10 Movies Sequels So Good, You Will Give Up on The Original Film

Binger

Sequels often tend to get a bad rep, especially when the original movie was a smash hit. Agreeably, it is a tough gig to have to follow up on a loved classic. There has always been that debate of whether a sequel ever truly tops the original. The truth here is that sequels can go either way, but some sequels are so brilliantly made that they will leave you forgetting the original! Whether it is with their thrilling twists, unforgettable characters, or fun action, these are films that managed to overshadow their predecessors.

Forget about nostalgia—these sequels have their own spin, and taste of magic that will change the way you view their original films! 

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

When it comes to action movies in Hollywood, quite a few movie series have been able to make a splash like John Wick

. If you have seen the first movie, when John Wick

was just a retired hitman on a quest for revenge after some thugs killed his puppy, which was his late wife’s gift to him, you will remember how intense it was. You will be glad to know that it did not stop there. Even with the sequel parts, John Wick

was quite the banger!

When John Wick: Chapter 4 

hit theaters, the franchise had made it big. Fans and critics went on and on about its jaw-dropping action scenes and immersive scenes that engulfed you. This sequel sure did not disappoint the franchise fans, and may have even been the best of all. Go watch it now and find out for yourself!

Read More: Top 10 Times Hollywood Got it Wrong with Worst Movie Sequels Nobody Asked For

Dune: Part 2 (2024)

Dune: Part 2

hit the screens and made a huge splash. It was like trying to top a masterpiece with an even bigger masterpiece. It picks up where the first film left off, diving even deeper into Frank Herbert’s complex universe. The story, if you notice, is more focused this time around and has some serious structure going on. Critics had quite a lot to say about Dune: Part Two

‘s review

, about its stunning visuals and cinematography that was done like never before. 

You can tell a film is a hit by the way critics, and articles choose words to describe it, and with Dune: Part 2

, they were nothing short of raving about the film. The Guardian described it as landing with a “sternum-juddering crash”

. It is clear that Dune: Part 2

has set quite the bar for sequels to reach up to. 

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Puss in Boots

made it big in animation by bringing something new to the screens. It ditched the usual 3D animation for a fresh 2.5D style that mixed hand-drawn charm with computer graphics. When it came out back in 2022, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

 left quite an impression, with its funny scenes, and compelling plot of Puss finding out he was on his last life, and following him as he sets off on a wild quest for the legendary Wishing Star. 

Puss’s journey in this sequel, as you will find out when you watch it, is full of laughs, action, and heartwarming moments. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

 was loved by many and it left its mark in the animated genre. 

Mission: Impossible—Fallout (2018)

Mission: Impossible—Fallout

did not just meet fans’ expectations but it blew it out of the park, to say the least. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this movie had viewers gripping their seats with some seriously thrilling adrenaline-pumping action scenes. And Tom Cruise, famous for his own stunts, did not disappoint! From a high-altitude halo jump to a wild helicopter chase, he was all in!

This was not just an action flick, it came as a whole box-office experience that will leave you wanting more of everything. Fans could not stop talking about the action and the thrill of the movie even after leaving the theaters. 

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Back in 2017, Thor: Ragnarok

hit the big screen, it instantly became quite a hit with the public. From its different ’80s sort of vibe to the perfect combination of Chris Hemsworth with Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and of course, Mark Ruffalo

who blended together easily and brought layers of charm and comedy to the action film, making it a main attraction for all viewers. 

Thor: Ragnarok

really did shake things up for good for the Norse god’s movie saga, with its action-packed moves that kept the spirits at an all-time high with laughs at all the right moments, this movie may have just hit the jackpot!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

In 2014, the release of How to Train Your Dragon 2

filled fans with joy and excitement, especially after how they showered the first film with pure love. Not only did the sequel live up to the first movie, but some even go on to say that it was better. The sequel did not leave any crumbs when it came to the animation, with some of the coolest places and visuals. 

Many fans stepped out of the theaters awed by the film’s breathtaking visuals, but the touching scenes between Valka and Stoick seemed to really hit home for many. The success of How to Train Your Dragon 2

came from that perfect mix of heartfelt scenes, comedy, and action that flowed throughout the film, leaving no gaps unfilled. 

Logan (2017)

The Wolverine series of the X-Men

took a giant leap with Logan, and needless to say, it all worked out well! This time, instead of sticking to the usual comic book script, Logan

brought viewers a completely raw look at Wolverine in his twilight years, with Hugh Jackman giving it his all. This movie came as quite the saving grace for the Wolverine franchise as it really struck a chord with fans. 

Logan

moved into themes of mature storytelling and emotional punch, making it stand out from the past films. All these changes brought smiles in the end as Logan earned all the claps and even was a nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards. Logan

stands as a movie that really showed how a sequel might just turn the tables.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Now, here is a sequel that outshined the original for many! Top Gun: Maverick

 took off in theaters, giving audiences a wild ride that left them shaken to the core. Tom Cruise was back in the shoes of Maverick, giving fans just the right amount of nostalgia with a fresh burst of energy. You could really see the film’s commitment to realism as Cruise did his own stunts and even got the cast trained to fly fighter jets. This risky dedication did not go to waste, but built some beautiful aerial scenes that felt both real and thrilling. 

Unlike many of today’s CGI-heavy action flicks, Top Gun: Maverick

leaned into real and more practical effects, creating an experience that hit home with both fans and new watchers. The sequel put the bar of action movies quite high, with some even coming out and saying how it was better than the original. 

Paddington 2 (2017)

Paddington 2

 with that cute little bear, stole the hearts of audiences yet again, racking up a whopping 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes! The sequel picks up with Paddington continuing his adventures in London. This time, he gets tangled up in a mystery involving a stolen book, with all the same or even more hilarious antics that he brought in Paddington

. 

If you have not watched Paddington

, or Paddington 2

, you are losing out on a lovely film that is a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and emotions, plus it is family-friendly! Paddington 2

makes for the perfect feel-good movie to watch on a day off with friends and family. 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Here is a sequel that was a hit itself but also somehow managed to give the Marvel Cinematic Universe a serious boost. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

hit theaters and simply took off, shaking up the superhero movie scene. It mixed some powerful high-energy action with a political thriller vibe. Its mature storytelling and the character development in the sequel got everyone talking from critics to fans. 

It was not just the story that made this sequel a hit; it was the characters, the sets, the intense action, and all the layers of mystery and suspense that made it. With all the praise and box office success, it was clear how this sequel left its mark, maybe even outshining the first one. These sequels are the best of the follow-ups that showed the movie world, how with plot twists that catch you off guard and characters that grow on you, some movie sequels can crank things up a notch. Sometimes, they even leave the original flicks behind in the dust! 

Read More: Is the ‘Barbie’ Sequel Really Happening? Here’s All We Know About the Pink-Hue Rumour

Which movie sequel surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Netflix