Get ready for a movie marathon as we countdown our top 10 picks for the best movie sequels of the past year. Whether you're a fan of heart-racing action or side-splitting comedies, these films are sure to keep you entertained.
10
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER
Return to the incredible world of Wakanda in the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit, Black Panther. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an epic adventure that explores the rich history and culture of the Wakandan people, while also charting a new course for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the lead role is the incomparable Letitia Wright, joined by a talented ensemble cast, including Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke, who each bring their own unique strengths and personalities to their roles.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever generated tremendous buzz and excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new ones. The film is a celebration of African culture, a showcase of incredible action and special effects, and a moving tribute to the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, who brought the character of T'Challa to life in the original film.
9
PEARL
Get ready to be creeped out, because after the credits of horror movie X rolled, director Ti West unveiled Pearl, the spine-chilling prequel that dives into the early life of X's elderly female villain.
Mia Goth delivers one of the year's most unforgettable performances as the lead character, Pearl, a young woman whose aspirations of fame are crushed by her bitter mother, sick father, and distant husband away at war. It's a haunting portrayal of spiraling madness that will have you on edge.
But that's not all - Pearl's unforgettable finale is a three-minute unbroken shot of the character staring directly at the camera with an eerie smile, leaving viewers with one of 2022's most indelible images. So if you're ready for a hair-raising experience that will keep you up at night, don't miss Pearl.
8
ENOLA HOLMES 2
Get ready to embark on another exciting mystery with the brilliant and resourceful Enola Holmes in Enola Holmes 2! This sequel to the hit 2020 film sees Millie Bobby Brown reprise her role as the titular character, joined by returning actors Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin.
The film has already garnered critical acclaim, with praise for its clever writing, engaging characters, and fantastic performances. It explores themes of feminism, independence, and individuality, making it a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
So, if you're a fan of clever mysteries, strong female characters, and immersive period pieces, Enola Holmes 2 is the perfect sequel for you! With a talented cast and a thrilling story, this film is sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
7
MINIONS: THE RISE OF THE GRU
Get ready to go on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with everyone's favorite yellow creatures in Minions: The Rise of Gru! This sequel to the hit 2015 film follows the lovable Minions as they team up with a young Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, in his early days as a supervillain.
The film features a talented voice cast including Carell, Taraji P. Henson, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, who bring their characters to life with humor and charm. The film’s success is due in no small part to the film's laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwarming themes. The film explores the bond between the Minions and Gru, showing how they came to be the family we know and love.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and imaginative settings that transport audiences into the world of the Minions. The animation is top-notch, and the attention to detail is impressive.
6
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2
Rev your engines and go on a wild ride with Sonic the Hedgehog 2! This highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 hit film brings back everyone's favorite speedy blue hedgehog, Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, as he teams up with his loyal sidekick, Tails, to take on a new villainous threat.
Joining Schwartz is a star-studded cast including Jim Carrey, who reprises his role as the iconic Dr. Robotnik, and new additions such as Idris Elba, who voices the menacing Knuckles. Sonic's signature speed is on full display, with the film taking full advantage of the character's video game origins.
The film's themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making for a touching and emotional viewing experience.
5
DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
Doctor Strange is back and better than ever in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness! Directed by horror maestro, Sam Raimi, this sequel takes the character to new heights, both visually and thematically.
Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as Doctor Strange, and is joined by Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff. The dynamic between these two characters is electric, and their chemistry on-screen is a joy to watch. The film has already grossed almost $1 billion worldwide, cementing its place as one of the biggest box office hits of the year. It has also been praised for its daring and bold approach to storytelling, with some calling it the best Marvel film yet.
4
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER
Avatar: The Way of Water is the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2009 blockbuster hit directed by James Cameron. The film takes place in the same world as the first film and follows the story of a new character named Na'vi, played by rising star, Bailey Bass.
In addition to the new cast member, the film also brings back some familiar faces including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver. The film has already grossed over $2.243 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Additionally, the film has been praised for its stunning visual effects, which are even more impressive than those of the first film, using cutting-edge technology to create a fully-realized underwater world.
The film also tackles important themes such as environmentalism and the dangers of corporate greed. The film's message is timely and impactful, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
3
GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
For fans of mystery and crime dramas, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a must-watch sequel. Directed by Rian Johnson, who also directed the first Knives Out film, Glass Onion picks up where the first film left off, with detective Benoit Blanc, played by the always-charming Daniel Craig, investigating a new case.
In addition to the return of Craig, the film boasts an all-star cast including Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and Janelle Monáe. The film also grossed over $311 million worldwide, making it a box office success. Additionally, the film has already received critical acclaim and has been nominated for several awards, including Best Screenplay at the 2022 Writers Guild of America Awards.
But what sets Glass Onion apart from other crime dramas is its clever writing and intricate plot twists. Just when you think you have the case solved, a new twist emerges, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.
2
PREY
For fans of the horror genre, Prey, the sequel to Predator, is a thrilling movie that is not to be missed. Directed by Franck Khalfoun, the film follows Toby, played by Logan Miller, as he navigates a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mysterious creature that is terrorizing a remote wilderness area.
The film also stars Kristine Froseth, who delivers a chilling performance as the enigmatic and dangerous hunter who is stalking Toby. In addition to the strong performances, Prey also boasts impressive visual effects that bring the terrifying creature to life.
Prey may not have the same box office numbers as some of the other films on this list, but it has received critical acclaim and won several awards. The film took home the award for Best Cinematography at the 2021 Chattanooga Film Festival and was also nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2021 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards.
1
TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Get ready to take flight with the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 blockbuster hit. Top Gun: Maverick follows the story of hotshot pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by the iconic Tom Cruise, as he navigates the modern-day Navy aviation world. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed Cruise in Oblivion, Top Gun: Maverick is an action-packed adventure filled with heart-pumping aerial stunts and plenty of adrenaline-fueled moments.
In addition to the return of Cruise, the film also boasts an all-star cast including Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, and Jon Hamm. Not only is the cast impressive, but the film has already grossed over $200 million worldwide, making it a box office success. Plus, the film's score was composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer, adding to the overall cinematic experience. With a ton of accolades and a stellar cast and crew, Top Gun: Maverick is a must-see for action movie fans and Tom Cruise enthusiasts alike.
There you have it, folks! The past year has brought us some truly spectacular sequels that have thrilled, entertained, and captivated audiences around the world. From the high-flying action of Top Gun: Maverick to the magical world of Avatar: The Way of Water, there truly is something for everyone on this list.So what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to new and exciting worlds.
