Hollywood has a passion for sequels. From interconnected universes to follow-ups of legacy franchises, movie-goers have never seen so many familiar faces on the big screen. Some critics have argued that Hollywood sequels are destroying cinema. And the glaring lack of quality of several recent films has given much ammunition to chastise sequels as unimaginative cash grabs. But sometimes, a sequel pulls off the unthinkable and outshines the original. So, whether or not you like continuing stories, here are five pictures worth watching on their own merits.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman has seen many on-screen adaptations. Yet, none have been as universally acclaimed as Christopher Nolan’s take on Gotham City’s superhero. While Batman Begins kicked the trilogy off to a strong start, The Dark Knight took it to the next level with a supervillain portrayal for the ages, as Christian Bale’s impeccable acting was matched by the Oscar-winning performance of the late Heath Ledger. Ten years on, and despite a constant stream of blockbuster superhero flicks, The Dark Knight is still regarded as the very best superhero movie ever. Much to fans’ disappointment, however, The Dark Knight Rises failed to meet the lofty standards of its predecessor.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The first Terminator film was a milestone in James Cameron’s career. A surprise hit upon its release, this 1984 action-packed sci-fi flick solidified Arnold Schwarzenegger’s star power. But Cameron outdid himself with the second installment in the franchise. In a clever spin, he flipped the tables on his main characters to turn the Terminator into a good guy and Sarah Connor into a sheer badass. The acclaimed director also pushed technological boundaries, spearheading the transition from practical effects to ground-breaking CGI. Decades later, Judgment Day is still a pinnacle of action cinema. Surprisingly enough, Cameron intended for it to conclude the series. But subsequent sequels came along and never recaptured the magic.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: First Avenger was arguably a solid entry for Steve Rogers’ cinematic debut. But this rather classic origin story was followed by one of the highest points of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Weaving elements of political intrigue into its plot, The Winter Soldier took on a grittier, more mature tone that added tremendous depth to characters like Cap and Black Widow. Fans also applauded the movie’s masterfully choreographed action sequences, including a now legendary elevator fight scene. The Russo brothers’ first take on Marvel was so successful the studio entrusted them with three more movies, two of which would gross over $1 billion at the box office.
Top Gun Maverick (2022)
Top Gun was a massive commercial success in 1986. Still, bringing back Maverick after 36 long years was a risky bet. Even Tom Cruise wanted nothing to do with a sequel. But director Joseph Kosinski convinced him otherwise, and Top Gun: Maverick is now Cruise’s highest-grossing film. With breathtaking flight sequences shot in actual flying jets, this second outing is as immersive as cinema can ever get. This sequel also delighted long-standing fans by building upon the legacy of its cult predecessor. An 80s classic, if any, Top Gun was a worldwide phenomenon that extended way beyond movie theatres. Recruitment into the US Navy peaked while aerial combat became a staple of video games. Top Gun even spawned slot machines, meaning gamblers can hop on a wild ride to the Danger Zone on platforms boasting free slots online. Top websites offer an extensive catalog of free machine slots for players to find their match. With no download required, players can enjoy their favorite Top Gun-themed games on any device. And loads of bonuses are a click away to keep the fun going.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Like Top Gun, revisiting Mad Max for modern audiences was a definite gamble. Directed by George Miller, the first three entries in the post-apocalyptic series were all released within six years. 1981’s Mad Max 2 was the franchise apex for decades. But in 2016, Miller proved he still had what it takes to embark viewers on an exhilarating cinematic journey. Fury Road’s epic soundtrack, stunning visuals, and memorable characters supported by a star-studded cast enraptured critics and fans. After years of development hell, the movie exceeded expectations by securing an Academy Award for Best Picture. Its success even rejuvenated the franchise, green-lighting an upcoming Furiosa spin-off.