Sequels That Are Actually Worth Your Evening
Follow-ups that earn their place, and what to watch first so they make sense.
Most sequels exist because the first film made money. A few exist because there was more story to tell, and a handful end up better than the original.
These eight belong to that last group. For each one we have noted whether you need to see the earlier film first.
Eight sequels that earn their place
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Two stories in one: Michael Corleone tightening his grip on the family in the 1950s, and his father Vito arriving in New York as a boy and building it all decades earlier. Many viewers rank it above the original.
Watch first: The Godfather (1972). This one doesn’t work without it.
More about this film on TMDB
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The rebels are on the run, Luke trains with Yoda, and the saga takes a darker turn that changed what a blockbuster sequel could be. For many fans it is still the high point of the series.
Watch first: Star Wars (1977).
More about this film on TMDB
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The same model of machine that hunted Sarah Connor is sent back again, this time to protect her son. Bigger and more emotional than the first film, with effects that still hold up.
Watch first: The Terminator (1984) helps, but this film explains enough to stand alone.
More about this film on TMDB
Aliens (1986)
Ripley returns to the place where it all started, this time with a squad of marines. James Cameron swaps the first film’s slow dread for all-out action, and it works brilliantly.
Watch first: Alien (1979), which you can find on our horror list.
More about this film on TMDB
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Andy is leaving for college, and the toys end up donated to a daycare that isn’t as friendly as it looks. A prison-break comedy for kids, with a finale that floors the adults.
Watch first: Toy Story and Toy Story 2, ideally. You have probably seen them already.
More about this film on TMDB
Paddington 2 (2017)
A small bear in a blue coat is framed for stealing a pop-up book and sent to prison, where he wins everyone over with marmalade sandwiches. Hugh Grant has the time of his life as the villain. It’s as close to a perfect family film as you will find.
Watch first: nothing. The first Paddington is lovely, but you can jump straight in.
More about this film on TMDB
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
More than thirty years on, Maverick is called back to train a new generation of pilots for a near-impossible mission, among them the son of his late friend Goose. The flying was filmed in real jets, and you can tell.
Watch first: Top Gun (1986) adds weight to the story, but it isn’t essential.
More about this film on TMDB
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The swashbuckling cat from the Shrek films is down to the last of his nine lives and sets off to find a wishing star. Gorgeous painterly animation, and a surprisingly thoughtful story about fear.
Watch first: nothing. It stands completely on its own.
More about this film on TMDBScores are TMDB user ratings recorded on October 8, 2026, and can change over time.
What makes a sequel worth watching
The sequels on this list share three things. They change the genre or the scale, as Aliens does. They give the characters something new to lose, as Toy Story 3 and Top Gun: Maverick do. And they stand as complete films, with their own beginning, middle and end.
A fair test before you press play on any follow-up: would this story be worth telling if the first film didn’t exist? If the answer is yes, you are probably in for a good night.
Planning a double bill with the original? Check the combined runtime first, or you’ll be up until two. Our list of great films under two hours is the safer choice on a weeknight.
Questions and answers
Do I always need to watch the original first?
No. Paddington 2, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Terminator 2 all work on their own. The Godfather Part II and The Empire Strikes Back really do need the first film.
Which of these sequels is best for family night?
Paddington 2, Toy Story 3 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish are all made for a mixed-age audience.
Are any of these better than the original?
That is a matter of taste, but The Godfather Part II, The Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2 and Paddington 2 are all regularly named as improvements on their first films.
