15 Best Sci-Fi Movie Sequels EVER

What else were we going to give the top spot to—Piranha 2: The Spawning (the flying fish sci-fi horror sequel which was James Cameron’s first foray into follow-up films)?

When Ridley Scott helmed his intense, gritty “haunted house in space” chiller Alien in 1979, the pared back horror thriller combined inventive production design from HR Giger with sparse characterisation, constant tension, and a phenomenal turn from a young Sigourney Weaver which, along with the eponymous unforgettable villain, ensured the flick became an instant classic amongst genre fans. Who could top this?

James F***ing Cameron. A full seven years later, the always ambitious Titanic helmer shifted the tone of the series into a military action thriller with a far larger scope, adding one letter to the sequel title and in the process moving from a simple small-scale horror story into a massive sprawling action extravaganza.

One of few successful action horrors, this sci fi thrill ride has everything—a deeper character arc for Ripley, more lore and a fuller understanding of the series' universe (including some satirical shots at big business), a larger cast of likeable characters, more impressive action set pieces, larger scale scares, and so many of the terrifying titular monsters, including the literal mother of all cinematic alien nightmares.