12 Sequels That Outshine the Original Films

      These 11 sequels that surpass the original challenge the idea that the first film is always the best.

      We're highlighting this list in celebration of Dune: Part Two receiving five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

      Before We Begin

      Dune: Part Two. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      We will focus solely on the second film in a series — not the third, fourth, or beyond. The second installment is crucial because if it fails to demonstrate that the original story is deserving of further exploration, any potential franchise could fizzle out after just one sequel. A poorly executed sequel can even detract from your appreciation of the original film.

      Thus, the following sequels that outshine their originals — which allowed us to value the first film even more — deserve significant recognition.

      The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

      Credit: C/O

      Many people argue it’s tough to choose between the first two Godfather films, and we understand that sentiment. However, we slightly favor Part 2 over Part 1 due to the remarkable backstory of Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro). The intense dynamics between Michael (Al Pacino) and Fredo (John Cazale) are particularly heart-wrenching.

      Notably, it won six Oscars compared to three for the original, including Best Director for Francis Ford Coppola for the second film, which he did not receive for the first. Both films, however, won Best Picture.

      If you prefer the original Godfather, we won't dispute that. Both films are nearly flawless in their execution.

      Mad Max 2 aka The Road Warrior (1981)

      Mel Gibson as Max in The Road Warrior. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Where the first Mad Max showcased society’s collapse, Mad Max 2 — released in the U.S. as The Road Warrior — fully immersed itself in envisioning life in a desolate wasteland. Director George Miller and a young Mel Gibson crafted a brutal, grounded war narrative in which gasoline holds more value than human life.

      With a significantly larger budget than Miller had for Mad Max, it was able to feature the impressive set pieces that are now iconic in the franchise, which Miller refined further in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road.

      Despite its lackluster box office performance, it was at least comparable to many previous films, particularly with the excellent Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga released last year.

      Also Read: 13 Shameless ’90s Comedies That Just Don’t Care If You’re Offended

      Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

      A promotional still of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. TriStar – Credit: C/O

      Another contender for the greatest sequels ever made. As previously mentioned, the original Terminator was a relatively low-budget film that had modest theatrical returns before achieving notable success at home.

      Judgment Day elevated everything. Sarah Connor, who was a frightened waitress in the first film, is now a fierce warrior fighting to protect her son and avert the apocalypse. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the T-800, not as an unyielding killing machine, but as a hesitant hero.

      The action sequences are phenomenal, Robert Patrick excels as the shape-shifting T-1000, and the film conveys more emotion than any other James Cameron project, with Titanic being a possible exception. It’s a monumental accomplishment.

      Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1981)

      (L-R) Nanci Rogers, Ricardo Montalban and Laura Banks in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. Paramount. – Credit: C/O

      Star Trek: The Motion Picture, which marked a return to the Star Trek universe after the cancellation of the beloved TV series, was decent but rather slow and light on action, receiving mixed reviews, though at least our familiar characters returned.

      In contrast, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan is extraordinary. It’s genuinely frightening — Chekov and Terrell with the eel larvae in their ears? Yikes — and the stakes are incredibly high. Khan, returning from the series, is a menacing villain with a legitimate grudge against Captain Kirk after the death of his wife, which he blames on Kirk.

      The clincher is Spock’s death! He passes in a way that feels permanent, sticking with us for a significant time. (Not for too long, of course; Star Trek needs him.) This event lends Wrath of Khan a sense of gravitas and real stakes. While Star Trek is appreciated by intellectuals, this installment is profoundly emotional — making it a top choice in any list of sequels that outshine their originals.

      Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

      A promotional still of David Prowse as Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. 20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      The Empire Strikes Back is the reason for the widespread