15 Best Sci-Fi Movie Sequels EVER

There’s nothing too far wrong about the original Star Trek cinematic outing, but there’s also no instance of a hammy “KHAAAAAN!” featured therein, so you can see why this darker, more mature follow-up made the list instead.

Yes, the cinematic offerings from Gene Rodenberry’s frequently revived, never-bettered series were varied in quality, but there’s no denying that the more dramatic, funnier, and altogether superior Wrath of Khan stands head and shoulders over its competitors.

Blessed with one of franchise veteran William Shatner’s finest turns, the film takes the agreeably cheesy aspects of the series and marries them with a cinematic scope as well as a more complex, engaging story than we’re used to, one where the show’s “planet of the week” formula can’t be relied on to save the day and we’re left to contend with the mortality of these beloved, but ultimately flawed and human, characters.