10 Most Insufferable Film Sequels Since 2000

The first Terminator movie without James Cameron, Rise Of The Machines began the trend for frankly rubbish sequels that disappointed audiences and failed to add anything worthwhile to the franchise. Critics can debate whether it’s the worst sequel, but it deserves credit for being the most imitative.

Until near the end, the movie is nothing more than a slavish imitation of T2, which it matches beat for beat. The terminators arrive, they acquire clothes and set off in pursuit of John Connor. Instead of a huge chase through a Los Angeles storm drain, there’s a huge chase through the city’s streets. Instead of going to Cyberdyne to kill Miles Dyson, the characters track down Lieutenant General Brewster, Skynet’s primary creator.

Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “flat”, Rise Of The Machines is so underwhelming that it persuaded the makers of Terminator Salvation to ditch the formula (and the humour) in favour of a grim, gritty war movie. So if you hate that movie – and if you hate Salvation, you must really hate Genisys – don’t forget that this is where the rot first set in.