Top 5 Comedy Sequels That Turned Out Better than the Original
Sometimes it takes a different twist to make a story more interesting.
As a rule of thumb, sequels, prequels, and other spin-offs don't live up to the quality and popularity of the original. But sometimes, new installments surpass their predecessors. These five comedies are prime examples.
Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993, 6.6 on IMDb)
The second installment in the parody film series starring Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men) pokes fun at the action classic Rambo as its main character, Topper Harley, leaves the Tibetan monastery where he has learned the ways of Zen to save his country once again. This time, Topper must save his fellow American soldiers from Saddam Hussein.
The movie is a fresh take on the highly ridiculous classic, and maybe that's why it's funnier than the first installment, which parodied Top Gun.
Rush Hour 2 (2001, 6.7 on IMDb)
Following Chief Inspector Lee and LAPD Detective Carter on vacation in Hong Kong, the film finds the beloved Rush Hour characters on a new mission when their respite from work suddenly goes awry when two US customs agents are killed in a bombing at the American embassy. Lee suspects the local mob boss, and the duo set out to solve the case, uncovering a dangerous conspiracy along the way.
The script of Rush Hour 2 is better than the one of the first movie, which makes it much more interesting to watch.
Addams Family Values (1993, 6.8 on IMDb)
The sequel to Barry Sonnefeld's The Addams Family was not as financially successful as its predecessor, grossing only $111 million against a $47 million budget, but it received very favorable reviews from critics and audiences, who praised the production for its dark, macabre humor. The film follows the titular family after the birth of their newest member, Pubert, as they adjust to the changes while exploring their personal dramas.
Army of Darkness (1992, 7.4 on IMDb)
The Evil Dead franchise is unique in that it was conceived as a horror series that turned into a horror-comedy with the release of the second film. This third installment tells the story of Ash Williams, who is trapped in the Middle Ages, where he must fight hordes of the undead to find a way to return to the present.
The whole movie series wasn't very popular at the time of its release, but Army of Darkness might be the best movie in the franchise.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, 7.5 on IMDb)
The third film in the National Lampoon's Vacation series is arguably the best film in the franchise. The movie revolves around the Griswold family's dimwitted patriarch, Clark, and follows him on his quest to organize the best traditional Christmas possible for his family. Though he means well, Clark's plans always prove disastrous and wreak havoc on those around him.