Top 10 Sequels From The 2010s That Surpassed Their Predecessors

The 2010s saw a remarkable run of excellent sequels. Many of these films surpassed their originals, even when the first movie was already well-regarded. These sequels achieved both massive commercial success and critical acclaim, proving they were improvements on what came before.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined feels like the perfect excuse to revisit Estard

I was particularly curious about the art style changes in this remake, without getting into specific plot details. Dragon Quest VII has been remade before – the 3DS version had a major visual overhaul compared to the original PlayStation game’s angled perspective. This new remake, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, aims for a look closer to the original, but with a unique approach. The main characters were first designed as physical dolls, which then served as the foundation for their in-game appearances. I even saw these dolls at the Tokyo Game Show, and the way they were translated into the digital game is surprisingly realistic.

Death to the Penultimate Flashback Episode

The practice of using a flashback episode right before a season finale has become so common in TV dramas that it’s time to stop. It’s been done so many times that it’s lost its impact. But more importantly, this trope highlights a frustrating trend in recent television: characters are often reduced to simple puzzles. Instead of complex individuals, we get predictable explanations for their behavior – she’s mean because of loss, he’s violent due to childhood trauma. These explanations feel lazy and rob the characters of depth.

Wicked: For Good Box Office Could Smash Its First Record This Weekend

According to Variety, the movie Wicked: For Good is expected to make between $150 and $180 million during its opening weekend in the United States and Canada. If it reaches the higher end of that estimate, it would be the biggest domestic opening of 2025, surpassing A Minecraft Movie ($162 million) and the live-action Lilo & Stitch ($146 million).

Stephen King’s The Institute Eases Wait for Mike Flanagan’s Dark Tower

Both Mike Flanagan’s work and adaptations of Stephen King stories had a strong year, despite somewhat disappointing box office numbers. Most of the films received excellent reviews from both audiences and critics. Plus, 2025 saw the start of a promising trend: more successful TV adaptations of Stephen King’s novels.

Fire Country Begins The End Of The Road For Gabriela’s Original Replacement

CBS recently announced that Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila are leaving Fire Country after being part of the show from the beginning. This news surprised many fans, but for different reasons. Vince’s death was a shock, especially considering his important role as a leader both at Station 42 and within his family. Gabriela’s departure felt more predictable, as her storyline, particularly her relationship with Bode, had been developing in that direction over the past year.