The old saying goes that a sequel is never as good as the original, and over the years, plenty of films have proved this to be the case.
Fortunately for the makers of the upcoming Avatar sequel – which finally has a trailer after over a decade of waiting – there are always exceptions to every rule.
Let’s hope for James Cameron’s sake his new sequels can follow in the footsteps of these celebrated follow-ups, rather than the countless “part two” films that wound up in bargain bins the world over...
Addams Family Values
We don’t use terms like “perfection” lightly, but if there were ever a perfect family comedy then Addams Family Values might well be it. The fact it’s actually a sequel to a less-revered live-action version of the classic cartoon is even more impressive.
Obviously all of the cast members playing the creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky and, indeed, altogether ooky family shine as brightly as their dark surroundings will allow (special shout-out to Anjelica Huston serving true macabre glamour as Morticia). But Addams Family Values really belongs to new addition Joan Cusack, who stars as Uncle Fester’s love interest Debbie.
Toy Story 3
Who’d have guessed that an animated buddy comedy about a toy cowboy and a plastic astronaut would have sparked one of the most lucrative film sagas of recent times?
And while Toy Story 2 – released four years after the original – kicked things up several notches, it was the third instalment in the series that people really went wild for. Toy Story 3 served up adorable new characters, scooped an impressive Best Picture nomination at the Oscars and, crucially, delivered not one but two ugly-cry moments.
Paddington 2
Even though the original Paddington film was well-received when it first hit cinemas in 2014 – featuring a CGI version of the classic character interacting with live-action actors – few could predict just how beloved its sequel would go on to become.
Not only was it nominated for Outstanding British Film at the Baftas, it’s also one of the few movies with a perfect score on review site Rotten Tomatoes. With 238 positive reviews, it’s also the highest-rated film on the entire website. Take that, Citizen Kane.
The Dark Knight
Like many, we were sold on The Dark Knight from the moment we saw its infamous viral marketing campaign (back in the day when viral marketing campaigns were actually still new and exciting).
We could probably talk all day about how this film is a level up on Batman Begins, from Christopher Nolan’s direction, to the incredible costumes and special effects. But let’s be honest, this film is all about Heath Ledger, who earned a posthumous Academy Award for his unforgettable portrayal of the Joker.
Aliens
Although the original Alien divided critics upon its original release in 1979, the film quickly garnered a loyal following, and by the mid-1980s, was revered among fans of sci-fi.
Putting out a sequel was therefore always going to be a bit of a risk, but fortunately 1986′s Aliens more than lived up to its predecessor. It earned Sigourney Weaver a game-changing Oscar nomination as the star of a sci-fi film. It has also been named the Best Sequel Of All Time by Empire magazine.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Listen, we get it, Fury Road was billed as a “revisiting” of the original Mad Max trilogy, rather than a straight-up sequel or a traditional reboot.
Still, the film was so well-received – check that 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes if you don’t believe us, not to mention its six Oscar wins – we felt we couldn’t leave it off this list. Plus, who would pass up the opportunity to see Charlize Theron in all her buzzed glory again?
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars has so many different instalments, and a fan community that stretches far and wide, that it would be literally impossible to decide which of the numerous sequels is the superior one.
So while we’d struggle to pinpoint which of film is the best, we’ve gone with The Empire Strikes Back for the simple reason it contains arguably the most iconic moment in Star Wars history, when Darth Vader’s true identity is revealed.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
He said “I’ll be back”, and apparently he meant it, although it did take seven years.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day was hailed as even better than the original film by many critics, who were wowed by the advanced special effects (which went on to win one of the film’s four Academy Awards).
The success of Terminator 2 led to a number of additional spin-offs and sequels, although none of these have quite been able to match the original two films.
Avengers: Endgame
Essentially the sequel to around 100 other films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame was much-awaited when it hit cinemas in 2019, wrapping up stories that began in the Iron Man, Thor and Captain America film series.
Fortunately, the majority of cinema-goers felt the ambitious project was worth the wait, with Avengers: Endgame landing rave reviews and becoming the highest-grossing film of all time (that’s second-highest, when adjusted for inflation).
The Godfather Part II
The first sequel to ever win Best Picture at the Academy Awards (the only other being Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King), Godfather II is so revered it was added to the U.S. National Film Registry of the Library of Congress due to its cultural significance, alongside the original Godfather film.
The same can not be said for the follow-up, Godfather III.
Skyfall
Although Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace proved popular, many 007 fans still breathed a sigh of relief when Skyfall was released, as they felt it was more in keeping with the James Bond franchise than Daniel Craig’s first two outings.
Skyfall won largely positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the decision to give more material for Dame Judi Dench to work with, and became the highest-grossing film in the UK ever at that time. Follow-up Spectre was similarly well-received, with the Daniel’s fifth and final Bond film, No Time To Die, set to hit cinemas... soon. Let’s just say soon.