Sequel Fever: 20 Years of Hollywood's best sequel films

Here's a look at the best follow-up films of the last two decades.

Sequels have evolved from mere afterthoughts to cinematic powerhouses, shaping Hollywood's landscape since the 1980s. What was once a formulaic endeavour with limited budgets and few returning cast members has transformed into a studio's tentpole event. 

This shift didn't happen overnight, and not every sequel was a hit. But as we look at today's film industry, franchises dominate, and sequels often rake in the highest global box office numbers, for better or worse.

Crafting a successful sequel, especially when the original is beloved, is no small feat.  The challenge becomes even greater when the original is already a masterpiece.

This summer, like every summer, is packed with highly anticipated sequels like "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," and many more. To kick off the season, we're taking a look back at the best sequels of the past 20 years that managed to surpass their predecessors and elevate their respective franchises.

Terrifer 2 (2022)

Damien Leone's Terrifier 2 exceeded expectations, transforming from an indie slasher to a horror sensation. While its predecessor, Terrifier (2016), was praised for its practical effects but criticized for its weak narrative, Leone took these critiques to heart and crafted a superior sequel. Terrifier 2 features a compelling showdown between Art the Clown and the ultimate final girl, Sienna, while significantly improving upon the original in terms of character development, lore, and exceptional gore.

Fast Five (2011)

In Fast Five, director Justin Lin revolutionized the Fast and Furious franchise, shifting its focus from street racing and small-time crimes to international action-packed adventures. This installment gathered returning cast members from previous films, forming an unforgettable heist crew. The addition of Dwayne Johnson as Agent Hobbs, who clashes with Vin Diesel's Dom and Paul Walker's Brian, further elevated the movie's star power and action sequences. While later sequels faced challenges due to Paul Walker's tragic passing and increasingly complex storylines, Fast Five remains a standout success, fueled by the power of family and thrilling action.

Deadpool 2 (2018)

Ryan Reynolds' iconic portrayal of Deadpool transformed the once niche Marvel character into a household name. In the sequel, directed by David Leitch, Deadpool faces off against Cable, a formidable mutant from the future, in a battle to protect the young Russell, whose fate has far-reaching consequences. Deadpool joins forces with the lucky mutant Domino to safeguard Russell in this action-packed sequel that surpasses the original in terms of humor, polish, and exploration of Deadpool's place within the mutant universe.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

The John Wick franchise faces a unique challenge: each of the 2014 film's sequels has surpassed its predecessor. All three sequels boast superior action sequences, captivating settings, and impressive production design. However, Chapter 4 truly exemplifies everything fans adore about the franchise. From epic samurai sword battles and breathtaking rooftop shootouts to the unforgettable staircase fight, the movie delivers non-stop action. Despite injuries, Keanu Reeves' John Wick returns as agile and combat-ready as ever. The film also introduces compelling new characters like Caine, Akira, and Tracker, who deepen the lore and expand upon the franchise's evolution from a modest action film to an extraordinary saga about finding peace amidst relentless violence.

Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014)

While the first Captain America film was enjoyable, The Winter Soldier, directed by the Russo Brothers, truly solidified Steve Rogers in the modern world. It successfully adapted the beloved Winter Soldier comic book storyline, where Captain America teams up with Black Widow and Falcon to confront his brainwashed friend, Bucky Barnes, who has become the deadly Winter Soldier. This sequel infused the superhero genre with espionage elements and provided a deeper exploration of Captain America's character as he grapples with his past and present. With outstanding action sequences and a bold deconstruction of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Winter Soldier stands as one of the best sequels in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and its impact continues to resonate in the franchise.

Logan (2017)

Following the underwhelming X-Men Origins: Wolverine, director James Mangold significantly improved the sequel, The Wolverine, although it was limited by its PG-13 rating. Mangold truly unleashed his vision in Logan, an R-rated, dystopian western where a weathered Logan must protect his genetically engineered daughter, Laura, from those who seek to weaponize her. Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart deliver raw, emotional performances as Logan and Charles Xavier, respectively, in this bleak yet fitting conclusion to their characters' stories. Mangold's R-rating allowed for the brutal violence fans have long associated with Wolverine, but more importantly, Logan grants its protagonist a purpose, a final mission, and a rare sense of closure within the superhero genre.

Spiderman 2 (2004)

Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2 surpasses the global phenomenon of its predecessor, allowing the filmmaker to embrace his signature visual and tonal style. Peter Parker struggles to balance his dual life, while Mary Jane tries to move on, and Harry seeks revenge. These personal struggles are amplified by the arrival of a new foe, Doc Ock, who grapples with his own losses. Spider-Man 2 stands as one of Raimi's most intimate films, delivering spectacular action while delving into the characters' psyches. Instead of transforming the world into a comic book setting, it places comic characters in the real world, forcing them to confront loss, heartbreak, and hope in a relatable manner.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

The Mission: Impossible franchise has consistently delivered impressive sequels, with Christopher McQuarrie playing a pivotal role in modernizing the series. While Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is undoubtedly a strong contender, Mission: Impossible - Fallout narrowly edges it out by presenting Ethan Hunt with a formidable adversary in August Walker. With the support of his team, Hunt races against time to prevent nuclear catastrophe. The plot revolves around daring stunts and elaborate set pieces, a risky approach for any filmmaker other than McQuarrie and star Tom Cruise. Nevertheless, the narrative remains engaging, and the action sequences, particularly the HALO jump and helicopter chase, are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The fact that Cruise performed these stunts himself after extensive training underscores both the magic and inherent danger of filmmaking.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Matt Reeves elevated the rebooted Planet of the Apes franchise, depicting Caesar as a tragic figure striving to maintain a fragile peace amidst escalating conflict. While Caesar sought common ground with humanity, Koba's aggression and theft of human weapons ignited a full-scale war. Simultaneously, a human family led by Malcolm sought peace but faced opposition from their leader, Dreyfus. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes boasts groundbreaking motion-capture technology, creating a believable world where empathy for both humans and apes is effortless. The ape characters, brought to life by a talented cast, rank among the most memorable of the 21st century.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Mike Flanagan accomplished the seemingly impossible: he adapted Stephen King's sequel to The Shining while also crafting a sequel to Stanley Kubrick's iconic film, despite the vast differences between the two. Flanagan managed to create a film that pays homage to both King's and Kubrick's works, all while weaving in his own personal style and expanding his own cinematic universe. Doctor Sleep follows an adult Dan Torrance, who must protect a young girl with similar abilities from a dangerous cult. The film is a visually stunning and emotionally charged exploration of redemption, mortality, and the lingering effects of past trauma.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water, released after 13 years, exceeded expectations. While the film's technological advancements are undeniable, its true success lies in its storytelling. Cameron, often criticized for his writing, proves his critics wrong with this sequel. The film's box office success isn't solely due to impressive visuals but also because audiences connect with the characters and their stories. The Way of Water tells a universal tale of families, parents and children navigating expectations, and fighting for something greater than themselves. Despite the alien setting, creatures, and advanced technology, Cameron's unwavering commitment to this world and its characters allows viewers to fully immerse themselves and believe in the story.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a superior sequel to the already acclaimed Into the Spider-Verse, achieving new heights in animation, storytelling, and cultural references. Directed by a talented trio, the film's visuals are breathtaking, incorporating diverse animation styles and paying homage to Spider-Man's rich history. Miles Morales' journey through the multiverse brings him face-to-face with a variety of Spider-People, including Hobie Brown, Pavitr Prabhakar, and Peter B. Parker. However, the looming threat of the Spot and Miles' inexperience lead to a clash with the Spider Society's leader, Miguel O'Hara. The sequel concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the final chapter.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, is undeniably a landmark film that has been extensively analyzed and praised. It revolutionized the superhero genre, solidifying Nolan's status as a visionary director and demonstrating the potential of long-established franchises. Notably, The Dark Knight proved that a filmmaker doesn't need to be immersed in comic book lore to create a masterpiece, as long as they possess a compelling vision and collaborate with talented writers like Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer. Nolan approached the film as a crime epic, exploring the clash between order, chaos, and chance as embodied by Batman, the Joker, and Harvey Dent, respectively. Heath Ledger's posthumously acclaimed performance as the Joker remains an acting tour de force, even among a stellar cast including Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman. The Dark Knight reimagined iconic characters for a new era, fundamentally altering public perception of Batman and his world across various media. In terms of influence, The Dark Knight is arguably the most impactful sequel of the 21st century. As for whether it's the absolute best, that remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Creed (2015)

Ryan Coogler reinvigorated the Rocky franchise with Creed, shifting the focus to Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, while skillfully blending the old and new. This fresh perspective attracted both longtime Rocky fans and a new generation of viewers. In the film, Adonis seeks to establish himself as a boxer, enlisting the help of a retired Rocky Balboa as his trainer. As Adonis grapples with the weight of his father's legacy and his relationship with musician Bianca, Rocky battles cancer, leading both men on a poignant journey of self-discovery and mutual support. Creed delves into themes of identity, family, and acceptance, effectively utilizing the sequel format to fulfill existing plot points while introducing new characters and storylines. Creed stands as a shining example of a successful passing-of-the-torch sequel.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road defied expectations and revitalized the dormant franchise. Audiences were initially skeptical, as Mad Max hadn't been on screen since 1985, and Miller was known for family-friendly films like Happy Feet and Babe. However, Fury Road emerged as a groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking and stunt work, seamlessly blending narrative and action. The film's striking visuals and focus on Furiosa, a powerful female character escaping a tyrannical leader, marked a significant departure from previous Mad Max films, demonstrating Miller's stylistic evolution. Notably, Miller's world-building is dynamic and constantly in motion, showcasing his enduring creative energy and hunger for innovation. This leaves fans eagerly anticipating Mad Max: The Wasteland, hoping that Miller will once again push boundaries and surpass the already remarkable Fury Road.