The 20 best sci-fi movie sequels

Considered by many as the greatest movie sequel of all time, it doesn't get much better than The Empire Strikes Back. The film sees the continuation of the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Galactic Empire, with Luke learning the ways of the Jedi and the Force. The film pushes the Skywalker story into new territory, delivering on the promise of "bigger and better." Plus, it features one of the most iconic cinematic reveals of all time, with Darth Vader's "I am your father!"

Dune: Part Two brings viewers back to the desert world of Arrakis in this visually and technically arresting sequel. The film sees protagonist Paul Atreides unite with the Fremen as he seeks revenge on those who conspired against his family and slaughtered them. Director Denis Villeneuve returns to deliver a sleek and action-packed continuation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic. It features a star-studded cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and more. 

The long-running Planet of the Apes series was revamped in 2011 with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, followed by its impressively superior sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, in 2014. Directed by The Batman’s Matt Reeves, this grittier and darker entry sees the war between apes and humans escalate to a post-apocalyptic level. Andy Serkis returns as evolved ape leader Caesar, and incredible motion-capture technology is used to bring his performance to life. 

The stakes are even higher in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the second installment of the blockbuster YA film series. After Katniss wins The Hunger Games and sparks a rebellion within the districts, she is forced to go back into the arena, as all previous winners compete in a special edition of the Games. The action and thrills are more sophisticated, with a slew of exciting new characters like Finnick Odair and plenty of emotionally devastating moments that will hit viewers hard. 

Where Alien was a slow-burn horror-thriller, Aliens  is an all-out action spectacle. James Cameron takes the directing reins from Ridley Scott for this sequel, which reunites viewers with Sigourney Weaver's iconic heroine, Ellen Ripley. After surviving the events of the first film, Ripley is sent on a mission to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony. However, she again comes face to face with the Xenomorph, this time in the form of the Alien Queen and her offspring.

Blade Runner 2049 is the rare sequel to a sci-fi classic that improves upon the original. Ryan Gosling plays Blade Runner K, who unearths a secret that finds him searching for Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard, who has been missing for thirty years. Dune's Denis Villeneuve crafts a more emotionally engaging and compelling story, complete with stunning neo-noir cinematography and a breathtakingly atmospheric score. It is a stunning filmmaking achievement. 

Back to the Future is one of the most beloved films to come out of the '80s, and its sequel is equally loved by fans. In the film, Marty McFly travels to 2015 to save his future son from imprisonment, which leads to his own time being changed. He must repeat his visit to 1955 and not interfere to prevent these changes. The film depicts 2015 as a futuristic utopia with flying cars, hoverboards, and self-tying shoelaces, all of which are yet to be invented post-2015.

10 Cloverfield Lane completely diverts from the action-filled style of its predecessor, going for an old-school thriller vibe. After an accident, a woman wakes up in a bunker with two strangers who inform her that the outside world is inhabitable. However, she begins to question whether they are telling the truth. The film focuses on human monsters rather than the extra-terrestrial and is shrouded in mystery. It’s a tense ride from the beginning to the film’s big final reveal.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are fan favorites in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and they return for more adventure, action, and fun in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. In the sequel, Peter Quill deals with a whole lot of daddy issues, after meeting his father Ego, a celestial being. Like the previous movie, Vol. 2 features lots of laughs and heart and introduces new characters like Mantis. It also has a killer soundtrack that is perfect for any galactic dance-off.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator did say, "I'll be back," and he meant it, returning for Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The film follows ten-year-old John Connor, son of Sarah, who is hunted down by a new and advanced Terminator. Now, a cyborg identical to the one in the first film who tried to kill Sarah Connor must protect John. A ripped Sarah Connor steals the show, and the film is elevated by explosive set pieces and the terrifying, shape-shifting T-1000. 

Avatar is a cultural juggernaut and the highest-grossing movie of all time. Thirteen years after the original, James Cameron finally delivered its long-awaited sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water. In the film, Jake Sully is now living on Pandora with Ney’tiri and their family. However, they must leave their home when a familiar threat returns and fight to protect what they have built. The visual effects and technology are even more dazzling here, and the film is made to be watched on the big screen.

Before Academy Award winner and blockbuster hit Mad Max: Fury Road, there was Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, the sequel to the original Mad Max film. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, the film sees Max, policeman turned lone drifter, help a group of survivors escape a bunch of bandits. George Miller's '80s sequel ups the action stakes as the director crafts a superior sequel that puts this Aussie franchise on the international stage. What a lovely day indeed!

There have been a plethora of Star Trek films and TV shows over the years, but one that holds a special place in fans' hearts is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The follow-up to Star Trek: The Motion Picture , William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy return as Kirk and Spock. Along with the help of the Enterprise crew, Kirk must stop an old enemy, Khan, who is after revenge and seeks the Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon. It is one of the best Star Trek movies of all time, period.

The Matrix is one of the most prolific and influential sci-fi movies of all time. While its sequel The Matrix Reloaded doesn't reach the heights of the original, it is still an extremely entertaining ride. Keanu Reeves returns as Neo, who leads the war against the machines when they attack Zion. Like the first movie, The Matrix Reloaded features inventive and groundbreaking action and set pieces, adding more lore and depth to the world and further exploring its philosophical themes.

Universal Pictures has brought to life many classic movie monsters over the years, including Dracula, The Invisible Man, and, of course, Frankenstein. The best of those retro films is undoubtedly Bride of Frankenstein, which sees Boris Karloff return as The Monster. This time, he is joined by Elsa Lanchester as the titular bride, whom Dr. Frankenstein is forced to make as a companion for his creation. While the film may be dated, it still makes for a delightfully spooky and kooky watch.

One of the most divisive sequels and movies of all time, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi certainly had people talking upon its release. Following the events of The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker guides Rey in the ways of the Jedi, hoping to defeat the First Order. While many fans didn't approve of the movie, it does offer a change in tone and style, bringing something unique to the world of Star Wars. It's refreshing to see change from the same formula, and the film deserves to be defended.

Logan portrays Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in a way audiences hadn't previously seen, offering a stripped-back character study that almost plays out like a Western. In the film, an aged Logan's quiet life is disrupted when he must transport a young mutant to safety. The film redefines what a superhero movie can be, taking away all the usual fanfare and focusing on a very human and emotional story. Jackman is excellent as a weary and older Wolverine in this gritty and dark take.

One of the best animated movies in recent memory, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an emotionally jam-packed visual treat. In the film, Miles Morales travels across the Multiverse and meets a team of Spider-People who are tasked with protecting it. Like its predecessor, the film features a gorgeous blend of 2D and 3D animation, each frame bursting with creativity and artistry. Miles and Gwen Stacy are further developed as characters, and the film ends with an epic cliffhanger. 

The Office's John Krasinski returns to the director's chair for A Quiet Place Part II, the sequel to his super-successful sci-fi horror. After the events of the first film, the Abbott family is forced into the outside world and search for other survivors as they continue to evade the sound-sensitive creatures that hunt them. Just like the first movie, A Quiet Place Part II is filled with thrills and tension, using immersive sound design. Cillian Murphy also joins Emily Blunt and the cast.

The Dark Knight was the film that changed the superhero genre and reinvented it in a whole new way. Christopher Nolan brings realism and grit to the world of Gotham City, and the film sees Bruce Wayne/Batman take on Heath Ledger's legendary iteration of the Joker. Nolan's blockbuster filmmaking style makes for a sleek and spectacular crime-thriller filled with memorable action and visuals. Ledger's performance is also one of the greatest of all time.