20 Greatest Direct Sequels Ever Made

18. Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes

Back To The Future II
20th Century Studios

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes sealed the rebooted series' reputation as one of the best franchises in Hollywood, with a refreshing focus on story and character at the expense of the mindless destruction that usually dominates summer blockbusters, yet still featured the awesome sight of rifle-toting apes riding horseback into battle.

With Matt Reeves replacing Rupert Wyatt behind the camera and advancing the story ten years, the director is free to make a movie that can stand on its own merits without being shackled to its predecessor and makes the most of the creative freedom that it entails.

Backed by Weta's jaw-dropping CGI and Andy Serkis' iconic, awards-worthy performance as the now almost-mythical Caesar, Dawn crafts an emotional and intelligent narrative that sees the audience rooting firmly for the apes as Caesar is drawn into conflicts with both humans and his fellow apes that he would much rather avoid in order to safeguard his family and community.

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