Best Movie Sequels

Sequels are somewhat "risky" ventures - especially if the original films were really good. They are usually released if the previous film does well at the box office and with the audience. If a movie connects with its audience, people are gonna cry for a follow up. Some sequels are great and often times better than the original film -- while some are disappointing and flop terribly. These days the production of sequels have quadrupled in an effort to dominate the box office. The primary aim of sequels should be to match or even surpass the intensity of the previous film but nowadays it seems to have become only a cash grab. Anyways, let me share with you some of the best and most memorable sequels I've watched. Here's my Top 15

15. Shrek 2 (2004)

Sequel to 'Shrek' 
Arguably the best of the series. This was a sequel that I found sharper and funnier than the original. Wonderful character, witty dialogue alongside funny new characters, 'Shrek 2' was a great sequel.

14. X2:Xmen United (2003)

Sequel to 'Xmen'
 'X2' is one of the most exciting and entertaining comic book adaptations ever. Great acting accompanied by great action sequences and visuals, X2 was all that.

13. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Sequel to a 'The Bourne Supremacy'
This is how a trilogy should end. It's unfortunate that they are releasing a fourth installment to the franchise without Matt Damon but anyhow 'The Bourne Ultimate' was fun, action-packed, well executed and Jason Bourne was the complete action-hero. The entire trilogy was a win.

12. Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Sequel to "Evil Dead'
I felt this film was better than the original. With increased special effects, humor and gore, 'Evil Dead 2' is a masterpiece of mayhem. Ash, the key component of a film  makes you laugh, scream and laugh again.

11. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Sequel to "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back'
From the Jabba's palace opening onwards, it combines great space battles, lightsaber duelling, another Death Star and another Skywalker, Episode VI was really fun and a grand way to end the magical journey.

10

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Sequel to 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'
 Fast paced, fun and entertaining as the previous Indiana films, oh and with the addition of Sean Connery as Indiana's father showcasing a great father-son relationship. The Last Crusade was the perfect way to end the marvelous 80s adventure. My favorite film of the entire series.

9

Aliens (1986)

Sequel to 'Alien'
While Alien was more of a slow-building tense horror flick, 'Aliens' showcases more action, great special effects with a sheer volume of thrills and chills. Arguably better than it's predecessor, Aliens is science fiction at its finest.

8

Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back  (1980)

Sequel to 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'
With first class and fast-paced entertainment, Episode V is a perfect sequel. It's dark, fun and ultimately more involving than its predecessor. It is intense and with its fun characters, it sets the standards for sequel to this day.

7

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Sequel to 'Toy Story 2' 
Perfect ending to this charming and fun tale. Toy Story 3 is perhaps the best in the series. Clever, funny and more darker than the previous films. The dialogue and characterization is beautiful to watch.

6

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Sequel to 'The Godfather'

Two years after 'The Godfather' redefined the gangster movie world, Francis Ford Coppola was back, but this time without Brando but with a story to tell about Michael Corleone's descent from family man to cold-blooded, corrupt monster whilst flashing back to the rise of Vito Corleone. Excellent film with very memorable performances.

5

Terminator 2 : Judgement Day (1991)

Sequel to 'The Terminator'
Coming from a very impressive 'Terminator' film, Terminator 2 is iconic and exciting filled with impressive action sequences. It is a state of the art sci-fi and action masterpiece.

4

The Dark Knight (2008)

Sequel to 'Batman Begins'
The perfect sequel in a perfect reboot. 'The Dark Knight' is complex, dark, epic crime thriller which never deviated from its superhero concept. Brilliant.

3

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Sequel to 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'
Visually breathtaking, emotionally powerful, great action sequences with superb acting, The Return of the King was the ultimate climax.

2

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Sequel to "Manhunter"
Not many people know that this movie is actually a sequel to an earlier Hannibal Lector movie. When you talk about mind-blowing psychological  and horror thrillers, this movie sits right at the top. Truly a classic film with outstanding performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

1

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Sequel to 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'
 Most people must be wondering why the 'Two Towers' and not 'Return of the King' is my number one. Well otherwise from being my favorite of the series, The Two Towers set the pace and tone for what would be an epic climax in The Return of the King. 'The Two Towers' is a true masterpiece which has neither a beginning nor an end. Gollum's scenes were just incredible. This film is an outstanding piece of film-making stricken with emotion, thrilling, epic action sequences. Very engaging and I thought connected both the first and last films well. 

Honorable Mentions
Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey
Mad Max: Road Warrior
Addams Family Values
Desperado
Toy Story 2
Spiderman 2
The Bourne Supremacy
Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom