The 12 Best Sci-Fi Movie Sequels of All Time

Mind-bending follow-ups that expanded their universes and, in some cases, eclipsed the original entirely. Which is the best?

1

Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve 2024 sequel completing Paul Atreides transformation from refugee to messianic conqueror.

1000pts

2

The Empire Strikes Back

The 1980 Star Wars sequel widely considered the high point of the franchise and one of cinema greatest sequels.

1000pts

3

X2: X-Men United

Bryan Singer 2003 sequel widely regarded as the best X-Men film with William Stryker as the villain.

663pts

4

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

James Cameron 1991 sequel that turned the Terminator hero and revolutionized visual effects forever.

609pts

5

Avengers: Infinity War

The 2018 Marvel sequel that ended with Thanos winning and half the universe eliminated.

284pts

6

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

The 1982 sequel considered the best Star Trek film and featuring Kirk most beloved nemesis.

284pts

7

War for the Planet of the Apes

The 2017 trilogy conclusion cementing Caesar as one of the greatest film characters of the decade.

284pts

8

Return of the Jedi

The 1983 Star Wars conclusion featuring a space battle above Endor and Vader redemption.

284pts

9

Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve 2017 visually breathtaking sequel that deepened the original philosophical questions.

284pts

10

Thor: Ragnarok

Taika Waititi 2017 comedy-sci-fi sequel that reinvented Thor with Asgard destruction and planet Sakaar.

284pts

11

Back to the Future Part II

The 1989 sequel traveling to 2015 and creating a tangled alternate timeline.

1pts

12

Aliens

James Cameron 1986 expansion of Ridley Scott universe that masterfully shifted genre from horror to action.

1pts