In this article, we will be looking at the list of movies with sequels. When a new sequel is launched, it’s always thrilling.
You get to reintroduce your favorite characters in a new — or not-so-new — scenario. On the other hand, the sequels can appear to drag on forever at times. You lose track of where it all started after a while!
However, there is one primary concern with a sequel. That is, even when done correctly, sequels to films typically struggle to capture the same charm as the original.
Additionally, the potential problems are so numerous — things like poor storytelling, contract disagreements, scheduling difficulties, crew and leadership changes, and so on — that it appears as if the deck is loaded against them from the start.
However, now and then, a film sequel comes along that is not only wonderful but even better than the original.
And we’ve compiled a list of movies with sequels.
1. Halloween
- (1978, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2018)
Halloween, which has 11 films, is one of the most successful horror film franchises.
The dramatic story of serial killer Michael Myers, which seemed never to end, shocked and captivated viewers when it was initially broadcast in 1978.
The initial film influenced many subsequent slasher flicks and is still a fan favorite. Two more films, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, were released in the following years.
Is this, however, the final installment in the Halloween franchise? Only time will tell if this is true.
Some of the top cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Sandy Johnson, P.J. Soles, and Jon-Erik Hexum.
2. Aliens
- (1979, 1986, 1992, 1997, 2012, 2017)
Aliens are next on our list of movies with sequels. Alien, directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979, is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece and is credited with establishing the horror sci-fi genre.
However, in 1986, the slow-burn space terror’s sequel, Aliens, doubled down on everything that made the original so good — the tension, unsettling atmosphere, and mystery — while adding lots of big-budget action.
Additionally, in retrospect, we’ve come to expect that from director James Cameron, but spectators in the 1980s may not have been expecting it to be quite that excellent.
Furthermore, aliens are still regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time. It will undoubtedly go down in history as a near-perfect film with distinct iconography.
It has six sequels, and some of the principal cast include Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton, Lance Henriksen, Paul McGann, Brian Glover, Ralph Brown, and Danny Webb.
3. Fast And Furious
- (2001, 2003, 2006,2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
You don’t always want to witness excellent vehicles and dramatic action scenes, but that’s what you’ll get if you buy a ticket to a Fast Saga movie.
Nine films have been in the franchise since001’s The Fast and the Furious, and they aren’t even close to being finished.
Additionally, at least three other films are in the works, including one entirely focused on women.
That might be a refreshing break from the male-dominated films of the past, paving the way for more diverse films in the future.
It is one of the best movie sequels starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and John Ortiz.
4. The Dark Knight
- (2005, 2008, 2012)
The dark knight is fourth on the list of movies with sequels. These movie trilogies by Christopher Nolan may be the most robust justification for sequels that are better than the first, especially in the case of
The Dark Knight. In reality, this film is not just recognized as a fantastic comic book adaptation. It is also acknowledged as one of the best action films.
While many of the film’s triumphs may be attributed to Christopher Nolan, his team, and the film’s stellar ensemble, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker will go down in cinematic history as one of the best performances of any actor, supervillain or not.
Furthermore, it influenced Joaquin Phoenix that he credited Ledger as his inspiration for his interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime.
The top cast of the movie includes Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine.
5. Harry Potter
- (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2018)
Harry Potter isn’t just a film series; it’s a movement that’s spawned a pair of theme parks and earned the J.K. Rowling-created brand a $25 billion valuation.
With twenty-seven films spanning a decade, Harry Potter isn’t just a film series; it’s a movement that’s spawned a pair of theme parks and earned the J.K.
Additionally, Rowling-created brand a $25 billion valuation. The books indeed started it all, but the movies undoubtedly reinforced the legacy.
While we wouldn’t go so far as to argue that each sequel is better than its immediate predecessor, there’s no doubting that all seven sequels are superior to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in terms of overall quality.
Furthermore, this could be attributed to the cast’s increased maturity, more extensive resources, improved special effects, and other factors.
Some of the top cast of harry potter sequels include Daniel Jacob Radcliffe, Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint, Julie Walters, Maggie Smith, Sir Michael Gambon.
6. X-Men
- (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
X-Men is the next on our list of movies with sequels. What kid doesn’t want to believe that they have something unique about them, that they stand out from the crowd?
The idea of X-Men is simple: some people are born with special abilities, and they are thrust into a world of heroism and crime-fighting.
Furthermore, this concept was so popular with fans that are repeated 12 times since 2000. The best thing is that the X-Men team comprises a diverse cast of individuals, which means that different heroes are featured in other films.
Additionally, there’s a lot of diversity, mystery, and intrigue in this series, so get ready – it might go on for decades. The top cast includes Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen. Halle Berry.
7. Spider Man
- (2002, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021)
One of the first instances of the promise of superhero films was Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. Granted, it wasn’t perfect — we’re looking at you, Spider-Man 3 — but the trilogy’s spark was undeniable.
We had Spider-Man 2 at its peak, which benefited from an already-established universe and a continuing plot arc.
Furthermore, Doctor Octopus, the sequel’s villain, was one of the sequel’s most memorable characters.
Dr. Otto Octavius was portrayed well by Alfred Molina, who played Peter Parker’s mentor-turned-foil to perfection, adding some inner pain to this action-packed entry.
Unfortunately, Raimi couldn’t keep up with his disaster of a third film, making Spider-Man 2 the undisputed shining point of the year.
Some of the top cast of spider man are Tom Holland, Micheal Keaton, Andrew Garfield, Marisa Tomei, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr.
8. Thor
- ( 2011, 2013, 2017, 2022)
Thor is also on the list of movies with sequels. Most of the titles on our list are direct sequels to the first film, but Thor: Ragnarok is the third installment in the series, and many consider it the finest of the three – an extremely unusual occurrence.
Additionally, this chaotic semi-psychedelic superhero journey was managed majestically because of Taika Waititi’s directing prowess.
It wasn’t simply entertaining; Thor was also touching, hilarious, tragic, and so much more.
It only shows that just because a film is about real gods doesn’t mean it can’t be highly human. Thor’s incredibly outstanding cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Tessa Thompson, and Cate Blanchett.
9. King Kong
- (1933, 1938, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1976, 1986, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2021)
The King Kong films are as imposing as the colossal gorilla himself, with twelve blockbusters that haven’t stopped entertaining audiences. With the first Kong film premiering in 1933, it’s also one of the longest-running plots.
Additionally, the monster himself is a complex character, presented as mindless and destructive at times and a misunderstood antihero at others.
In a new entrance in 2020, King Kong faces up against another giant monster, Godzilla. The first set these two against each other in 1962, and they’re doing it again this year.
Some of the top cast include Steve Wiebe, Walter Day, Billy Mitchell, Brian Kuh, Todd Rogers, Doris Self, Steve Sanders.
10. Madea Simmons
- (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Madea movies are also on our list of movies with sequels. Tyler Perry’s Madea flicks are as much about Madea herself as they are about the male-actor-dressed-as-female-character farce.
Additionally, she’s an over-the-top, tough-love, back-talking grandmother with a personality that appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Over the years, her witty commentary and poignant lessons have resulted in 11 blockbuster films.
Furthermore, people adore Madea’s honesty, to the point where they’ll pay to see her perform in a play. More than 11 Madea plays have been made, several of which are based on the films.
Some of the top cast of Madea are; Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, Cicely Tyson.
11. Lethal Weapon
- (1987, 1989, 1992, 1998)
This is another one that may cause some eyebrows to rise, as the first Lethal Weapon is a fantastic film.
In general, it is aided by the fact that it introduced the world to Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs and Danny Glover’s Roger Murtaugh a. Ititted the two Vietnam veteran detectives against a group of villains cut from the same cloth.
Furthermore, the sequel, on the other hand, was a much lighter, more comedic approach that would define the tone of the rest of the series.
However, it also had some of the most memorable scenes in any entry, such as the famous “dip-lo-ma-tic im-muni-ty” scene. The top cast includes Mel Gibson, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Danny Glover.
12. John Wick
- (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023)
John wick is one of the best on our list of movies with sequels. He was the former expert assassin, received one final gift from his loving wife, a valuable keepsake to help John find new meaning in life now that she is gone, with the unexpected loss of his beloved wife still bitter in his mouth.
Furthermore, when Iosef Tarasov, an arrogant Russian mob prince, and his men pay Wick an unwanted visit to rob him of his cherished 1969 Mustang and his wife’s present, Wick will be forced to reveal his meticulously hidden identity.
Additionally, blinded by vengeance, John will launch a carefully choreographed cyclone of destruction against the sophisticated kingpin, Viggo Tarasov, and his family, who are fully aware of his murderous capacity.
Only blood can fulfill the boogeyman’s appetite for vengeance at this point. The top cast of john wick is Keanu Reeve, Alfie Allen, William Dafoe, Dean Winters, Omer Barnea.
13. The Matrix
- (1999, 2003, 2005, 2021)
Thomas A. Anderson is a man who exists in two worlds. He works as an average computer programmer and as Neo, a hacker at night.
Neo has always had doubts about his reality, but the truth is much beyond his wildest dreams. Furthermore, when Morpheus contacts Neo, a famed computer hacker labeled a terrorist by the government, he is pursued by the police.
Additionally, Neo must face the agents, super-powerful computer programs dedicated to stopping Neo and the entire human uprising, as a rebel against the machines.
The Matrix Resurrections stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Jonathan Groff, Yahya Abdul-Mateen ii, Jessica Groff.
14. National Lampoon’s
- (1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
National lampoons are one of the best on the list of movies with sequels. With over four decades between the first and third films in the series, it’s easy to forget that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third of four Chevy Chase-led comedy-of-errors family pictures, which isn’t helped by the revolving door of actors who played his fictional children.
Nonetheless, we believe that few people would disagree that Christmas Vacation is the best of the four films.
It also helps that it is regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time, with its ageless slapstick antics and a slew of quotable lines. And also just enough feel-good warmth to soften the rough edges.
Some of the top cast include Chevy Chase, Imogene Coca, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall.
15. American Pie
- (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006)
American Pie wasn’t planned to have many sequels, but it was such a box office success that it spawned three more, as well as three spin-offs.
Although the plot revolves around a group of buddies seeking to lose their virginities, the film’s raw comedy resonated with viewers across the country.
Additionally, if the title sounds familiar to you, that’s because it was adapted from a popular Don McLean song. It also alludes to a specific scene in the film, which you’ll have to see to figure out.
Some of the top cast includes Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, and Eugene Levy.
16. Back To The Future
- (1985, 1989, 1990)
The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the most successful sequels in cinema history. Marty Mcfly unintentionally flies back in time to 1955 in the Back to the Future trilogy, which takes place in 1985.
He meets Doc Brown, the time machine’s inventor, while there. Marty is given a unique sports almanac by Doc Brown that can be used to travel across time. Marty must overcome numerous hurdles and perils to get home.
He meets a variety of personalities along the road, including Lorraine Baines, Jennifer Parker, George McFly, Biff Tannen, Hill Valley residents, and others. Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Claudia Wells, and Robert Downey Jr. are cast, members.
17. Indiana Jones
- (1981, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2008)
One of the best sequels to Indiana Jones is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Following the events in Raiders of the Lost City of Kishmesh, this film follows Indy as he searches for the lost city of Kishmesh.
He discovers a robust mystical crystal skull there. However, he soon discovers that the head possesses far more power than anyone could anticipate.
Harrison fights Nazis, Russian forces, and other foes, along with other great stars. The top actors are LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Craig, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Dominic Cooper, Tom Sizemore, and Jim Broadbent and return in this sequel.
18. Star Wars
- (1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Star Wars Episode V: The empire strikes back is an epic space adventure that pits the rebels against Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire.
The movie begins when Luke Skywalker awakens after being frozen in carbonite for years.
He joins his friends on a mission to destroy the Death Star before it can be completed. Along the way, they encounter Emperor Palpatine, who has become even eviler since last we saw him.
This film features some of the most notable characters in cinematic history, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and Darth Vader. Other notable characters include Lando Calrissian
19. Max Mad
- (1979, 1981, 1985, 2011, 2015)
likely. Most folks don’t realize that The Road Warrior is a sequel to the Mad Max trilogy, which culminates with the least-well-received Beyond Thunderdome. The second is undoubtedly the most well-executed, memorable, and iconic of the three.
That’s likely due to many reasons, including a bigger budget of $4 million (up from just $400,000), a more fully-realized universe, more/better vehicles, bigger stunts, etc.
Furthermore, it seems that The Road Warrior was what George Miller — the creator-director of the series — always wanted these films to be. In contrast, the original was perhaps more akin to a student film or proof-of-concept screentest.
Regardless, both films are worth seeing if you’ve never seen them. The top cast includes Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, Zoë Kravitz, Abbey Lee, and Courtney Eaton.
20. Terminator
- (1984,1989, 2003, 2009, 2015, 2019)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a sci-fi action thriller film directed by James Cameron and written by Cameron and David Giler that was released in 1991.
It is the sequel to the Terminator film franchise. Sarah Connor encounters Kyle Reese. In this film, a soldier is sent back in time to protect her son, John Connor.
Additionally, they must stop the Skynet system from launching nuclear missiles towards Los Angeles, California, in the future. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears as the T-1000, a cyborg assassin in the film.
Furthermore, many well-known characters made their debut in this picture, including the T-800, T-1000, T-X, and Pussycat Dolls. Edward Furlong, Bill Paxton, Bridget Moynahan, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Paul Reiser, and Michael Biehn are essential characters.
21. Star Trek
- (1979, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2009, 2013, 2016)
Star Trek is last on our list of movies with sequels. The Wrath of Khan is a 1989 American science fiction film based on the Star Trek: The Original Series television series.
The Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and Star Trek III: The Search For Spock is the third installment in the Star Trek film franchise (1984).
In the film, Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew journey back in time to prevent the destruction of the Federation’s first starship, the USS Reliant, by the infamous malevolent character Khan Noonien Singh. The picture was well-received by reviewers and the general public.
It also became the highest-grossing domestic release for Paramount Pictures up until that point. The film has been followed by two direct sequels: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) and Star Trek Beyond (2016).
The top cast includes Ricardo Montalban, Leonard Nimoy, Walter Koenig, Pavel Chekov, Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Majel Barrett, and George Takei.
