5 Sequels That Turned Out to Be Better Than Original Movies (No 'Terminator 2')

Sequels are dangerous territory in the world of cinema. All too often, they end up as bland retreads of the original or clumsy attempts to squeeze every last drop out of a successful concept.

However, every once in a while, a miracle happens and a sequel surpasses its source material, becoming more vibrant, profound, and meaningful.

1. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest', 2006

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

The second installment of the franchise builds on the strengths of the original without crossing the line into absurdity.

There are more hilarious scenes with the charming Captain Jack Sparrow, more spectacular battles at sea and on land, and more pirate romance and adventure.

The movie also introduces one of the greatest villains in cinematic history – the charismatic and terrifying Davy Jones, the ferryman of souls and leader of the Flying Dutchman.

2. 'Paddington 2', 2017

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

The sequel confirms that any place Paddington Bear visits, be it Windsor Gardens or prison, is transformed by his kindness.

The plot unfolds as a detective adventure with Bond-style chases and a compelling antagonist: actor Phoenix Buchanan.

Paddington 2 topped Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 100 best film sequels in history and Hugh Grant admitted that he considers his role as the villain Phoenix Buchanan to be the best of his career.

3. 'Blade II', 2002

IMDb Score: 6.7/10

Blade is a great movie in its own right, but Guillermo del Toro brought new elements to the franchise with the sequel. Racial themes play a key role here, which tells the story of the intolerance embodied by a new breed of vampires.

The action is also more intense, with horror sequences in dark corridors and large-scale street shootouts, as well as boss battles in the finale.

Thanks to Blade II, the franchise has become darker, more relevant, and unexpectedly stylish, from the characters' striking leather jackets to the rich yellow lighting that builds suspense.

4. 'The Conjuring 2', 2016

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

In the first installment, horror master James Wan proved that a classic haunted house story can be terrifying. The sequel, however, is both terrifying and entertaining.

It's not just a horror movie, it's also a detective story, a family drama, and a full-fledged blockbuster. In it, ordinary people encounter two infernal and extremely creepy creatures: a hunchback in a hat and the demon Valak, disguised as a nun.

5. 'Evil Dead II', 1987

IMDb Score: 7.7/10

Director Sam Raimi essentially remade his critically and commercially successful debut, only this time he had the budget and desire to transform the acclaimed horror film into the gory comedy it was originally intended to be.

While the sequel isn't as terrifying as the original, it's a thrilling ride filled with cruelty and violence. Ash delivers iconic lines every five minutes, scarecrows come to life on the walls, and the main character is hunted by his own hand.