A continuation of an epic story seems to be inevitable in Hollywood now, especially if the original went on to make boocoo dollars. People either just can’t get enough of these fascinating tales or the studios simply won’t let them die. From comic book movies to buddy cop films, everyone loves a good sequel (keyword: good). Let me be clear: when I say sequel, I don’t mean “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” “Fast 5,” or “The Bourne Legacy.” No, this list is restricted only to the second installment. It pains me as well that “Rocky III” and many others won’t make the cut.
But what makes a good sequel? Is it a bigger budget resulting in more explosions, better CGI, and bigger-name actors added to the new franchise? Or is it elevated stakes, where previous decisions that seemed settled are revived to trigger domino-effect consequences of even greater proportions? Perhaps it’s a combination of all these things, along with subtle nods to the original piece to let fans know the filmmakers were keeping them in mind. Either way, this list is dedicated to those films that persevered, defied the odds, and created projects that aren’t just cash grabs, but art pieces that have cemented themselves in film and pop culture history.
10. ‘X-2: X-Men United’ (2003; dir. Bryan Singer)
The opening sequence with Nightcrawler wreaking havoc around the White House is easily one of the best intros in any superhero film. “X2: X-Men United” is faster-paced from the very beginning and tells a more engaging story than its predecessor.
From seeing the powers of mutants beyond the original lineup, to Magneto’s incredible prison escape, and the all-out military assault on the school that gives audiences their first glimpse of Wolverine’s berserker rage, there’s no shortage of action. At the same time, the film strikes the right balance by addressing mutant rights and the issues surrounding it.
It also remembers that the X-Mansion is a school. The younger mutants are going through major changes in their lives and are easily influenced by those around them.
9. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2’ (2017; dir. James Gunn)
From running around the galaxy stealing batteries to delivering a strong second installment centered on family, James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” sees the team confronting past trauma, on the run with nowhere to go, and realizing that they’re all they’ve got.
The jokes are nonstop, and the needle drops complement every mood, from the heroes’ heartfelt moments to their violent fight sequences. Yes, they’re criminals, but the emotional conversations between siblings and parents make this feel like a genuine family space adventure.
We’re also introduced to Baby Groot, who immediately became a fan favorite.
8. ‘Rush Hour 2’ (2002; dir. Brett Ratner)
One of the best things this film has going for it is how it reverses the dynamic. Watching Detective Carter get dragged around Hong Kong while following Inspector Lee’s cases, when all he wants to do is get some mu shu, is pure entertainment.
What makes this film just a bit better than the original is the unwavering loyalty the two men have for each other. In the first film, it takes nearly an hour before they put their differences aside and work together. In “Rush Hour 2,” they’re already friends, and their chemistry feels even more natural and believable.
The fight choreography is hilariously over-the-top, and the jokes are unforgettable. The villain feels bolder and far more untouchable than the one in the first film, who spent most of the story hiding in plain sight. From karaoke bars and the Red Dragon to, of course, the “heaven on Earth” massage parlors, the movie makes you feel like you’re part of the team rather than just a passenger on this wild goose chase.
7. ‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004; dir. Sam Raimi)
I still feel like a kid sitting in the theater whenever I hear Doctor Otto Octavius say, “I will peel the flesh off her bones.” “Spider-Man 2” is visually stunning and truly something to marvel at. Watching life constantly knock Peter Parker down makes Spider-Man feel more human. I have rent to pay and promises to keep too—just without the burden of saving the city from a mad scientist.
“What are you willing to sacrifice?” feels like the central theme for both Peter Parker and Doc Ock, resulting in some of the best fight scenes in the “Spider-Man” trilogy. As family-friendly as this installment may be, director Sam Raimi still adds in subtle touches of horror. Doc Ock may be a genius, but he’s also a monster, with the mechanical tentacles to match.
6. ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strike’s Back’ (1980, dir. Irvin Kershner)
Everyone loves a good villain, and who better than the supreme commander of the Imperial forces, Darth Vader? What makes this entry so compelling is where it leaves both the audience and our heroes: “The Empire Strikes Back” is the first blockbuster where the villain actually wins. Luke—now a fresh amputee—is on the run with the rest of the gang, minus Han Solo, who is trapped in carbonite. I’m sure people walked out of theaters in 1980 completely stunned.
Not only does it leave fans on a massive cliffhanger, but the story also fleshes out the main cast’s backgrounds, making their unlikely connections feel deeply personal and driven by fate. Guided by Obi-Wan and mentored by Master Yoda himself, Luke’s path feels like a true hero’s journey rather than just a kid fresh off the farm wielding a lightsaber.
5. ‘Bad Boys II’ (2003; dir. Michael Bay)
When talking about a sequel going bigger, I don’t know if there’s a better example than Michael Bay’s “Bad Boys II.” Free to let all the bullets fly, this is pure comedy and action at its highest level. After many years of teaming up to stop petty criminals, drug dealers, and the Ku Klux Klan, the duo has its eyes set on an unhinged drug lord, just as a rift develops between lifelong partners Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Their disagreements and confrontations land with impeccable comedic timing, making this the most hilariously engaging “Bad Boys” film to date.
But it’s no secret that director Michael Bay loves his explosions; without question, the most memorable piece of action in this film is the classic highway chase scene. Bay solidified this installment as the best in the series by capturing every shattered glass window and bullet casing possible through his incredible direction.
4. ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014; dir. Anthony and Joe Russo)
This is the MCU at its peak. No lingering threat in space, no gods coming down from above meddling with us humans, and no loosely connected cameos. This is just a man at the pinnacle of human potential giving it his all to protect freedom and liberty.
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was a sleeping giant upon its release, amazing fans as we follow Steve Rogers uncovering the truth about an organization he once believed in wholeheartedly. More than just shield throwing and spectacular fight choreography. Amidst all the deception and misdirection, the film finds its heart and asks what we will do for a friend who has lost his way. And yeah, Bucky Barnes is just the coolest—and I will die on that hill.
3. ‘Aliens’ (1986; dir. James Cameron)
From being the sole survivor of the USCSS Nostromo (plus one cat) after witnessing the terror of fellow comrades falling one by one, to becoming the only person qualified to be a killer of killers. I struggled with this film, not because it isn’t great or James Cameron isn’t a genius, but because I hold the first film so dearly to my heart. The mystique surrounding the Xenomorph—the impregnation, rapid growth acceleration, and sheer cleverness—made everything frightening and intriguing. But this second installment is truly something special.
It was the first blockbuster to pull off such a total tone shift, moving from an intimate space horror story to sci-fi action packed with monsters, military personnel, and enough artillery to take over a small planet. With someone to fight for now, rather than just waiting for help, Ripley triumphs throughout this sequel—making it impossible not to root for the mother of this franchise.
2. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008; dir. Christopher Nolan)
It would be a mistake—and flat-out criminal—if this Christopher Nolan classic didn’t make it to the top of this list. “The Dark Knight” has withstood the test of time repeatedly over the years, remaining a fan favorite throughout the many different iterations of these characters on the big screen. Christian Bale shows up once again as vengeance, but the show is stolen by the late Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker, which earned him a posthumous Academy Award at the 81st Oscars and set a new bar for portraying the Clown Prince of Crime.
Very much rooted in the real world, the Caped Crusader struggles to keep a lid on the madness boiling in Gotham while in pursuit of the man fueling it. There’s no need for otherworldly forces or monstrous evil—just two forever arch-enemies trapped in a vicious circle that both are determined to win. The film is visually stunning entertainment, from its opening heist sequence to its battle for Gotham’s soul in an epic conclusion that has yet to be matched.
1. ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ (1991; dir. James Cameron)
Another James Cameron feature that only gets more entertaining the more I watch it is “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” What I would give to have been in the theater opening night for this film! Half of this movie’s praise is owed to Robert Patrick’s relentlessness and focus as the T-1000; he made the very definition of a Terminator feel so real. More than just watching the events play out in an intriguing story, we witness a clash of titans. The battles between the two machines are brought to life with groundbreaking special effects that are both haunting and captivating.
So much of this is just movie greatness. Arnold Schawarzenegger isn’t as stiff in this one (thanks to John) he’s loosened up more, the world fully meets a young rebel John Connor, and Sarah is a badass chin-up-doing machine. These three personalities interacting and working together make this the coolest, but deadliest, road trip film of the ’90s. But besides being a high-level action film with true apocalyptic consequences if Skynet succeeds, we see recreated scenes from the first film that aren’t just nods for the audience to recognize, they show a level of writing that’s just poetically beautiful.
–> Read More: ‘Ranking the Big Screen Robin Hoods, Including Michael Sarnoski’s ‘The Death of Robin Hood’
