15 Best Sci-Fi Movie Sequels EVER

Following up 2011’s surprisingly solid Rise of the Planet of the Apes was no easy ask when the James Franco-starring effort had caught audiences off guard with its original, poignant story of Franco and Freida Pinto’s tentative romance, John Lithgow’s dementia-suffering old timer, and the unfortunate side effects of one scientist’s unchecked ambition and the nefarious machinations of his amoral corporate employer.

However, when Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hit cinemas in 2014, the increased intelligence of its eponymous ape characters meant the moral complexity of the series was deepened as viewers were forced to question where their allegiances lay as the film pondered big questions of humanity, diplomacy, and the rule of law. If that all sounds too cerebral, it’s worth remembering that the sequel also saw an escalation in both the tension and action of the series, offering up some unforgettable set pieces to compliment its thoughtful philosophical introspection.