In this article, we will examine the list of movies with sequels. It’s always thrilling when a new sequel is released.
You can reintroduce your favorite characters in a new — or not-so-new — scenario. On the other hand, the sequels can appear to drag on forever at times. You lose track of where it all started after a while!
However, there is one primary concern with a sequel. Even when done correctly, sequels to films typically struggle to capture the same charm as the original.
Additionally, the potential problems are so numerous — things like poor storytelling, contract disagreements, scheduling difficulties, crew and leadership changes, and so on — that it appears the deck is loaded against them from the start.
However, occasionally, a film sequel comes along that is not only wonderful but even better than the original.
And we’ve compiled a list of movies with sequels.
1. Halloween
- (1978, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2018)
Halloween has 11 films and is one of the most successful horror film franchises.
The dramatic story of serial killer Michael Myers, which seemed never to end, shocked and captivated viewers when it was initially broadcast in 1978.
The initial film influenced many subsequent slasher flicks and is still a fan favorite. Two more films, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, were released in the following years.
Is this, however, the final installment in the Halloween franchise? Only time will tell if this is true.
Some of the top cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Sandy Johnson, P.J. Soles, and Jon-Erik Hexum.
2. Aliens
- (1979, 1986, 1992, 1997, 2012, 2017)
Aliens are next on our list of movies with sequels. Alien, directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979, is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece and is credited with establishing the horror sci-fi genre.
However, in 1986, the slow-burn space terror’s sequel, Aliens, doubled down on everything that made the original so good — the tension, unsettling atmosphere, and mystery — while adding lots of big-budget action.
Additionally, in retrospect, we’ve come to expect that from director James Cameron, but spectators in the 1980s may not have expected it to be quite that excellent.
Furthermore, aliens are still regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction films ever. It will undoubtedly go down in history as a near-perfect film with distinct iconography.
It has six sequels, and some of the principal cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton, Lance Henriksen, Paul McGann, Brian Glover, Ralph Brown, and Danny Webb.
3. Fast And Furious
- (2001, 2003, 2006,2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)
You don’t always want to witness excellent vehicles and dramatic action scenes, but that’s what you’ll get if you buy a ticket to a Fast Saga movie.
Nine films have been in the franchise since001’s The Fast and the Furious, and they aren’t even close to being finished.
At least three other films are in the works, including one entirely focused on women.
That might be a refreshing break from the male-dominated films of the past, paving the way for more diverse films in the future.
It is one of the best movie sequels starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and John Ortiz.
4. The Dark Knight
- (2005, 2008, 2012)
The Dark Knight is fourth on the list of movies with sequels. These movie trilogies by Christopher Nolan may be the most robust justification for sequels that are better than the first, especially in the case of
The Dark Knight. This film is not just recognized as a fantastic comic book adaptation. It is also acknowledged as one of the best action films.
While many of the film’s triumphs may be attributed to Christopher Nolan, his team, and the film’s stellar ensemble, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker will go down in cinematic history as one of the best performances of any actor, supervillain, or not.
Furthermore, it influenced Joaquin Phoenix, who credited Ledger with inspiring his interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime.
The movie’s top cast includes Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, and Michael Caine.
5. Harry Potter
- (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2018)
Harry Potter isn’t just a film series; it’s a movement that spawned a pair of theme parks and earned the J.K. Rowling-created brand a $25 billion valuation.
With twenty-seven films spanning a decade, Harry Potter isn’t just a film series; it’s a movement that’s spawned a pair of theme parks and earned the J.K.
Additionally, Rowling created the brand with a $25 billion valuation. The books started it all, but the movies undoubtedly reinforced the legacy.
While we wouldn’t go so far as to argue that each sequel is better than its immediate predecessor, there’s no doubt that all seven sequels are superior to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in terms of overall quality.
Furthermore, this could be attributed to the cast’s increased maturity, more extensive resources, improved special effects, and other factors.
Some of the top cast members of the Harry Potter sequels include Daniel Jacob Radcliffe, Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint, Julie Walters, Maggie Smith, and Sir Michael Gambon.
6. X-Men
- (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
X-Men is the next on our list of movies with sequels. What kid doesn’t want to believe that they have something unique about them, that they stand out from the crowd?
The idea of the X-Men is simple: some people are born with special abilities and thrust into a world of heroism and crime-fighting.
Furthermore, this concept was so popular with fans that it has been repeated 12 times since 2000.
The best thing is that the X-Men team comprises a diverse cast of individuals, meaning different heroes are featured in other films.
Additionally, this series has a lot of diversity, mystery, and intrigue, so get ready—it might go on for decades.
The top cast includes Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, and Halle Berry.
7. Spider Man
- (2002, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021)
One of the first instances of superhero films’ promise was Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. Granted, it wasn’t perfect—we’re looking at you, Spider-Man 3—but the trilogy’s spark was undeniable.
We had Spider-Man 2 at its peak, which benefited from an already-established universe and a continuing plot arc.
Furthermore, Doctor Octopus, the sequel’s villain, was one of the sequel’s most memorable characters.
Alfred Molina portrayed Dr. Otto Octavius well, who played Peter Parker’s mentor-turned-foil to perfection, adding some inner pain to this action-packed entry.
Unfortunately, Raimi couldn’t keep up with his disaster of a third film, making Spider-Man 2 the undisputed shining point of the year.
Some of the top cast members of Spider-Man are Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Andrew Garfield, Marisa Tomei, Emma Stone, and Robert Downey Jr.
8. Thor
- ( 2011, 2013, 2017, 2022)
Thor is also on our list of movies with sequels. Most of the titles on our list are direct sequels to the first film, but Thor: Ragnarok is the third installment in the series, and many consider it the finest of the three—an extremely unusual occurrence.
This chaotic semi-psychedelic superhero journey was managed majestically because of Taika Waititi’s directing prowess.
Thor wasn’t simply entertaining; it was also touching, hilarious, tragic, and so much more.
It only shows that just because a film is about real gods doesn’t mean it can’t be highly human.
Thor’s incredibly outstanding cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Tessa Thompson, and Cate Blanchett.
9. King Kong
- (1933, 1938, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1976, 1986, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2021)
The King Kong films are as imposing as the colossal gorilla, with twelve blockbusters that haven’t stopped entertaining audiences. With the first Kong film premiering in 1933, it’s also one of the longest-running plots.
Additionally, the monster is a complex character, presented as mindless and destructive at times and a misunderstood antihero at others.
In a new entrance in 2020, King Kong faces up against another giant monster, Godzilla. The first set these two against each other in 1962, and they’re doing it again this year.
Some of the top cast members include Steve Wiebe, Walter Day, Billy Mitchell, Brian Kuh, Todd Rogers, Doris Self, and Steve Sanders.
10. Madea Simmons
- (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Madea movies are also on our list of movies with sequels. Tyler Perry’s Madea flicks are as much about Madea herself as they are about the male-actor-dressed-as-female-character farce.
Additionally, she’s an over-the-top, tough-love, back-talking grandmother with a personality that appeals to many viewers.
Over the years, her witty commentary and poignant lessons have resulted in 11 blockbuster films.
Furthermore, people adore Madea’s honesty and pay to see her perform in a play. More than 11 Madea plays have been made, several based on the films.
Some of the top cast members of Madea are Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, and Cicely Tyson.
11. Lethal Weapon
- (1987, 1989, 1992, 1998)
This is another one that may raise some eyebrows, as the first Lethal Weapon is a fantastic film.
In general, it is aided by the fact that it introduced the world to Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs and Danny Glover’s Roger Murtaugh. It Pitted the two Vietnam veteran detectives against a group of villains cut from the same cloth.
Furthermore, the sequel, on the other hand, was a much lighter, more comedic approach that would define the tone of the rest of the series.
However, it also had some of the most memorable scenes in any entry, such as the famous “dip-lo-ma-tic im-muni-ty” scene. The top cast includes Mel Gibson, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, and Danny Glover.
12. John Wick
- (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2025)
John Wick is one of the best on our list of movies with sequels. He was the former expert assassin and received one final gift from his loving wife, a valuable keepsake to help John find new meaning in life now that she is gone, with the unexpected loss of his beloved wife still bitter in his mouth.
Furthermore, when Iosef Tarasov, an arrogant Russian mob prince, and his men pay Wick an unwanted visit to rob him of his cherished 1969 Mustang and his wife’s present, Wick will be forced to reveal his meticulously hidden identity.
Additionally, blinded by vengeance, John will launch a carefully choreographed cyclone of destruction against the sophisticated kingpin, Viggo Tarasov, and his family, who are fully aware of his murderous capacity.
Only blood can fulfill the boogeyman’s appetite for vengeance at this point. The top cast of John Wick is Keanu Reeve, Alfie Allen, William Dafoe, Dean Winters, and Omer Barnea.
13. The Matrix
- (1999, 2003, 2005, 2021)
Thomas A. Anderson exists in two worlds. He works as an average computer programmer during the day and, at night, as Neo, a hacker.
Neo has always doubted his reality, but the truth is beyond his wildest dreams. Furthermore, when Morpheus contacts Neo, a famed computer hacker labeled a terrorist by the government, the police pursue him.
Additionally, Neo must face the agents, super-powerful computer programs dedicated to stopping Neo and the entire human uprising, as a rebel against the machines.
The Matrix Resurrections stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Jonathan Groff, Yahya Abdul-Mateen ii, and Jessica Groff.
14. National Lampoon’s
- (1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
National Lampoons is one of the best on the list of movies with sequels. With over four decades between the first and third films in the series, it’s easy to forget that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third of four Chevy Chase-led comedy-of-errors family pictures, which isn’t helped by the revolving door of actors who played his fictional children.
Few people would disagree that Christmas Vacation is the best of the four films.
It also helps that it is regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time, with its ageless slapstick antics, a slew of quotable lines, and just enough feel-good warmth to soften the rough edges.
Some of the top cast include Chevy Chase, Imogene Coca, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, and Anthony Michael Hall.
15. American Pie
- (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006)
American Pie wasn’t planned to have many sequels, but it was such a box-office success that it spawned three more spin-offs.
Although the plot revolves around a group of buddies seeking to lose their virginity, the film’s raw comedy resonated with viewers nationwide.
Additionally, if the title sounds familiar, that’s because it was adapted from a popular Don McLean song. It also alludes to a specific scene in the film, which you’ll have to see to figure out.
Some of the top cast members include Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, and Eugene Levy.
16. Back To The Future
- (1985, 1989, 1990)
The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the most successful sequels in cinema history. In the trilogy, Marty Mcfly unintentionally flies back in time to 1955, which takes place in 1985.
While there, he meets Doc Brown, the time machine’s inventor. Doc Brown gives Marty a unique sports almanac that can be used to travel across time. Marty must overcome numerous hurdles and perils to get home.
Along the road, he meets various personalities, including Lorraine Baines, Jennifer Parker, George McFly, Biff Tannen, Hill Valley residents, and others. Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Claudia Wells, and Robert Downey Jr. are cast members.
17. Indiana Jones
- (1981, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2008)
One of the best sequels to Indiana Jones is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Following the events in Raiders of the Lost City of Kishmesh, this film follows Indy as he searches for the lost city of Kishmesh.
He discovers a robust mystical crystal skull there. However, he soon discovers that the head possesses far more power than anyone could anticipate.
Harrison fights Nazis, Russian forces, and other foes, along with other great stars. The top actors are LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Craig, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Dominic Cooper, Tom Sizemore, and Jim Broadbent, and they return in this sequel.
18. Star Wars
- (1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is an epic space adventure that pits the rebels against Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire.
The movie begins when Luke Skywalker awakens after being frozen in carbonite for years.
He joins his friends on a mission to destroy the Death Star before it can be completed. Along the way, they encounter Emperor Palpatine, who has become even eviler since last we saw him.
This film features some of the most notable characters in cinematic history, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and Darth Vader. Other notable characters include Lando Calrissian
19. Max Mad
- (1979, 1981, 1985, 2011, 2015, 2024)
likely. Most folks don’t realize that The Road Warrior is a sequel to the Mad Max trilogy, culminating with the least-well-received Beyond Thunderdome. The second is undoubtedly the most well-executed, memorable, and iconic.
That’s likely due to many factors, including a bigger budget of $4 million (up from just $400,000), a more fully realized universe, more/better vehicles, bigger stunts, etc.
Furthermore, it seems that The Road Warrior was what George Miller—the creator and director of the series—always wanted these films to be. In contrast, the original was perhaps more akin to a student film or proof-of-concept screentest.
Regardless, both films are worth seeing if you’ve never seen them. The top cast includes Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, Zoë Kravitz, Abbey Lee, and Courtney Eaton.
20. Terminator
- (1984,1989, 2003, 2009, 2015, 2019)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a sci-fi action thriller directed by James Cameron, written by Cameron and David Giler, and released in 1991.
It is the sequel to the Terminator film franchise. In this film, Sarah Connor encounters Kyle Reese. A soldier is sent back in time to protect her son, John Connor.
Additionally, they must stop the Skynet system from launching nuclear missiles toward Los Angeles, California, in the future. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears in the film as the T-1000, a cyborg assassin.
Furthermore, many well-known characters debuted in this picture, including the T-800, T-1000, T-X, and Pussycat Dolls. Edward Furlong, Bill Paxton, Bridget Moynahan, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Paul Reiser, and Michael Biehn are essential characters.
21. Star Trek
- (1979, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2009, 2013, 2016)
Star Trek is last on our list of movies with sequels. The Wrath of Khan is a 1989 American science fiction film based on the Star Trek: The Original Series television series.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and Star Trek III: The Search For Spock are the third installments in the Star Trek film franchise (1984).
In the film, Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew journey back in time to prevent the destruction of the Federation’s first starship, the USS Reliant, by the infamous malevolent character Khan Noonien Singh. The picture was well-received by reviewers and the general public.
It also became Paramount Pictures’ highest-grossing domestic release until that point. The film was followed by two direct sequels: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) and Star Trek Beyond (2016).
The top cast includes Ricardo Montalban, Leonard Nimoy, Walter Koenig, Pavel Chekov, Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Majel Barrett, and George Takei.
22. Deadpool
- (2016, 2018, 2024)
Deadpool delivers a hilariously irreverent take on the superhero genre, blending intense action, sarcastic humor, and a dash of romance.
Wade Wilson, a former mercenary turned anti-hero, gains superhuman abilities after a rogue experiment and takes on the alter ego Deadpool to hunt down the man responsible for his disfigurement.
With its edgy tone, sharp wit, and boundary-pushing humor, the Deadpool franchise has become a favorite among fans who enjoy nontraditional heroes.
The sequel, Deadpool 2, expands on the wild adventures, introducing new characters and raising the stakes while keeping the laughs coming.
23. Fantastic Beasts
- (2016, 2018, 2022)
Fantastic Beasts: Set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World decades before Harry Potter’s story begins, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them follows Newt Scamander, a magizoologist with a suitcase full of magical creatures.
When some creatures escape in 1920s New York City, Newt teams up with both magical and non-magical allies to contain the chaos.
The sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, expands on the dark rise of the infamous dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald, raising the stakes for the magical world in an adventure filled with intrigue and magical encounters.
Jurassic Park
- (1993, 1997, 2001, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2025)
Jurassic Park: Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park series, adapted by Steven Spielberg, follows the awe-inspiring yet terrifying consequences of resurrecting dinosaurs in modern times.
The first film, Jurassic Park, introduces a theme park filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs that ultimately break down. This leads to chaos as dinosaurs escape and threaten the lives of those on the island.
The series expands with The Lost World and subsequent sequels, exploring the ethical questions and dangers of genetic experimentation as humanity faces nature’s powerful and unpredictable forces.
Each sequel builds on the themes of survival, discovery, and the unintended consequences of scientific overreach, making Jurassic Park an iconic blend of adventure and cautionary tale.
Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four: Marvel’s Fantastic Four series follows four astronauts who gain extraordinary powers after exposure to cosmic radiation.
With their new abilities, they become the Fantastic Four: Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing).
Together, they face threats from villains like Doctor Doom in a battle to protect Earth from cosmic dangers.
The sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, brings even greater challenges, introducing the enigmatic Silver Surfer and a world-threatening plot that puts the team to the test.
