12 Sci-Fi Movie Sequels That Deserve A Second Chance

Of all the entries on this list, this must have been one of the most unexpected even for the filmmakers. The original film in the series, 1992’s Jean Claude Van-Damme-starring R-rated action thriller set in a dystopian future, saw a regenerated Vietnam vet escape a program intended to create the perfect… well, the clue’s in the title.

It wasn’t loved by critics and its first sequel was widely reviled, but when the third instalment was released straight to DVD in 2009, a funny thing happened. Critics raved about its innovative sci-fi action sequences, praising the flick’s inventive direction and impressive brutality and thus leading the film to find legions of fans outside of the usual late-night action flick crowd.

Now Regeneration is seen as a solid cult classic well worth revisiting, and even the fourth instalment, 2012’s Day of Reckoning, garnered praise for its offbeat Lynchian atmosphere and original action.