What sequel do you like more than the original?

Let’s settle this once and for all… Are there any movie sequels you actually like more than the original?

Now hold on—this doesn’t mean you dislike the first one. You still love it. It’s a classic. But the sequel? The sequel just hits different.

Here are my top two:

👉 The Karate Kid Part II

Look, I love Part I. Sweep the leg, crane kick, Cobra Kai—I’m all in. But Part II gave Mr. Miyagi some real depth. We got to see his world. It wasn’t just about Daniel learning karate anymore—it was about honor, healing, and heritage. Plus… Kumiko. Oh man. I was in love with her. Like, practicing my proposal in the mirror kind of love. 😆

👉 Rocky III

Come on now. This one had Mr. T, Hulk Hogan, and a surprise cameo by Kermit the Frog. What else do you want in life? The training montage alone had me shadowboxing in the living room wearing my dad’s gray hoodie. Eye of the Tiger? ICONIC.

So what about you? What sequel do you think actually tops the original?

Drop it below ⬇️ I promise not to judge… unless you say Speed 2. Then we need to talk. 😄🎬

#sequel #rocky3 #karatekid2 #kumiko #genx

2025/6/18 Edited to

... Read moreFilm sequels often evoke strong opinions. Some audiences relish the chance to dive deeper into characters and narratives, while others believe the original captures the magic uniquely. In the realm of beloved sequels, titles like 'The Godfather Part II' and 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' frequently emerge in discussions. They not only expanded on their predecessors but also enriched the cinematic universe with complex storytelling and character developments. For example, in 'The Godfather Part II', both past and present narratives intertwine, showcasing the rise of Michael Corleone alongside the early struggles of his father, Vito. Similarly, 'Terminator 2' redefined action films with groundbreaking special effects while shedding light on themes of free will and destiny. A sequel’s success often hinges on its ability to retain the essence of the original while introducing new layers. This delicate balance ensures that fans both nostalgic for the original and excited for new content find value in the sequel. As you contemplate your favorite sequels, consider what elements resonated with you: Is it character growth, plot expansion, or simply the thrill of seeing beloved characters return? Drop your favorite sequels in the comments and let’s celebrate those films that managed to outshine their predecessors!

12 comments

Stephanie's images
Stephanie

Maverick was WAY better than Top Gun!!!

See more(1)

Related posts

A person holds the book 'Better Than The Movies' by Lynn Painter, with text overlay encouraging readers to explore the book's aesthetic and quotes.
A collage of images related to 'Better Than The Movies,' featuring characters Liz and Wes, book quotes, a playlist, and various aesthetic elements.
A collage of photos depicting a young woman with red hair, representing the character Liz Buxbaum from 'Better Than The Movies,' in various settings.
Convincing you to read Better Than The Movies
This book is my all time favorite and it’s the book that got me in to reading. I love it so much and I hope you will too! The sequel Nothing Like The Movies comes out in October! Also I love Wes Bennett #betterthanthemovies #lynnpainter #wesbennett #lizbuxbaum #bookrecommendations
Kenzie|📚🎀

Kenzie|📚🎀

935 likes

Two books, 'More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' and 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa, are displayed on a wooden surface. Both covers illustrate a cozy bookshop scene. The image has a 'HOPECORE bookish edition' overlay.
The book 'More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa is shown with a three-star rating. Its cover depicts two people and a cat inside a bookshop. An overlay describes it as a continuation of intimate relationships in Tokyo's Morisaki Bookshop.
The book 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa is displayed with a three-star rating. Its cover shows the exterior of a bookshop with a bicycle. An overlay describes Takako's journey of self-discovery through the family bookshop.
HOPECORE - Book Edition 🫶🏼❤️‍🩹🥹
Hopecore is some of my favorite content on the internet. It always seems to improve my mood, no matter how happy I may be. Hopecore takes on book form in this latest recommendation, all by way of the Morisaki Bookshop. Check out the original and its sequel should you need some additional hopecore t
Emily 📚✈️📍

Emily 📚✈️📍

550 likes

A collection of diverse books by Black authors, featuring titles like 'Reel,' 'The Dating Playbook,' 'The House of Eve,' 'One Summer in Savannah,' 'The Neighbor Favor,' 'Beautiful Broken Love,' 'A Lowcountry Bride,' 'Black Girls Must Have It,' 'You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty,' 'Thick with Love,' 'Black Girls Must Die Exhausted,' 'Curvy Girl Summer,' 'Can't Get Enough,' 'The Wife Before,' 'The Hookup Plan,' and 'The Love Lyric.'
A collection of diverse books by Black authors, featuring titles like 'Audre & Bash Are Just Friends,' 'By the Book,' 'The Perfect Ruin,' 'Where Sleeping Girls Lie,' 'Black Girls Must Be Magic,' 'The Weight of Blood,' 'The Other Mistress,' 'Honey & Spice,' 'Drunk on Love,' 'Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute,' 'Finding Jupiter,' 'The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks,' 'The Proposal,' 'Before I Let Go,' and 'Seven Days in June.'
A collection of diverse books by Black authors, featuring titles like 'The Bitter Truth,' 'The Hate U Give,' 'Cutthroat,' 'Blood in the Water,' 'Missing White Woman,' 'On Rotation,' 'A Piece of Cake,' 'The Sun Is Also a Star,' 'Un-Nappily in Love,' 'The Mothers,' 'The Scammer,' 'A Love Like the Sun,' 'The Partner Plot,' 'Ties That Tether,' and 'Jackpot.'
I have so many more, but here are 10 slides.
#blackauthors #blackgirllemon8 #Lemon8 #reading #readersoflemon8
Chareese

Chareese

652 likes

A hand holds the book "The Davenports: More Than This" by Krystal Marquis, a sequel to a New York Times Bestseller. The cover features an illustration of a woman in a purple dress and a man kissing her hand, with a large house and carriage in the background.
The Davenports: More Than This ✨
Happy Friday! As you can see BOOKIES:BWBC has picked and started reading our last book of the year, The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis. Now I can speak for myself when I say I am beyond elated to get into this. I started briefly and I am on chapter 2. It literally picked up right whe
Quaezsha Arnold

Quaezsha Arnold

38 likes

This image displays a page from an ICD-10-CM coding manual, showing various T22.3 codes for third-degree burns of the shoulder and upper limb. It highlights codes like T22.311 for a third-degree burn of the right forearm, which is used in the article as an example requiring a 7th character and placeholder.
🔹 What Is a 7-Character ICD-10-CM Code?
Some ICD-10-CM codes (especially in Chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning, and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes) require a 7th character to show the encounter type or stage of treatment. The 7th character adds extra detail to the code, such as whether the patient is being treated for the firs
Melea King

Melea King

43 likes

Buffy is back... and faster than expected! 🧛🏻‍♀️🩸
This Sunday, August 31, a big announcement was made in the Los Angeles Times. Chloé Zhao, the director chosen for the sequel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, announced the end of the filming of the pilot. If it is lucky enough to be developed, it may well arrive earlier than expected on our scree
Sarah M Gellar

Sarah M Gellar

54 likes

The cover of "The Zine" magazine, featuring a luxurious interior from Valentino Garavani's Château de Wideville, with a striped sofa, plants, and ornate decor. The cover announces the May 2024 issue.
The cover of "The Zine" magazine, featuring a luxurious interior from Valentino Garavani's Château de Wideville, with a striped sofa, plants, and ornate decor. The cover announces the May 2024 issue.
A magazine page titled "Letter from the Editor," showing a woman holding a "The Perfect Man" chocolate bar, alongside a list of desired qualities for a perfect partner.
The Zine! An original digital mini magazine by me🖤
As always my personal opinions! May 2024 Issue (: enjoy!
Sumvruta ♥

Sumvruta ♥

2 likes

Two books by Lynn Painter, 'Better Than the Movies' (yellow cover) and 'Nothing Like the Movies' (purple cover), are displayed on a textured fabric with pink and white tulips. A pink text overlay reads 'THIS DID NOT NEED TO A SEQUEL', reflecting the article's title.
This Did Not Need To Be A Sequel
SPOILERS AHEAD‼️‼️ I just recently read Nothing Like the Movies in full after dnf-ing it when it first came out. To provide context, I only read the first two chapters and only stopped reading due to not enough time. I actually ENJOYED the first few chapters. I loved the first book so much s
Fatuma’s 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜

Fatuma’s 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜

18 likes

The Rest Sequel
Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifestyle. 🕯 These 7 soft-hearted reminders invite you to slow down, reflect, and truly recharge. Whether it’s Monday or midnight, you’re allowed to rest without apology. 💛 Save this for when your soul needs a soft place to land. 👇 Tell me — which one are you prac
The Ms. Saddler

The Ms. Saddler

145 likes

Two books, 'Divine Rivals' and 'Ruthless Vows,' are displayed on a white textured surface with a paper rose. An overlay asks, 'what did i think of ruthless vows?' The image includes 'lemon8 @emmalouisebooks' at the bottom.
The books 'Divine Rivals' and 'Ruthless Vows' are shown on a white textured surface with a paper rose. Overlays state, 'ross's writing is INSPIRING and STUNNING' and 'the books are achingly romantic.'
A close-up of a book page with highlighted text, including phrases like 'Write me a story where there is no ending.' Overlays read, 'I will say that I liked DIVINE RIVALS better' and 'but with lines like this... how can you not LOVE?'
what did I think of ruthless vows?
Last summer DIVINE RIVALS took the interwebs by storm. It’s a YA fantasy romance about two rivals, warring Gods, and romantic letters. The sequel came out about a month ago and I have some thoughts!   First off, I am endlessly inspired by how gorgeous rebecca ross’s writing is. the metaphors. th
emmalouisebooks

emmalouisebooks

20 likes

Lil Uzi Vert, wearing a backward cap, tie-dye shirt, and multiple chains, looks down on a stage with a pink and purple cosmic background, reflecting on his original 'Eternal Atake' album.
Lil Uzi Vert speaks on original EA leaks
Lil Uzi Vert regrets not dropping the original version of 'Eternal Atake' due to leaks 💔 "The first Eternal Atake was perfect, and I didn't have the team I have today and everything got leaked and everyone had it already. [...] That was some good stuff, and if I knew what now, b
Masters Of The Underground

Masters Of The Underground

14 likes

📚📚📚What I Recommend 📚📚📚
I love books, I love reading, but sometimes it's hard to find a book that speaks to us as readers. Here are 4 of mine that I find myself reaching for or thinking about all the time. I'm curious what yours are though so I know what to check out next. 📖📖📖 I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephe
Clara

Clara

25 likes

Cute sequel!
⭐️5stars ✨This one got a bit angsty, but I liked seeing them grow together. Plus I do like a top who’s kinda a himbo lol #boyslovemanga #blmanga #manga #manwha #mangarecommendation
Viola Vines

Viola Vines

73 likes

A promotional graphic for Cassandra Clare's 'City of Ashes' book, featuring its cover with a red-haired character. The image highlights themes like 'Forbidden Love' and 'Urban Fantasy,' includes a five-star rating, and a summary of the plot involving Clary Fray and Shadowhunters.
The Mortal Instruments — City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the wo
Noor Diyana

Noor Diyana

0 likes

Siouxie & The Banshees | Kaleidoscope | 1980
Siouxie And The Banshees | Kaleidoscope | 1980 🎧 Vinyl Album Review Re-spinning “Kaleidoscope” by Siouxsie and the Banshees,This album marked a seismic shift: new drummer Budgie and guitarist John McGeoch joining the ranks meant the sound of the band was suddenly more adventurous, more textu
Curated By Uncle 🎧🎸🎶

Curated By Uncle 🎧🎸🎶

0 likes

Two fantasy romance books, "The Liar's Crown" and "The Stolen Throne" by Abigail Owen, are displayed on a bookshelf. The dark floral covers feature a crown and a locket. Overlays highlight themes like "Dash of Spice," "Beautiful Magic," "Shadow Daddy," "Slow Romance," and "Plot Twists."
Sequel Releases In November!
✨Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a fantastic NA dash of spice fantasy romance I have read and loved both! Have the 3rd book on pre-order & I am trying to wait patiently. 🖤Shadowraith MMC 🗡️Strong MFC 🤫Lies & Deceit ❤️‍🔥Slow Burn 🌶️Dash of spice ✨Magic ⚔️Political Intrigue & W
Amanda 🖤📖✨

Amanda 🖤📖✨

31 likes

The Sequel To The Shining
About to start reading the second book
Rachel Anne Calvar

Rachel Anne Calvar

3 likes

Consider this my sequel 💫
#blackandbeautiful #Lemon8Diary #creeseyes #contentcreator #model
Crees.eyes

Crees.eyes

311 likes

Audiobook- Second Thoughts Second Chances - Sequel to The Sigh Cat
#emergingcreator #genx #audiobooks #lemon8bookclub
MaureenCarroll

MaureenCarroll

0 likes

I found the sequel!
A local book store had it for $3! Now to find Castle In The Air! Who wants to help a guy out? #books #studioghibli #reading #thrifting
N3rdyDr4g0n

N3rdyDr4g0n

30 likes

🪝⚠️ I Know What You Did Last Summer… ⚠️🪝
🪝 Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) yet, then proceed with caution! ⚠️😅 🪝 Ok so… I finally watched the reboot/legacy sequel and I’ve got thoughts. The whole “we thought we covered it up” hit-and-run plot is classic slasher setup, but the big twist at the e
Margarita

Margarita

13 likes

I had to use my own map when editing the sequel…
Man I always forget how pretty this map is!!! I was editing my sequel and was like… what’s that castle called?? I admit I wanted to google it for a moment as if that somehow would be on google 😂😂 SEQUEL COMING MARCH 3 The Secrets of Jane #fantasyromancebooks #darkromantasy #enemies
Charlotte Mallory | Romantasy

Charlotte Mallory | Romantasy

54 likes

A copy of "A Theory of Dreaming" by Ava Reid stands upright, its cover depicting two figures in a mystical watery setting. Below it are several books with colorful sprayed edges, including one by Tricia Levenseller, on a counter.
The back cover of "A Theory of Dreaming" by Ava Reid features the quote "JUST BECAUSE YOU LOVE HER DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN SAVE HER." and publishing information, set against an ornate, arched background.
The spine of "A Theory of Dreaming" by Ava Reid is designed to resemble a miniature bookshelf with tiny books and decorative items. Other books are visible below it, with cardboard boxes in the background.
Sequel
A Theory of Dreaming is the sequel to A Study in Drowning. Just as gorgeous. #sequels #newbookreleases #bookhaul📚 #avareid #sprayededges
Nephrys

Nephrys

8 likes

A collage of nine comic book art panels for "The Relentless" series. It features characters in various poses, including musicians with guitars, figures with horns and chains, and a character in an orange jumpsuit, hinting at the story's themes.
A block of text from Sumerian Records, signed by Ash Avildsen, explaining the delays for Paradise City and the decision to make the film "Queen of the Ring" first.
A block of text from Sumerian Records, signed by Ash Avildsen, announcing the continuation of "The Relentless" story with a sequel and outlining three primary reasons for this decision.
Sumerian has announced a comic book and AS sequel
the comic book looks promising and I will be getting it for my collection. as for the movie, American Satan: the beast goes on. I have no faith in it being released. we were promised season 2 of Paradise City over and over. they even posted in December of 2022 that filming would begin early 2023 an
Leah🖤

Leah🖤

14 likes

The book cover for 'What Hunger' by Catherine Dang, featuring a large red raspberry-like fruit with fingers on a black background, is displayed on a leopard print surface. The image includes a 'Book Review' title, pink star cutouts, and a 4.5-star rating, indicating a positive review for the novel.
Book Review: What Hunger by Catherine Dang
For my book club's first pick, I decided on 'What Hunger' by Catherine Dang. After hearing it was similar to one of my favorite films, 'Jennifer's Body', I couldn't help but be intrigued. However, 'What Hunger' turned out to be so much more than just a horror nov
˖⟡𝓂𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇⟡˖

˖⟡𝓂𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇⟡˖

23 likes

Parent Trap sequel soon?? 👀
Definitely didn’t expect a Parent Trap reunion at the Freaky Friday premiere — but what a pleasant surprise! Lindsay Lohan looked incredible, as did the rest of the cast. Chessy truly hasn’t aged a day ❤️ As a millennial, The Parent Trap was my all-time favorite, and it’s such an iconic film th
Nabi ✨🖤

Nabi ✨🖤

5 likes

A gaming setup with pink lighting, hexagonal wall lights, and a monitor displaying gameplay from The Outer Worlds. Text asks, 'Do you play sci-fi games?'
Two screenshots from The Outer Worlds: one showing a town street with characters, and another showing a landscape with a volcano and buildings. Text mentions exploring planets and meeting NPCs.
A view from a spaceship window showing a large planet and a smaller moon in a retro-futuristic space setting. Text describes the world as stunning.
Playing Outer Worlds, catching up for the sequel
Get The Outer Worlds on your console or PC this is my very first game in this wild, retro-futuristic universe! From the moment you step onto the Halcyon colonies, every choice feels huge, and every character is full of personality. Explore strange planets, meet quirky NPCs, and make decisions t
enchanted._.luna  ≽^• ˕ • ྀི≼

enchanted._.luna ≽^• ˕ • ྀི≼

23 likes

A tablet displays the movie poster for "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on a pink table with decorative plants and white flowers. Red text overlay reads "HOLIDAY MOVIES THAT FILL YOU WITH JOY."
A tablet shows a sunset scene from "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" with silhouettes. Text overlay includes the movie title, a 9/10 rating, and a review about it being the first and best in the series.
A tablet displays a scene from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" where Indiana Jones is fighting a soldier. Text overlay includes the movie title, a 9/10 rating, and a review describing the adventure.
Holiday movies that fill you with joy
1. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981 ⭐️Rate: 9/10 🎬Review: This is the first movie in the Indiana Jones series. It is also the best film in the series. Indy is hired by the US government to track down the sacred arc of the covenant. While he is on his quest the Nazis are als
Leigh Smith

Leigh Smith

6 likes

Would you like a remake or a sequel? 😂🤦‍♂️
#movies #2024 #customer #money #comedy
Tyler Regan

Tyler Regan

1757 likes

Sleeping Dogs Sequel Please
Sleeping Dogs was such an incredible game and honest I would love to get a sequel #sleepingdogs #fyp #gaming #trending #sequel
NextLevel Nitro

NextLevel Nitro

0 likes

A collage featuring the book cover of 'Nothing Like the Movies' by Lynn Painter, alongside images of an In-N-Out Burger sign, UCLA banners, a couple at a baseball field, white daisies, baseballs, a CD titled 'Songs That Remind Me Of You', and a couple smiling.
A split image showing UCLA 'Go Bruins!' banners on a lamppost on the left, and a person with red hair looking at a phone at a sports event on the right. Decorative heart and flower graphics are also present.
A split image displaying bouquets of white daisies on the left and an In-N-Out Burger sign against a blue sky on the right. Decorative smiley face and flower graphics are included.
Nothing Like the Movies- Lynn Painter
Just finished my first romcom of the year! 3/5 stars 🌟! This is a sequel to Better Than the Movies (BTTM) while I absolutely loved that book I was a little disappointed with this one. BTTM had so much character development and this one took like 10 steps back. I understand why it had to happen but
bookishkatie

bookishkatie

200 likes

A collage promoting a vlog titled "A FEW DAYS IN A WEEK" by LOVESEQUEL1, featuring a woman with glasses, a charcuterie board with wine, and a person reading a book. It highlights activities with friends and reading.
YT: LOVESEQUEL1
Latest YouTube vlog, I think my next video will be me doing the #artistway book. Subscribe to my channel ☺️ https://youtu.be/hfR_EnDwT2w?si=ZbwVhHTzKCf_D1-0 #vlogging #youtubers #subscribetomyyoutube
LoveSequel

LoveSequel

0 likes

A person's legs and feet in black high heels extend from a washing machine in a laundromat. Yellow flowers are on the floor, and a bouquet of roses sits on a nearby table, creating a surreal and artistic scene.
middle of the night laundry mat shoot
I need more spontaneous, creative buddies #photography #laundrymat #texasphotographer #creative shoot
LoveSequel

LoveSequel

12 likes

Thankful for what I have 🫶
#thankfulliving #thankfulprayer #thankfulgreatfulblessed
Shakerra💋Dha❣️Sequel

Shakerra💋Dha❣️Sequel

3 likes

✨No More Drama, Breaking the Cycle,Not the Peace✨

EPISODE 9: No More Drama, Breaking the Cycle, Not the Peace Let’s be real: Toxic love, baby daddy drama, baby momma mess, custody chaos… Been there, survived that, and I’m not signing up for season two. I know what it’s like to feel stuck in the co-parenting circus with a whole tornado for an
TraylorMadeByOST

TraylorMadeByOST

18 likes

The Sequel
Stephanie MacDonald

Stephanie MacDonald

2 likes

The ONLY Sequel That's Better Than The First
And you thought it ended on a cliffhanger before...wait until you see the last bit of advice. #selfdiscovery #selfdiscipline #unfiltered #adviceforyour20s #adviceoftheday
kiki_can_too

kiki_can_too

2 likes

what’s your favorite sequel of all time???
animecatloving😈🪓🩷💜💙🔪🐱

animecatloving😈🪓🩷💜💙🔪🐱

1 like

5 Underrated Halloween Movies You Shouldn't Miss
1. From Dusk Till Dawn, 1996 ⭐Rate: 7/10 🎬Review: When the movie started, I was sold to a crime movie. The intro was the perfect setup for a Tarantino film. Two criminal brothers on the run trying to get to Mexico. Simple and brilliant. The movie introduced two hot-headed brothers, so you know
Andrea Davis

Andrea Davis

6 likes

See more