Certain film sequels have not received the recognition they merit, despite offering significant artistic value. “Blade Runner 2049,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a notable example. This 2017 sequel to the 1982 science fiction classic “Blade Runner” expands on the original’s themes of identity and humanity.
The film showcases impressive visual aesthetics and thought-provoking storytelling. However, it underperformed at the box office, leading to its status as an underappreciated work in the realm of sequel films. “Creed,” released in 2015, is the seventh installment in the “Rocky” film series.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, it focuses on Adonis Creed, son of Apollo Creed, and his journey to become a professional boxer. The film features performances by Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone.
“Creed” received positive critical reviews for its fresh approach to the franchise’s underdog narrative. Despite this, it did not achieve the same level of popular attention as some earlier entries in the series, contributing to its underappreciated status.
Key Takeaways
- Some sequels are underappreciated gems that deserve more recognition for their quality and innovation.
- Certain sequels surpass expectations by delivering a superior experience compared to their predecessors.
- Overlooked sequels often have the potential to stand out and make a lasting impact on audiences.
- Unforgettable follow-ups have the ability to leave a lasting impression and become beloved classics in their own right.
- Some sequels manage to improve on the original by refining the concept and delivering a more satisfying experience for fans.
- Hidden sequel treasures are waiting to be discovered by audiences who may have overlooked them initially.
- There are sequels that deserve more recognition for their contributions to the original story and their own unique qualities.
Surpassing Expectations
Revitalizing a Franchise: Mad Max: Fury Road
While some sequels may be met with skepticism, there are a few that manage to surpass expectations and prove themselves as worthy successors to the original film. One such example is “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the fourth installment in the “Mad Max” franchise. Directed by George Miller, this action-packed film not only revitalized the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max but also set a new standard for action cinema with its breathtaking practical effects and intense car chases.
A Critical and Commercial Success
Despite being released decades after the previous installment, “Mad Max: Fury Road” managed to surpass expectations and become a critical and commercial success, earning numerous accolades and solidifying its place as a modern action classic.
A Beloved Franchise Continues: Toy Story 3
Another sequel that surpassed expectations is “Toy Story 3,” the third installment in the beloved Pixar franchise. Directed by Lee Unkrich, this film continued the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toys as they face an uncertain future when their owner, Andy, prepares to leave for college.
A Worthy Successor
“Toy Story 3” not only managed to capture the hearts of audiences of all ages but also became a critical and commercial success, earning over $1 billion at the box office and receiving numerous awards and nominations. With its emotional storytelling and stunning animation, “Toy Story 3” surpassed expectations and solidified its place as a worthy successor to the beloved original films.
Overlooked Sequels
In the world of sequels, there are often a few that are overlooked or forgotten despite their quality and contribution to the original film’s legacy. One such example is “The Dark Knight Rises,” the final installment in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy. While “The Dark Knight” received widespread acclaim and attention for Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker, “The Dark Knight Rises” often gets overshadowed despite its ambitious storytelling and epic conclusion to the trilogy.
With powerful performances from Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Anne Hathaway, this film delves into themes of redemption and sacrifice while delivering intense action sequences and thought-provoking storytelling. Despite its critical and commercial success, “The Dark Knight Rises” is often overlooked in discussions about great sequels, making it a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. Another overlooked sequel is “The Bourne Legacy,” the fourth installment in the “Bourne” film series.
Directed by Tony Gilroy, this film takes a different approach by focusing on a new character, Aaron Cross, played by Jeremy Renner, while still existing within the same universe as the previous films. Despite not featuring Matt Damon’s iconic portrayal of Jason Bourne, “The Bourne Legacy” manages to stand on its own with its intense action sequences and compelling storytelling. While it may not have received as much attention as the earlier films in the series, “The Bourne Legacy” is an overlooked sequel that deserves more recognition for its contribution to the franchise.
Unforgettable Follow-Ups
| Follow-Up Type | Number of Follow-Ups | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | 65% | |
| Phone Call | 100 | 75% |
| Meeting | 50 | 80% |
While some sequels may be forgotten over time, there are a few that remain unforgettable and continue to resonate with audiences long after their release. One such example is “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the second installment in the “Terminator” franchise. Directed by James Cameron, this groundbreaking film not only pushed the boundaries of visual effects but also delivered a compelling story that expanded on the original film’s premise.
With iconic performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” remains a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated for its action-packed sequences and thought-provoking themes about humanity and technology. Another unforgettable follow-up is “The Godfather Part II,” the sequel to Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic crime drama “The Godfather.” This film not only managed to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor but also expanded on the original’s themes of power, family, and betrayal. With masterful performances from Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, “The Godfather Part II” remains a cinematic masterpiece that continues to be revered for its storytelling and character development.
Despite being released over four decades ago, this film remains an unforgettable follow-up that continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history.
Improving on the Original
While it may be rare for a sequel to surpass the original film, there are a few that manage to improve upon their predecessor and deliver an even more compelling experience. One such example is “The Dark Knight,” Christopher Nolan’s second installment in his “The Dark Knight” trilogy. Building upon the groundwork laid by “Batman Begins,” this film not only raised the stakes with its intense storytelling and complex characters but also introduced Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker.
With its thought-provoking themes and intense action sequences, “The Dark Knight” managed to improve upon the original film and become a cultural phenomenon that continues to be celebrated for its impact on superhero cinema. Another sequel that improved on the original is “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” the second installment in George Lucas’s original “Star Wars” trilogy. Building upon the success of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” this film not only expanded on the universe and characters but also delivered a darker and more complex story that challenged audience expectations.
With its iconic twist ending and memorable moments, “The Empire Strikes Back” managed to improve upon the original film and solidify its place as a timeless classic in the world of science fiction cinema.
Hidden Sequel Treasures
Uncovering Overlooked Romances
In addition to overlooked sequels, there are also hidden treasures that may have flown under the radar but still have a lot to offer in terms of storytelling and entertainment. One such example is “Before Sunset,” the sequel to Richard Linklater’s romantic drama “Before Sunrise.” Directed by Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, this film continues the story of Jesse and Celine as they reunite nine years after their initial meeting in Vienna. With its intimate storytelling and naturalistic performances, “Before Sunset” manages to capture the complexities of love and human connection while also standing on its own as a compelling piece of cinema.
Rediscovering Classic Characters
Despite not receiving as much attention as some other romantic dramas, “Before Sunset” is a hidden sequel treasure that deserves more recognition for its emotional depth and authenticity. Another hidden sequel treasure is “The Color of Money,” Martin Scorsese’s sequel to “The Hustler.” Starring Paul Newman reprising his role as Fast Eddie Felson, this film explores his journey as he mentors a young pool hustler played by Tom Cruise. With its intense performances and stylish direction, “The Color of Money” not only pays homage to the original film but also stands on its own as a compelling character study and exploration of ambition and redemption.
Unsung Heroes of Sports Dramas
Despite not receiving as much attention as some of Scorsese’s other films, “The Color of Money” is a hidden sequel treasure that deserves more recognition for its contribution to the world of sports dramas.
Sequels That Deserve More Recognition
In conclusion, while sequels may often be overshadowed by their predecessors or forgotten over time, there are many that deserve more recognition for their quality and contribution to cinema. Whether it’s surpassing expectations, improving on the original, or offering hidden treasures, these sequels have a lot to offer in terms of storytelling, character development, and entertainment. From underappreciated gems like “Blade Runner 2049” and “Creed” to unforgettable follow-ups like “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “The Godfather Part II,” these films continue to resonate with audiences and deserve more recognition for their impact on cinematic history.
As audiences continue to revisit these sequels and discover new ones, it’s important to celebrate their contributions to cinema and recognize their enduring legacy. Whether it’s through critical acclaim, box office success, or cultural impact, these sequels have left an indelible mark on the world of film and continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and storytellers. By acknowledging their significance and celebrating their achievements, we can ensure that these sequels receive the recognition they deserve and continue to be celebrated for years to come.
If you’re a fan of underrated movie sequels, you might want to check out this article on Prep School Movie. This website features a list of underrated movie sequels that are considered better than the original. It’s a great resource for discovering hidden gems in the world of film sequels.
FAQs
What are some underrated movie sequels that are better than the original?
Some underrated movie sequels that are considered better than the original include “The Dark Knight” (sequel to “Batman Begins”), “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (sequel to “The Terminator”), and “Mad Max: Fury Road” (sequel to “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”).
Why are these movie sequels considered better than the original?
These movie sequels are considered better than the original because they often expand on the original story, improve upon the filmmaking techniques, and provide more depth to the characters and plot.
Do these underrated movie sequels receive the recognition they deserve?
While some of these underrated movie sequels have gained a cult following and critical acclaim over time, they may not have received the same level of recognition or box office success as the original films.
Are there any other underrated movie sequels that are worth watching?
Yes, there are many other underrated movie sequels that are worth watching, such as “Blade Runner 2049” (sequel to “Blade Runner”), “Creed” (sequel to the “Rocky” series), and “The Bourne Supremacy” (sequel to “The Bourne Identity”).
