Unexpectedly Great Movie Sequels Years Later
Discover the top 9 unexpected and brilliant movie sequels that were released years after their predecessors, proving that sometimes the risk of a long-awaited sequel is well worth it.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is a high-octane action movie that brings a fresh and compelling take on the post-apocalyptic world and introduces new characters that enrich the franchise's signature aesthetic. The film's strong feminist themes and protagonist, Furiosa, offer a new perspective in the otherwise testosterone-dominated affair. Combined with excellent performances from Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, the movie is perhaps the best long-awaited sequel ever made.
Mr. and Mrs. Incredible in a scene from The Incredibles 2.
Bladerunner 2049
Bladerunner 2049 successfully explores the world and themes 35 years later, featuring impressive visuals and complex characters that enrich the unique world created by author Philip K. Dick and filmmaker Ridley Scott. Additionally, the blend of action and drama allows it to explore the concepts of Artificial Intelligence in a way that compels audiences to engage with the movie beyond a simple sci-fi action flick.
Will Smith as Mike Lowry and Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett in Bad Boys for Life.
Clerks II
Clerks II contains the signature brand of humor twelve years after the original's release. Written and directed by Kevin Smith, the movie is a raunchy comedy rife with brilliant performances from some of the industry's best actors and actresses. Its careful handling of themes about acceptance and moving on from one juncture of life to the next, while infusing Kevin Smith's special brand of humor, makes Clerks II a good sequel and a strong entry in the franchise.
Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa punches Antonio Tarver as Mason Dixon in the solar plexus in Rocky Balboa.
The Incredibles 2
The Incredibles 2's compelling story centers around family and independence, boasting some of Pixar's best visuals ever seen in one of their movies. The voice-over performances from everyone involved prove that each actor was invested in the source material, offering plenty of joy and laughs. While The Incredibles is a classic, The Incredibles 2 is a visually impressive follow-up.
Jason Mewes as Jay and Kevin Smith as Silent Bob in Clerks II.
Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 sees its iconic characters embark on a new mission to thwart the plans of the treacherous Lotso, while also attempting to find a way to keep the now college-bound Andy in their lives. The movie highlights themes of love, friendship, and acceptance in a way atypical of movies catered toward child audiences. It truly excels in delivering its drama in an impactful and meaningful way.
Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise) and
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the first new entry in the Star Wars saga ten years after the release of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, creating immense hype and excitement. Featuring brand-new characters as well as beloved established characters, it perfectly demonstrated what Disney had planned for the main entries in the franchise while also setting up possibilities in other forms of media and entertainment.
Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in a scene from Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
Bad Boys For Life
Bad Boys for Life sees A-listers Will Smith and Martin Lawrence team up once again as their iconic buddy cop duo, Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett, to investigate a notorious pair of mother and son drug lords in 2020s Miami, Florida. The fun chemistry shared between leads Smith and Lawrence, tongue-in-cheek jokes about growing old, and its fresh-faced cast of characters make it one of the best sequels of the 2020s so far.
Oscar Issac as Poe Dameron in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa sees the legendary titular boxer come out of retirement at sixty years old to take on the reigning, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Mason 'The Line' Dixon, in a movie rife with heartwarming drama regarding family and one's legacy. With real-life heavyweight boxer Antonio Tarver delivering a solid performance that makes Mason one of Rocky's best opponents, Rocky Balboa delivers a solid sequel despite its absurd premise.
John Boyega as Finn wields a blue lightsaber in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
The Color of Money
The Color of Money sees Tom Cruise's Vincent Lauria go toe-to-toe against Paul Newman's Eddie 'Fast Eddie' Felson in a tense sports drama about loyalty and greed, all while infusing director Martin Scorsese's artistic visionary storytelling. Although stylistically different than its predecessor, it thrives on its ability to redefine Fast Eddie as its villain, thus heightening the father-son messaging.
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
