Most people are under the impression that original movies are always better than sequels, prequels or spin-offs.
For some franchises, this might be true *cough* Fast and Furious *cough*.
But, there are some sequels out there that truly blew their original counterparts out of the water.
Shrek 2 (2004)
The original Shrek was such a success that when a sequel was announced, many had reservations about it.
However, DreamWorks understood what made the first so beloved and simply did it again, with a bigger payoff. Top-notch characters, pop culture references at every corner and a soundtrack that defies time.
Shrek 2 came out almost two decades ago and we are still talking about it and making it into memes, TikTok videos. You name it, someone has made it about Shrek 2.
The film was the highest-grossing one of 2004, outdoing The Notebook and Mean Girls!
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The first Spider-Man film in 2002 did truly set the tone for the superhero genre and should be given its rightful glory.
However, Tobey Maguire’s second round in this franchise simply has to be his best.
We see Peter Parker struggling to grapple with the immense newfound responsibility he has, as well as longing to be a normal guy.
This film also introduced us to one of the best supervillains in the MCU, Doc Ock (Alfred Molina).
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Much like Spider-Man, Terminator’s first film is legendary in its own right.
But, the sequel that came seven years later hit us with bigger and better twists and turns.
Sarah Connor is no longer a damsel in distress, but a woman on a mission. Armed with every gun imaginable and a ripped physique, she is prepared to terminate anything that sets out to harm her son.
And in an unseen turn of events, Schwarzenegger turns from killing machine to protector, helping Connor save her son.
High School Musical 2 (2007)
Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens had every teenager in the world wanting to be at East High School. But come the second film, the high schoolers were not at their usual stomping ground.
Instead, HBIC, Sharpay brought everyone to her family’s country club, Lava Springs.
This film brings us bop after bop. Not only are the singing and dance numbers on point, but we see all the dramatic highs and lows of teenage life.
If you haven’t seen Gabriella’s rendition of ‘Gotta Go My Own Way’, then do yourself a favour and YouTube it.