Mind-Blowing Films & Shows: 10 Prequels that Revolutionized Sequels

Prequel stories have emerged as clever means to delve into characters and enhance audience comprehension of their world. However, certain cunning movie and TV show continuations have skillfully combined prequel and sequel elements. Indeed, prequels are not always confined to the past, occasionally encompassing glimpses into the future and providing tidbits of information that foster a deeper understanding of these characters' upcoming journeys.

A number of films and TV shows serve as prequels and sequels, contributing to the full immersion of a universe and providing additional context to a narrative. Prequels have been utilized to rehabilitate beloved characters, prolong a franchise following the demise of a protagonist, and offer insights into a character's motivations and actions. While some audiences bemoan the perceived lack of suspense in prequels, the inclusion of sequel elements can add an element of surprise and keep viewers on edge.

10 Hocus Pocus 2

Serving as both a sequel and prequel to the original 1993 film, Hocus Pocus 2 begins by transporting viewers back to 1653, where the formidable Mother Witch takes the Sanderson sisters under her wing. Jumping ahead 300 years, we find ourselves in the company of a young girl named Becca, who unwittingly summons the Sanderson sisters on her 16th birthday. This follow-up installment, however, fails to captivate audiences as it delves into the backstory of Winifred Sanderson. Banished for defying societal norms by rejecting a marriage proposal from John Pritchett, Winifred chooses a life of seclusion in the forest to protect her beloved sisters. It is in this solitude that she encounters the Mother Witch, who gifts her with a magic book and imparts wisdom on preserving immortal youth. With a shift to the year 2022, the film continues the beloved Halloween tradition for families as a true sequel.

9 Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is both a sequel and a prequel to the 2005 film, Sin City. It continues the story while also introducing new characters and reviving deceased ones. A Dame to Kill For features two separate storylines, one serving as a prequel and the other as a sequel.

Mickey Rourke reprises his role as Marv in the prequel segment, despite his character's death in the original film. In the sequel storyline, Bruce Willis appears as a ghost who watches over Nancy Callahan. The prequel thread introduces Josh Brolin as Dwight, taking place years before the events of the first Sin City film. The movie also clarifies that Dwight later undergoes facial reconstruction surgery, resulting in his resemblance to the character portrayed by Clive Owen in the first film.

8 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

David Lynch's 1992 film, Fire Walk With Me, serves as both a prequel and sequel to his TV series Twin Peaks. It chronicles Laura Palmer's last seven days, her murder investigation, and introduces new characters who supposedly care about her. Unlike most prequels, it is not recommended to watch Fire Walk With Me before the original Twin Peaks, as it assumes prior knowledge of the show.

Despite being a prequel, the film includes a non-linear scene set in the mythological Black Lodge, where Dale Cooper tries to uncover Laura Palmer's killer before her death. Fire Walk With Me acts as a companion piece to the iconic 90s show, shedding light on Laura's murderer and delving deeper into the secrets of Killer BOB. Despite receiving criticism from both audiences and critics, the distinct David Lynch elements present in Fire Walk With Me have made it a must-watch for fans of the director.

7 300: Rise Of An Empire

Rise of an Empire serves as both a prequel and sequel to the film 300. Zack Snyder, the director of 300, decided not to return for this project as he was focusing on the reboot of Superman in Man of Steel. This decision resulted in a non-linear timeline for the movie, with events taking place before, during, and after the happenings in 300.

Following the triumph over Leonidas and his army of 300, the Persian King Xerxes set his sights on the remaining territories of Greece. In addition, the film delves into the backstory of Xerxes, revealing how witnessing his father Darius's death influenced his perspective. Moreover, it portrays the Battle of Artemisium, which occurred concurrently with the Battle of Thermopylae.

6 The Winchesters

The Winchesters, a supernatural prequel, tells the story of Mary Campbell and John Winchester, the parents of Sam and Dean, as they travel and hunt monsters. While it adds to the Winchester family history, it also alters the established canon and rewrites the timeline of Supernatural. Unfortunately, The Winchesters was canceled after its first season, depriving audiences of the potential impact it could have had on the Supernatural universe.

In a surprising twist, Dean Winchester, who was not even born during the events of the prequel, makes appearances in the show. He can be seen in the background of a photograph from the 1970s, and later physically manifests to interact with his father. This perplexes Supernatural viewers, as they never witnessed this journey to the past, creating one of the show's greatest mysteries. The season finale reveals that during his journey through Heaven, accompanied by the iconic song "Carry On My Wayward Son," Dean takes a detour into the multiverse in search of a reality where his family can find happiness. This leads him to the universe of The Winchesters, indicating that the show exists in a separate dimension from the original Supernatural universe.

5 Hannibal

Hannibal serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the character Hannibal Lecter, leading to questions about its place in the franchise's canon timeline. In the beloved TV series, Hannibal Lecter is already an experienced psychiatrist, making it a sequel to the prequel film, Hannibal Rising. Furthermore, the show occurs before the encounter between Will Graham and Hannibal, positioning it several years prior to Red Dragon.

The series had to maneuver within the timeline due to the inability to secure the rights to Silence of the Lambs and its characters. Consequently, the TV series functions as a prequel to Red Dragon and a sequel to Hannibal Rising. It also incorporates events that transpire after the occurrences in Silence of the Lambs, establishing its own distinct timeline.

4 Saw X

Saw X holds a unique position in the timeline as both a sequel to the original Saw and a prequel to Saw II. This installment takes place shortly after the events of Saw, when John Kramer receives a cancer diagnosis and travels to Mexico in search of a cure, only to discover it's a fraudulent treatment. Collaborating with his protegé Amanda Young, they seek to retaliate against those who deceived them.

Set a year before Saw II, this horror film reveals the origins of Amanda's assumption of the Jigsaw name. Additionally, the plot of Saw X links to previous films, particularly Saw III and Saw II, which occur a year later. The underlying themes explored in this prequel also resonate with Saw VI, which delves into the corrupt healthcare system in America.

3 X-Men: Days Of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past holds the title for having one of the most convoluted timelines in the history of modern cinema. Primarily set in the year 1973, it serves as a prequel while also simultaneously taking place in 2023. This intricate comic book film endeavors to bridge the gap between the prequel cast and the original trilogy cast.

Utilizing Kitty Pryde's extraordinary abilities, Erik and Charles transport Logan's consciousness back to his 1973 self in order to prevent Mystique from assassinating Dr. Trask. This significant alteration to the timeline effectively rewrites the events that transpired in the preceding three movies. In the conclusion of this prequel, Logan discovers that Jean and Cyclops have been revived, effectively resetting the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Furthermore, the events depicted in this film alter the trajectory of Mystique's past and future, preventing her from choosing Magneto over Charles.

2 Young Sheldon

In the Big Bang Theory prequel Young Sheldon, the focus is primarily on preteen Sheldon Cooper. However, adult Sheldon often provides insight into his future through his narration. In the finale of Young Sheldon season 1, Adult Sheldon reveals in his narration that he has children. He mentions, "I would go on to draw up such contracts throughout my life, with my roommates, with my wife, even with my own children," after his younger self creates a contract with his Meemaw.

During the episode titled "Graduation," adult Sheldon recounts that his high school graduation party was the most enjoyable one he had ever attended, except for his son's. Sheldon proceeds to reveal that he and Amy have a son named Leonard, whom they named after his best friend and Leonard Nimoy. He expresses annoyance over not being allowed to give his son the middle name Nimoy.

1 Better Call Saul

Considered one of the greatest prequel shows ever made, Better Call Saul also serves as a continuation of Breaking Bad. Through black and white flash-forwards, Better Call Saul introduces viewers to a character named Gene, who is actually another identity of Jimmy McGill. Throughout the series, it is revealed that Saul transforms into Gene and works at a Cinnabon shop in Omaha, Nebraska, where his story unfolds after the events in New Mexico involving Walter White.

The first five seasons of Better Call Saul incorporate opening scenes that take place in the mall housing the Cinnabon shop. In seasons 6 and 7, dedicated episodes are focused on Gene's timeline. These flash-forwards align with the timeline of Breaking Bad's conclusion and the events depicted in El Camino.