9 Film Sequels That Were Better Than The Original

I try not to go into any sequels these days with high expectations, mainly because the majority of them never seem to be as good as the original. However, here are some of the great sequels that did top their originals!

9. The Dark Knight.

Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger as the Joker represented one of the most charismatic villain-versus-superhero rivalries we've seen on the big screen. The Dark Knight was a massive success and the standout film from the hugely successful Batman trilogy.

8. Rocky IV.

Every Rocky movie, with the exception of Rocky 5, is a masterpiece in my eyes. Sly Stallone at his very best. The acting was never going to be Oscar nominated, but the on-screen relationships of Rocky, his family and his rivals had our eyes glued to the screen. The theme song and soundtrack is still amazing, and it'll always get you pumped for a workout. Everyone has their own favourite but Rocky IV is mine, with the tension between the USSR and the USA played out on camera in the epic rivalry between Rocky and Ivan Drago.

7. Toy Story 3.

How emotional can a film consisting purely of animated characters and voice overs make you? The answer: infinitely. I know very few people who didn't shed a tear at the end of this movie. I've known Woody and Buzz since the beginning of my childhood and if I was Andy, I'd be on my knees balling my eyes out. Great trilogy finished off with an excellent final film!

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Some could argue that it was too long, but all the anticipation which was built up so perfectly in the first two films led to a terrific finale in The Return of the King. Frodo was getting incredibly annoying but thankfully he got there in the en - another film more and I would have been rooting for Smigol!

5. Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.

I was about as obsessed with Star Wars as Eric Forman from That 70s Show is. The most recent three movies showed how far cinematic special effects have come, but the stories of the first three are undoubtedly better. That said, the Revenge of the Sith wrapped up all loose ends effectively and finished off the recent trilogy in dramatic style.

4. The Bourne Ultimatum.

Matt Damon puts on an action movie masterclass as Jason Bourne and somehow finds a way to top each movie in this trilogy. The story is excellent, moving at a lightning fast pace and has several heart-in-mouth moments. The Bourne Ultimatum is my pick of the three. It's got everything a good action film needs, plus a quality soundtrack played throughout the series, Moby - Extreme Ways.

3. Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

Arnie at his absolute best! There was more than a few shaky moments in this one when the T-1000 appeared with a few tricks in his bag. I think everyone can be in agreement that this topped the first film, and we can always be sure that Arnie will come out on top!

2. The Godfather 2.

Perhaps saying The Godfather 2 is better than the original is a tad controversial, but it is at least on a par with it. The Godfather 2 takes everything from the original and expands on it to mythic proportions, making it a mind-blowing sequel that everyone should watch.

1. The Inbetweeners 2.

If you haven't already seen it, go now! I went to see The Inbetweeners 2 with low expectations as the trailer didn't look particularly great and I know not to build myself up for a potential letdown, like Anchorman 2. I don't want to release any spoilers but this film is twice as good as the first Inbetweeners film and is guaranteed to have your side's splitting with laughter.