Sequels that are better than the originals


Whenever the subject of sequels and their worth next to the originals is mentioned, it’s always something likely to trigger debate. There are a lot of sequels out there that have come nowhere near the originals – as well as some movies that are classed as sequels but are really a continuation of the same story. However, there are some sequels out there, not many mind, that we feel surpass the originals.

Everyone will most probably have their own ideas about what constitutes a great sequel, or what movies have produced excellent sequels. This is definitely a subjective thing, but that doesn’t mean that anyone is necessarily wrong, because it’s simply a matter of opinion. So, if you want to know our opinions, after much debate, and a couple of vetoes, this is our list of sequels better than the originals.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Okay, so sue us, we know Raiders of the Lost Ark is fantastic, but the Last Crusade is literally a perfect film. Indie must rescue his father, wonderfully portrayed by Sean Connery, and find the Holy Grail in the process. There is nothing we don’t love about this movie – every story beat is fantastic, and every action set pieces is absolutely thrilling. This movie stands about Raiders due to the chemistry between Ford and Connery, and the effortlessly quotable nature of the film.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Widely, and deservedly, considered to be one of the most iconic movies in the horror genre, Evil Dead II is still a great movie to watch. It’s essentially a rehashing of the first film, but there is the perfect balance of horror and comedy here as well. The movie is great looking, and Raimi’s assured direction shows you how well he knows this world and his characters. The subsequent sequels and recent remake were all perfectly enjoyable too, but none of them quite reached the heights of this one.

Before Sunset (2004)

This criminally underrated movie by Richard Linklater is a follow-up to another of his criminally underrated movies, 1995’s Before Sunrise. Crafted as a poignant, romantic, and wonderfully personal movie, Before Sunset beats the original because its leads are more seasoned and better at their craft. And Linklater, still the indie-darling he always ways, is one of modern cinema’s most accomplished storytellers.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Superhero movies are a strange mix because the first one will always all be an origin story, and that is essential for the rest of the story. However, there are cases, like this one, where the sequel is even better. Expanding on the themes of the first movie, the Russo Brothers brought the story up to date, and offered us a wonderful zeitgeist movie, exploring political espionage, corruption, and friendship, and it worked beautifully.

Of course, there are plenty more movies we could add to the list as well, but we feel like this is a snapshot of some of the best sequels out there. If you’ve never seen any of these movies, we suggest you check them out as soon as you can. Finding a movie better than the original often make for a really accomplished and enjoyable franchise. And, while it is a personal choice, we feel like these movies are all superior to the original films.

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