If you’re like me and love a good romp with the supernatural, then chances are you’ve already heard of some of the best sequels and remakes in history. There have been many hybrid or “crossover” movies that managed to introduce something new and exciting about the genre.
However, some sequels or remakes have gone too far the other way—and really, what’s the point of having those fun elements if they don’t translate into a more enjoyable movie? Here are 10 of the best sequels or remakes to ever be made.
Number 1: The Thing (1984).
This is easily one of the best remakes of all time. Not only is it an amazing adaptation of a classic novel by Doc Edgar, but it also manages to incorporate both science and fantasy elements into a story that is incredibly interesting and fun. It even has a nice nod to the classic film, back to the Future. However, as time passes, it becomes less engaging and more reminiscent of a bad movie. The Thing however went too far with its inclusion of “alternate realities.” It should have remained an Original Recipe, but that’s really the only thing that really matters!
Back to the Future II (2015).
As I mentioned above, the first Back to the Future was amazing. It made a mockery of the classic Muppet characters. It taught audiences what they already knew to hate about the past. The movie also delivered one of the most iconic images of the year. Giving us Doc Brown, complete with a cowboy hat, supercomputer, and magic glasses, walking into a future that looks very much like the one we already live in. The first Back to the Future is definitely a good movie in and of itself, but the sequels are simply even better.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing closure or resolution in either The Tourist or Back to the Future Part II. Both films are just a collection of gory, fascinating, and highly recommendable interpretations of the themes that made the first movie so great.
The Avengers (2014).
The first Avengers movie was one of the best adaptations of all time, and it still holds true today. It set a new standard for both box office and critical reception by grossing $528 million in its first year. This made it the third highest-grossing opening weekend of all time, behind only The Empire Strikes Back and Jurassic World. It was followed by an even better second film, The Avengers: Age of Ultron. This movie’s gross dwarfed the first film’s domestic total and had the biggest impact of all movies in its year of release. It was followed by Ant-Man and the Wasp, which grossed an incredible $71 million.
This film also featured one of the all-time great returning actors, remaining somewhat relevant as a historical figure and being the first film in which the modern-day MCU was introduced to the franchise. A must-watch for all ages and for anyone who likes CGI and live-action movies great and fresh.
The Lone Ranger (1998).
This is the most underrated and least-remembered sequel in the entire history of film. It is what it is, and that’s why it is so good. It follows the basic formula of Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, to a large extent, but with a more horror/thriller twist. The story follows John Reid (Armie hammer), an ordinary old man who is transformed into a wild, and free-spirited Native American man by a Native American god known as the Tonto Man.
When his horse is stolen by a gang of Mexican Americans in the movie’s opening moments, Tonto is faced with a choice between saving his horse or his life. In the end, he makes the right choice and returns to the farmlands with his wife and family, determined to help the people of this new world be as happy as he once was. This is a fantastic movie for all ages, from children to older people and even the young at heart.
Cowboy and Sassy (1992).
This is the original movie, complete with the original soundtrack, and just about the only movie that remotely resembles modern technology. It follows the adventures of two cowboy and biker friends, Cowboy and Sassy. They get involved in a scintillating legal battle with a company called the—”Howdy Doody”—Company. This is a fun, slap-ire, and a kid-friendly tale. It follows two young people as they journey in time and space, encountering CGI dinosaurs, airships, and gondolas. And, of course, there are plenty of fun characters to match!
The Beaver (2011).
This is the story of a real-life Pennsylvania tourist who got kicked out by his wife. He then gets captured by the voice of a beaver puppet, while on a cross-country tour. He somehow ends up becoming one of the most popular Native American artists of all time. It has everything fun.
