Movies where the sequel was as good or better than the original?

Question

It's rare for a sequel to be as good or better than the original, but there have been a few movies where this has happened. I'm looking for a good list. I can start with a few and would appreciate any additions:

The Godfather II (but Godfather III was awful)
Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King
Aliens (but Alien III was awful, Alien IV wasn't bad)
Die Harder
T2 Judgement Day (but Rise of the Machines was awful)
Indiana Jones - The Temple of Doom
The Road Warrior (Mad Max)
Rocky II
Kill Bill Vol. II
X-Men United (but X-Men III was awful)

Please note that I said AS GOOD or BETTER THAN.

Temple of Doom was AS GOOD as Raiders of the Lost Ark (in my opinion).

I didn't add all the Star Wars because in the original 3 (those created first, which are actually 4, 5 & 6) I think that Star Wars is without equal. Again, just my opinion.

Answer 1

I would add Star Wars because the original three are distinct from the Episodes 1-3. And "Empire" was a better movie than the first.

"Once Upon a Time in Mexico" was better than "El Mariachi."

"Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein," and "Son of Frankenstein."

The Underworld movies.

Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 2 was not as good as Henry IV Part 1, but Henry V as better. By the time he got to Henry VI, the franchise was kinda dry. But Henry VIII was better. I have never seen Henry VII, or I, II, and III.

The Madness of George III was also pretty good, but I never saw the first two.

Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger--both sequels to The Hunt for Red October.

Lethal Weapon II.

Oh, yes, yes, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

Some of the Dirty Harry movies, now that you mention it.

Star Trek II, Star Trek IV, Star Trek VI.

And, btw, I remember Creature Features--I used to get all their trivia questions right, but they never took my call, and the reason I answered your question was because I saw that you remembered Creature Features on another question, and I was like, "Woo hoo!" that's a girl I can really dig!

Answer 2

The darkish Knight crimson Dragon incorrect turn 2: useless end The Hills Have Eyes 2 very last vacation spot 3 X2: X-adult adult males United X-adult adult males: The very last Stand Shrek 2 spoke of II Freddy vs. Jason scary action picture 3 scary action picture 4 Kill bill Vol. 2 Friday the 13th area 2 Hostel area II and so on...

Answer 3

I agree with you 100% about the Godfather. The second one was amazing. Also agreed about Aliens.

The third and fourth Harry Potter
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Return of the Jedi
Spiderman 2

Answer 4

Austin Powers - the second was better than the first!

American Pie II was almost as good as the first.

Rambo - it was subtitled "First Blood, part II" - but very few people even saw the first one. Although I'm not a huge fan of the series.

Die Hard II and III were as good, or better, than I.

I think you and everyone else covered the rest.

Answer 5

Home Alone2 Lost in New York
Princess Diaries 2
Father Bride Part 2
Runaway Bride

Answer 6

The Empire Strikes Back

Answer 7

actually indiana jones is an awsome series i enjoyed them all. they were my favorites. but i would have to say Back the future III that was better than the first two i thought. I love Christopher Lloyd and Michael J Fox.

Answer 8

The Rocky movies

Answer 9

Shrek 2 & 3

Answer 10

Temple of Doom was NOT better than Raiders of the Lost Ark!