I love movies, and I was recently thinking about the movies out there where the sequel far out weighed the original film. There are a number of movies, but here’s the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Feel free to educate me in the comments for movies I’ve missed!

Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back > A New Hope

Ok, nothing is wrong with A New Hope, but you can’t deny that ESB was a much better watch than ANH. Dives deep into the story and backgrounds, and oh the action. The great snow battle is still one of the most remembered battle in the entire Star Wars catalog.

Terminator: T2 > The Terminator

I was never really impressed with the initial Terminator movie. But when Arnold is sent back to protect John Connor by older John Connor from the liquid metal terminator, the T2000, that movie made solid gold!

Godfather: The Godfather: Part II > The Godfather

Setting up a Godfather marathon is one of the greatest things a young college aged boy could do. And no one can deny that the Pacino/DeNiro one-two punch is a dynamic that exceeds the originals glory. And that’s saying a ton, because the first movie ain’t to shabby in and of itself.

Alien: Aliens > Alien

Ripley is found again in a situation where the killer aliens are attacking the little humans (and android). But this time it’s the Queen… oooh… aaah… James Cameron takes over directing duties and takes it up a notch and a half. Movie greatness…no offense to Ridley Scott.

Mad Max: The Road Warrior > Mad Max

The original was interesting but honestly a little boring. There were long swaths of slowness, but The Road Warrior was awesome. Protect the fuel from the crazy leather gang that wants the fuel so badly.