Typically, studios produce sequels primarily for brand recognition rather than a deep-seated passion for the theme. They’re not investing in “Space Zombies From Beyond the Stars 4” because they have an emotional attachment to space zombies or want to express a personal viewpoint; instead, they’re doing it because “Space Zombies From Beyond the Stars 3: Brain Drain” was financially successful, and they anticipate another sequel in the same vein will also yield significant profits. This is how the Hollywood system often functions.
As a cinephile, I’ve always believed that sequels should offer something fresh and distinct. Every now and then, a sequel breaks the mold, not conforming to the usual formula. Perhaps it took ages to materialize during production. Maybe it boasts an entirely new cast or creative team compared to its predecessor. If it was merely a money-grab, it certainly wasn’t a successful or convincing one.
The 15 movies listed here are indeed sequels, but they’re not generally perceived as such by most cinema-goers. Some might have deliberately concealed their true nature due to legal constraints. A few were adapted from failed films or TV shows with small viewer bases, meaning fewer people would realize they were purchasing a ticket for a sequel. Lastly, some were produced by filmmakers who weren’t fond of the original movie they were making a follow-up to, leading them to deny that their production was a sequel at all.
15 films that many viewers might not know are actually sequels include:
* The Godfather Part II
* Terminator 2: Judgment Day
* X-Men: Days of Future Past
* Alien3
* Mad Max: Fury Road
* Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
* Toy Story 3
* Creed
* Star Trek Into Darkness
* The Matrix Reloaded
* Prometheus
* The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
* The Bourne Supremacy
* Jurassic World
* The Lion King (2019)
15 Movies You Didn’t Realize Were Sequels
Shock Treatment (1981)
In the year 1981, the film “Shock Treatment” emerged, which is a sequel to the 1975 classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Unlike its predecessor, where Brad and Janet were portrayed by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon respectively, “Shock Treatment” features Cliff DeYoung and Jessica Harper in these roles. The creator of “Rocky Horror,” Richard O’Brien, initially intended to create a more direct sequel to the original, but various factors, including Tim Curry’s lack of interest, led to “Shock Treatment” taking a significantly different path. As a result, many people today, even casual fans of “Rocky Horror,” are unaware that this sequel even exists.
The Color of Money (1986)
A follow-up to the 1961 film “The Hustler” came out after a quarter-century had passed. By this time, Paul Newman was no longer the youthful actor who initially portrayed “Fast Eddie” Felson in the original. The sequel, named “The Color of Money,” was helmed by Martin Scorsese – an uncommon director for taking up the task of directing a sequel to someone else’s movie. While hardcore film enthusiasts are aware that Scorsese’s movie is a sequel (possibly the first legacyquel in history), at this point, “The Color of Money” has become far more renowned than the movie that inspired it.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The initial movie adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel “Manhunter” was directed by Michael Mann, who oddly renamed the character Hannibal “Lecktor.” Years later, when a film was produced based on Harris’ subsequent Lecter novel, “The Silence of the Lambs,” a new director and cast were involved; Brian Cox was replaced as Lecktor by Anthony Hopkins in the role of the psychopathic cannibal. Demme gave his film a distinctly different tone compared to Mann, and when Hopkins and director Brett Ratner remade “Manhunter” under its original title, “Red Dragon,” a few years later, it further pushed the original (and truly exceptional) Lecter film into obscurity.
Patriot Games (1992)
Title Sequel To: The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Harrison Ford is 16 years senior to Alec Baldwin, which lends a sense that The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games aren’t exactly the first and second installments of a series but rather two movies with similar themes featuring characters who happen to share the same name and occupation. Ford and Baldwin portrayed Jack Ryan in distinct manners, and interestingly, each actor who has taken on this role has brought their unique touch to it, making it difficult for some viewers to realize that there are numerous Jack Ryan films and actors involved.
The movies “The Hunt for Red October” and “Patriot Games,” both starring Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin as Jack Ryan, feel more like separate films with similar themes rather than a series’ first and second installments due to their age difference and the unique portrayals of the character by each actor.
It Runs in the Family (1994)
Originally titled “It Runs in the Family,” this sequel to the cherished holiday movie “A Christmas Story” (1983) was actually director Bob Clark’s idea. However, by the time it reached production, the main characters (Charles Grodin and young Kieran Culkin portrayed the Old Man and Ralphie respectively) had been recast. The film was initially given a rather unspecific title, which later proved to be a misstep. Realizing this, they changed the title to “My Summer Story” for home video release, making it clearer that it was connected to the original “Christmas Story.
Desperado (1995)
Originally made with a budget of only $7,000, Robert Rodriguez’s directorial debut “El Mariachi” was a surprising hit. This success led to a larger budget for its sequel, which is why the main character, now played by Antonio Banderas instead of Carlos Gallardo, appears in more polished visuals and alongside an impressive supporting cast that includes Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, and Quentin Tarantino. The film seems more like a high-budget remake than a true sequel – it’s as if Sam Raimi took “The Evil Dead” and transformed it into the bigger, better (but also quite similar) “Evil Dead II”.
Soldier (1998)
In essence, although “Soldier” and “Blade Runner,” produced by different directors, were not officially intended as a sequel, they were linked by the same screenwriter, David Webb Peoples. Initially, in interviews from the late 90s, Peoples suggested that he conceived “Soldier” as a continuation of “Blade Runner,” set in the same bleak future. However, his stance changed over time and he clarified that he wrote “Soldier” independently without necessarily envisioning it as part of a franchise. Nevertheless, if you look closely, there are visual and dialogue references to “Blade Runner” in “Soldier,” allowing viewers to interpret their connection according to their personal interpretation or headcanon.
Enemy of the State (1998)
A Loose Sequel to: The Conversation (1974)
While Enemy of the State was not technically a sequel to The Conversation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it shares some striking similarities and connections. Produced by different filmmakers and studios, these films stand independently but can be seen as linked if you choose to view them that way. In Enemy of the State, Gene Hackman reprises his role as a paranoid surveillance expert, albeit with a new character named Brill. If you’ve watched The Conversation, you might find enjoyment in spotting the subtleties and connections between these two films, making your viewing experience even more rewarding. However, Enemy of the State can certainly be appreciated on its own merit without prior knowledge of The Conversation.
Queen of the Damned (2002)
In the continuation of “Interview With the Vampire” (1994), the character Lestat links the story to “Queen of the Damned.” Although they share the same origin, these films have distinct directors, varying settings, different lead actors, and starkly contrasting atmospheres. For instance, in “Queen of the Damned,” Lestat transforms into a contemporary gothic rock star! These two movies, while featuring brooding vampires, could hardly be considered as part of the same series due to their significant differences.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
In the aftermath of the successful release of “The Fast & Furious” franchise, the film titled “The Chronicles of Riddick” emerged, often perceived not as a direct continuation but rather as an expansive space odyssey for Vin Diesel. However, in essence, it was indeed a sequel to the 2000 movie “Pitch Black“. While the earlier film, which preceded “The Fast and Furious”, was a modest horror production with an ensemble cast of stranded space travelers (including Diesel’s Riddick) on an alien-infested planet, the sequel transformed into a grandiose space war epic, departing from its survival-oriented sci-fi horror roots after the unprecedented success of “The Fast and the Furious”.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
Serenity (2005)
Originally airing in 2002, the television series “Firefly” marked Joss Whedon’s first significant failure within his sci-fi Western universe, revolving around a motley crew of space mercenaries striving to survive in a dystopian future. Despite Fox prematurely cancelling the show before completing its first season, it garnered enough popularity on DVD that Universal granted Whedon funding for a movie sequel and his debut as a feature film director, which he named “Serenity” after the central spaceship in the narrative. Many film reviewers on platforms like IMDb and Letterboxd may not have realized that “Serenity” was actually a continuation of a TV show (If you haven’t watched “Firefly”, it is currently available on Hulu and highly recommended).
Zathura (2005)
The stories of “Jumanji” (1995) and “Zathura” share strong ties; the characters in the latter are neighbors to the heroes in the former. The success of the “Jumanji” film several years prior played a significant role in the creation of the movie adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s “Zathura”. However, director Jon Favreau was not swayed by this; in interviews, he expressed criticism towards “Jumanji”, stating it became too complex and had an inconsistent tone. Despite this, he made it clear that “Zathura” was not a direct sequel (except in the ways that make it one, because it essentially was one).
Split (2016)
In an intriguing turn of events, I stumbled upon a film that cleverly concealed its status as a sequel to create a shocking revelation. The mastermind behind this twist was none other than M. Night Shyamalan, renowned for his unexpected plot twists. It wasn’t until the climax of Split that you discovered its villain, “The Horde,” inhabited the same fictional world as Bruce Willis’ character, David Dunn, from Shyamalan’s 2000 superhero tale, Unbreakable. The ending of Split, which featured a cameo by Willis, seamlessly led into the joint sequel, Glass, wrapping up this loosely connected trilogy.
The Jesus Rolls (2019)
In a nutshell, this isn’t necessarily a traditional sequel but rather an extension of the storyline, focusing on the colorful character Jesus Quintana, played by John Turturro, from “The Big Lebowski” (1998). Despite its ties to one of the most iconic cult films of the past half-century, it was largely overlooked when released in 2019, two years following its completion. Now, it’s as if the movie never made a sound in an empty forest.
The Best Sequels Made From Bad Movies
15. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)
Originally, I wasn’t very hopeful about the third installment of the “Madagascar” series, given the first two films. However, “Europe’s Most Wanted” might be the most drug-themed children’s movie since “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Unlike a well-structured narrative, “Europe’s Most Wanted” doesn’t quite cohere as a story – it involves our characters trying to return to New York City while evading an eccentric animal control officer (played by Frances McDormand). Nevertheless, it has the fast pace and outrageous humor reminiscent of classic “Looney Tunes” cartoons.
14. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
Title Upgrade: From Ghost Rider (2007) to Spirit of Vengeance
In comparison to the initial Ghost Rider release from 2007, Spirit of Vengeance is a significant improvement, albeit falling short of the level of wildness and intensity typically associated with a Neveldine/Taylor Nicolas Cage superhero film. Enhancements in the portrayal of Ghost Rider himself are evident, from the grungier character design to his motorcycle, even though he doesn’t appear on screen too frequently.
Nicolas Cage delivers some captivatingly eccentric moments, yet his overall peculiarity is more pronounced in the first film, where he adopts an unexpected Elvis-like accent and exhibits more distinct character idiosyncrasies. In this sequel, Cage speaks like himself and saves his wild outbursts for a limited number of scenes.
Ghost Rider stands among those unique franchises that seemed poised for growth; had they managed to produce a third film, they might have crafted something truly audacious and iconic.
13. xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
A Refinement Of: xXx (2002)
Vin Diesel embraced the ridiculousness of a 50-year-old action star portraying an anti-establishment extreme sports enthusiast turned secret agent in 2017’s Return of Xander Cage. Instead of his stern, serious action hero look from the original xXx, Diesel adopted a playful grin for this sequel. Although his distinctive tattoos are the only clue that he’s reprising his role, Diesel seems to be genuinely enjoying himself; this might be one of his most laid-back performances ever. The original xXx now appears more outdated than the old James Bond films it aimed to update. However, Return of Xander Cage plays along with a knowing wink, which keeps it entertaining despite its age.
Vin Diesel made fun of his own character in 2017’s xXx sequel by adopting a goofy smile instead of his usual serious demeanor from the original movie. Even though some tattoos hint that he’s playing the same guy, it seems like Diesel is having a blast on set, and this performance feels more relaxed than any other. The first xXx film now looks older than the classic James Bond movies, but the sequel is self-aware about its silliness, which makes it still enjoyable to watch.
12. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
11. Desperado (1995)
10. Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
9. Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
As a film enthusiast, I’d like to share my take on the third installment of “Undisputed,” a series that started with Walter Hill’s 2002 original. While the original is decent, it’s somewhat like a boxing version of “The Longest Yard” set in prison. The latest film, however, takes a different approach by transforming the antagonist from the previous sequel, Boyka (portrayed brilliantly by Scott Adkins, who seems to excel in direct-to-video sequels), into an anti-hero striving to cut short his prison term through participation in a brutal MMA tournament within the confines of the penitentiary.
The narrative isn’t particularly complex; it’s the fights that truly shine, with their hard-hitting choreography elegantly captured by director Isaac Florentine. Just thinking about this movie makes me yearn to rewatch it.
8. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Originally, Marvel erred when they briefly dismissed James Gunn from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” potentially allowing him to switch allegiances and revamp the faltering “Suicide Squad” series for a rival studio. Instead of sticking with the mistakes DC made previously, Gunn salvaged the best characters from the original “Squad,” such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while discarding the rest (apologies to Jared Leto).
In their stead, Gunn injected more humor and introduced several fresh faces, including Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker. The latter, with his superb physicality and twisted sense of humor, perfectly embodies the distorted version of overzealous patriotic heroes. Brimming with violence, laughter, and a strange beauty, “The Suicide Squad” is the film that everyone hoped the initial “Suicide Squad” would become.
7. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
A Redefinition Of: Ouija (2014)
Originally, Ouija (2014) was what you’d anticipate from a film based on a toy company’s product. However, the sequel, surprisingly, surpassed expectations under similar conditions. Kudos to Mike Flanagan, who later gained fame for his Netflix horror series like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, for transforming what could have been a commercial venture into a brooding and genuinely unsettling tale about the spectral presence that haunts anyone mourning the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether they use a Ouija board or not.
6. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
The Next Generation movie franchise had a bumpy beginning with the release of Generations in 1994. It was an uneasy effort to adapt the popularity of the television series for the big screen. However, the producers corrected course with the following installment, First Contact, which featured a time travel narrative involving Captain Picard and his crew, as they journeyed back in time to thwart the Borg from preventing the Federation’s formation. Boasting grand scale and an impressive performance by Patrick Stewart as Picard, who harbors a deep animosity towards the Borg due to past events depicted in The Next Generation series, First Contact is a film that rivals the excellence of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
5. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
As a cinephile delving into the realm of horror flicks, I must say that while the original “Friday the 13th” (1980) was undeniably influential in the slasher genre, it wasn’t until its sequels that the franchise truly hit its stride. The series found its rhythm and iconic villain, the hockey-mask-wearing Jason Voorhees, in later installments – with “Jason Lives” standing out as a particular highlight.
“Jason Lives” cleverly acknowledges the absurdity of its own fictional world and even pokes fun at the conventions of slasher films, making it a forerunner to more self-aware horror movies like “Scream”. In essence, it offers a fresh take on an established formula, making it a far more engaging watch than the original.
4. Fast Five (2011)
3. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
George Miller regarded “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” as a chance to excel; an opportunity to build upon the lessons learned from the challenging production of the initial “Mad Max,” and put them into practice on screen. Evidently, Miller demonstrated exceptional learning skills. Compared to the first “Mad Max,” which was an unpolished film featuring a gritty performance by Mel Gibson and a few outstanding car stunts, “The Road Warrior” is a legendary masterpiece; an epic tale about a nomadic hero scarred by past hardships who regains his inner strength through action and self-sacrifice. “The Road Warrior” uses broader strokes and resonates more deeply emotionally than “Mad Max.” It surpassed its predecessor to such an extent that it almost made the original redundant.
2. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
The sequel, titled “Hellboy: Golden Army“, surpasses the original 2004 film in nearly every aspect. The unengaging characters from the first movie have been replaced (even poking fun at how Hellboy’s dull companion was sent to Antarctica), and this time, the antagonists are significantly more captivating. Given their primary motivation of “Humanity is flawed,” they almost embody the tragic heroes of the story. The visual effects have been refined, the monster designs align more with Guillermo del Toro’s style, and each character faces higher stakes. Even minor characters like Abe Sapien receive their own arcs, including a romantic interest! Contrary to popular opinion, del Toro should have won his Oscar for this film, not “The Shape of Water“.
1. Logan (2017)
The contrast in quality between the mediocre debut film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and its exceptional sequel, Logan, is staggering. Unlike the former, which failed to fully capture the bloody, tragic essence of its title character, Logan delivered in spades. With its R-rating, it offered a more somber, intense narrative that resonated with the storyline of the hero’s twilight years. The absence of his healing factor in every fight significantly heightened the stakes for a character whose regenerative ability had previously rendered most battles mundane.
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2025-02-26 20:55