With all the re-watching of movies happening during self-isolation and social distancing, it’s inevitable that at some point there will be a movie series marathon at some point. While some series are more beloved and renowned than others, within each series there are great movies as well.
Now, when we talk about sequels for the purposes of this list, we are not necessarily talking about the second movie, or first sequel, but rather any movie within the series which came after the original. For the purposes of this list, I have limited myself to one movie per series.
(I have tried to make this as spoiler-free as possible, but beware accidental spoilers!)
Here are the top ten movie sequels:
10. THE BOURNE SUPREMACY
Perhaps the most underappreciated sequel ever, SUPREMACY builds off the explosive first instalment of the Bourne series. It quickly subverts our expectations by eliminating a major character, and then takes Bourne on a chase from the CIA but towards regaining some memory. It features some more badass actions by Bourne himself, including a jaw-dropping, cliff-hanging ending which leads us into the third act of the trilogy with a lot of momentum.
9. SPIDER-MAN 2
We just mentioned underappreciated sequels, well this one might take the cake. Sam Raimi’s much-maligned Spider-Man series reached its crescendo with this 2004 sequel, featuring Alfred Molina as the villain Doctor Octopus. Peter Parker’s struggles with self-identity and with his own real-life dilemmas take centre stage as the roller coaster romance with MJ continues. It’s a much more personal, philosophical look at the Spider-Man character which is the most rewatchable of the Raimi trilogy.
8. MAD MAX 2: ROAD WARRIOR
Disclaimer: I consider MAD MAX: FURY ROAD to be an indirect sequel, part of the Mad Max Franchise for sure, but it doesn’t fit the criteria of this top ten list. But, Max still has a place on this list thanks to the 1981 cult classic ROAD WARRIOR. Mel Gibson returns as Max with very little dialogue as he helps a community defeat a band of raiders in one of the more thrilling car chase sequences put to film. George Miller’s mastermind at work once again led to ROAD WARRIOR becoming the highest-grossing Australian film at the time. Miller’s vision coupled with commitment to real stunt-work definitely shows inthe rest of his films, but ROAD WARRIOR remains one of his best.
7. HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
The Harry Potter series featured many different directors, all of whom put their own trademark twist into the world’s favourite boy wizard, but it is Alfonso Cuaron’s third movie of the series which is, in my opinion, the best. It expands on the Hogwarts property which we had seen thus far, introduces Gary Oldman’s Sirius Black, tells us more about the story of Harry’s parents, and as the characters and actors age, so did this movie. It is the first “grown-up” instalment of the series, with a much darker tone while still maintaining the childlike wonder and entertainment of the previous movies, much as the books do. Cuaron’s excellent direction and filmmaking techniques lend themselves wonderfully to the best of the Potter series.
6. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
Peter Jackson’s legendary trilogy came to a thrilling conclusion with the biggest Academy Awards haul ever, winning all 11 Oscars it was nominated for. Featuring some of the most-remembered speeches and shots in the series, RETURN OF THE KING gave us plenty of action, suspense, heartbreak, and joy as it wrapped up J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbit adventure. From the Ride of the Rohirrim, to the charge of the Olyphaunts, to the thrilling final showdown at the Black Gate, it was chock-full of epic battle sequences while Elijah Wood and Sean Astin put in two of the best performances in the series as they made their way into Mordor to Mount Doom. The third part of the trilogy is a perfect blend of big-scale CGI with with individual focus and great performances, and belongs in the conversation for best series-concluder of all-time.
5. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT
Since the underwhelming MI: 2, the series has gotten better and better with each movie. This is going to be tough to top, and not just because of Henry Cavill’s mustachioed Agent Walker, but the stunt work in this movie was insanely good. The movie starts with a real-life HALO jump, before sending us on motorcycle and car chases around Paris and concluding with a dual-helicopter chase through the hills. Oh, and the incredible bathroom brawl offers some memorable moments as well. But Tom Cruise’s stunts aside, this presents us with the best villain of the series, the best blend of callbacks and new moments, and one hell of a personal-level raising of the stakes for the climax. It’s pretty much non-stop fun and action, and while it gives a serious tone to the series, it still allows for several laugh-out-loud comedic moments.
4. THE GODFATHER: PART II
If you were to look for a highlight reel of Al Pacino’s finest moments, it could just end up being this movie. Combining together the story of the rise of Vito Corleone with the peak of Michael Corleone’s power in a dual timeline, it also combines the fictional story of the Corleones with real-life events such as the Cuban revolution. Michael’s “I know it was you, Fredo” is only one of a few heartbreaking moments throughout the film, culminating with the most heartbreaking of conclusions. While I don’t think it’s as good as the initial GODFATHER film, it is by far one of the better sequels ever crafted.
3. THE DARK KNIGHT
Just when we thought we knew what Christopher Nolan’s Batman was all about, he introduces the Joker and changes everything. Equal parts mystery and anarchy, Joker’s plan plays out almost to perfection, until Batman realizes who he really has to be in order to save Gotham, at least temporarily. It’s by far the grittiest and darkest of the Nolan trilogy, and it’s no coincidence that it features the best performances by Christian Bale (Batman/Bruce), Gary Oldman (Commissioner Gordon) and of course the late Heath Ledger. While at its core it is the study of three individual characters (Batman, Joker, Harvey Dent), it also shocks us, uplifts us, tears us apart, and of course features the big-budget, authentic stunts which have become Nolan’s trademark. From the opening bank heist to Batman riding off into the sunset (almost literally), this film keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire runtime.
2. BLADE RUNNER: 2049
Even though it came out 25 years after the original BLADE RUNNER stunned audiences worldwide, Denis Villeneuve’s sequel burst onto the big-screen with a smorgasbord of star power, including the return of Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. In what might be Ford’s best individual acting performance in years, he is matched step for step by Ryan Gosling, who stars as Officer K. Not only is it a lesson in storytelling, suspense and plot twists, it’s also a visual masterpiece. Villeneuve’s use of colours and lights is incredible, and the orange-lit scenes in Las Vegas, as well as the casino fight are two of my favourite sequences in recent memory. Equally stunning for story as it is scale and visuals, it’s one of the most beautiful films ever made.
1. STAR WARS: EPISODE V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Could it be any other movie? I mean, really? George Lucas’s 1980 sequel to the smash hit STAR WARS turned everything upside down. Not only do the bad guys win the movie, but the reveal towards the end shook the Star Wars universe to its core and set things in motion for the conclusion, as well as set the story for the prequel trilogy. The opening Hoth sequence was a thrilling winter setting, and the introduction of Lando Calrissian endures as one of the more beloved Star Wars characters, as well as the mysterious Bob Fett. I tried to not be cliche and put EMPIRE as number one on my list, but it just couldn’t be done. “Do or do not…there is no try.” – Yoda.
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