So I haven't really done one of these lists before, other than my top 5 thread and my own top 100 films last year. I'm not sure if there is a waiting list or not to people doing their own lists, but I love sequels in general and having been thinking about this quite a bit.

But I won't start until Trixter finishes up his Sci Fi film list, or until he comes closer to the end so that no thunder is stolen. Figured I would just start off by noting that there is no real limitation to mine. It will include continuous films like LOTR and Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc, as well as separate story franchises. The only real limitation would be reboots, as I would consider them a new franchise on their own, but sequels to those reboots would qualify. Also to note, Im a big sequel guy and have seen most, ranging from the early talkies to now. Sequels will be based merely on their addition to the franchise, or if they actually have the rarity of even going beyond the franchise to make themselves a stand alone film. Looking forward to everyone's critique

I fully expect ESB, Godfather Part II, Return of the King, Terminator 2, and Aliens somewhere in the top on that list. Given your taste, I'm sure there'll be The Last Crusade, and Rocky II in there. Bourne Ultimatum, X-2, and Spider-Man 2 would be nice to see, as well.

There will certainly be some favorites on there, but I am definitely going to apply it to all types of films from many eras.

I'm also going to put in 10 runner ups

LETHAL WEAPON 2 = #2
The Dark Knight = 1

Yeah this will be good Gun, go for it. Ive enjoyed all the lists that have been done so far and sequels will be a good one.

Just to clarify, you wont be including the first film in the franchise right? ie. FOTR, Batman Begins, A New Hope, Raiders wont qualify?

My favourite sequels would be Godfather II, Before Sunset, Dark Knight and X2.

Yes, originals do not count, nor do remakes or reboots, just sequels to such films.

One important note that Im making. These films will have nothing to do with the quality of film. It has to do with how they either improved on their predecessor, came very close to, or have done something bold for the series or genre, etc.

One day I'll make this list as well too. But not before the end of next year or so.

I assume prequels are included as well, right?

I havent decided yet, Sequels to prequels yes (And no, that doesn't mean a loophole to bring Raiders in)

But I haven't decided yet if that disqualifies films like Temple of Doom, or books to films that take place before the original like Bond films or what not. I'm thinking separate story films will count, granted there are at least recurring main characters.

ALIENS for #1.

Now that can be interesting.

Superman II !

If Superman II is on this list your opinion will immediately become null and void.

This is the only reason why I mentioned it.



Although Lester's cut took a good chunk of the film's heart out, it improved upon the original in terms of action. Even though the scene is campy as hell thanks to Lester, the one thing that most people seem to remember from the series outside of Reeve and the music is the fight scene with the three supervillians. It was the first film to really have an all out brawl involving superheroes and villians that was handeled with at least some seriousness.

In quality I'd agree with you, but based on that criteria it should be in the 25-20 range.

Have their been 25 sequels worth mentioning? Maybe top 5 or 10 would be better.

There are certainly a lot more bad, pointless or just decent sequels out there, but when I was compiling a long list, I dont think I got more than 48 or so, and some of the ones I picked were even stretches.

But there are at least 25 that could be mentioned. Once again, there are a few that I've come up with that I wouldnt necessarily call good films, but Im thinking from sequel to original perspective, not quality of film.

I would think its between TESB, Godfather 2, and Return of the King for #1.

Whatever films there are, it will be more than discussed why they deserve it

Trixter has about 1 movie left so Im thinking Sunday night will be the kick off for my list to begin.

So after spending the last few days second guesing myself and feeling confident in my final list. I thought I would start off by saying three films that did not make my list for important reasons.


City Lights (1931)

The last of Chaplin's characterization of Tramp is by far one of his best, however, it really is the only real feature version of the character, and while it could be considered a sequel in the loosest sense, it just didn't feel right keeping it on.


Desperado (1995)

Pretty Easy, remake basically with new actors and bigger budget, even though the obvious series high point.


Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)

Awesome movie indeed, one of my favorites, but really is the 2nd part of what was suppose to be one movie. While it can stand alone, I don't think it can in the same way.


The Dark Knight (2008)

Yes yes it was a great movie. But was it a good sequel? Far too early to tell in my book. It would be silly to put a film that isn't even a few months old to make this list. So one day perhaps, but not today.

25. Scream 2

"Sequels by definition are inferior films" utters Randy in film class, and is completely right. Sequels are hard press to rarely capture the magic that makes the original such a classic. However, in some cases, sequels are worthy in that field, and in even smaller cases, they are not only great sequels, but are sometimes considered better than the original.

So to start, films like Scream are certainly not better films than the original, but it is a great followup, because Scream 2 succeeds where many other sequels fail. It knows exactly what it is and follows the sequel formula to a tick. Yet why does it work? It knows it will never be as good as the original and takes advantage of that. It focusses on horror sequel rules of higher body count, more elaborate suspenseful scenes, and anyone can indeed be a suspect. It also gets points (Used to loose points when I was younger) for killing off the best character of the series. In horror sequels where it might feel new, the formula almost always stays the same, but in Scream 2, they know you expect that formula and are able to still surprise, scare, and sometimes even make you laugh.

Not sure whether films like Return of the King or Kill Bill 2 should count, because they were never meant as "sequels" as much as they were "part two" and "part three" of one long film...

I hope the following were considered:

Toy Story 2
Godfather 2
Bride of Frankenstein
After the Thin Man
Army of Darkness
Wrath of Khan
Return of the Pink Panther
Prisoner of Azkhaban
Empire Strikes Back
Terminator 2
Babe: Pig in the City
Aliens
Last Crusade
Clerks 2
Spider-Man 2

Decent start, not a particular fan of the film or the series in general, but it could have been worse.

Scream 2's a nice start.

I've always argued that Scream 2 is better than the first, for many of the same reasons you listed. It's meta almost to the point of absurdity.

So yeah, good start.

I could use to rewatch Scream 2 one of these days. I think I've only seen it once and that was many years ago.

I'm afraid too many "enjoyable" sequels like Ghostbusters II and Batman Forever, that don't really add anything new to the series, will show up. But we'll see.