With the release of Scream 4 and Fast Five, April seems to be the month for endless sequels. Considering the multitude of sequels released each year by major studios, it is rare that they are ever any good. However, sometimes a sequel comes along that is actually an improvement on the original film, or at least as good. In honour of these releases I have put together a list of my favourite ever sequels including both films that top their predecessors in terms of quality and ones that are genius in their own right:
10. The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers [2002]
The second chapter of this three part tale is without a doubt the most action-packed film of the group. So much happens in the second novel that the first and last few chapters were used in the other two films, and yet it still remains the most exciting. As part of the trilogy it is of course amazing, but what really gets this film a place on this list is that is remains epic as a standalone feature.
9. Spider-Man 2 [2004]
This film follows Randy's rules of a sequel by giving the hero an even more powerful villain to face. It improved on Spider-Man as a film because it was a direct continuation of the first film, with many of the original cast returning to reprise their roles and develop their story arcs rather than creating new ones. This allowed Sam Raimi to perfect the art of balancing story lines against each other so nothing felt underdeveloped or overused. It's just a shame the franchise was ruined by the third instalment - as is often the case.
8. Scream 2 [1997]
Despite the let-down of a villain, Scream 2 has been chosen because of the tongue-in-cheek fun it has with being a sequel. Just like the first film used Randy's rules of a horror film to create a fun spoof that you don't automatically realise is a spoof. Scream 2 used Randy's rules of a sequel to have fun but also create tension.
"Here are some super trilogy rules. One, you have a killer who's gonna be superhuman. Stabbing him won't work. Shooting him won't work. Basically, in the third one, you've got to cryogenically freeze his head, decapitate him, or blow him up. Number two, anyone, even the main character can die. This means you Sid, sorry. It's the final chapter; it could be fuckin' Reservoir Dogs by the time this thing is through. Number three, the past will come back to bite you in the ass. Whatever you think you know about the past, forget it. The past is not at rest. Any sins you think were committed in the past are about to break out and destroy you."
7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban [2004]
This was the first film in the franchise that was actually enjoyable to watch regardless of how much of a Harry Potter fan you are. When Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón took over the role from Chris Columbus, he injected some much needed darkness to the film. This gorgeously gloomy new look came just in time for the books to truly turn evil with the introduction of the ghastly Dementors and the hate-inducing Peter Pettigrew. This film was also the introduction of my favourite character Sirius Black, who was portrayed magnificently by the amazing Gary Oldman - who was sorely underused in the next two films. In addition, David Thewlis gave a great performance as Professor Lupin and Michael Gambon proved a worthy replacement for the late Richard Harris in the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
6. Terminator 2: Judgement Day [1991]
It must have seemed hard for audiences to believe that The T-800 could be improved, but The T-1000 is one of the most amazing villains ever. He is cold, calculating and relentless and instils fear in the viewers because it seems like he simply can't be killed. It also sees the return of Sarah Connor, the scared-but-tough woman who provides much of the firepower of the film - James Cameron sure likes tough women. But it isn't all action; there is also an amazing amount of heart. The relationship between the Terminator and John Connor is both touching and humorous as the young boy attempts to humanise his saviour, a subconscious attempt at replacing his lack of a father figure. It is far superior to its predecessor - I sometimes forget it even is a sequel.
5. Dark Knight [2008]
Easily the greatest superhero sequel ever made. Christopher Nolan set the bar pretty high with his Batman revamp Batman Begins, so there was pressure on Christopher Nolan to continue his success - and he definitely delivered. The cast from the original film returned - with even a small cameo from Cillian Murphy - apart from Katie Holmes who was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal (which you barely notice). There was also the brilliant addition of two great characters/actors of Heath Ledger as The Joker and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. Heath Ledger's performance was fantastic and his tragic death prior to the movie's release only enhanced its timelessness. Fortunately, the film not only lived up to expectations, it surpassed them.
4. Aliens [1986]
Faster, meaner and scarier than its predecessor Alien, Ellen Ripley returns to the planet where humanity first encountered the acidic killing machines – where she encounters the bigger and badder alien queen. Fresh from directing The Terminator, James Cameron came on board to steer the franchise in a new direction and a new genre. He took Ridley Scott's film and added a hell of a lot more testosterone - with a group of Marines in which even the women look like Arnold Schwarzenegger and an epic battle between a pissed off alien queen and a mechanically suited Ripley. But, much like the original, Cameron uses a slow-burning method of terror, using the unseen to heighten tension before exploding with action. It is one of the greatest science fiction films ever made.
Star Wars is generally considered one of the greatest movie franchises of all time, and The Empire Strikes Back the best of the series. Director Irvin Kirschner reportedly encouraged group discussions and improvisations from the actors and would do many takes of each scene, leading to some of the most solid performances of any films in the series. It follows Randy's Law of Sequels with scarier villains, greater danger, more complex storylines and better special effects. It also features one of the most recognizable quotes in film history - "I am your father" – which is basically the basis of the entire Star Wars franchise.
2. The Godfather: Part II [1974]
It took me far too long to get round to watching this film but I found it hard to believe that it was really as good as people said it was. Now I am angry at myself for leaving it so long to see this epic masterpiece. It captures Al Pacino's intensity in a way that the first films couldn't, although you don't realise it is missing until you see part 2. This film is a pretty obvious choice and is a staple for any top sequel lists - an opinion that is backed by its 12 Academy Award nominations. Al Pacino is brilliant as Michael Corleone, who takes over as head of the family after his father dies, and the flashbacks to Robert De Niro as a young Vito Corleone makes it a companion piece to its predecessor rather than merely a sequel. Coppola's ability to seamlessly tell two disconnected stories at once is one of the film's many strengths and both stories are equally compelling. I hear there’s a third one but I wouldn’t know anything about that.
1. Toy Story 3 [2010]
Toy Story was a phenomenal success that set the bar for a new age of animated films, and Toy Story 2 proved to be an even bigger hit. The latest addition proved that it is a series that just keeps getting better, an opinion that is backed by its nomination for best film at the last Academy Awards (a rarity for an animated film). Most of our favourite characters from the previous films return - sadly minus Bo Peep and Squeaky - plus a few new ones. I will always hold this film dear to my heart because I grew up with Andy. While its predecessors came out during my childhood, Toy Story 3 was released just after I finished University, helping me to really relate to the story. As Andy is leaving for college, he must decide what to do with his old toys, leading to scenes that left me bawling my eyes out. It successfully combines comedy, drama and adventure with gorgeous art and digital design. I think I'm going to get my toys out now.
What would be on your list?
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