9 Sequels So Bad They Made Us Question Our Love for the Original

1. "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997)

Let's kick things off with a stinker so infamous that even mentioning its name in some circles might get you banished. In "Speed," Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock gave us a thrilling high-speed bus ride that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The sequel, however, decided that what we really wanted was... a slow-moving cruise ship?

Right, because nothing screams "adrenaline-pumping action" like a floating buffet. With Reeves wisely bowing out and Jason Patric stepping in, this ill-fated sequel makes the Titanic look like a successful voyage. Bullock, stuck on the ship, probably wished she was back on that bus. Critics agreed, handing it a pitiful 4% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

2. "Jaws: The Revenge" (1987)

Taking the second spot is a film that felt more like a slap in the face than a sequel. In "Jaws: The Revenge," the shark doesn't just terrorize the water; it develops a personal vendetta against the Brody family, following them from Amity Island to the Bahamas. Because, of course, sharks are known for their ability to harbor deep-seated grudges and book transatlantic travel.

The absurdity of the plot made fans of the original movie wonder if they were the ones in deep water. The film sank at the box office, raking in only $51.9 million worldwide, a far cry from the original's earnings.

3. "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" (2018)

Finally, we end with a film that made fans of the wizarding world wish they'd had a Memory Charm handy. "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," the second in the "Harry Potter" prequel series, was less of a magical adventure and more of a muddled mess of plotlines. The film attempted to introduce new characters, explore complex backstories, and set up future installments, resulting in a confusing narrative that left many fans disillusioned.

Its 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes was the lowest of any film in the "Harry Potter" universe, casting a shadow over the beloved franchise. Well, "Fantastic Beasts" is pretty much dead now, anyway.

4. "Terminator: Dark Fate" (2019)

Despite multiple attempts to revive the franchise, "Terminator: Dark Fate" proved that maybe some things are better left in the past. While it brought back franchise favorites Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, it couldn't recreate the magic of the first two films. Instead, it delivered a plot that felt like a rehash of old ideas rather than an exciting new chapter.

5. "Independence Day: Resurgence" (2016)

Two decades after the original "Independence Day" made us cheer for humanity's resilience, "Independence Day: Resurgence" made us wonder why the aliens even bothered coming back. Absent was the charming Will Smith, and in his place was a plot full of holes and CGI-heavy action sequences that felt like a video game.

The only thing this film seemed to annihilate was the goodwill of fans of the original. Earning a lowly 29% on Rotten Tomatoes and significantly underperforming at the box office, this sequel was a far cry from the thrilling original.

6. "Zoolander 2" (2016)

The original "Zoolander" was a hilarious commentary on the fashion industry with memorable characters and quotable lines. Fast forward 15 years, and "Zoolander 2" decided to strut its stuff on the runway. Unfortunately, it was less of a fashion-forward piece and more of a fashion faux pas.

The sequel seemed to forget what made the original so lovable, replacing its witty humor with a clutter of celebrity cameos and nonsensical plot points. Its 23% Rotten Tomatoes score shows that critics agreed this sequel was a trend that should've never been followed.

7. "The Hangover Part III" (2013)

When "The Hangover" came out in 2009, it was a breath of fresh air in the comedy scene – a hilarious tale of a Vegas bachelor party gone horribly wrong. By the time we got to "The Hangover Part III," the air was no longer fresh. It was more like a stale beer smell you can't quite get out of the carpet. Abandoning the formula that made the first film a success, this installment served up a darker, less funny plot that felt more like a cheap cash grab than a necessary addition to the franchise.

8. "Blues Brothers 2000" (1998)

The original "Blues Brothers" was an absolute riot, a harmonious blend of comedy and music. However, "Blues Brothers 2000" missed the mark by a long shot. Without the comic brilliance of John Belushi, who tragically died in 1982, the sequel felt like a hollow attempt to capture the magic of the first film.

Even the music, a highlight of the original, couldn't save this one from becoming a cinematic equivalent of a one-hit wonder band's disappointing sophomore album. It gathered a meager 45% Rotten Tomatoes rating and left fans wishing they'd left the band in retirement.

9. "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003)

With "The Matrix," the Wachowskis introduced us to an exhilarating cyberpunk universe that pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible in cinema. Unfortunately, by the time we reached "The Matrix Revolutions," the once vibrant and innovative series had devolved into a convoluted mess of plotlines.

It left many fans of Neo and his leather-clad companions wondering if they'd taken the wrong pill. The CGI-heavy sequel leaned heavily on its visuals but fell short when it came to delivering a coherent and satisfying conclusion. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 35%, it seemed the critics were as confused as the audience.