Sequels That Are Surprisingly Better Than The Original.

Occasionally, and I mean very occasionally, a sequel movie can oushine it's predecessor and wiggle it's way into our hearts. Some of the films on this list will be expected, some will be a little out there but stay with me.

The Dark Knight - Christopher Nolan

If this film comes as a surprise to you then you're out of your depth, leave this article now. The Dark Knight has a reputation as one of the best installments of this anti-heroes story in a sea of adaptations so of course it had to be included on this list. Christopher Nolan's trilogy of Batman films to this day remains the greatest version of Batman in my opinion (screw you Justice League). The opening heist scene where we're introduced to our villian is quite possibly one of the greatest opening scenes in a movie of all time and it really captures the audience with its pacing and the reveal of the clown beneath the clown. Whilst Heath Ledger was at one point considered to play Batman his turn as the The Joker was nothing short of iconic and will forever be remembered long after his untimely passing. Recasting Maggie Gyllenhal as Rachel Dawes in place of Katie Holmes' rather stiff performance in Batman Begins was a steller decision as she was much more comfortable in the role. Another thing that shines for me is the origin story of Harvey Dent becoming Two-Face that we get from Aaron Eckhart. He portrays a man slowly decending into chaos due to his own grief brilliantly. This film is well written and shot, the acting is incredible and to this day it remains one of my favourite superhero films.

Stand Out Performance: Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) - Irvin Kershner

Once again this can hardly be a surprising entry to this list. Star Wars: A New Hope set us up beautifully for what would go on to be one of the most successful franchises of all time, however the first installement lacked the risk and humour that makes Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back so amazing. The second installement in the original trilogy allows the audience to explore more of the exciting universe that this franchise takes place in, whereas the first film showed us so little. The introduction of Yoda as Luke's new mentor really adds to the mystery of the Jedi and what they were before the Empire took over and the little battle between Yoda and R2-D2 will never not be funny. The exploration of the dark side of the force and it's appeals alongside the subsequent plot twist that Darth Vader is Luke's father really increases the audiences interest and investment in the story. The love story between Leia and Han is well handled and wonderfully written, it may happen quickly but it doesn't feel rushed in the same way that Padme and Anakin's story does in the prequals. The connection between the two also doesn't take away from Leia's sense of self or assertiveness but it does stand to make Han a bit more likable. Of all the Star Wars content we now have Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back truly stands the test of time and remains one of the best Star Wars films to this day.

Stand Out Performance: Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa

Terminator 2: Judgement Day - James Cameron

Prepare to be unsurprised again as we discuss the fact that Terminator 2: Judgement Day is far superior to The Terminator. The story of the second installment in the franchise is far more compelling and far better written. The direction and cinematography of the film outshines the first. The truth of the matter is that the chemistry between the three main actors is what makes Terminator 2: Judgement Day far superior to the first film. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong had great chemistry that really shone through and so the ending of the film was so very poinent. John Connor's attachment to The Terminator is so beautifully written and subsequently acted that when the death scene happens the audience truly feel the grief that John Connor feels. Linda Hamilton is magnificent as a woman who desperately wants to protect her child whilst coming to terms with the bleak future and being a badass. Honestly there's nothing more to say about this film, it's outstanding.

Stand Out Performance: Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor

Toy Story 3 - Lee Unkrich

Listen, the original Toy Story film will always hold a special place in my heart, in fact all three of them will (in this article we don't acknowledge the absolute atrocity that was Toy Story 4, what in the name of Buzz Lightyear was that?) but something about Toy Story 3 just hits different. The first Toy Story film was released in 1995 which was a year before I was born and so ultimately I grew up with the film on repeat. Toy Story 3 was released in 2010 when I was 16 going on 17 and moving into a rather scary part of my life much like Andy in this film. The plot of Toy Story 3 revolves around the toys, in particular Woody's, fear of being left behind and therefore deemed unimportant and this is only amplified when they are accidently donated to a nursery. The toys spend the entire film trying to get back to Andy, who we also see is upset at losing his toys, and in the end Andy gives his toys to Bonnie as many of us have passed our toys on in life. The passing down of the toys signals that Andy, and the toys, are moving onto another part of his life but he's not forgetting this particular part either. Despite being an animated kids movie Toy Story 3 came out at really crucial part of my life when I was really unsure of how progress and it was nice to see this on screen. Andy passing on his toys was a great end to the franchise which is another reason I'm so mad they made Toy Story 4 when there was no reason for it, the franchise was perfect and they ruined it.

Stand Out Performance: Tom Hanks as Woody

Thor: Ragnarok - Taika Waititi

Arguably the Thor trilogy are the weakest films that Marvel has to offer, however Thor: Ragnarok tries its hardest to make up for the mishaps of the first two installments. Whilst I am an avid fan of Darcy Lewis she really is one of the few good things about Thor and Thor: The Dark World. I don't know who decided to put that many Dutch angles in Thor but whoever it was is an idiot and it makes the film unwatchable. Taika Waititi had his work cut out for him to make Thor: Ragnarok a redeaming feature of the Thor trilogy and man did he succeed. Thor: Ragnarok is a brilliant combination of heartwarming, action-packed and hilarious that really makes it stand out in the Marvel franchise. Loki's character has always been a bit back and forth between hero and villian this film is no different, but it also offers us a more genuine glimpse into the dynamic between the two brothers that's reflective of brothers in real life. The inclusion of the Hulk was fun and provided us with the context and screen time that Mark Ruffalo's Hulk has been sorely missing. Cate Blanchett can do no wrong and utterly shines as the villian of the story, Thor and Loki's older sister who was imprisoned by Odin many years ago. The frost giants and the dark elves really lacked the thrill and mystic of real villians in the first two Thor films but Blanchett really delivers. But it's Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie who shines in this film, dealing with issues of alcoholism and PTSD but remaining a badass. It would have been really easy to reduce this character to a simple love interest much like they did with Jane Foster but that almost seems impossible with Thompson in the role who emits this aura of strenght and chaos.

Stand Out Performance: Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - The Russo Brothers

Whilst the Thor trilogy may be the weakest, The Captain America trilogy created something truly spectacular and none moreso than Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The second film in this sub-franchise is just a wonderful look at corruption and the dangers of following blindly, it really cements my love for Steve Rodgers. I have many issues with the way the Marvel franchise has handled the character of Natasha Romanoff - that's a whole article in itself - but this is one of the better films featuring her character. In previous films she is often reduced to a love interest or just purely a weapon to be used against the enemy and there are certainly romantic undertones to her and Steve's dynamic but she's given a much meatier plot line in this film which I appreciate. Anthony Mackie is charasmatic, bringing an element of fun to the character of Sam Wilson and he fits in well with Steve and Natasha's dynamic. The exploration into Bucky's past and his attachment to Hydra is great to watch and the chemistry between Sebastian Stan and Chris Evens helps add layers to both of their characters and their relationship to one another. Stan's stoic yet rather emotional turn as The Winter Soldier was stunning to watch. I also love that this film brought back Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill who is incredibly underrated and underutilised in this franchise.

Stand Out Performance: Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes

Shrek 2 - Conrad Vernon, Andrew Adamson and Kelly Asbury

Shrek and Shrek 2 are both such incredible films that it makes it so hard to say for sure which one is better. It's Shrek 2. The whole meet the parents thing is funny on it's own but it's meet the parents when you're an ogre, that's a whole other class of funny. This film also introduces some funny new characters including Puss in Boots, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother who all really pack a punch with comedic moments. But the main reason Shrek 2 is better has to be the soundtrack. Yes, Smash Mouth's 'All Star' will always be iconic but nowhere near as iconic as Jennifer Saunders' rendition of 'Holding Out For A Hero' in act 3 of the film. The whole scene where the Fairy Godmother is performing whilst Prince Charming attempts to trick Fiona into a relationship and Shrek tries to storm that castle is actually one of my favourite scenes of all time. Add in the use of 'Funky Town' and 'Livin La Vida Loca' to this film and this soundtrack just truly soars. In this article we stan Shrek 2.

Stand Out Performance: Jennifer Saunders as The Fairy Godmother

Frozen II - Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck

So this might be a controversial pick, especially considering my sister really didn't like this film, but I prefer Frozen II to the first film. The simple truth is that if Frozen II had been pitched and released as a satire film making fun of pop culture it would be perfect. Disney should have woken up and realised the absolute gem that they had created. From Olaf's reinactment of the first film to Kristoff's reindeer boyband this film is full of hilarious moments that are just begging to make fun of our own pop culture. Sure it has it's serious moments. We get more context on how Elsa got her ice powers and furthermore got to see how her parents met. But ultimately it's the utter ridiculousness of so many parts of this film rather than the plot line that makes it so good. Olaf's dramatic 'Anna's dead' in his reinactment had me howling, the casualness of several reindeer just joining in on Kristoff's pathetic boyband song and the very gay tension between Elsa and Honeymaren all lead me to believe that we could have had an animated satire film if Disney hadn't been so blind.

Stand Out Performance: Jonathon Groff as Kristoff, Sven and the boyband reindeer.

Mary Poppins Returns - Rob Marshall

Another controversial choice but I need you to hear me out on this one. I love the original Mary Poppins, however the only aspect of it that I really love is Julie Andrews performance, the rest is just fine. With Mary Poppins Returns there is so much to love and admire about the film. For me the soundtrack is far superior to the original with much better dance numbers and the acting performances are far more memorable. I was pleasantly surprised by this film as intially I thought I was going to hate it. Emily Blunt was really the only option as Julie Andrews' replacement and whilst she wasn't as iconic as Andrews she certainly did an incredible job of filling some rather big shoes. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music for this film and starred as Jack the cockney lamp-lighter and I found his peformance really brought the film together. Yes Mary Poppins Returns might borrow all the elements and plot lines that made the original so successful but I find that they really elevated them to another level and created something that future generations will love as much as we loved the original.

Stand Out Performance: Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins

The Incredibles 2 - Brad Bird

I am a huge fan of the first Incredibles film and I can't believe it took so long to get a sequal, however Disney knew what they were doing cause the cinema was filled with 20 year olds just loving The Incredibles 2. Yes the villian plot twist was a little more predictable compared with the first film but what makes The Incredibles 2 so great was the analysis of traditional gender roles in the family and work place. In the first film we see Mr Incredible as the provider and Elastagirl as the caretaker before they come together to save the world alongside their kids. In The Incredibles 2 Winston Deaver wants to bring superheroes back into the spotlight and he chooses Elastagirl to this, leaving Mr Incredible to take care of the kids at home. It's a really great exploration of family dynamics and both films have this narrative of how parents should work together and view themselves as equals. I also love that the kids got more of a feature in this film, Violet trying to navigate dating and Dash struggling with his homework. We even get to see Edna Mode babysit Jack Jack. The fact that the kids were so instrumental in returning all the superheroes to their natural form was a nice touch. I just find this film to be much more compelling than the first.

Stand Out Performance: Brad Bird as Edna Mode