Sequels. Perhaps the Achilles heel of most beloved franchises. When a film comes out and makes a splash - whether critical or commercial - the thought of gifting it a second installment is quite appealing for mostly (let’s be honest) capitalistic reasons. However, doing so generates a lurking danger. While a clever marketing campaign and a surrounding hype can lead to an initially impressive box office weekend, behind the scenes arguments between creators and executives (e.g., “The Crow: City of Angels” (1996)), financial greed (e.g., “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (1997), “Book of Shadows: The Blair Witch Project” (2000)), messy productions (e.g., “Highlander II: The Quickening” (1991)) and/or a lack of artistic passion (e.g., “The Exorcist II: The Heretic” (1977), “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” (1997), “Basic Instinct 2” (2006)) can tear down the legacy of the original. Others in their attempt to avoid the disappointment of a thirsty audience seek to incorporate additional philosophies and ideas on top of ones that made the first film a success, leading to unnecessarily complex and convoluted motion pictures (e.g., “The Matrix Reloaded” (2003), “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” (2010)).

Yet a handful of times, comes along a visionary director who respects and admires the established mythos. Combined with an uncompromising talent, excellent supporting cast and novel aesthetics, very few sequels have managed to surpass their predecessors and become legendary within their own right. We count down the top ten best movie sequels of all time!

10. X-Men 2 (2003)

The early noughties featured several attempts to kickstart the superhero genre mainly due to the unexpected success of Bryan Singer’s “X-Men” (2000). Yet, that film felt restrained and incomplete, never fully embracing the source material despite being able to present a plausible mutant take for the big screen. Three years later, Singer’s “X-Men 2” torn the rule book achieving wider commercial and critical success than its predecessor in one of the rare occasions where the sequel surpassed the original in every department. Maintaining the same sensitive balance of thoughtful drama and jaw dropping spectacle, “X2” doubled down on its characters giving each one of them at least one moment to shine alternating between meaningful segments and exhilarating action. The cast is on top form with McKellen and Jackman owning their roles but the biggest standout is Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler who has the film’s best sequence; his attack on the White House is a marvel of special effects and novel stuntwork.

Best line: “Most people will never know anything beyond what they see with their own two eyes.”

MVP: Bryan Singer.

Best moment: Hands down Nightcrawler’s acrobatic antics in the White House.

9. John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

“John Wick” (2014) might be originally conceived as a small scale story but when the audience demands a sequel, Hollywood never says no. Screenwriter and franchise creator Derek Kolstad is up for the task though tastefully opening up the world of the stoic assassin and embedding it with new and deadlier foes, ambiguous rules of conduct and class, lots and lots of class. Chad Stahelski improves upon the first film’s action staging adding more groundbreaking stunts and breathtaking choreography both further accentuated by the gorgeous cinematography of Dan Laustsen and an aristocratic production design. Feeling more like a live action painting of modern sensibilities, John Wick’s style continues to appeal to universal audiences due to Keanu Reeves’ magnetic and pitch perfect performance making a black suit undeniable cool. Stahelski does not miss a beat either orchestrating unique set-pieces with incredible panache, each shot being more beautiful than the last.

Best line: “Not if I see you first.”

MVP: Dan Laustsen’s stunning shots.

Best moment: The fighting climax under a thunderous rendition of Vivaldi’s “Summer”.

8. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Some people clash over “Alien“ (1979) and “Aliens” (1986). Most though debate over Coppola’s first two gangster epics and their merits. Featured heavily in the passionate social circles of cinephiles dissecting which part is actually the best, plenty of arguments can be of why “Part II” is superior. Al Pacino fully embraces the Corleone persona to make money, crush his enemies, shelter his family from harm and maintain fatherly innocence which frankly does not stick well with his criminal activities; yet he commands every frame he is in it and we are attracted to him no matter how Faustian his bargain can get. Elevated by a superb supporting cast that deserve accolades on their own (especially John Cazale) and some heart breaking decisions, “Part II” is truly and utterly compelling perpetuating a sense of Shakespearean tragedy and irony in Michael’s actions. Every step he takes to become a better man is overshadowed by twenty more that push him to become the ultimate crime overlord.

Best line: “I know it was you *****.“

MVP: Pacino, Pacino, Pacino.

Best moment: The last line from Michael will grab you both physically and emotionally.

7. Evil Dead 2 (1987)

“Evil Dead” (1981) might have been banned from several countries during its release but the film’s success and excellent word of mouth never stopped a young Raimi from going absolutely bonkers at this sequel/remake fusion. Embracing a pastiche of horror and comedy, Raimi’s direction is one for the ages filming the cabin as the ultimate horror arena; Dutch angles, zoom ins, zoom outs, POVs and more propel this demonic cacophony to cult status. The macabre make up effects only add to the film’s charm. Excluding all the deadite slicing and dicing, “Evil Dead 2” is the movie though that gave us an enduring horror icon. Ash Williams equipped with a boomstick and a chainsaw, is ready to kick ass no questions asked sprouting all liners which fit well in Raimi’s psychedelic script. Bruce Campbell, a criminally underrated actor with immense comedic charisma dominates the film’s legacy giving his reluctant hero relatable shades of humanity within his own descend into madness. Who are we to judge him if he finds things groovy amidst buckets of OTT gore?

Best line: “Swallow this!“

MVP: Bruce motherf***ing Campbell.

Best moment: Bruce Campbell showcases his gift for physical comedy when his hand is possessed.

6. The Dark Knight (2008)

Similarly to Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989) and Bryan Singer’s “X-Men”, “The Dark Knight” expanded not only the arena of crime fighting for the caped crusader but envisioned a plausible reality for masked vigilantes to operate. Nolan’s script heavily inspired by Michael Mann’s “Heat” (1995), has successfully added a compelling crime proceedings take with Joker delivering incrementally chaos in the streets of Gotham and the lives of its citizens. Featuring a great and large supporting cast and toned down for blockbuster standards action sequences, “The Dark Knight” really shines every time the electrifying Joker is on screen. Heath Ledger’s performance as the clown prince of crime dispersed a persisting amount of doubts to deliver an unpredictable and enigmatic antagonist with unique physical mannerisms and several quotable lines. While Nolan struggles to produce bombastic action, he includes in his sequel a hearty dosage of spectacle and improved editing all the while interjecting a highly relevant and subtle social commentary.

Best line: “How about a magic trick?”

MVP: Heath Ledger.

Best moment: “Do you wanna know how I got these scars?”

5. Kill Bill Volume 2 (2004)

Technically one could argue that “Kill Bill volume 2” is not a sequel but hey, it has a 2 in the title so we will count it as one. Be that as it may, the last chapter of Tarantino’s epic martial arts and spaghetti western homage features all the expected traits of the dialogue master while reducing the sharp, colorful and fast paced antics of its predecessor. The anime vibes are gone and the remaining characters are allowed to breathe. And for this reason, “Volume 2” is more emotional driving us through the hefty journey of the Bride adding bits and pieces here and there to explore her background and indulge us in the right dosages about her formidability. Uma Thurman nails an Oscar deserving role bringing real emotional vulnerability to her unstoppable assassin but it is the supporting players who truly shine; David Carradine is mesmerising while Darryl-anti-Bride-Hannah plays an absolute bastard full of shining glee in her beautiful blue eye. Her inevitable and epic clash with Thurman is rightfully one of the best fights of all time!

Best line: “Bitch, you do not have a future!“

MVP: Uma Thurman.

Best moment: Elle vs. Bride. Has ever been a nastier catfight on the big screen?

4. Batman Returns (1992)

There are sequels and then there is Tim Burton’s second and last Batman adventure. Taking the best bits of his 1989 Batman and magnifying them 100%, “Batman Returns” is an uncompromising auteur film. Its decision to take huge liberties in its source material matters not when you demonstrate such style. The cinematography along with the production and costume design set ideally in a very cold, snowy and Christmassy Gotham create a German Expressionist reel on steroids. Excluding as much color as possible, Burton’s sequel is a trippy and adult superhero fetish vehicle armed with sexual innuendos, quite dark scenes, black humor, lots of deaths and penguins carrying rocket launchers! This sincerely bizarre blockbuster is enhanced by its protagonistic trio: although you could argue Keaton’s awesome Batman is not in it much, the film makes up for it with Michelle Pfeiffer’s 90s deranged (and sex icon) Catwoman and an unrecognizable Danny DeVito as the surprisingly multi-layered Penguin.

Best line: “Just the pussy I’ve been looking for!“

MVP: Production designer Bo Welch.

Best moment: The opening credits orchestrate beautifully Penguin’s origin tale without a single line of dialogue.

3. Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The mother of the improved effects, better story and increased dramatic stakes sequel, George Lucas’ middle chapter continued masterfully the Skywalker saga with sudden betrayals, unexpected romances and thrilling action. While the previous episode ended on the high note, Episode V takes things very seriously from the get go. Injecting pathos that stems from the Aeschylian Greek tragedies, “The Empire Strikes Back” expands the world of Star Wars delivering iconic and memorable new planets (e.g., Dagobah), characters (e.g., Yoda, Boba Fett) and vehicles (e.g., Imperial Walkers). Its flashy appearance though hides a hefty story of morality and mythology throughout several segments (e.g., “Do or do not, there is no try”) culminating into a visually stunning and emotionally engaging climax between Luke and Darth Vader who now takes the lead villain role after “Episode IV” (1977). Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil enjoy playing their characters and it shows while John Williams’ lambasting score further establishes the creative force that the original trilogy is.

Best line: “I am your father!”

MVP: George Lucas.

Best moment: Best moment: The Empire fighting the Rebels at Hoth? Yoda’s training? Too many to choose from. But it the Darth Vade/Luke face off that lingers in our memory the most.

2. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

James Cameron’s follow up to his original Terminator in 1984 scaled up organically the story while increasing the dramatic stakes in glorious fashion. Emphasizing a rather heartfelt story at the end about the necessary loss of innocence in order to prevent “greater” things from happening, the appropriately catchy title “Judgement Day” delivers in spades both in action and characters we can invested in. Schwarzenegger is the spitting image of the leather robo father figure for John Connor and Robert Patrick menacing look despite his limited stature haunted 90s kids. The body of Linda Hamilton has become legendary in its own right; her Sarah Connor oozing a ferocity that lacked in the last before the new millennium decade female roles cementing herself in the pantheon of cinematic badasses. Combined this with unmatched to this day car chases, rip-roaring stunts, explosions and sensational effects under the metallic score of Brian Fidel, “Terminator 2” is the best sequel of all time. Or so we thought!

Best line: “Hasta la vista baby!”

MVP: ILM’s sensational effects.

Best moment: We will have to go with “thumbs up”.

1. Aliens (1986)

Was there any doubt as to what is the best sequel of all time? Yes, you could call expectedly “The Godfather Part II” but when you want to continue from where Sir Ridley Scott stopped, you better have an ace in your sleeve. And dear old Jimmie had more than one with “Aliens”. Threat amplification? Check. More characters we care about? Check. Badass hero? Check. Reinventing the xenomorph circle? Check. “Aliens” is jam-packed with so many memorable moments that after all these decades it still looks flawless. From its set design and cinematography to the edge-of-your-seat set pieces and sharp dialogue. James Horner’s thunderous score alternates between percussion driven rhythms and intense melodical pieces taking over the sound mixing to a pulse pounding effect when the Xenomorphs attack. The real valuable player here is Sigourney Weaver shines in a role that celebrates motherhood giving birth to cinema’s most famous heroine of all time; a beloved character by everyone due to her intelligence, courage and competence against impossible odds.

Best line: “Game over man! Game over!”

MVP: Sigourney Weaver.

Best moment: There is something much worse than Xenomorphs; bigger badder and nastier.