If you’re having sequel fatigue in the era of constant legacy sequels and reboots. This article will put you on the path to sequel greatness. A selection curated by me personally. I have picked a batch of part two’s that live up to the hype and are arguably better than their OG’s.
Aliens (1986)
Starting with an easy choice. Aliens the follow up to Ridley Scott’s 1979 Sci-fi horror juggernaut. Is an adrenaline pumping Xenomorph torching epic thrill ride. It’s a completely different animal to Alien. Bringing masses of Xenomorphs, kick ass marines and gunfire galore. For me personally I prefer Aliens over Alien. Director James Cameron (The Abyss and Titanic) brings a new vision to the terrors in outer space including an Alien Queen. There’s barely a dull moment and if this was a ranking this 80’s action gem may snatch the top spot.
Friday The 13th Part II (1981)
After the breakout success of Friday The 13th (1980) it was inevitable a sequel would quickly be in the works. The result was a return to Crystal Lake and a new flock of victims to fall under one summer night’s dark blanket. The kills are arguably more inventive and the new killer comes from their crystal lake home closer than expected.
A Nightmare On Elm Street 3 Dream Warriors (1987)
Part 2 of ANOES certainly missed franchise creator Wes Craven’s horror genre mastery and fingertips. Thankfully he returned to co-write the screenplay for part 3 Dream Warriors. Yes Freddy Krueger is becoming more comedic every film but in Dream Warriors it isn’t done to death. Unlike later sequels and works to Fred’s advantage. The unwell Elm Street teens residing in a secure mental health facility. Will need protecting from more than themselves as each one is terrorised by a returning Krueger in this special effects filled franchise standout that solidifies Freddy Krueger as the King of 80’s horror. “Welcome to prime time, bitch.”
Terminator 2 Judgement Day (1991)
Another easy pick and another top tier banger of a sequel from James Cameron who was also responsible for the movie’s OG. There’s a bigger budget and bigger set pieces as well as more Arnold and a looming threat from the Skynet machines. It’s regarded as one of the greatest action sequels of all time. However sorry T2 I still prefer the original and it’s tone. To conclude I may prefer the first Terminator but T2 brings the heat and is as close to a perfect sequel as we are going to get.
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
The dark intriguing material that embodies Clive Barker’s Hellraiser was waiting to be expanded upon. Hellbound ups the ante and even takes you to a warped vision of hell. The sights shown in part 2 are arguably more delightful than it’s predecessor. It’s always are hard toss up for me between Hellbound and the OG. On one hand I love the dark intricate story of the film and on the other I love how the cenobites universe is expanded in the sequel. Fuck it, I can’t decide which film I prefer they are both on on par with each other More or less.
Well I might do a sequel to this article or just leave the original alone and not milk it.