Summary

• Star Trek: First Contact is considered one of the greatest films in the franchise, praised for its makeup and visual effects.
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire went beyond expectations by developing character relationships and becoming the most successful film in the franchise.
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes revitalized the beloved franchise, establishing it as one of the best in Hollywood with its grand and ambitious storytelling.

From the old Jules Verne-inspired movies dating back to the earliest days of cinema to current-day blockbusters, science fiction movies continue to be a big draw for movie-goers worldwide, and a successful franchise can mean big bucks for a studio. Avatar, Alien and Transformers are some of the well-known sci-fi franchises set to release new movie installments in the near future.

Sci-fi fans are some of the most loyal and passionate there are, and due to the subjective nature of film, there will always be debate over what makes a great sci-fi. Unfortunately, though, studios have often focused on quantity over quality and have rushed sequels, spin-offs, and reboots to the market without paying any mind to script quality. For every Terminator 2 and Aliens, there are a load of Robocop 2 and Highlander II. To save yourself from being consumed by the hundreds of these questionable movies lurking out there in the universe, we've put together the list below to allow you to explore the very best sci-fi sequels ever made.

Update January 3, 2024: This article has been updated with even more great sci-fi sequels, including a recent entry from a legendary filmmaker, and where each film can be streamed.

12 Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

Star Trek: First Contact is the second movie to release during the Next Generation era. Directed by cast member Jonathan Frakes in his directorial debut, it starred the inimitable Patrick Stewart in one of his most iconic roles to date, as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The plot sees the USS Enterprise-E traveling back in time to the mid-21st century to make the necessary changes, preventing the cybernetic entity known as Borg (a great villain of the franchise) from conquering Earth in the future.

The Epitome of Star Trek on the Big Screen

Often cited by fans as one the greatest film in the franchise, the movie was a hit with critics across the globe and went on to be nominated and win multiple industry awards, with particular praise directed towards the makeup (it was nominated for an Academy Award in this category) and visual effects. It was the last film in the Star Trek franchise to use a physical model of the Enterprise for its special effects. The movie could be enjoyed by hardcore Star Trek fans or even casual moviegoers as it became a big hit in the fall of 1998. Stream on Paramount+

11 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Only one year after the release of 2012's The Hunger Games, audiences were treated to another film adaptation of the book series by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire tells the story of both Katniss and Peeta as they sort of enjoy the aftermath of their victory in the previous games. However, it's all a cover for something much more emotional. Katniss is estranged from Peeta, and she's traumatized after seeing how nothing has changed for people out there. Becoming symbolic leaders of a rebellion, they also become targets of the authorities.

The Follow-Up with a Twist

The surefire choice would have been a recreation of the very successful first film. However, producers felt a change was necessary, and character development beyond the franchise's premise was inevitable. Katniss and Peeta's plot is simply great, as their relationship slides between different shades of love, and the film never becomes the romantic fest everyone would expect from the young adult series. Catching Fire is much more ambitious and exciting because it complies with the plot of the games, but this time it feels more relevant because they're no longer destined for a grinder. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is still the most successful film in The Hunger Games franchise, both in terms of box office and critical reaction. Rent on Prime Video

10 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

The movies of the first Planet of the Apes trilogy, in which humans and intelligent apes clash for control, are among the most iconic movies within the sci-fi genre. Unfortunately, the 2001 Tim Burton reboot failed to recapture that same magic, and the poor response led to any plans for further sequels being abandoned. Fast-forward to 2011, and in steps Rupert Wyatt to try and resurrect the beloved franchise. Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a huge success with critics and fans alike, thanks to Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar. A sequel was quickly greenlit, which resulted in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. In the film, a worldwide pandemic has put the human race in peril. On the other side of things, apes led by Caesar are forming an entire civilization that could represent another type of danger for human survivors. While Caesar wants to enjoy his life and keep his people safe, both opposing factions in his ape community and the human camp will eventually push the two societies to an inevitable war.

A New Franchise is Confirmed

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Matt Reeves, was grand and ambitious but still felt grounded and personal. It was an instant hit and was showered with accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. The film pushed the franchise in a new direction and firmly established this new Planet of the Apes series as one of the best franchises in Hollywood, one where audiences could get incredible action but also thoughtful character moments and philosophical questions. It is still regarded today as one of the best entries in the series and is seen as one of the best movies of the 2010s. It was followed by a direct sequel, 2017's War for the Planet of the Apes, and the franchise will continue this summer with 2024's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which will take place 300 years after Ceaser. Stream on Max

9 Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi takes place right after the events of The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams' widely expected return to the franchise. In the film, Rey has found Luke Skywalker living as a hermit on a remote island. She learns the way of the Jedi as her partners try to hold off Kylo Ren and his continuous threat to the Resistance. This one confirms a couple of details of the Star Wars legacy, and while it garnered Academy Award nominations, it's a film that seems to get more hate than it deserves.

The Most Divisive Sequel of All Time

After the mixed responses to the prequel trilogy, it’s fair to say that a number of people may have lost hope in the dream that anything coming out under the Star Wars name could come close to the original trilogy. JJ Abram’s hugely successful The Force Awakens changed all that, and a newfound interest in the series had awoken. There was a lot riding on its follow-up, The Last Jedi, to say the least. It not only exceeded expectations but completely subverted them too, turning into a potential "best of" in the franchise. Instead of treading familiar territory, characters, tropes, and entire plotlines took fans to new and unexpected places. The Last Jedi dared to be different, and it paid it off while still retaining the magic and charm of Star Wars, which has helped make it one of (if not the) most beloved franchises in cinema history. Stream on Disney+

8 Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

James Cameron’s return to the world of Pandora took more than 10 years to materialize. Nonetheless, it was all worth it. In Avatar: The Way of Water, the Na’vi are still under the threat of corporations that have arrived from Earth to ravage their planet. Only this time, it’s more of a personal battle between the survivors of the first film and a remodeled evil villain who must use the body of an avatar to survive. This takes the Na’Vi on a journey that takes them to a new world where the emphasis is put on water and family bonds are tested.

It Was Worth the Wait

Avatar: The Way of Water is an emotional journey that, yes, does require a level of connection from the audience with what’s happening to huge blue alien creatures. But at the same time, it speaks a lot about what makes us human in the harshest of circumstances. It’s also a spectacular technical achievement featuring the best special effects you’ll ever witness. This is one of three Cameron sci-fi sequels on this list, confirming that when it comes to making a great sequel he is the best in the business. Stream on Disney+

7 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was released three years after the first movie adaptation of a Star Trek storyline. The film was based on "Space Seed", a Star Trek episode that's still regarded as one of the best. In the film, the crew of the USS Enterprise finds a spaceship in complete hibernation. However, something's very much alive inside: a genetically modified supervillain called Khan Noonien Singh, who surprises everyone and manages to threaten the integrity of the Enterprise. Not only is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan one of the best sequels ever accomplished, but it also has the most famous line in the entire Star Trek universe. Yeah, you guessed it: Kirk angrily screaming, "Khan!"

The Sequel That Managed to Surpass the Original

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is an entirely different film from 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture (this is by design and producer Gene Roddenberry was removed from the project). Wrath of Khan wasn't intended as a long TV episode. It's bigger in absolutely everything. From its special effects (it's the first film in history to feature a sequence created completely with CGI) to its very dramatic ending (yes, someone very important dies). The ambitious project was acclaimed by audiences worldwide. They began to trust the franchise again after a worthy film was delivered, and it raised the stakes while also dividing the territories of movies and television. For many, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is not only the best Star Trek film but also helped revitalize the franchise for a new generation of fans in the 1980s who might have been too young to remember the series when it originally aired. Stream on Paramount+

6 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 takes viewers to a future version of Los Angeles, now a different kind of wasteland. K is a Nexus-9 replicant who's also a "blade runner," meaning he hunts down rogue replicants that show signs of rebellion. K discovers a secret that will force him to go down the past of replicant technology, where the secret of his conscience lies. Blade Runner 2049 is, by far, one of the best sequels of all time.

High-Concept Sci-Fi for Fans of Blade Runner

While the original Blade Runner is undeniably one of the genre's strongest and most adored movies, Blade Runner 2049 was far more divisive. It was universally praised for its stunning visuals and cyberpunk aesthetics, but it had issues with the pacing and tonal shift from the original. Despite its lengthy run-time, the film manages to maintain focus, and its bleak portrayal of a dystopian future is one of the finest ever committed to film. The stellar cast, which includes the triumphant return of Harrison Ford, the cinematography, and the soundtrack are all second to none, and its exploration of numerous social issues is handled with just enough subtlety to make for engaging, thought-provoking viewing without being too heavy-handed as to bombard the viewer. And if watched on an IMAX screen, it’s one of the most immersive movie experiences ever. Stream on Max

5 Back to the Future Part II (1989)

Back to the Future Part II stars just as Marty McFly is trying to catch a break after the events of Back to the Future. Doc arrives in the DeLorean and makes Marty and Jennifer get on the time machine so they can save their children in the future. This starts a series of events where the past is changed during the '50s, making the present a horrific version of Biff Tannen's dominance. It's up to Marty and Doc to once again travel to the past and prevent what they actually started. This one confirms why Doc Brown is one of the greatest movie characters of all time.

In Some Ways, Better Than its Predecessor

A refreshing entry on this list in that it takes itself far less seriously than the average sci-fi. While more uneven and not as consistently funny as its predecessor, Back to the Future Part II nonetheless is thoroughly enjoyable, as we’re taken way into the future, then back to the 1950s, with all the fantastic main cast making appearances. Slightly darker in tone and featuring a more ambitious plot, Back to the Future remains a staple in the collection of any fan of sci-fi and/or comedy. Stream on Peacock.

4 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

In Mad Max: Fury Road, a revolution is about to take place. Immortan Joe, the ruler of whatever’s left of humankind, is a tyrant keen on making his followers suffer and reproducing himself through the use of sexual slavery. Luckily, action heroes Imperator Furiosa and Max Rockatansky will make a stand and lead the rebellion that will make this wasteland crumble.

Related: 10 Sequels to Blockbuster Franchises That Are Turn-Off-Your-Brain Fun

The Modern Action Masterpiece That No One Saw Coming

Winner of multiple Academy Awards, Mad Max: Fury Road proves that it doesn't matter if your film is a sequel or the tenth iteration of the same product; if you make a good movie, it will have good results. It has everything of the Mad Max universe that was worth rescuing in a more modern adaptation of the concept. The movie feels organic and tangible, and while most of that has to do with the special effects, director George Miller also made sure to include an emotional layer that just resonated with everybody. This story will get a continuation but not in the form of a sequel, but instead a prequel as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga opens in theaters against another sci-fi sequel, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Stream on Max

3 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is set in Los Angeles in 1995, where John Connor, son of a now institutionalized Sarah, is a rebellious teenager who one day starts to get hunted down by a liquid metal terminator. Luckily, the John of the future sends back a reprogrammed T-800 who will defend present-day John against anything. But they will need help, and for that, they break Sarah out of the mental institution and begin the journey to prevent the rise of the machines.

One of the Best Films Ever Made

As we near the top of this list, we’re encountering movies that are not just among the best sci-fi sequels or even the best sci-fi movies but that are some of the best movies ever made. Period. It’s safe to say that Terminator 2: Judgment Day sits proudly in that category. The first was revolutionary but was among James Cameron’s first directing experiences and had budget constraints. Following its success, the now more experienced Cameron was given more creative freedom and a greater budget. The result? One of the most visually impressive, action-packed, thought-provoking sci-fi movies ever made. Drawing inspiration from horror and action movies, this genre-bending masterpiece cemented Cameron as one of the industry’s most exciting directors and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the biggest action star in the biz. Stream on Paramount+

2 Aliens (1986)

James Cameron is back again with a spectacular sci-fi sequel. Aliens takes place sometime in the future after Ellen Ripley defeats the creature and puts herself in cryosleep. Luckily, she gets picked up but is soon recruited by a company to assess an exploration mission to the planet where a human colony lives, and contact with them has been lost. Of course, the reason for the interrupted communication is the Xenomorph we all fear. This one gave Sigourney Weaver a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards.

Some People Prefer This One, and You Know What? It's OK

More of a sci-fi action-horror than the slow-burn, suspense-filled original Alien, Aliens is another example of a sequel that, in a lot of people's opinion, surpasses the original. Ridley Scott's original was undoubtedly a game-changer and a masterclass in sci-fi horror filmmaking. It was ahead of its time and influenced thousands of imitations over the following four decades, released to varying levels of success. When James Cameron took the reins and stepped in to direct the sequel, he had some very large shoes to fill. Instead of falling into the common trap of simply rehashing the original's ideas, he took a gamble and completely changed up the tone, style, and format. Needless to say, the gamble paid off. What we ended up with was Sigourney Weaver returning as an even more badass Ellen Ripley—think Rambo in space, in a balls-to-the-wall, alien-slaying, non-stop action horror fest. The acting is on point, the effects are incredible (especially for the time), the score is ruminative, and Ellen Ripley is still one of the most iconic female leads in cinema history. This should serve as inspiration to anyone looking to cast strong women in sci-fi, action, and horror movies. Stream on Max

1 Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back takes place a few years after the events of A New Hope. Luke Skywalker is now trying to process the fact that he's a Jedi, and he goes off to receive the training he needs. Meanwhile, the Rebels are struggling to defeat the Galactic Empire led by Darth Vader. Unfortunately, allies are not very helpful in the film, and the outcome isn't great as Luke finds out what happened to his father, and the film becomes the most emotional one in the series.

The Greatest Sci-Fi Sequel of All Time. No Questions Asked

Sit a group of Star Wars fans in a room, and there would, no doubt, be hours upon hours on hours spent debating the ranking of the series of movies. While opinions will vary (and that’s the beauty of the subjective nature of art), one thing that most fans have in common is the love of the original trilogy (although, again, this could depend on age and when you were first introduced to the franchise). Whether Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is better than the original remains up for debate, but there’s no denying that it is an absolutely fantastic film. With an even larger budget, the visual effects came on leaps and bounds from the original, resulting in more high-octane action set pieces. It also features one of cinema’s greatest twists of all time. New interesting characters are added, while old ones are developed further. This timeless story full of action, adventure, growth, and plenty of heart still stands up today, over 40 years on, making Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back one of the greatest movies of all time. Stream on Disney+

To stay in the spirit of the genre, here's a video of the greatest sci-fi films ever made: