Hollywood's Sequel Craze: Celebrating 20 Years of Top Sequel Films.

Sequels have evolved from mere afterthoughts to cinematic powerhouses, shaping Hollywood's landscape since the 1980s. What began as formulaic endeavors with limited budgets and few returning cast members has transformed into a studio's tentpole event.

 

This shift didn't happen overnight, and not every sequel was a hit. But as we look at today's film industry, franchises dominate, and sequels often rake in the highest global box office numbers, for better or worse.

 

Crafting a successful sequel, especially when the original is beloved, is no small feat. The challenge becomes even greater when the original is already a masterpiece.

 

This summer, like every summer, is packed with highly anticipated sequels such as "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," and many more. To kick off the season, we're taking a look back at the best sequels of the past 20 years that managed to surpass their predecessors and elevate their respective franchises.

 

**Terrifier 2 (2022)**

 

Damien Leone's *Terrifier 2* exceeded expectations, transforming from an indie slasher to a horror sensation. While its predecessor, *Terrifier* (2016), was praised for its practical effects but criticized for its weak narrative, Leone took these critiques to heart and crafted a superior sequel. *Terrifier 2* features a compelling showdown between Art the Clown and the ultimate final girl, Sienna, while significantly improving upon the original in terms of character development, lore, and exceptional gore.

 

**Fast Five (2011)**

 

In *Fast Five*, director Justin Lin revolutionized the *Fast and Furious* franchise, shifting its focus from street racing and small-time crimes to international action-packed adventures. This installment gathered returning cast members from previous films, forming an unforgettable heist crew. The addition of Dwayne Johnson as Agent Hobbs, who clashes with Vin Diesel's Dom and Paul Walker's Brian, further elevated the movie's star power and action sequences. While later sequels faced challenges due to Paul Walker's tragic passing and increasingly complex storylines, *Fast Five* remains a standout success, fueled by the power of family and thrilling action.

 

**Deadpool 2 (2018)**

Ryan Reynolds' iconic portrayal of Deadpool transformed the once niche Marvel character into a household name. In the sequel, directed by David Leitch, Deadpool faces off against Cable, a formidable mutant from the future, in a battle to protect the young Russell, whose fate has far-reaching consequences. Deadpool joins forces with the lucky mutant Domino to safeguard Russell in this action-packed sequel that surpasses the original in terms of humor, polish, and exploration of Deadpool's place within the mutant universe.

 

**John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)**

 

The *John Wick* franchise faces a unique challenge: each of the 2014 film's sequels has surpassed its predecessor. All three sequels boast superior action sequences, captivating settings, and impressive production design. However, *Chapter 4* truly exemplifies everything fans adore about the franchise. From epic samurai sword battles and breathtaking rooftop shootouts to the unforgettable staircase fight, the movie delivers non-stop action. Despite injuries, Keanu Reeves' John Wick returns as agile and combat-ready as ever. The film also introduces compelling new characters like Caine, Akira, and Tracker, who deepen the lore and expand upon the franchise's evolution from a modest action film to an extraordinary saga about finding peace amidst relentless violence.