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. 1
   Dune: Part Two

   Denis Villeneuve 2024 sequel completing Paul Atreides transformation from refugee to messianic conqueror.
   1000pts
2. 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. 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. 4
   Terminator 2: Judgment Day

   James Cameron 1991 sequel that turned the Terminator hero and revolutionized visual effects forever.
   609pts
5. 5
   Avengers: Infinity War

   The 2018 Marvel sequel that ended with Thanos winning and half the universe eliminated.
   284pts
6. 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. 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. 8
   Return of the Jedi

   The 1983 Star Wars conclusion featuring a space battle above Endor and Vader redemption.
   284pts
9. 9
   Blade Runner 2049

   Denis Villeneuve 2017 visually breathtaking sequel that deepened the original philosophical questions.
   284pts
10. 10
    Thor: Ragnarok

    Taika Waititi 2017 comedy-sci-fi sequel that reinvented Thor with Asgard destruction and planet Sakaar.
    284pts
11. 11
    Back to the Future Part II

    The 1989 sequel traveling to 2015 and creating a tangled alternate timeline.
    1pts
12. 12
    Aliens

    James Cameron 1986 expansion of Ridley Scott universe that masterfully shifted genre from horror to action.
    1pts