The sequel has continuously played a part in filmmaking culture ever since the early days and the golden age of Hollywood, as there will always be an inherent excitement and allure surrounding the continuation of an already established story. However, due to many of these original films being envisioned as standalone experiences without a follow-up, it has become a frequent trend for these sequels to often falter in comparison to the original film. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t great sequels out there, just that the vast majority of sequels prove to be received less positively than the original.
However, several of these sequels find themselves getting wrapped up in these notions of being considered a lackluster sequel despite inherent qualities and greatness that make them compelling watches. What makes a sequel compelling to an audience can often differ from what critics are looking for and judging a movie by, creating a disconnect between expectation and quality. Whether these films live up to their previous entries or not, there has been a wide array of sequels that have been unjustly persecuted by critics who didn’t understand what made them so great.
10
‘Ted 2’ (2015)
Directed by Seth MacFarlane
It cannot be understated just how much Seth MacFarlane was on top of the world as a comedy titan throughout the early 2010s, running various successful shows and making a splash with his directorial debut, Ted. However, this same sense of critical appraisal and love was not similarly given to the follow-up film, Ted 2, despite it having an overall similar style to the original film with arguably funnier jokes and a more consistent approach to comedy.
As far as the story is concerned, the film doesn’t do much to stray far from what the original film did, yet the inherent fun of Ted 2 comes from Seth’s newfound comfort with the characters and style of the film. Not having to worry about setting up and establishing these characters, Ted 2 focuses much more on wild comedic bits, frequently going off on goofy tangents that feel akin to a cutaway gag from Seth’s other shows. While not as recognized as the original film, Ted 2 deserves to be recognized in the same way as its blockbuster hit original.
Ted 2
- Release Date
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June 26, 2015
- Runtime
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116minutes
9
‘Scary Movie 3’ (2003)
Directed by David Zucker
While the original Scary Movie is often relegated and appreciated as a spoof comedy classic of the 2000s, this same irreverence and legacy are completely missing from the various sequels, which are largely maligned compared to the original. However, while this inherent lack of quality could be attributed to other entries in the Scary Movie franchise, Scary Movie 3‘s effective take on the satire horror franchise arguably rivals the comedic heights of the original film.
A lot of the strength of the film comes from the fresh change in approach with new writers and directors, with writers Craig Mazin and Pat Croft, as well as director David Zucker, having previous experience in the spoof genre with films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun. While it certainly isn’t the comedic tour-de-force of their previous comedy classics, Scary Movie 3 still scratches the classic itch of absurd, irreverent humor that made these films such a hit, combined with the raunchy, nonsense style that made the series so iconic.
8
‘Scream 4’ (2011)
Directed by Wes Craven
It seems to be an inevitable facet of every major slasher franchise to receive a wide array of sequels, reboots, and other styles of continuations that often receive diminishing returns compared to the original film. However, one specific slasher sequel that has been unfairly maligned by critics is that of Scream 4, the first attempted reboot of the franchise as well as the final film from legendary director Wes Craven. Critics simply thought that the formula and style of goofy, meta-centric slasher of the Scream franchise was simply too tired and uninteresting for 2010s audiences.
However, it serves to write off all the inherent strengths and improvements that Scream 4 makes to the formula with this approach, with the film arguably being the best Scream film since the original. The film graciously paints a greater picture of its characters having lived fuller, complete lives since the previous films, fully fitting back into their roles and becoming just as lovable as they’ve always been. While the more recent Scream reboot films have garnered more attention and success, fans will always hold a soft spot for Scream 4 in their hearts.
Scream 4
- Release Date
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April 15, 2011
- Runtime
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111 minutes
7
‘Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey’ (1991)
Directed by Peter Hewitt
While the original Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is often acclaimed as one of the most entertaining and lighthearted sci-fi comedies that the 80s have to offer, the equally wild and chaotic sequel, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, is not given nearly as much attention. Critics simply didn’t think that the same sense of humor and goofiness worked the second time around, although there are still a lot of great gags and fun moments that make the film a fun, complementary viewing to the original.
The biggest strength of the film comes from its differences and twists on the classic Bill & Ted formula, with the duo having to battle their way out of the afterlife with Death himself by their side, as well as facing off against evil robot versions of themselves. It simply dials up the absurdist style that the original had to offer, but has less of the core focus and overarching elements of history that made the original a standalone experience. Still, the sequel is wildly underrated and deserving of much more praise than the relatively negative reception that it received on release.
6
‘Godzilla: Final Wars’ (2004)
Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura
Of all the different sequels and entries in the Godzilla franchise that have attempted their spin and take on the kaiju monster, Godzilla: Final Wars stands tall as one of the very few that fully embraces the chaotic, manic side of a giant monster story. The film not only employs an extravagant, over-the-top execution for its wide variety of monster fights, but even manages to make the human characters fun to watch by making their story one of chaotic action and ridiculousness.
This embracing of the franchise’s goofiest attributes is simultaneously what makes the film one of the most entertaining Godzilla films as well as a massive miss in the eyes of critics. Through the analytical lens of critics, the film’s awkward plot and reusing of monsters throughout the series is seen as rather lazy, as well as the film feeling rather bloated at over 2 hours long. However, this film was never intended to appeal to critics, instead acting as a glorious love letter to fans of the Millennium run of Godzilla who had been there since the beginning.
5
‘Saw VI’ (2009)
Directed by Kevin Greutert
With each subsequent entry in the vicious and gruesome Saw franchise, not only do the kills manage to get much more painful to watch, but the overarching story gets that much more complicated and ridiculous to keep track of. While many Saw sequels simply crumble under the pressure and fail to find an effective balance as a standalone experience, Saw VI stands as the unexpected exception to the rule as one of the best entries in the franchise.
Critics were quick to lambaste the film for not straying too far from the classic structure and feel of the franchise, yet the inherent improvements the film comes from are its strange yet compelling message and social commentary. On top of the classic themes of the series exemplified through John Kramer’s death games, Saw VI specifically has a distinct health insurance angle, correlating with societal struggles with the health care system in the late 2000s. It adds a strange yet compelling angle to the classic kills that manages to make the overall experience more fun.
Saw VI
- Release Date
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October 23, 2009
- Runtime
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90 minutes
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Tobin Bell
John Kramer / Jigsaw
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Costas Mandylor
Mark Hoffman
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Mark Rolston
Dan Erickson
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4
‘The Matrix Resurrections’ (2021)
Directed by Lana Wachowski
A strange case of a reboot sequel seemingly commenting and criticizing its own existence, The Matrix Resurrections made for such a strange, otherworldly take on the classic sci-fi series that audiences and critics alike simply didn’t know what to think. Critics as a whole were mixed on the film, respecting its concepts but not getting down with its execution, which felt like a downgrade from the original film, although few films can live up to the action mastery of the first Matrix film.
When at its best, The Matrix Resurrections spits in the very notion of a Matrix reboot existing in the first place, while at the same time delivering and choosing to embrace its own existence with a bundle of heart and joy for its characters. It makes for a distinctly personal and disconnected experience that is extremely rare for a modern-day blockbuster, which, while alienating for some critics and audiences, is undeniably compelling and interesting to watch unfold.
3
‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ (1990)
Directed by Joe Dante
While the original Gremlins was a sweet, hilarious, and overall well-crafted Christmas classic that would define the 80s in terms of quirky, family-friendly horror, Gremlins 2: The New Batch was a sequel that had all the hype in the world, yet went in a completely different direction. Instead of telling another earnest and lighthearted yuletide venture, Gremlins 2 almost feels like a direct parody of the first film, poking fun at aspects of the original and overall ramping up the inherent absurdity of the gremlins as creatures.
While it was certainly a jarring experience for critics of the era who were expecting a more traditional Gremlins experience from the sequel, time has been kind to Gremlins 2, as audiences and critics now respect the film for its wild comedic swings. Even when the film goes a bit too far in terms of its parody approach, such as when the Gremlins destroy the literal film-stock the movie is being shown on before being told off by Hulk Hogan to turn the movie back on, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in its wild, fun time.
2
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (2011)
Directed by David Bowers
None of the live-action Diary of a Wimpy Kid films were particularly well-liked by critics, yet they still hold a compelling soft spot among audiences thanks to their endless charm and extremely likable supporting cast. Of the original live-action trilogy, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules easily stands out as the most well-crafted and, overall, most entertaining, giving more time for great characters like Rodrick (Devon Bostick) and Frank Heffley (Steve Zahn) to shine.
The underrated 2010s family movie may have been largely overlooked by critics, yet audiences fell in love with the film’s sense of wit and charm that is embedded within each scene. Even a decade after its release and after its target audience has grown up, many of them look back on Rodrick Rules specifically with high nostalgic feelings, further helping that this film specifically holds up the most by modern family movie standards. When the film is at its best and allowing its characters to bounce off of each other, it makes for a great, entertaining family experience.
1
‘Bad Boys II’ (2004)
Directed by Michael Bay
Nearly every film directed by Michael Bay has been largely ripped apart and maligned by critics, and while many of his films may deserve their critical reception, Bad Boys II is a deeply engaging action comedy that sees Bay’s style at its absolute best. With the first Bad Boys having been Bay’s directorial debut, its easy to see Bad Boys II as Bay returning to his roots after directing an array of other high-budget films, going all out with his style to make for a high-energy, action comedy for the ages.
Bay’s specific approach of style and action over substance is specifically what irked various critics over the years, yet Bay’s visual style serves to compliment the writing and performances perfectly. What was seen by critics as brainless and idiotic is an intelligent, active decision made by Bay in order to amplify the energy and flair of the action on-screen, and while it doesn’t work for all of his films, it works greatly throughout Bad Boys II. Even after the series has seen two modern reboot films without Bay in the helm, Bad Boys II is still widely seen as the undeniable height of the franchise’s quality as well as one of the best action comedies of the 2000s.
Bad Boys II
- Release Date
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July 18, 2003
- Runtime
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147 Minutes