared for the colossal craze it would become. Of course, fans were chomping at the bit for more. In 1980 they got their wish with the sequel “The Empire Strikes Back.” “Empire” did things no one had done in movies before. Firstly, it took the special effects to a new level. Second, the good guys LOSE. Third, it has perhaps the biggest “twist ending” anyone had ever seen at that point. But what makes it better than the first movie? Well, the plot is more involved and suspenseful, and I'd say slightly more mature. The characters grow quite a bit more in this film. It introduces fan favorite characters Yoda, Emperor Palpatine and Lando Calrissian. Darth Vader, who really didn't get much screen time in the first movie, gets to show just how menacing a villain he is in this installment (helped out much by his musical theme “The Imperial March”). All-around, this film just nails it. Even though the first is excellent, “Empire” leaves it in the proverbial stardust.
4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Let's face it...the first Trek film, 1979's “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” left a lot to be desired. While the special effects were good, and it was great to see the Enterprise crew reunite, the story was long, drawn-out and dull. Paramount wanted to continue with another film but changed crucial crew members before embarking on a new mission. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was removed from having a direct role with the writing, and a new producer was brought on who could make more happen with less money. That may sound like a recipe for disaster, but what we ended up with is considered to be not only the best Star Trek film ever made but one of the best sci-fi movies in general.
Harve Bennett, the movie's producer, went through every episode of the original television series and found the perfect villain for the film: Khan Noonien Singh. The episode “Space Seed” has been one of the most revered in the series' run. Ricardo Montalban played a cunning villain; one that promised much should there be a return. Not only did they have a solid villain (something the first film really lacked), they came up with a very solid story concerning the return of Khan, and the capture of Project Genesis, a device made to create life on lifeless planets. The cast also gave superb performances, particularly Leonard Nimoy as Spock. Perhaps the most memorable moment in the film is Spock's ultimate sacrifice to save Enterprise from destruction.
5. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
When James Cameron's “The Terminator” was released in 1984, it was hailed as one of the best films of the year with its gripping action, clever special effects and tense, original story. Shortly after the release talks of a sequel ensued, but it took a few years to actually begin production. Part of the wait was due to limitations in CGI technology. While the first film had many great effects, it also had some that fell flat (particularly the scene of the Terminator removing his eye). The wait was a wise move because in the early 90s the filmmakers were able to make more realistic effects, most notably the liquid metal, shapeshifting T-1000 Terminator. The film even received the Academy Award for best visual effects, but the effects aren't the only reason why this second installment gets more praise than the first. They took the fear-instilling villain from the first movie and made him the hero whole a newer, scarier and superior villain takes his place trying to rid the timeline of John Connor. I know Arnold is the butt of many jokes, but this is a terrific role for him. It's his performance that causes men to cry at the ending of this movie (even if they don't want to admit it).
6. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider-Man is one of the most popular superheroes of all time, and arguably the most popular from Marvel Comics. It's no surprise that when Sam Raimi made the big-budget blockbuster “Spider-Man” in 2002 that it became a worldwide phenomenon with fans clamoring for more. Raimi and company then brought us “Spider-Man 2” two years later and everyone was pleasantly surprised that it was not only as good as the first movie but surpassed it in many ways. Personally, I always liked stories where the villain can still be redeemed, and this is one of them. Doc Ock, bent on finishing his life's work, becomes convinced by the hero that in order to contribute to the greater good we sometimes have to give up our dreams. There's also a bit of an homage to “Superman II” with this film. Just as in “Superman II,” we see our hero struggling to successfully live as both the city's protector and a normal person. Eventually, he chooses to forsake his powers and identity to be with the one he loves. While “Superman II” was a good movie, this movie did a much better job of showing that struggle and making it identifiable to a point. Sam Raimi, I believe, also did a better job blending action and humor in this film without getting too cheesy. Best performance in this movie: Alfred Molina as Dr. Otto Octavius.
7. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan was responsible for rescuing the Batman series from its terrible reputation given by 1997's “Batman & Robin” when he made “Batman Begins” in 2005. This version of Batman was as grounded in the real world as possible, and brought things back to a serious, dark tone. Fans were generally pleased with Nolan's first effort and looked forward to more. Not only did we get more, we got a superhero film to beat all superhero films. “The Dark Knight” is an excellently well-crafted film. The tone is a little grittier as Batman meets his polar opposite in the Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger. Ledger's performance has become legendary in the eight years since this film has been out. I think it takes method acting to a whole new level when you lock yourself in a hotel room for a month straight reading Joker-based comics, practicing your maniacal laugh and keeping a diary as your character. This film gives the viewer an adrenaline rush. I saw this one several times in theaters, and watched it almost on repeat when it was first released on video. We see Batman grow into a true hero in this movie, sacrificing his own self and reputation to keep Gotham City safe.
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is one of those sequels that takes on almost a completely different tone from its predecessor. The first Captain America film was thought by many to be a bit weak (which I think is crazy talk, but whatever), but Marvel went all-out to show everyone that their oldest hero is far from being their dullest hero. And boy did they succeed! I mean, I love the first movie, but “The Winter Soldier” is a whole new level of greatness! This movie is sort of like the “Empire Strikes Back” of the Marvel Universe. There are many similar themes: it's not exactly a happy ending; we see the characters develop and face some dark situations; new standing heroes and villains are introduced; and someone even loses an arm. The action in this movie is very well-choreographed and there's a lot of it. The detective story/spy thriller style they went with for this movie is really great too! The best thing about this movie, though, is the character of Captain America/Steve Rogers himself. As if we didn't already get the impression in the first movie, Cap is the kind of guy that stands up for what is right no matter what. Even if it goes against the very organization he's been working with. He refuses to do dirty work for S.H.I.E.L.D. It's also terrific to see how far Cap goes to save his friend from the brain-washed assassin he's become. Captain America is without a doubt the hero that this generation needs to look up to, and this movie is the proof.
9. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In 2011, Fox rebooted the Planet of the Apes franchise with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” That first film shows the spread of the “simian flu” which increases intelligence in apes and kills humans. The filmmakers did a great job on the film and made plans to make at least two more. Then came “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” Set ten years after “Rise,” “Dawn” sees Caesar, the lead ape from the first film, leading a budding civilization of intelligent apes while the human race dwindles down to almost nothing. The humans, fearing for their lives and wanting to rebuild their own species, are scared of the apes. Neither camp trusts the other, and as would seem inevitable, they fight for their survival. The motion-capture technology used in this film is really spectacular. Andy Serkis, who plays Caesar, really gives depth to the character. Seeing this movie, you wouldn't know the apes aren't real if you weren't informed prior to viewing. The story is well-written, giving a feeling of unease as the humans continue to act like savages and are killed off. The story arc keeps growing better, which makes me excited for the next installment.
What sequels did YOU enjoy more than the original?
