15 Best Sci-Fi Movie Sequels EVER

Yes, okay, so there’s more than a pair of Marvel efforts on this list. But come on—was there any way we could leave this instant classic from 2017 off this rundown?

The second outing for Slither helmer James Gunn’s mismatched team of ragtag misfits should, by rights, have flopped, burdened as it was with high expectations and shorn of the surprise sleeper hit element which made the first film such a success. Now that Rocket Raccoon and Groot were instantly recognizable household names, how would the former Troma director impress audiences all over again?

Well, by taking things to a deeper, darker, and more personal place than the first film did, as Starlord’s encounter with his estranged father results in one of the MCU’s most emotionally mature hours. Don’t worry, though—between Baby Groot, an expanded role for Michael Rooker’s loveable Yondu, and newcomer Mantis, this’s also one of the franchise’s funniest outings.