Sequelscan be very tricky things. When they work, they are a gift that not only enhances the original film but can actually be better than the previous entries. If they don’t, they remind the viewer why the original film is so much better and that the filmmakers should have never tempted fate by asking lightning to strike twice. While the cliche used to be the sequel was always a letdown there is a wholerecurring joke inScream 2about this, that just isn’t the case anymore.
Updated August 06, 2025: This article has been updated to include more entries and to reflect the recent slate of releases in 2023.
More often than not, there have been many great modern sequels that are made by talented filmmakers who want to make an installment that is just as good if not better than the original. Just recently, a sequel to a popular movie gotnominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awardsin the form ofTop Gun: Maverick. 2023 is already shaping up to be a great year for sequels, asJohn Wick: Chapter 4andCreed 3were well-regarded entries in their franchise. Audiences are eagerly awaiting the release of sequels likeSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, andDune Part II, all of which carry high expectations. With that in mind, take a look at the best sequels of all time.
18A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
After the firstNightmare on Elm Streetfilm established Freddy Krueger as one of the baddest supernatural killers ever, there was a bit of a letdownwithFreddy’s Revenge. However, literally, everything was redeemed withNightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors. What made Freddy so cool was that he was able to haunt people in their dreams. Everybody needs to sleep, and dreams and fear are what kept Freddy alive.
Dream Warriorsexpanded on this by putting together a group of teens who could control their sleep habits. Add to this that the visuals in this film expanded on Wes Craven’s work in the original, the horror makeup is top-notch, and the acting was solid without falling into camp.Dream Warriorsis a great sequel that managed to rise above the very genre from whence it came.
17X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
The X-Men film series has a number of high-profile sequels to choose from, both good and bad.X-Men: Days of Future Pastpulls off the impressive task of being a sequel toX-Men: The Last StandandX-Men: First Classand uniting the two timelines into a cohesive whole. With a time travel plot that cuts back and forth between the future and past, this movie could have easily been a confusing misfire, but the movie perfectly captures the spirit of what audiences loved about theX-Menmovie while raising the stakes to compete with many of the recent MCU entries.
16T2: Trainspotting (2017)
The first of twoT2son this list,T2: Trainspotting,was the long-awaited sequel toTrainspotting. While Trainspotting does not feel like the movie that would generate a sequel, they weave that unnecessary nature into the plot of the movie. Whereas the first movie has a shot of fun and youthful energy, this sequel acknowledges the march of time and how all the main characters have aged.
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They long for the youth they have lost, of a simpler time, much like the audience who craves nostalgic sequels. This is a sad movie, filled with regret, and makes for a nice contrast to the original. It inverts the formula of the original, and the two films make for an interesting thematic examination.
15The Color of Money (1986)
Probably the best part aboutThe Color of Moneyis that you could watch this film without seeing its predecessor,The Hustler, and you would never be lost. Leave it to the great director Martin Scorsese to make a sequel to a classic film and turn it into yet another classic. Yes, the pairing of Paul Newman and Tom Cruise was a solid bit of casting.
However, the story this movie tells is both rich, poignant, and inspiring. At the same time, Scorsese draws on the sad, wasted chances of Newman’s Fast Eddie Felson character to remind the viewer that in order to truly appreciate this movie, we need to revisit the first one. Lastly, the cherry on top of all of this is that now iconic poster. Tom Cruise is at the forefront, but Newman looms very, very large.
George A. Romero’sNight of the Living Deadestablished him as a filmmaker to be reckoned with. However, within that film was a truly kick-ass political statement about the futility of war, people’s wars within themselves, and America’s involvement in Vietnam.Dawn of the Deadbegins amidst the chaos of a zombie invasion. It simply drops the viewer in and lets them figure out what is happening.
It eventually centers itself in a strip mall, and it is here that the brilliance ofDawn of the Deadtakes shape. Sure, the effects are firing on all cylinders. Gore-filled visuals were presented on screen that heretofore had never been witnessed. Romero again makes a statement about our culture and American consumerism.Dawn of the Deadset a template for the zombie genre that is still being followed today.
13Spider-Man 2 (2004)
While Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy started off strong, the sequel,Spider-Man 2, is a fan favorite. It may be one of thebest superhero moviesout there, and it certainly feels very unique. The antagonist is unexpectedly the most lovable character in the film, and not because he is so bad that he’s good. Peter Parker’s (Toby Maguire) arc is only able to be completed because Doctor Octavius (Alfred Molina) redeems himself, showing Peter what being a hero really means.
The updated effects are part of what makes this movie shine compared to its predecessor, but the complexity of the characters is what makes it stand above the rest.Spider-Man 2was very much inspired bySuperman II, and in many regards,Spider-Man 2has been the superhero sequel for which all others have since been judged.
12Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Making a sequel toBlade Runnershould not have worked, butBlade Runner 2049was able to live up to the hype and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its predecessor. Brilliantly directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring breathtaking cinematography from Roger Deakins,Blade Runner 2049captures a sense of scale and mood that is awe-inspiring. With incredible performances throughout, particularly led by Ryan Gosling,Blade Runner 2049does the impossible and makes anincredible sequel to a film classic.
11Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
TheMCU is filled with great sequels, fromCaptain America: The Winter SoldiertoAvengers: Endgame. YetGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3might be their best sequel to date. Recency bias aside,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3delivers an emotionally powerful conclusion to this story.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3perfectly captures the humor and team dynamics of the first film with the raw emotional sincerity ofVol. 2to make a perfect mix that makes it not only the bestGuardians of the Galaxyfilm but one of the best films in the MCU period. It is hard to imagine that these characters were once unknown, and now the audience can’t imagine a cinematic world without them.
10Aliens (1986)
James Cameron is the king of sequels, and two of his three sequels are on here (Avatar: The Way of Waterjust barely missed out).Aliensis a masterclass in making a sequel, flipping the original film’s horror elements and putting it into an action movie but still featuring plenty of scares. With memorable characters, iconic dialogue, and embracing the theme of motherhood being brought to a literal head with Ripley and the Alien Queen, Aliens is a sequel that is both incredibly smart and an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride.
9Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Dayis great for all the reasons sequels should be made. Are the FX better than in the first film? Check. Does it elevate the first film? Check. Does it expand on the mythology? Check. James Cameron’s sequel is just better in every way.Terminator 2: Judgement Dayfeatures some of the greatest action scenes of all time. It features rich, dynamic characters that are memorable and offers a satisfying ending that the franchise sadly can’t seem to let go of.
