Many film sequels go one-up on their originals. From the Dark Knight Rises to Empire Strikes Back, there are plenty of movies that do better than the original in terms of box office, ratings, etc. Today, we’re talking about 15 such movies in the sci-fi genre. So, let’s dive right into the best sci-fi movie sequels of all time:
15. Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning isn’t exactly a box office blockbuster. Nor is it part of an impactful franchise, but you know a film is good when it has earned a better rating than any of its preceding installments.
Usually called UniSols by the franchise and fan of this universe, Day of Reckoning focuses on these UniSols out to take revenge. While it’s not exactly Stanley Kubrick’s level of storytelling, it does have good action that makes it better than its past installments.
14. Predator 2 (1990)
Predator 2 is a testament to the fact that this franchise is at a cult level right now. While the first Predator is truly a one-of-a-kind movie, it has turned into a blooming franchise, with the latest one being in 2022. Now, Predator 2 wasn’t exactly well-received after the first installment.
However, it has grown on people since its release, and nowadays, it’s widely considered a cult classic rather than a lackluster sequel. This film had everything, including answers to what predators were and why they gathered human trophies, and it also showed that there is way more than just one Yautja.
13. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Dawn of the Planet of The Apes had some pretty big shoes to fill after the success of Rise of The Planet of the Apes. Well, it did just that and then some by becoming one of the highest-grossing films in 2014. The film continues after the events of the first one.
In this one, the apes have developed and created a territorial society, and humans stay clear of it. But, due to rising tensions and misunderstandings between the two tribes, humans and apes agree—only for the agreement to be broken and an all-out war to be waged.
12. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, was one of the best films released in the 80s and widely a film equal, if not better, than the original 1979 release. This film was one of the earliest examples of franchise film potential.
And one could say that it was Mad Max and Indiana Jones in the 80s that pushed the craze for franchise and sequel films. The film focuses on the same lone wanderer, Max, from the first film. However, things escalate when Max becomes the sole hope for the survival of a small group.
11. 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
2010: The Year We Make Contact had some big expectations when it was announced. It wasn’t the time of social media or rapid news reporting. But, it was one of the much-awaited sequels of the 1968 classic titled 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The film’s story begins when astronauts are sent to explore the site of the original mission. Their mission is to identify what went wrong in the initial run and find the issues that caused the failure of the Discovery One mission to Jupiter.
10. The Thing (2011)
The Thing isn’t a sequel but rather a prequel to the much-celebrated The Thing from 1982 but released 29 years after the release of the original. It focuses on the original discovery of the alien in Antarctica.
It begins when Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) leads a group of scientists on a paleontology expedition in Antarctica. Soon, they discover something alien in the ice, and unfortunate events set it free.
9. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 was one of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory. Taking up the story a few decades after the events of the original Blade Runner (1982), K is sent on a mission to clear up those who might be causing chaos.
During the mission, K (Ryan Gosling) is set on a path that’ll set him directly against a blade runner who has been missing for more than 30 years. This leads to a film that challenges the adventures of the original 1982 installment.
8. Avatar: The Way of The Water (2022)
Avatar: The Way of the Water was perhaps one of the most-awaited movie sequels in history. James Cameron’s vision for various Avatar films finally came to fruition in December 2022 when the 2nd installment took less than two weeks to make a billion, and the combined box office run of both films ended at an impressive $2.32 billion.
Taking more than 13 years between the original and the sequel, The Way of The Water didn’t seem to have missed a beat when it came to great visuals. However, it was the outstanding story of Jake Sully and Ney’tiri that continued and won the audience just the same as the first one.
7. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most popular films of all time. Widely considered the best Star Wars film, this film was perhaps a tad bit more popular than the original. However, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best sequels of all time.
It begins when Darth Vader continues his quest to turn Luke Skywalker to the dark side. However, Master Yoda’s training for Luke and the quest to turn him into a Jedi intensifies, and the fight between Jedi Knights and the Imperial Fleet gets even tougher in this sequel.
6. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, is another great sequel made in the 1980s. Widely considered one of the best sequels ever made, Star Trek truly took fictional sci-fi to the next level. The film’s story is also a direct sequel to the first one.
With The Wrath of Khan taking over where Star Trek left off. Admiral Kirk is facing a huge challenge when an evil old enemy returns, called Khan. All of it escalates when Khan goes out for revenge and has information on a devastating device.
5. Back to the Future II (1989)
Image Source: IMDb
Back to the Future II was another much-awaited sequel of the 80s. However, it wasn’t until it was released that people realized the first one was always going to be their favorite. But much like Predator 2, this one also earned its place in the hearts of fans over time as it grew on people.
The film’s story begins when Marty McFly travels back in time to stop the disturbance of timelines that he might have caused in 1955—without running into himself. His goal? To pose as his son and prevent his arrest.
4. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Days of Future Past was released at a time when the MCU was going in hot with its films like The Winter Soldier and Guardians of The Galaxy. However, it became one of the highest-grossing films that year by simply being one of, if not the best X-Men films ever made.
Bringing together the characters of the present and the past, this film was tending mainly because of the star cast and an outstanding story. It all begins when Wolverine has to travel back in time to prevent an assassination as the entire future of the mutants hangs in the balance.
3. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Image Source: IMDb
There weren’t many films in the 90s that were as much awaited as The Lost World: Jurassic Park. This direct sequel to the 1993 superhit Jurassic Park would provide more answers, as people were hoping. For example, what happened to Dr. Grant? What happened to the kids?
More importantly, what happened to the park? Not only do we find that out in this film, but we also explore that there was more than just one island with the recreated dinosaurs. Much to the horror of Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), he must rescue his stranded girlfriend—only to get stuck on a dinosaur island again.
2. Aliens (1986)
The 1979 Ridley Scott classic paved the way for a generation of fantastic installments until Alien: Covenant in 2017. However, it was the original sequel in 1986 that earned just as much, if not more, respect from the fans.
Being a direct sequel to the original, this film focuses on the story after the events of the first one. In this one, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is sent to Planet LV-426 to establish a connection. However, there she finds more than just one enemy in the shape of the alien queen and her offspring.
1. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is one of the most popular films of all time. So much so that it was the reason a lot of people watched the first installment. It also catapulted an already-famous Arnold Schwarzenegger to new heights.
The film’s story is about Sarah’s son, John Connor, who is at risk of being terminated by a Skynet assassin from the future. However, another cyborg is sent back in time, too—but instead of killing Sarah or her son, his job is to protect John and Sarah Connor.
Honorable Mentions
- Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
- TRON: Legacy (2010)
What are your favorite sci-fi film sequels of all time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
