The Top 10 Movie Sequels Better Than the Original
There is nothing better in this world than going to see a sequel of one of your favorite films and having it satisfy every single fantasy you thought imaginable. It’s a very rare thing to find sequels that are more superior than their first installment, but when you do, it can be one of the most epic of all moviegoing experiences.
10. The Bride of Frankenstein
Source: Universal Pictures
Even though this 1935 classic may not be officially considered a sequel, it paid in full on its release and still does to this very day. Still considered one of the ultimate monster classics of all time, 1931's Frankenstein was unique for its brilliant and meticulous direction by James Whale as well as the iconic performance by Boris Karloff.
In my opinion, Whale is the reason why this film was so groundbreaking. The man was an artist making films at a time when hacks were a dime a dozen. With Bride, Whale stepped his game up and took the saga of a reanimated corpse to a terrifying new level. We get another incredible performance from Boris Karloff as the Monster and Elsa Lanchester totally brings down the house as both Mary Shelley and the glorious bride.
9. Superman 2
Source: Warner Bros.
There is no doubt that the original Superman was a great action blockbuster and a pretty solid take on the comic, but Superman 2 is the film from the series that seems to stand out in everyone’s minds. The reason? General motherfunkin’ Zod, son! We get a taste of the Zod in the first feature, but part 2 is where the s*** really hits the fan, The film also shows Superman giving up his powers for the love of Ms. Lois Lane. This plotline alone could have carried the entire film, but when you throw Zod and his badass intergalactic criminal crew in the mix it makes for some great popcorn movie bliss.
Come to me, son of Jor-El! Kneel before Zod!
8. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
Source: Warner Bros.
I’ve always loved the original Mad Max and its take on a post-apocalyptic society, but the ultra violent bonanza that is The Road Warrior is like the first film on performance-enhancing drugs. George Miller did another incredible job as director and also helped write a dark yet somewhat realistic image of the future. The fact that the entire movie is based around a battle for fuel is a damn scary concept if you look at the fight for oil that’s been going on globally in the past few years.
The first Mad Max had some groundbreaking car carnage that still holds up to this day, but the action sequences in RW are an all-you-can-eat buffet for the eyes and seemed to set the standard for stunt work, as well as mobile camera techniques. The film’s relentlessly aggressive style and over-the-top, cartoon-like characters are every movie fan’s fantasy. This film f***ing owns. They really, really don’t make’em like they use to.
7. Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn
Source: Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Even though this movie is basically a remake of the first Evil Dead, I easily consider it one of the greatest sequels ever created. With Evil Dead 2, horror visionary Sam Raimi and goofy Michigan partner-in-crime Bruce Campbell teamed up once again to battle the evil of the Necronomicon. With Raimi’s groundbreaking camera acrobatics and Bruce’s slapstick brilliance, Evil Dead 2 went on to become one of the most beloved cult classics of the horror genre. If you have yet to experience this film you really need to treat yourself.
Another great aspect about this film is how Raimi had a much larger budget for Dead By Dawn compared to the first film. The original Evil Dead was shot for a measly $375,000. Seeing an independent filmmaker like Raimi get this kind of financial boost was really satisfying as a fan, but not nearly as satisfying as the end result of all the hard work...and fake blood.
6. Dawn of the Dead
Source: Laurel Group
Every single one of George A. Romero’s Dead films seems to be able to stand alone as their own individual work. None are really the same, but they all share Romero’s unique directing style and maniacal vision. With this said, Night of the Living Dead is one of the most original horror films ever made and Dawn of the Dead was no different. Night terrified audiences in ways like never before and totally redefined the entire horror genre all by its lonesome.
With the release of Dawn of the Dead, things would most definitely never be the same again for the genre. Tom Savini’s jaw-dropping make-up and effects work is one of the key reasons for this. Never had audiences feasted on such a gorefest in all their lives. The scene where the zombie husband goes to hug his wife and rips a huge chink of flesh from her shoulder was like nothing I had ever seen before. I was disgusted and thoroughly delighted all at the same time. Who wouldn’t be? Even Roger Ebert gave Dawn four out of four stars and said it was "one of the best horror films ever made."
