Top 10 Best Superhero Movie Sequels

Was there any way to kick things off than with one of the best opening scenes in any movie, ever? Once named Empire magazine’s best comic-to-film adaptation ever made, “X2” does exactly what a sequel is precisely meant to do: remind fans what they loved about its predecessor, while taking that and deepening it. Indeed, much like “X-Men” before it, “X2” examines themes of social injustice and systemic discrimination, but this time in an even bolder and more clear-cut way. The follow-up to the film that arguably launched the modern-day cinematic superhero takeover, this sophomore effort delivers without going through the motions, and arguably captures the franchise at its peak!

When Warner Bros. poached “Guardians of the Galaxy” writer/director James Gunn from Marvel Studios, they gave him free reign to adapt any DC comic that interested him. Gunn decided to fulfill a career goal and make a “Suicide Squad” movie — but only if he could go all-out and make the “hard-R” adaptation he had longed for. The studio obliged, so Gunn took that and ran with it. The result is “The Suicide Squad,” a standalone follow-up to David Ayer’s 2016 “Suicide Squad” that blows Ayer’s original film away. Recruiting a murderer’s row cast to bring this gang of lowlifes to, well, life, Gunn’s sequel is hilarious, violent, and occasionally hilariously violent. Above all, it’s a rip-roaring good time.

As if expectations for the sequel to Marvel Studios’ first Best Picture nominee weren’t high enough, series star Chadwick Boseman’s tragic 2020 passing presented a monumental challenge to the film’s cast and crew. Thankfully, director Ryan Coogler managed to pull it off with aplomb, crafting a film that not only continues the first “Black Panther’s” story in a captivating way, but satisfyingly pays tribute to the series’ fallen lead. Even still, “Wakanda Forever” went beyond a “Best Picture” nomination and landed Angela Bassett, who plays Queen Ramonda, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress — a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As if that wasn’t enough “2s” for you, this supernatural anti-hero sequel was released on March 22nd. Directed by future Oscar winner Guillermo Del Toro, Wesley Snipes returns as the titular vampire hunter in a second installment that, while received lukewarmly at the time, has since evolved into a camp classic of the superhero genre. The “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Shape of Water” director was the perfect choice to elevate an already-groundbreaking character who, in almost every way, bucks tradition. Unsurprisingly, it’s all tied together by Snipes and his steely, cooler-than-cool performance — the guy clearly eats, sleeps, and breathes Blade. Oh, and by the way… we checked, and February 22nd was a Friday that year. Missed opportunity, New Line Cinema!

The fact that Mario Puzo, author of the book that “The Godfather” is based on, co-wrote this screenplay isn’t the most interesting thing about it? That says a lot about the troubled production of “Superman II,” from which original director Richard Donner was fired. Later known for directing “The Goonies” and the “Lethal Weapon” films, Donner oversaw this director’s cut, restoring his original vision of a follow-up to the first “Superman” film, also directed by him. This version was praised by “American Cinematographer” for “offer[ing] a more consistent balance between adventure and romance” — not to mention a clearer understanding of what audiences loved about Donner’s first film.

When Warner Bros. allowed Tim Burton unprecedented creative control on his sequel to 1989’s “Batman,” he turned his signature style all the way up, coming up with a characteristically spooky, gothic take on the character. Case in point: it’s a dark, snowy Christmas movie that came out in the middle of June. That being said, Burton’s creative risks pay off: Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito are simultaneously off-putting and instantly memorable, turning in groundbreaking performances as Catwoman and the Penguin, respectively. A financial and critical disappointment at the time of its release, owing largely to its horror-tinged tone that alienated audiences, “Batman Returns” has since made its comeback as a cult classic of the genre.

Set in a dystopian possible future, “Logan” pushed the boundaries of what audiences had, to this point, expected from the “X-Men” franchise, and superhero movies as a whole. Starring an Oscar-worthy Hugh Jackman, the film benefits greatly from his chemistry with newcomer Dafne Keen. In a rare sign of acknowledgment of the superhero genre by the Academy, Scott Frank, James Mangold, and Michael Green were nominated for an Oscar for the film’s screenplay. Although 2024’s “Deadpool and Wolverine” negates Jackman’s claim that he would be hanging up his claws for good, it can’t be denied that “Logan,” as directed by Mangold, is an impressively gritty, mature, and above all, heartfelt superhero story.

Watching this MCU installment will make you realize precisely why Kevin Feige was right to entrust the keys to the franchise to Joe and Anthony Russo. A riveting action thriller before you add its superhero genre trappings, “Winter Soldier” also famously drew from ‘70s conspiracy flicks like “Three Days of the Condor,” even casting that film’s lead, Oscar winner Robert Redford, in a nod to the Russo brothers’ influences. We’d be foolish not to mention that the film presented fans with the best action sequences of the entire series. Employing stunts and practical effects, combined with razor-sharp fight choreography, the Russos managed to craft a sequel that outshined its predecessor.

Can you believe that, for Sam Raimi’s sequel, the role of the titular web-slinger was almost filled by none other than Jake Gyllenhaal? While the Oscar nominee is a great actor, Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker is the heart and soul of Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy. While Tom Holland’s Spidey is good fun, Raimi and Maguire’s second outing is a finely-tuned masterpiece of blockbuster filmmaking, building on the world established in the first film while ascending to new heights of heroism in the process. “Spider-Man 2” beautifully captures the spirit of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s comics by tapping into Parker’s humanity and what drives him, elevating Maguire’s portrayal of the character into an everyman that all of us can root for.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
Director Taika Waititi’s Threequel Breathed Electrifying New Life Into the God of Thunder’s World



“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (2008)
Guillermo Del Toro Really Has a Knack for Nailing Sequels, Doesn’t He?


“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
A $2bn Masterclass in Upping the Stakes

Yeah, you saw this one coming. But can you blame us? We’re literally talking about the first Oscar-winning superhero film here! The highest-grossing film of 2008 was highly anticipated by fans after Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” turned out to be not only a smash hit, but a critical success, too. While some Internet commenters were initially unconvinced by Heath Ledger’s casting as the Joker, the Australian actor defied all expectations, winning a posthumous Academy Award for his gripping performance. Taking influence from “Heat,” “Jaws,” and “The Godfather,” Nolan imbued the “Batman” franchise with a depth and thoughtfulness that gave audiences something to chew on that wasn’t just popcorn. This sequel isn’t just a great superhero movie — it’s great cinema, period.



Did we forget your favorite superhero movie sequel? Are there any sequels that you think are even better than the first? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!