12 Sequels That Outshine Their Original Films

      Here are 12 sequels that surpass the original films that inspired them.

      First, it's important to clarify that we’re only considering the second installment in a series—not the third, fourth, or subsequent entries. The second film is vital because if it fails to show that the original story merits further exploration, any potential franchise could end there. A poorly executed sequel can even diminish your fondness for the original.

      Thus, the following movie sequels that outshine their originals, leading us to appreciate the initial film even more, deserve extra recognition.

      **The Godfather Part 2 (1974)**

      Credit: Paramount

      Many people find it difficult to choose between the first two Godfather films, and we understand that. However, we lean slightly towards Part 2 due to the remarkable backstory of Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro) and the harrowing dynamic between Michael (Al Pacino) and Fredo (John Cazale), which is profoundly felt.

      To note, this sequel won six Oscars, compared to the three won by the original, including Best Director for Francis Ford Coppola, which the Academy did not award for the first film. Both films secured the Best Picture award.

      If you prefer the first Godfather, we're not going to dispute that. Both films are nearly flawless.

      **Mad Max 2, also known as The Road Warrior (1981)**

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

      While the original Mad Max depicted society's downfall, Mad Max 2 — released in the U.S. as The Road Warrior — focused entirely on life in a desolate wasteland. Director George Miller and young star Mel Gibson crafted a brutal, visceral portrayal of a world where gasoline holds more value than human life.

      With a significantly larger budget than what Miller had for Mad Max, it showcased the spectacular set pieces that the franchise has become famous for, which Miller further honed in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road.

      Despite its lackluster box office performance, he at least matched some earlier films with the impressive Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga released last year.

      **Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)**

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

      This is another contender for one of the finest sequels ever made. The original Terminator was a relatively low-budget film that had only modest box office success before gaining a much larger home audience.

      Judgment Day escalated everything. Sarah Connor, who was just a frightened waitress in the first film, has transformed into a tough warrior striving to protect her son and avert the apocalypse. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 returns not as a merciless killing machine but as a reluctant hero.

      The action sequences are extraordinary, Robert Patrick shines as the shape-shifting T-1000, and the film conveys more emotion than any other piece directed by James Cameron, except perhaps for Titanic. It is 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.

      Star Trek: The Motion Picture marked the franchise's return following the cancellation of the beloved TV series and was passable. It felt a bit slow and lacked action, receiving mixed reviews, but at least the familiar characters were back.

      In contrast, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan is extraordinary. It is genuinely thrilling — Chekov and Terrell with the eel larvae in their ears? Terrifying — and the stakes are incredibly high. Khan, making a memorable return, is a menacing villain driven by revenge against Captain Kirk for his wife’s death.

      The twist? Spock dies! His death feels permanent, at least for a duration. (Not too long, of course: Star Trek needs him.) This event gives Wrath of Khan weight and genuine stakes. While Star Trek appeals to intellectual audiences, this installment is intensely emotional — and an undeniable choice for any list of sequels superior to their originals.

      **Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)**

      A publicity still of David Prowse as Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. 20th Century Fox – Credit: Lucasfilm

      The Empire Strikes Back is a key reason why audiences cherish the Star Wars saga as much as they do, with substantial credit going to the late James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader.

      The original Star Wars is somewhat of a children’s film: a delightful, imaginative, and engaging space adventure that rightly garnered impressive box office returns. However, The Empire Strikes Back delves into the complexities of growing up.

      Simple choices often lead to wrong outcomes. Characters constantly weigh current sacrifices against future rewards. Just when situations appear straightforward, they become extraordinarily complicated.

      It also