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'John Wick: Chapter 4' (2023) -

Every installment of the ‘John Wick’ franchise builds on the series' unique assassin lore, and the same can be said for the fourth film, which features awe-inspiring stunt work and emotional depth. Keanu Reeves' character faces high-stakes battles, including an iconic stair fight, elevating this sequel above its predecessors.

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'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022) -

This ‘Top Gun’ sequel certainly revitalized the action genre by relying on authentic and realistic aerial stunts (courtesy of Tom Cruise) rather than heavy CGI. The film manages to balance nostalgia with a thoughtful exploration of aging and technology, becoming a standout blockbuster sequel.

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'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' (2018) -

Another Tom Cruise film, ‘Fallout’ solidifies the actor’s ability to deliver breathtaking stunts as well as emotional vulnerability. This installment is a thrilling, action-packed addition that highlights the series' continued evolution and reaffirms Cruise's enduring appeal as an action star.

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'Paddington 2' (2018) -

‘Paddington 2’ surpasses the original movie with Hugh Grant's standout performance as the narcissistic villain Phoenix Buchanan. The film offers a heartwarming narrative on acceptance and discrimination, elevating the beloved Peruvian bear's story to new emotional and critical heights.

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'Thor: Ragnarok' (2017) -

Taika Waititi's third installment in the 'Thor' franchise was met with critical acclaim. ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ injects humor and quirkiness into the previously self-serious Thor franchise. Indeed, the film managed to revitalize the superhero genre when it was released.

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'Logan' (2017) -

Only three standalone Wolverine films have ever been made, and the first two are among the worst superhero films ever made. But ‘Logan’ managed to redefine the Wolverine saga with a raw, R-rated approach that focuses on the character's struggle against persecution.

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'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015) -

There’s a reason why ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ managed to win six Oscars back in 2016. Although it’s unclear whether the film is a sequel or a reboot, it certainly reinvigorates George Miller's post-apocalyptic series with stunning action sequences and a strong feminist narrative.

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'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' (2014) -

The second installment in the ‘Planet of the Apes’ reboot series deepens the emotional and philosophical elements of the franchise. Andy Serkis’s continued performance as Caesar is particularly powerful, and the film's thoughtful exploration of interspecies politics makes it truly stand out.

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'How to Train Your Dragon 2' (2014) -

This is one of only two animated films featured on this list, and for good reason. The sequel surpasses the original with breathtaking animation (particularly in its depiction of flight and dance), while its emotional depth only enhances the visual spectacle, making it a truly enchanting follow-up.

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'Before Midnight' (2013) -

Each installment of Richard Linklater's ‘Before’ trilogy matures the story. ‘Before Midnight’ is the third installment, set 18 years after the original, and it beautifully captures the evolving dynamics of love and partnership, blending real-world issues with the characters' enduring connection.

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'Fast Five' (2011) -

‘Fast Five’ was the first film to turn all the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies into a fully-fledged franchise. The film became a blockbuster juggernaut by uniting characters from previous films and injecting humor, particularly through Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's larger-than-life presence.

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'Toy Story 3' (2010) -

While the first two films in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise are classics, the third installment is the only one that really reduces audiences to puddles of tears. The film masterfully balances nostalgia with a curation of existential dilemmas, creating a poignant conclusion that cements the franchise’s legacy.

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'The Dark Knight' (2008) -

Christopher Nolan has been heralded as a genius of filmmaking, and his talent is extremely evident in the Dark Knight trilogy. The series redefined superhero films with its gritty realism, and the second installment in particular sees Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the Joker.

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'Hellboy II: The Golden Army' (2008) -

Guillermo del Toro unleashes his imagination in ‘Hellboy II,’ blending surreal monsters with human emotion. The film's fantastical creatures and rich world-building make it more of a spiritual successor to ‘Pan's Labyrinth’ (2006) than a traditional superhero movie.

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'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007) -

Paul Greengrass delivers non-stop action in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ a near-perfect chase movie that exemplifies the franchise's kinetic energy. The film's relentless pace and gripping sequences make it a high point in the Bourne series.

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'Spider-Man 2' (2004) -

The second film in Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy builds on the original with heightened emotional stakes. Peter Parker's internal struggles are made even bigger as the sequel delves deeper into the hero's burdens and desires.

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'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (2004) -

The first two films in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise were solid adaptations, but Alfonso Cuarón's darker, more mature take on the third film transforms the series. It's a cinematic masterpiece full of creative liberties and symbolic imagery that shifts the tone of the entire beloved franchise.

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'X2: X-Men United' (2003) -

The conflict between mutants and humans that was set up in the first film, ‘X-Men’ (2000), is amplified even further in the franchise’s second installment. The film quite effectively tackles themes of xenophobia in an adrenaline-fueled jewel, solidifying its place as one of the best X-Men entries.

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'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002) - There is no doubt that the entire ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is Peter Jackson’s magnum opus, but the second film stands out as it skillfully balances epic battles with intimate character moments, particularly Gollum's tragic arc, which adds depth and empathy to this pivotal middle chapter.

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'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991) -

James Cameron's ‘Terminator 2’ redefines action cinema with groundbreaking effects and a heartfelt narrative. The film reverses Arnold Schwarzenegger's role, transforming him into a protector, and elevates the stakes with Sarah Connor's evolution into a fierce warrior. It truly is an enduring classic.

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'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991) -

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ is technically a sequel to ‘Manhunter’ (1986), although it feels like a completely new film. Anthony Hopkins' unforgettable portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is a chilling performance, the likes of which have rarely been seen since.

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'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' (1982) -

The Star Trek franchise was revitalized in 1982 with the release of ‘The Wrath of Khan,’ which put immense focus on character development and a compelling villain. Ricardo Montalbán's Khan adds depth and emotion to the film, making it a defining moment in the saga.

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'Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back' (1980) -

The second film to be released in the Star Wars saga was truly a phenomenal follow-up, as it embraced a dark tone and the iconic “I am your father” plot twist. The film deepens the bigger narrative with character conflicts, and the introduction of fan-favorites Yoda and Lando.

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'Superman II' (1980) -

Richard Lester's ‘Superman II’ sharpens the contrast between Clark Kent and Superman, adding humor and depth to the character. The film's playful take on Superman's dual identity and clever plot twists make it a more engaging and memorable film than the original.

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'Dawn of the Dead' (1978) -

Social commentary and horror are at the forefront of ‘Dawn of the Dead,’ much more than its predecessor. The film not only critiques consumerism through its mall setting, but it also blends gore with satire to create a horror classic that challenges genre conventions and societal norms.

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'The Godfather Part II' (1974) -

While ‘The Godfather’ was already an exulted masterpiece in its own right, its sequel is even better with its expansion of the original's narrative scope. Robert De Niro's portrayal of a young Vito Corleone complements Al Pacino's Michael, making the sequel a powerful exploration of the dark side of the American Dream.

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'Dune: Part Two' (2024) -

The highly-anticipated sequel to ‘Dune: Part One’ (2021) certainly surpassed its predecessor. The film amplifies the action that began in the first movie and gives characters far more depth.

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'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' (1966) -

The ‘Man With No Name’ trilogy sees the third installment rise up as a cinematic triumph. Clint Eastwood's silent, enigmatic character and Ennio Morricone's iconic music score build tension in the film, culminating in an unforgettable standoff, solidifying the film as a Western masterpiece.

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'From Russia with Love' (1963) -

The second James Bond film, ‘From Russia with Love,’ is arguably the best in the series, as it refines the franchise's formula with tighter plotting and stronger action sequences. Sean Connery's Bond balances charm and intensity, delivering one of the most iconic fight scenes in the series' history.

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'Bride of Frankenstein' (1935) -

The campiness seen in the original ‘Frankenstein’ (1931) is perfected in the 1935 sequel. Frankenstein’s monster is seen not as scary, but rather a mild-mannered creature in desperate need of a friend. Amazingly, the film even snuck in a queer subplot!

Sources: (Time Magazine) (IMDb)

See also: Movies that lead actors to quit the film industry

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