Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated the timing of when Aliens takes place.
Given the recent box office bummer Independence Day: Resurgence (only 38% of moviegoers gave it a thumbs-up at survey site Rotten Tomatoes), we thought we’d remind you that there are sequels that match the splendor of their previous movies. On this July 4 weekend, here are five second installments that actually improve upon the originals (all easily found on streaming services).
1. 'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980)
Though it didn’t repeat the box office bonanza of A New Hope, which brought in an insane $775 million-plus worldwide, the second episode in the Star Wars saga not only lived up to the hype but also cemented itself as a cornerstone in pop culture. From AT-ATs falling on Hoth to montages of Yoda on Luke’s back, this movie has moments that are still Hollywood staples. Some consider it the best Star Wars movie (including USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt), but that’s a debate for another time.
2. 'The Dark Knight' (2008)
After Christopher Nolan launched Batman Begins in 2005, summer 2008 brought fans of good acting The Dark Knight, the film that comic book movies have to live up to. Heath Ledger gave a once-in-a-generation performance as the Joker and terrorized Gotham from the inside out. The movie is gripping, iconic and an all-time great.
3. 'Spider-Man 2' (2004)
The Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies have been permanently struck from memory, thanks to that unspeakably awful jazz club montage in Spider-Man 3. But what got sucked up in that black hole is how good Spider-Man 2 actually was. Spidey takes on Dr. Otto Octavius and struggles to keep his secret identity hidden from his friends and family. The movie ends with a cliffhanger, so remember that you can make up your own Spider-Man 3 plot and ending. It’ll be better than the real Spider-Man 3.
4. 'Aliens' (1986)
James Cameron's blockbuster sequel to Ridley Scott's Alien takes place 57 years later. Ripley (famously played by Sigourney Weaver) goes on a rescue mission back to the planet she escaped. The sequel, packed with tension and drama, was hailed as an outstanding achievement in filmmaking and continues to be looked upon fondly as the movie celebrates its 30th anniversary (July 18).
5. 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
The movie known for being one of the best sequels of all time will turn 25 Sunday. After the success of 1984 blockbuster The Terminator, James Cameron (as only James Cameron can) went bigger and badder in Terminator 2. The highest-grossing movie of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career and winner of four Academy Awards is a story about a cyborg who protects Sarah Connor’s son, John.
