10 Fantasy Sequel Movies That Were Just As Good (Or Better) Than The First

There are several fantasy sequel movies that are just as good as or even better than their predecessors. Fantasy has greatly expanded across media, including movies. There are classic fantasy movies that lovers of the genre should watch, but also niche fantasy films that might not be as well-known. Many fantasy films have great attributes, from visually stunning fantasy movies to compelling storylines to memorable characters. This genre is so vast that there is always a movie for everyone, even for those who might not particularly care for fantasy.

Many iconic fantasy movies do not have sequels, but plenty more have follow-up films. Some have even expanded beyond sequels, becoming widely popular and beloved fantasy franchises. The genre only continues to grow, allowing room for more sequel opportunities. While many follow-up films disappoint, many fantasy sequels are just as good as or even better than the first film. The reasons vary from more riveting storylines to better directing and editing. Regardless of the reason, these fantasy sequels have impacted the genre on their own, establishing themselves as high-quality films.

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10

Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets

First Movie – Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

pg-13

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

Mystery

7/10

5.8/10

Release Date

November 15, 2002

Runtime

161 Minutes

Director

Chris Columbus

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Writers

J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Prequel(s)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Cast

See All

• 

  Emma Watson

• 

  Rupert Grint

Sequel(s)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

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Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets is often one of the more overlooked Harry Potter movies, and it is not one of the best Harry Potter books either. However, the movie adaptation of Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets actually exceeds its predecessor. Although Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets falls victim to second-book syndrome, the movie adaptation is arguably one of the most stunning of the film series. Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets introduces new visual effects, such as the Weasleys’ flying car, Aragog, and the Basilisk.

The new scenarios in Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets make this movie just as good as Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone. Furthermore, the mystery surrounding the muggle-born wizards makes Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets more compelling and exciting than its predecessor.

9

The Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King

First Movie – The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

pg-13

Adventure

Fantasy

Action

10/10

25

9.5/10

Release Date

December 17, 2003

Runtime

201 Minutes

Director

Peter Jackson

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Writers

Peter Jackson

Prequel(s)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Cast

See All

• 

  Elijah Wood

• 

  Ian McKellen

Franchise(s)

The Lord of the Rings

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All three Lord of the Rings movies are stellar, but there is something truly special about The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The film leads to the final battles in the War of the Ring, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and the Battle of the Black Gate. Frodo’s inner conflict with the One Ring reaches a climax when Frodo and Sam finally reach Mount Doom.

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Even after Sauron is defeated, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provides excellent closure for the primary characters. This film portrays a happy ending for all the heroes—even Frodo, who struggles the most in the aftermath. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the perfect way to end a great film trilogy, and Sauron’s defeat and the aftermath make this film more epic than its predecessors.

8

Shrek 2

First Movie – Shrek

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Shrek 2

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

Comedy

Family

Animation

Romance

8/10

8.8/10

Release Date

May 19, 2004

Runtime

93 minutes

Director

Kelly Asbury, Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon

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Writers

David N. Weiss, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem, Andrew Adamson

Prequel(s)

Shrek

Cast

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• 

  Eddie Murphy

• 

  Mike Myers

Sequel(s)

Shrek Forever After

Franchise(s)

Shrek

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For a movie as iconic as Shrek, it seems impossible that any of its sequels would be better, but Shrek 2 accomplishes this feat. Shrek 2 takes everything to the next level, including music, humor, plot, and characters. Shrek has an amazing soundtrack with hits such as “All Star,” “Hallelujah,” and “I’m a Believer.” However, Shrek 2 features even more iconic songs, including “Accidentally in Love,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”

Furthermore, Shrek 2 is even funnier than the first film because of the introduction of new iconic characters such as Puss in Boots, Prince Charming, and Fairy Godmother—not to mention that Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona are back with their usual funny antics. Shrek 2‘s plot is more exciting because the stakes are even higher, and Fairy Godmother is a more iconic villain than Lord Farquaad. Of course, Shrek still revolutionized animation and fantasy in film, but Shrek 2 is bolder, better, and braver.

7

Twilight: New Moon

First Movie – Twilight

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The Twilight Saga: New Moon

PG-13

Adventure

Documentary

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

5/10

Release Date

November 18, 2009

Runtime

130 minutes

Director

Chris Weitz

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Writers

Melissa Rosenberg

Prequel(s)

Twilight

Cast

• 

  Kristen Stewart

• 

  Taylor Lautner

Sequel(s)

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

Franchise(s)

The Twilight Saga

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Although New Moon is the least interesting installment of the Twilight books, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is one of the best Twilight Saga movies. Twilight has a more compelling plot, and New Moon does not become exciting until the end. However, the directing and editing of the first Twilight film dampens the storyline significantly. It is messy and confusing, making a fascinating story dull. On the other hand, Twilight: New Moon takes the least compelling installment and turns it into a decent film.

The Twilight Saga
Movie	Release Date	Writer(s)	Director(s)
Twilight	November 21, 2008	Melissa Rosenberg	Catherine Hardwicke
The Twilight Saga: New Moon	November 20, 2009	Melissa Rosenberg	Chris Weitz
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse	June 30, 2010	Melissa Rosenberg	David Slade
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1	November 18, 2011	Melissa Rosenberg	Bill Condon
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2	November 16, 2012	Melissa Rosenberg	Bill Condon

Bella and Jacob also have zero chemistry in the books, whereas Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner’s chemistry is much more exciting to watch. The actors who play the Volturi—Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl, and Cameron Bright—make these villains more compelling. The introduction of Twilight‘s Quileutes—Jacob’s wolf pack—also establishes a new side to the supernatural world. Edward is hardly in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, but it is still a better adaptation than Twilight.

6

Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang

First Movie – Nanny McPhee

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Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang

PG

Comedy

Fantasy

Family

Release Date

March 26, 2010

Runtime

109 minutes

Director

Susanna White

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Writers

Emma Thompson

Producers

Debra Hayward, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Liza Chasin

Cast

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• 

  Emma Thompson

  Nanny McPhee

• 

  Asa Butterfield

  Norman Green

• 

  Ralph Fiennes

  Lord Gray

• 

  Maggie Gyllenhaal

  Isabel Green

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Nanny McPhee is a decent film, but Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang is even better. Although the first film is more financially successful, the sequel fares better in just about every other department. Nanny McPhee and her powers have already been established, allowing the sequel to dive into the exciting action much faster than the first film. The stakes are higher with a more devious villain, more dire circumstances, and more magic.

Emma Thompson, who portrays the titular character in both movies, also wrote both screenplays.

Of course, Nanny McPhee is still a great film, but the first movie acts more like a precursor to the main event, Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang. The Greens are also better developed than the Browns, most likely because Nanny McPhee focuses on the fairy tale aspect more than the individual characters. It is a shame that the sequel did not do as well as anticipated because Nanny McPhee 3 would surely have been just as good as the sequel.

5

How to Train Your Dragon 2

First Movie – How To Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Racing

Released

June 10, 2014

ESRB

Everyone 10+ // Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence

Developer(s)

Torus Games

Publisher(s)

Little Orbit

The How to Train Your Dragon movies are all great installments, a rare feat for a trilogy. However, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the superior film. While all three movies are excellent, How to Train Your Dragon 2 introduces higher stakes because the antagonist is a much bigger threat than the Red Death. How to Train Your Dragon 2 also features incredible character development on top of a compelling plot, whereas the first film primarily focuses on the antagonistic dynamic between humans and dragons.

Hiccup and Toothless endure challenging journeys that strengthen the film’s storyline, ending with incredible development for both characters.

Similarly to the Nanny McPhee movies, How to Train Your Dragon seems like a prequel to the actual conflict in the sequel. Hiccup and Toothless endure challenging journeys that strengthen the film’s storyline, ending with incredible development for both characters. The dragons and the humans have their respective storylines in How to Train Your Dragon 2, but they both intertwine at the end. This factor fleshes out the trilogy’s fantastical world more effectively.

4

Descendants 2

First Movie – Descendants

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Descendants 2

pg-13

Fantasy

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Release Date

July 21, 2017

Runtime

111minutes

Director

Kenny Ortega

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Writers

Sara Parriott, Josann McGibbon

Prequel(s)

The Descendants

Cast

See All

• 

  Dove Cameron

• 

  Cameron Boyce

• 

  Sofia Carson

• 

  Booboo Stewart

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While Descendants is a great film, it falls a little flat compared to Disney Channel’s previous musical films, such as High School Musical or The Cheetah Girls. The soundtrack is decent, but the film wasted Kristin Chenoweth’s potential, and the only memorable songs are “Rotten to the Core” and “Set it Off.” Descendants has a great plot and compelling characters, but its sequel, Descendants 2, knocks it out of the park. Every song in Descendants 2 is a massive hit, from “Ways to be Wicked” to “What’s My Name” to “Chillin’ Like a Villain” to “Space Between.”

Furthermore, the action is much more exciting in Descendants 2 because the antagonist, Uma, plays a more active role than Mal’s mother in the first film. The new characters in Descendants 2 complete the storyline and add more flair to this universe. Most importantly, Descendants 2 is a movie that can rival High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls.

3

Mary Poppins Returns

First Movie – Mary Poppins

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Mary Poppins Returns

PG

Fantasy

Musical

Family

8/10

6/10

Release Date

December 19, 2018

Runtime

130 Minutes

Director

Rob Marshall

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Writers

David Magee

Prequel(s)

Mary Poppins

Cast

See All

• 

  Lin-Manuel Miranda

• 

  Emily Blunt

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Mary Poppins is one of Disney’s most iconic films, so when Mary Poppins Returns was announced, it seemed impossible that the sequel could live up to the original. However, Mary Poppins Returns exceeds every expectation and serves as an excellent reminder of why the first film is so beloved to begin with. Mary Poppins Returns reinvents the titular character while keeping classic elements, such as the animation and live-action sequence, the chimney sweep musical number, and a grand finale.

Emily Blunt pays Mary Poppins justice with her interpretation of the character. She is respectful of Julie Andrews while adding her own flair. Mary Poppins Returns is also able to do a lot more with visual effects, given that it was released in 2018, compared to its predecessor in 1964. While Mary Poppins Returns might not be better than the original film, it is certainly just as good, with its own strengths.

2

Frozen 2

First Movie – Frozen

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Frozen II

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

7/10

8/10

Release Date

November 22, 2019

Runtime

103 minutes

Director

Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck

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Writers

Allison Schroeder

Prequel(s)

Frozen, Frozen Fever

Cast

See All

• 

  Sterling K. Brown

• 

  Kristen Bell

Franchise(s)

Disney

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Similarly to Mary Poppins Returns, Frozen 2 is not necessarily better than the first film, but it is just as good. Frozen 2 acts as a second part of the entire story, which is a significant reason why it is in the same league as Frozen. Frozen focuses on Anna and Elsa coming into themselves while repairing their bond. On the other hand, Frozen 2 continues to strengthen and deepen this bond, allowing it to extend beyond Arendelle’s borders.

It is difficult to imagine what Frozen 3 can come up with because Frozen 2 feels final. Whereas the end of Frozen provides a lot of potential for a sequel, Frozen 2 does not accomplish the same thing. However, both Frozen and Frozen 2 have memorable songs, from “Let it Go” to “Into the Unknown” to “For the First Time in Forever” to “Show Yourself.” Both Frozen movies are two halves of a whole, so it makes sense that Frozen 2 is just as good as Frozen.

1

Avatar: The Way of the Water

First Movie – Avatar

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Avatar: The Way of Water

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

8/10

9.2/10

Release Date

December 16, 2022

Runtime

190 Minutes

Director

James Cameron

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Writers

James Cameron, Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Shane Salerno, Amanda Silver

Prequel(s)

Avatar

Cast

See All

• 

  Sam Worthington

• 

  Zoe Saldana

Sequel(s)

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Franchise(s)

Avatar

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James Cameron’s Avatar movies set up quite the franchise, with its next installment, Avatar: Fire & Ash. There are high expectations for this movie, especially because the first sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is even better than the first film. The first two Avatar movies have revolutionized the film industry, especially with visual effects and the series’ impact on 3D movies. Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water have almost 15 years between them, allowing incredible strides in visuals, setting, and effects. Avatar: The Way of Water is far more visually stunning than its predecessor.

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Every Upcoming Avatar Movie (2025-2031)

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Furthermore, Avatar: The Way of Water deepens the characters’ dynamics and histories while adding more attributes to the creative world-building. If each Avatar film continues in this direction, the upcoming sequels will continue to be better than their predecessors. Avatar: The Way of Water has greatly improved this fantasy world from the first film and, hopefully, will continue to do so with future sequels.

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Category: Entertainment