The Best Action Movie Sequels Of All Time
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- 1The TerminatorIn this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over a future robot uprising, is the target of the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future to kill him. Another Terminator, the revamped T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and his mother (Linda Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.
- The adventure continues in this "Star Wars" sequel. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi master's help will Luke survive when the dark side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader (David Prowse).
- 3Batman BeginsIn The Dark Knight, Gotham City's vigilante, Batman (Christian Bale), faces his greatest adversary yet - the Joker (Heath Ledger), a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor. Under the guidance of mentor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and ally Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Batman navigates a web of chaos spun by the Joker. The Christopher Nolan directed crime drama won two Academy Awards, including one for Ledger's posthumous performance. Brimming with high-stakes action scenes and moral dilemmas, this second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy is a captivating exploration of heroism in times of anarchy.More The Dark Knight
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- 4AlienIn the science fiction thriller Aliens, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), survivor of the spaceship Nostromo, returns to confront her nightmares. Waking up 57 years later, she discovers a human colony has been established on the alien-infested planet she once escaped from. Accompanied by a squad of marines, Ripley must face her fears and the extraterrestrial menace once again. Directed by James Cameron, this sequel boasts an Oscar-winning visual effects team that brings the terrifying creatures to life. With suspenseful twists and thrilling action sequences, Aliens is a cinematic masterpiece in its genre.More Aliens
- 5Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ArkIn the action-adventure flick Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford dons the iconic fedora once more as archaeologist Indiana Jones. This time, he embarks on a daring quest to rescue his father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery), who's been kidnapped due to his research on the Holy Grail. Teaming up with museum curator Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and feisty love interest Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), Indiana faces off against Nazi forces in a globetrotting race against time. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, underscoring its pulse-pounding thrill sequences.
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- 6Lethal WeaponSouth African smugglers find themselves being hounded and harassed by Riggs and Murtaugh, two mismatched Los Angeles police officers. However, the South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and so the two are assigned to witness-protection duty in an attempt by their captain to keep his job. It is only when this witness reveals to them that he has already dealt with the smugglers that the trouble really starts.More Lethal Weapon 2
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- 7Captain America: The First AvengerIn Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) grapples with a modern world that's far from the 1940s he once knew. As a member of the covert agency S.H.I.E.L.D, Rogers finds himself embroiled in an international conspiracy. He teams up with Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), also known as Black Widow, and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the Falcon. Together they unravel the insidious plot, while a formidable adversary, the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), emerges from shadows. This action-packed, thrilling film is part of Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
- 8Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes BackIn Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, directed by Richard Marquand, the galaxy's fate hangs in the balance. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is determined to bring his father, Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), back from the dark side. Meanwhile, Rebel forces, including Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), plan to destroy the second Death Star being built by the evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). The movie won an Oscar for Special Achievement in Visual Effects. This epic space opera concludes George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy with thrilling action sequences and a poignant narrative.
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- 9Die Hard 2In the heart-pounding thriller Die Hard with a Vengeance, John McClane (Bruce Willis) finds himself caught in a web of danger. New York City becomes his battleground as he grapples with a vengeful adversary, Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons). The stakes escalate when Simon initiates a deadly game of Simon Says, dragging McClane and an unlikely ally, Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), into a high-stakes treasure hunt. Amidst ticking bombs and complex riddles, the duo must unravel Simon's sinister motives to save their city. Directed by John McTiernan, this third installment of the Die Hard franchise astounds with its relentless action and clever plot twists.
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- 10The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersIn The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) press on towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), rightful heir to the throne, marshals the forces of good for an epic battle against Sauron's evil army at Minas Tirith. This third installment in the fantasy trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's a tale of bravery, friendship, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.
11Die HardDie Hard 2, an action-packed thriller, sees the return of NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis), who is waiting for his wife at Washington's Dulles Airport. Unbeknownst to him, a group of rogue military operatives led by Colonel Stuart (William Sadler) has seized control of the airport, holding the planes hostage in mid-air. As police and airport security scramble, it's up to McClane to take matters into his own hands. Director Renny Harlin masterfully escalates tension throughout this high-stakes sequel that blends suspense, action, and Willis's iconic one-liners.More Die Hard 2- Dig Deeper...The Most Action-Packed 'Die Hard 2' Quotes
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12Spider-ManSpider-Man 2, a superhero flick directed by Sam Raimi, unravels the complex life of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire). As Spider-Man, he battles with the duality of his existence - saving New York City while juggling college and love. His world intensifies with the emergence of Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), a brilliant scientist turned villain 'Doc Ock' after a failed experiment. Amidst personal struggles and high-stakes action, Parker must find balance. This film won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, highlighting its impressive cinematic prowess.More Spider-Man 2- Dig Deeper...Clear Reasons 'Spider-Man 2' Is The Greatest Superhero Sequel Ever Made
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13The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingVenturing deeper into the world of Middle-earth, the second installment of the award-winning epic fantasy series delves into the escalating battle between good and evil. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers presents viewers with an enthralling narrative, as it follows the journey of separated fellowship members, each facing their own challenges. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) forge alliances to defend the besieged Rohan, while Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) encounter the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) in their quest to destroy the One Ring. With unforgettable performances and breathtaking visuals, this cinematic masterpiece continues to enchant audiences worldwide.- #70 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 14The Bourne SupremacyIn The Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon reprises his role as Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from amnesia. The movie, directed by Paul Greengrass, is the third installment in the Bourne series and won three Academy Awards. Here, we follow Bourne's quest to uncover hidden truths about his past while he's pursued relentlessly by law enforcement agencies. Joan Allen returns as Pamela Landy, an ally within the system. With its action-packed sequences and espionage thriller elements, this film completes Bourne's journey towards self-discovery and redemption.More The Bourne Ultimatum
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15Mad MaxIn Mad Max 2, the world has been ravaged by a catastrophic energy crisis, leaving society in shambles. Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a former highway patrol officer turned survivalist, roams the desolate Australian wasteland. He reluctantly agrees to help a small, gasoline-rich community escape from a horde of bandits led by the merciless Lord Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). The film, brimming with high-octane action and post-apocalyptic imagery, won the Saturn Award for Best International Film in 1982. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride that explores themes of survival and sacrifice amidst chaos.More Mad Max 2- #96 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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16X-MenIn the superhero sequel, X-Men 2, our band of mutants, led by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), are back in action. They face a formidable foe in William Stryker (Brian Cox), a military man with a personal vendetta against their kind. As Stryker launches an attack on Xavier's school, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry), and the rest of the team rally to protect their haven and uncover secrets from Logan's mysterious past. This action-packed film blends thrilling combat sequences and compelling character drama while exploring themes of discrimination and acceptance. The movie has been lauded for its impressive special effects and strong performances, particularly from Jackman and Ian McKellen as Magneto.More X-Men 2- #219 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 17Mission: Impossible IIIMission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is a 2011 American action spy film directed by Brad Bird, and the fourth film in the Mission: Impossible series. The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the attack of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name
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18First BloodIn Rambo: First Blood Part II, Vietnam War veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is coaxed out of prison by his former commander, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) to document the existence of POWs still held captive in Vietnam. Armed with only a handful of weapons and his survival instincts, Rambo plunges into the dangerous jungles. It's not long before the rescue mission turns personal. As he battles against both Vietnamese soldiers and treacherous American officials, Rambo becomes a one-man army. This action-packed thriller, directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by James Cameron and Sylvester Stallone, won no awards but remains a classic piece of 80s cinema.- #222 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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19SupermanIn the thrilling sequel Superman II, the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) grapples with dual challenges. The plot thickens as three villainous Kryptonians, led by General Zod (Terence Stamp), escape from the Phantom Zone and set their sights on earth. Simultaneously, Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, reveals his true identity to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). A gripping tale of heroism ensues as he battles to save humanity while navigating personal sacrifices. Directed by Richard Lester, this film blends science fiction and action elements, creating a captivating cinematic experience without sacrificing its comic book roots.More Superman II- #124 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) is a high-stakes action-adventure film, directed by Steven Spielberg. The title character, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), finds himself in India, where he's asked to find a mystical stone. Accompanied by Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan), Jones stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human sacrifices in the catacombs of an ancient palace. Amidst danger and dark magic, our hero confronts his adversaries head-on in a bid to stop their sinister plans. This movie won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
21The Bourne IdentityIn The Bourne Supremacy, amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is reluctantly thrust back into the deadly world of espionage. After a failed assassination attempt on his life, Bourne is driven to uncover fragments of his past while battling a sinister conspiracy within the CIA. Joan Allen plays Pamela Landy, a high-ranking officer determined to expose the truth. Set against an international backdrop, this action-thriller, second in the Bourne series, weaves suspense and intrigue into a complex narrative. The film won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing, underscoring its gripping pace and layered storytelling.More The Bourne Supremacy- Dig Deeper...The Best Quotes From 'The Bourne Supremacy'
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- 22The GodfatherIn the mesmerizing sequel, The Godfather Part II, we plunge deeper into the Corleone saga. This time, the narrative oscillates between two compelling timelines. In one, we follow a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) as he navigates the gritty underworld of early 20th century New York. The parallel story presents an older Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), grappling with the family business's expanding empire and his own moral quandaries. A crime drama masterpiece, this film bagged six Academy Awards including Best Picture, affirming its cinematic legacy.
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- 23Star Trek: The Motion PictureIn Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the intrepid Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) faces an old foe, genetically-engineered tyrant Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban), who seeks revenge and poses a dire threat to humanity. A grapple for power unfolds in the vast expanse of space, as Kirk's protege, Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), confronts his own mortality. This science fiction adventure, helmed by Nicholas Meyer, delivers an engaging blend of action, suspense and compelling character dynamics. The film won a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, underscoring its place in the annals of cinematic history.
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24BladeIn Blade II, Blade (Wesley Snipes), a half-vampire, half-mortal man, returns to defend humanity from an ominous threat. The film introduces a new breed of vampires, the Reapers, who pose a danger to both humans and their vampire counterparts. Blade teams up with the Bloodpack, an elite group of vampires originally trained to kill him. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this sequel ventures deeper into the dark underworld of vampires. As Blade battles these formidable foes alongside his former enemies, he grapples with alliances, treacheries and explosive confrontations. The movie garnered acclaim for its action sequences and special effects.More Blade II
25The AvengersAvengers: Age of Ultron is a thrilling superhero film, the sequel to 2012's The Avengers. The movie follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who inadvertently creates an AI with destructive potential, Ultron (James Spader). As Ultron gains power, threatening human existence, the Avengers - Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) - must unite once more. They face challenges, both internal and external, as they strive to save humanity. Directed by Joss Whedon, this 2015 blockbuster blends action-adventure with science fiction elements in a gripping narrative.
26Lethal Weapon 3Detective Riggs (Mel Gibson) tries to settle down with his pregnant girlfriend, Lorna (Rene Russo), while his partner, Murtaugh (Danny Glover), comes to grips with the marriage of his pregnant daughter, Rianne (Traci Wolfe), to fellow cop Butters (Chris Rock). But they find themselves and their families targeted by Chinese mobsters, led by Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li). Riggs, Murtaugh, Butters and private eye Getz (Joe Pesci) decide to go on the offensive before the gangsters get to their loved ones.More Lethal Weapon 4- #38 of 99 onThe Best 1990s Action Movies
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27Rush HourThe sequel to the thrilling action-comedy, Rush Hour 2 revolves around two dynamic detectives - Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) and Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker). They unite again, this time embarking on an adventure in Hong Kong. The duo is caught up in a complex web of crime involving a Triad gang, counterfeit money, and an explosive conspiracy. Their journey is peppered with high-octane martial arts sequences, comedic banter, and a hint of romance with Secret Service agent Isabella Molina (Roselyn Sanchez). Despite its comedic undertones, Rush Hour 2 is also an action-packed ride that won the BMI Film Music Award in 2002.More Rush Hour 2- #162 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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28Bad BoysIn Bad Boys II, Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) return to the streets of Miami. This time, they're tackling the city's drug trade, infiltrating a Cuban cartel led by Johnny Tapia (Jordi Mollà). The plot thickens when Syd (Gabrielle Union), Marcus's sister, gets entangled in their operation. Amidst high-speed car chases and explosive gunfights, the duo must navigate their personal dynamics while upholding the law. This action-packed sequel, directed by Michael Bay, heightens its predecessor's adrenaline-fueled thrills and comedic banter, earning it a place among memorable buddy cop films.More Bad Boys II- #44 of 468 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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29The ExpendablesMercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) hires them for a seemingly easy job. But things go terribly wrong, compelling the mercenaries to seek revenge for a comrade's murder. With the odds against them, Barney and his team are hell-bent on payback and cut a path of destruction through opposing forces, only to encounter an unexpected threat: six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium.More The Expendables 2- #72 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
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30Kill Bill Volume 1In Kill Bill Volume 2, Quentin Tarantino delivers a riveting continuation of The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance. Having survived a massacre, she emerges from a coma with a single objective: kill Bill (David Carradine), her former boss and lover. As she continues her journey, the narrative unfolds in signature Tarantino style, blending genre elements from martial arts epics to spaghetti westerns. Notable performances by Michael Madsen as Budd, and Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver, add depth to this twisted tale of retribution. Awarded at Cannes Film Festival for its innovative storytelling, it's a cinematic odyssey that showcases Tarantino's mastery over the art of filmmaking.More Kill Bill Volume 2- #357 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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