10 Sequels That Somehow Improved on the First Movie
Sequels have a reputation for being the weaker follow-up, but the ones here are the exception. Each one began as a film that did not look like it needed a second chapter, or a first film that was merely decent, and then found a sharper formula the second time around.
This ranking covers ten sequels that many viewers now rate above the films that spawned them. Some are action films that refined a simple idea, others are comedies or animations that found more heart, and a few are horror or thriller sequels that got better once they knew what they were.
The list ranges from big studio franchises to films that were barely noticed on release. Along the way you will meet a few villains, a pair of prequels and a few reboots, which the entries explain as they come up.
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10. Magic Mike XXL (2015)
Three years after quitting male stripping, Mike runs a furniture business. When Tarzan calls to say that Dallas has left the group to start a show in Macau, Mike goes to a hotel pool party and finds the remaining Kings of Tampa. They plan to end their careers at a male stripping convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Mike decides to join them on the road trip.
Channing Tatum returns as Mike, with Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer and Kevin Nash in the crew. The central conflict is the group’s road trip, which is complicated by a van crash that injures Tobias and by a loss of morale. The stakes include the group’s future and Mike’s own personal setbacks, including a struggling business and a rejected marriage proposal.
Why it ranks here: It ranks tenth because it is the weakest of the sequels here. Critics widely judged it a fun but looser film than the original, and its plot leans on a road-trip structure rather than the sharper stakes of the first film. The ensemble is charming, and the dance sequences are fun, but the film does not fully match the original’s focus.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the ensemble chemistry and the energetic performances. Critics gave it a mixed reception, with a 66% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and audiences gave it an A− CinemaScore.
Who should watch it: Viewers who enjoyed the first film’s humour and want more of its cast, or anyone who likes ensemble comedies about friendship.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
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9. 22 Jump Street (2014)
Two years after their work in the 21 Jump Street programme, Schmidt and Jenko fail to catch a group of drug dealers led by The Ghost. Their boss reassigns them to a new undercover unit at 22 Jump Street, where they go undercover as college students. Their mission is to find the supplier of a synthetic drug called WHY-PHY, which has killed a student.
Jenko bonds with the college jocks, who become suspects, while Schmidt feels left out. The central conflict is the search for the supplier, and the stakes include a student’s death and the strained partnership between the two officers.
Why it ranks here: It ranks ninth because it is one of the cleverest comedy sequels on the list. Its meta-jokes about sequels are sharp, and the partnership is funny in a way the first film could not fully explore. It sits below the top half because its humour depends heavily on the first film’s premise, which keeps it from standing completely on its own.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its sharp meta-humour, the Hill and Tatum chemistry and its self-aware take on franchises. Critics called it a rare sequel that improves on the original, with an 84% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an A− CinemaScore.
Who should watch it: Comedy fans who enjoy self-aware humour and buddy-cop chemistry.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
8. The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
In 2023 America, citizens prepare for the annual Purge, when all crimes are legal for twelve hours. In Los Angeles, Eva returns home to her daughter Cali and her terminally ill father, who has agreed to be killed by a wealthy family in exchange for money. Separately, Leo, an off-duty police sergeant, plans to kill the drunk driver who killed his son.
When the Purge begins, Eva, Cali, Leo and a couple whose marriage is falling apart are forced onto the streets. The central conflict is survival in a city where anything is allowed, and the stakes include their lives and their souls, as the group faces paramilitary troops and masked gangs.
Why it ranks here: It ranks eighth because it expands the first film’s concept from a single home into the streets, which gives it a bigger canvas. Critics were mixed, with a 58% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and faulted its clichéd formula. Its ranking reflects that it is a stronger film than its predecessor but still relies on a fairly familiar thriller structure.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the expanded scale, Frank Grillo’s performance and its unnerving premise. Critics generally saw it as an improvement on the first film, though many faulted the screenplay.
Who should watch it: Thriller fans who enjoy high-tension survival stories and social commentary.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
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7. Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2007)
Some years after fighting Monroe Hutchen in prison, Chambers travels to Russia for boxing matches and commercial appearances. He is framed for cocaine possession and sent to a Russian prison. There he discovers illegal mixed martial arts matches dominated by Yuri Boyka, played by Scott Adkins, while prison officials profit from side bets.
Gaga and Warden Markov offer Chambers an early release if he fights Boyka, and he initially refuses. The central conflict is Chambers’s choice between dignity and freedom, and the stakes include his freedom and that of his cellmate, Crot, whom he hopes to free with his winnings.
Why it ranks here: It ranks seventh because it is a leaner, more focused action film than many of the entries above it. Adkins gives the film its energy, and the fight choreography is among the strongest in the list. It sits below the top six because its story is less ambitious and its critical reception was limited compared with the bigger titles here.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the fight choreography, Adkins’s screen presence and the film’s brutal prison setting. One critic called it the first great martial arts movie of 2007 and the best of Isaac Florentine’s work to date.
Who should watch it: Martial arts fans and viewers who enjoy tense, gritty prison stories.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
6. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
In the Australian Outback, a boy named Cody befriends Marahute, a rare golden eagle. After he frees a mouse from a trap, the mouse informs the Rescue Aid Society, and its agents Bernard and Miss Bianca are assigned to the rescue. Their target is Cody, who has been kidnapped by the poacher Percival McLeach.
McLeach wants to capture Marahute for money and plans to feed Cody to crocodiles so he cannot act as a witness. The central conflict is the mouse agents’ race to find Cody before it is too late. The stakes are Cody’s life and the survival of Marahute and her eggs.
Why it ranks here: It ranks sixth because it is a more ambitious animated film than many expected, with a strong villain in McLeach and a vivid Australian setting. Critics were mixed, with Variety calling the story mediocre but praising the production values. It sits below the top five because its story is more familiar and its box office was disappointing.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the animation, the Australian setting and the voice cast led by Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor. Critics gave it a 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and both Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel gave it three stars out of four.
Who should watch it: Families, animation fans and viewers who enjoy classic Disney-style adventures.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
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5. The Raid 2 (2014)
Following the events of the first film, Rama, a police officer, is recruited by a secret unit investigating police corruption. He goes undercover as Yuda to infiltrate the Bangun family, Jakarta’s largest crime syndicate. Iko Uwais returns in the lead role, with Arifin Putra as Uco, the volatile son and heir of the family.
The central conflict is Rama’s attempt to expose the collusion between corrupt police and Jakarta’s crime families, and the stakes include his cover, his life and the safety of his family. The story also draws in a Japanese yakuza clan, which declares war after a series of killings.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fifth because it expands the first film’s scale and ambition, adding a crime-family saga to its raw fight scenes. Critics praised the direction, cinematography and action, though some criticised its graphic violence. It sits below the top four because its story is harder to follow and the violence is more relentless.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the fight choreography, the crime-epic structure and the direction of Gareth Evans. Critics gave it an 82% Rotten Tomatoes rating and praised its visuals and soundtrack, and it won the Florida Film Critics Circle award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Who should watch it: Action fans, viewers who enjoy crime sagas and anyone who likes intense, kinetic filmmaking.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
4. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Amanda Waller assembles two teams of Belle Reve inmates, who are promised reduced sentences for their missions. They are sent to the island nation of Corto Maltese to destroy Jötunheim, a lab housing a secret project involving a giant alien starfish called Starro. Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, joins the mission alongside Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba, and Peacemaker, played by John Cena.
The central conflict is the squad’s attempt to destroy the lab and expose the truth, while the escaped Starro threatens the island. The stakes include the lives of the people of Corto Maltese and the squad’s own freedom.
Why it ranks here: It ranks fourth because it is the boldest and most irreverent film in the list, with a loose, playful tone that stands apart from the others. The film works as a relaunch with a largely new cast, which gives Gunn room to take risks. It sits below the top three because its tone can feel uneven, and its themes are less focused than the films above it.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the gonzo tone, the strong supporting cast and the film’s surprising emotional beats. Critics gave it positive reviews, and it became the most-streamed DCEU film on HBO Max.
Who should watch it: Superhero fans who enjoy irreverent humour and violent set pieces.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
3. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Dollmaker Samuel and Esther Mullins grieve their daughter Annabelle, who died after stepping in front of a car. Twelve years later, they take in Sister Charlotte and a group of orphaned girls. One of them, Janice, opens Bee’s locked closet and releases a demon from a porcelain doll.
The demon terrorises the household, possessing Janice and pursuing the girls, and its goal is to find a human host. The central conflict is the girls’ struggle to survive the house, and the stakes are their lives and their souls, as the demon kills Samuel and Esther.
Why it ranks here: It ranks third because it is a prequel that does far more than the first Annabelle, with stronger tension, a better setting and a more satisfying story. Critics generally considered it an improvement on the first film, though its scares rely on familiar haunted-doll tropes. Its position reflects that it is a clear upgrade that still follows the formula closely.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its atmosphere, the period setting and David F. Sandberg’s direction. Critics gave it a 71% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a Metacritic score of 62.
Who should watch it: Horror fans who enjoy haunted-house stories and classic jump scares.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
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2. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
In 1967 Los Angeles, Alice Zander, a widow, runs a fake spiritual medium business from her home with her daughters, Lina and Doris. Grieving the death of her husband, Alice adds a Ouija board to her readings, and unknowingly contacts a spirit named Marcus. The spirit begins to possess Doris.
The central conflict is Lina’s discovery that the spirits are connected to a Nazi doctor’s experiments in the house’s basement, and the stakes include the family’s lives and Doris’s body. Father Tom Hogan joins Lina and Alice in trying to stop the spirits.
Why it ranks here: It ranks second because it is a prequel to the 2014 Ouija film that is far better than its predecessor. Flanagan builds a grounded family drama around the supernatural elements, and the period setting gives it a real sense of place. It sits just below the top spot because Puss in Boots does more with its characters and its stakes.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the strong family drama, the period atmosphere and the performances. Critics praised it as a significant improvement on the first film, with an 83% Rotten Tomatoes rating, while audiences gave it a C CinemaScore, the same grade as its predecessor.
Who should watch it: Horror fans who prefer slow-burn family drama to jump scares.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
1. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Puss, voiced by Antonio Banderas, is crushed by a church bell after subduing a giant at a party. The town doctor tells him to retire because he has lost eight of his nine lives. After a duel with a wolf bounty hunter leaves him wounded, Puss moves in with the elderly cat lady Mama Luna and later meets Perrito, a Chihuahua disguised as a cat.
He sets out to find the Wishing Star’s Last Wish to restore his lives. The central conflict is his competition with Goldilocks and the Three Bears and with the rich Jack Horner, who wants the Star to control all magic. The stakes are Puss’s mortality, since a sinister wolf revealed to be Death is hunting him.
Why it ranks here: It ranks first because it is the most complete film on the list, combining heart, humour and striking animation. Its story is about mortality and second chances, and Puss’s arc is more emotionally rich than the stakes of the entries below it. Critics were mostly positive, with a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating from 192 reviews, and it outperforms the other films in ambition and emotional payoff.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value the animation, the voice cast led by Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, and the film’s emotional depth. Critics praised it, though some were less impressed by its story, with a Metacritic score of 73.
Who should watch it: Animation fans, families and anyone who enjoys a fairy-tale adventure with real emotional weight.
Where to watch in the UK: Check current streaming, rental and purchase options on JustWatch.
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Conclusion
What connects the strongest entries here is that each film took a premise that could have stayed simple and gave it more ambition. Puss in Boots and The Raid 2 widen their worlds, while Ouija: Origin of Evil and Annabelle: Creation find better stories inside the same franchises.
The list also shows that improvement comes in many forms. Some films succeed through emotion, others through spectacle or sharper humour, and a few through simply learning from the mistakes of their predecessors.
Different viewers will find different winners. Animation fans should start with Puss in Boots, horror fans should try Ouija: Origin of Evil, and action lovers will get a lot from The Raid 2. Puss in Boots is the first place to start because it does the most with its characters and its stakes.
Let us know your favourite sequel in the comments, your own ranking and anything you think was missed. Which sequel do you think beat its original?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sequel on this list?
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish takes the top spot. It combines humour, animation and a story about mortality that goes deeper than most sequels. Ouija: Origin of Evil and Annabelle: Creation are the closest runners-up in the horror entries.
Is Ouija: Origin of Evil a sequel or a prequel?
It is a prequel to the 2014 Ouija film, set in 1967 Los Angeles. It is included here because it improves on the film that came before it, and it is widely considered a stronger horror film than its predecessor.
Is Annabelle: Creation a sequel?
It is a prequel to Annabelle from 2014 and the fourth film in The Conjuring Universe. It ranks third because it tells a more focused story with stronger tension than the first film.
Which film has the highest rating?
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has a 95% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating from 192 reviews, which is the highest score among the films here that have a published rating. Our number-one pick is also the strongest overall.
Is The Suicide Squad a sequel to the 2016 film?
It is a follow-up to Suicide Squad from 2016, but it was developed as a relaunch with a largely new cast. Wikipedia describes it as its own film rather than a direct sequel, which is why it is an interesting entry on this list.
Is Magic Mike XXL worth watching if you liked the first film?
Yes, if you enjoyed the cast and the humour of the original. It is a looser road-trip film, and critics generally found it less focused than the first. It ranks tenth because it is the entry where the sequel is the weakest claim on the list.
Which film is best for families?
The Rescuers Down Under is an animated adventure that suits families, and Puss in Boots is a strong choice for mixed-age viewers. Puss in Boots includes some darker moments, so check the content if you are watching with very young children.
What should I watch after The Raid 2?
If you enjoyed its action and crime story, look for other intense action films and crime sagas. The list of links above also includes related themes for action fans.
Why is Undisputed II ranked seventh?
It is a focused martial arts film with strong fight choreography from Scott Adkins. It ranks seventh because its story is simpler than the entries above it and its critical reception was more limited.
Are there more sequels like these?
Yes. Use the links above to explore related lists on animated films, action films and horror franchises. Each one looks at sequels that found their own voice.
More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows
For more reviews and rankings, these sites are useful: Rotten Tomatoes for critic and audience scores and IMDb for cast and crew details. For production background, the Wikipedia pages for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Raid 2 are useful starting points.
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