When expectations are low, the surprises are sweeter! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at sequels that surpassed audience expectations.
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00:00Heh heh, whoo! Problem solved!
00:03Too dark?
00:04AHHHHHHHHH!
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo,
00:08and today we're looking at sequels that surpassed audience expectations.
00:13Every mission has its risks.
00:15These pilots accept that.
00:17I don't, sir.
00:20Number 10. Captain America, The Winter Soldier.
00:24Before we get started,
00:27does anyone want to get out?
00:35While The First Avenger is an impressive film,
00:38its sequel, directed by the Russo brothers,
00:41definitely surpasses it.
00:50This Marvel gem features sharper writing,
00:52a gritty tone, tight direction,
00:54and epic action sequences.
00:57It gave Chris Evans the opportunity to showcase new aspects of the character,
01:01now a fish out of water in the modern day.
01:04You know, they used to play music.
01:06Yeah, my grandfather operated one of these things for 40 years.
01:11Teaming up with Black Widow,
01:12Cap uncovers a vast conspiracy while facing a blast from the past
01:17in the form of the Winter Soldier.
01:19The film perfectly blends political intrigue and action thrills
01:23with an emotional depth that keeps viewers engaged.
01:31Number 9. Puss in Boots, The Last Wish.
01:42Dreamworks pulled off something truly remarkable with this magnificent sequel.
01:48Everything from the animation, music, and story,
01:51to the voice acting is purr-fection.
01:54The movie follows the melancholic Puss,
01:56who, nearing the end of his nine lives,
01:59embarks on an adventure to restore them.
02:08The feline's first film was certainly charming,
02:11but the second outing is even more fun
02:13with a new, captivating animation style to Boots.
02:21The Last Wish enchants with its spaghetti-western-like adventure,
02:25stylized action sequences, and heartfelt moments.
02:29It's the kind of kid's movie that even adults will cherish.
02:32It wasn't the first great sequel in the franchise, mind you,
02:36with Shrek 2 also building on its predecessor.
02:46Number 8. The Godfather Part II.
02:51It says you can kill anyone.
02:54When the first Godfather hit screens,
02:56it received widespread acclaim as a masterpiece.
02:59Naturally, audiences assumed that a second film
03:03might not reach such lofty heights.
03:05But they were wrong.
03:06The Godfather Part II exceeded expectations
03:09with its brilliantly written, twisted story
03:12that works as both a prequel and a sequel.
03:14When he's gonna die, I'll make an offer he don't refuse.
03:20Go on.
03:21Directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola,
03:24it follows the rise of a young Don Vito
03:27and the fall of his son, Michael.
03:29Some argue that it's better than the original.
03:34I knew it was you, Fredo.
03:36You broke my heart.
03:39You broke my heart.
03:41Whether that's true or not,
03:42The Godfather Part II is a complex, compelling,
03:45and darker follow-up that stands tall on its own merits.
03:49My father taught me many things here.
03:52He taught me in this room.
03:58He taught me keep your friends close,
04:01but your enemies closer.
04:03Number 7.
04:04Mad Max Fury Road
04:06It was hard to know who was more crazy.
04:11Me or everyone else.
04:14Originally created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy in 1979,
04:18the Mad Max franchise roared back to life with this 2015 blockbuster.
04:24How much more can they take from me?
04:25I've got my blood, now it's my car!
04:28Fury Road is one of those rare legacy sequels
04:31that outshines the original films.
04:33Full of twists and turns,
04:35it follows a lone drifter in a post-apocalyptic world
04:39as he helps the formidable Furiosa
04:41lead a daring escape from a tyrannical warlord.
04:44Hey, what's your name?
04:49What do I call you?
04:52Does it matter?
04:53It's two hours of complete insanity
04:55packed with practical stunts and phenomenal performances.
04:58Amid all the chaos,
05:00each character also has their time to shine.
05:03No wonder it picked up a whopping six Oscar wins.
05:07Oh, what a day!
05:08What a lovely day!
05:10Number 6.
05:11Fast Five
05:12We're talking or we're racing?
05:15Don't cheat this time.
05:17Gotta let that go.
05:18Fast Five was a game-changer for the long-running franchise,
05:22cleverly blending heist elements with high-speed racing.
05:26The story revolves around Dom and his crew
05:28attempting to steal from a drug lord in Brazil
05:31while being pursued by relentless DSS agent Luke Hobbs.
05:35Hey, Toretto!
05:44You're under arrest.
05:46Arrest?
05:46I don't feel like I'm under arrest.
05:51The film elevates the stakes with big action set pieces and intense car chases.
05:56Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Hobbs adds an extra burst of energy.
06:00You're going down, Toretto.
06:02I'm right here.
06:06The result is a fun combination of criminal capers,
06:10great ensemble interactions and delightfully cheesy fun.
06:15You sure you can handle the disappointment?
06:17Or you?
06:21All right, O'Connor.
06:23Let's see what you got.
06:25Number 5.
06:26The Toy Story sequels.
06:28Surrender, Buzz Lightyear.
06:30I have won.
06:32I'll never give in.
06:33You killed my father.
06:35No, Buzz.
06:36I am your father.
06:39No!
06:40The first Toy Story was largely confined to Andy's room and his dreaded neighbor's house.
06:46It was an instant classic, but the sequels measure up.
06:50Exploring Woody's fear of being discarded, Toy Story 2 added new emotional depth.
06:55Woody, you're not a collector's item.
06:57You're a child's plaything.
06:59You are a toy!
07:02For how much longer?
07:03One more rip and Andy's done with me.
07:05And what do I do then, Buzz, huh?
07:07You tell me.
07:08The third film managed to tell a story that was exciting, poignant, and moving all at once.
07:13Who could forget the incinerator sequence in the final acts?
07:17Andy!
07:19Andy!
07:21Andy!
07:23Andy!
07:25Andy!
07:27Andy!
07:29Andy!
07:31Andy!
07:33Andy!
07:35Introducing the new character Forky, Toy Story 4 focused on purpose and self-discovery,
07:41culminating in Woody's touching farewell.
07:43Buzz Lightyear.
07:45Aida.
07:47She'll be okay.
07:49Each sequel not only built on the original, but added levels of thematic complexity and emotion.
07:55Number four, Top Gun Maverick.
07:57Please don't tell me we lost an engine.
07:59Alright, I won't tell you that.
08:01Sometimes old school is the best school.
08:03Harking back to classic storytelling and filmmaking, Top Gun Maverick delivered everything fans and critics could have asked for.
08:11Tom Cruise returns as Maverick.
08:13Now an instructor training a new generation of pilots.
08:17Today we'll start with what you only think you know.
08:23Show me what you're made of.
08:25Instead of merely mimicking the 1986 classic, the sequel expands the story while staying true to its roots.
08:31The film offers deeper character developments, a frankly better plot, and plenty of nostalgic vibes.
08:39The Navy needs Maverick.
08:41Maverick.
08:43The kid needs Maverick.
08:49That's why I fought for you.
08:51Overall, it's a visceral thrill ride that immerses you in the cockpit with the characters.
08:57Top Gun Maverick is pure aviation art.
09:01Thank you for saving my life.
09:03It's what my dad would have done.
09:05Number three, Aliens.
09:07Get away from her, you bitch.
09:11Almost four decades after its release, Aliens remains one of the best sci-fi movies ever made.
09:19Tormented by her past, Ellen Ripley returns to the moon where it all started.
09:23This time to check on a colony in peril.
09:27My mommy always said there were no monsters, no real ones, but there are.
09:33Yes, there are, aren't there?
09:35While Ridley Scott's Alien was a haunting slow burn, James Cameron cranks it up a notch
09:41with one edge-of-your-seat action sequence after another.
09:45Aliens is an immersive, eye-popping experience with great practical effects and compelling characters.
09:51This is an M41A pulse rifle, 10mm.
09:55An over and under 30mm pump-action grenade launcher.
09:59Feel the weight.
10:01Of course, it's not Cameron's only mind-blowing sequel.
10:05Avatar, The Way of Water and Terminator 2 would also take their respective franchises to new heights.
10:12Come with me if you want to live.
10:14Number two, The Dark Knight.
10:16You wanted me, here I am.
10:19I wanted to see what you'd do, and you didn't disappoint.
10:24More than just a superhero blockbuster,
10:27the second installment of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy
10:30is a deep and layered exploration of iconic characters.
10:34The night is dark as just before the dawn.
10:40And I promise you, the dawn is coming.
10:44The story follows Batman as he faces off against a new menace threatening Gotham.
10:49Heath Ledger's powerhouse portrayal of the Joker has gone down in cinema history,
10:53at once chilling and mesmerizing.
10:56It's not about money.
10:58It's about sending a message.
11:01With its outstanding musical score, amazing action scenes and edgy atmosphere,
11:07The Dark Knight sticks with you long after the credits roll.
11:10It's the gold standard for superhero movies.
11:13Batman Begins certainly set the bar high,
11:16but The Dark Knight cleared that bar and set a new one.
11:19Because sometimes, truth isn't good enough.
11:24Sometimes people deserve more.
11:30Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.
11:34Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
11:38Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle
11:40Cleverly reinvented the original's premise thanks to a fresh twist.
11:44We have to jump? Are you out of your mind?
11:46I would literally rather do anything else right now but that.
11:49Spider-Man 2
11:51Keeps the focus on Peter's personal struggles,
11:54while delivering thrilling action and a memorable villain.
11:57You're gonna hurt a lot more people this time.
11:59Well, that's a risk we're willing to take.
12:02Well, I'm not.
12:0422 Jump Street
12:06Brilliantly balances comedy with action.
12:09To make sure Jump Street keeps going.
12:11We've doubled their budget.
12:13As if spending twice the money guaranteed twice the profit.
12:17I don't think that's gonna work.
12:20Elevates the previous film's themes with rich character developments.
12:31Blade 2
12:32Boasts superior special effects and a darker, more complex storyline.
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13:02Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
13:06You are beaten. It is useless to resist.
13:10Don't let yourself be destroyed as Obi-Wan did.
13:13The first film in George Lucas' original trilogy blew audiences away.
13:17But it was the second that really cemented Star Wars' legacy as a franchise.
13:22With the main characters now well-established,
13:25the sequel was free to focus on their growth and explore their relationships.
13:29It also introduced memorable new characters such as Yoda.
13:32Luke's mastery of the Force was a journey we all wished we could go on.
13:36Alright, I'll give it a try.
13:38No. Try not.
13:40Do.
13:42Or do not.
13:44There is no try.
13:45So many of the film's moments have become iconic.
13:48Not least of all, Darth Vader's revelation of Luke's true parentage.
13:53No. I am your father.
13:57When it comes to epic sequels, Empire didn't just try, it did.
14:02I love you.
14:04I know.
14:05What movie sequel do you consider to be better than the original?
14:08Let us know in the comments.
14:10You complete me.
14:12Did you enjoy this video?
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