It is often believed and been proven that movie sequels are never as good as the first movie in the series. But there are many which have proven this adage to be wrong. Here is our list of the best and most successful movie sequels of all times.
1. James Bond Series
22 Films so far
Ian Fleming never visualized that his hero of MI5 would become such an enduring icon. Played by such diverse performers as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, James Bond has continued to enthral the masses with his dramatic escapades and his beautiful heroines. These films have been the highest grossing film series ever.
2. The Godfather
The Godfather – The Godfather Part I – The Godfather Part II
Though the second and third films of this sequel did not achieve the immortality of the first film starring Marlon Brando, yet all three films were box office hits. The Godfather (the first film) has frequently been rated as one of the best films ever made. The films cover the life story of the Corleone family and have superlatives performances from star such as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino .
3. Batman Series
Batman Begins – Batman Returns – The Dark Knight
Many Batman movies have been made, but this trilogy are ones which have made a worldwide impact. Dark Knight has been one of the biggest grosser of this decade, and the dark brooding tone of the films, seems to have set the tone for superhero films for the coming years.
4. Star Wars Series
6 Films so far
Any talk about movie sequels is incomplete without the Star Wars trilogy. Darth Vader, Yoda and The Force have become legends, and each film has gone on to become an enduring science fiction classic. They have now become a pop culture phenomenon and have spawned a further trilogy of the series, released sixteen years after the first one.
5. Harry Potter series
6 Films so far
21st Century’s most popular series, it has been among the highest grossing sequels. Based on the very popular books by J.K.Rowling, every film in this sequel has been eagerly awaited and watched by children and adults alike. So far six of the books have been converted into excellent films.
6. Rocky Series
Rocky – Rocky – Rocky II – Rocky III – Rocky IV – Rocky V – Rocky Balboa
All six of these films starred Sylvester Stallone, and overall they grossed over $ 1 billion worldwide. The first film is still revered as a classic and it was the cornerstone of Stallone’s very successful career.
7. Lord of the Rings
Fellowship of the Ring – Two Towers – Return of the King
J.R.R.Tolkein’s three volume series have been converted into excellent films by Peter Jackson. Critically acclaimed and hugely successful, the films have surpassed the fame of the books, and have achieved cult status among moviegoers.
8. The Bourne Series
The Bourne Identity – The Bourne Supremacy – The Bourne Ultimatum
These films are a trilogy of spy films, starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a character created by Robert Ludlum. The films are renowned for their realistic portrayal of the spy game and their emphasis on characters and storyline, rather than on action.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
The Curse of the Black Pearl – Dead Man’s Chest – At World’s End
Originally the Pirates were just part of a Disneyland Theme Park Ride, but after their phenomenal success as a movie series they have spawned a whole series of spin-offs. Quirky and funny, they use mythology and villainy with a whole host of strange characters, to make highly entertaining movies.
10. Before Sunrise – Before Sunset
These two films follow the lives of two young people from the day they first met and spent just 24 hours with each other, to the sequel when they meet again after nine years. Touching, evocative and heart warming, both the films deal with emotional issues such as love and romance and separation.