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.

999pts

3

X2: X-Men United

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

771pts

4

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

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

734pts

5

Blade Runner 2049

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

514pts

6

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

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

514pts

7

Avengers: Infinity War

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

514pts

8

Return of the Jedi

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

514pts

9

War for the Planet of the Apes

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

514pts

10

Thor: Ragnarok

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

514pts

11

Aliens

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

0pts

12

Back to the Future Part II

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

0pts