Science fiction is one of the most versatile genres in film, offering fans stories about extraterrestrial adventures and frights, chilling dystopian societies, and exciting technological advances. Several franchises have defined this genre, from the iconic The Terminator to the beloved Star Wars.

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Though the first films in these great sci-fi franchises introduced great storylines to the genre, some sequels surpassed the standards set down by the original. Some of these films had superior storylines and character development that revolutionized the series. Others had a nice twist to the original concept that allowed the movies to continue to stand out within the genre.

10 Back To The Future II (1989)

Die-hard fans of the Back to the Future franchise swear by the original film and consider it far superior to the rest of the movies. However, some fans boldly disagree with this sentiment and find Back to the Future: Part II a more engaging story than the first.

The main reason why part two is considered a superior film to the classic original is that the audience actually gets to see the future. While the title of the original was a clever way of calling the present the "future" when they travel back in time, the sequel finally fulfills the promise of capturing a vision of the future.

9 Aliens (1986)

One of the most heated debates among the Alien fandom is whether the original or the first sequel, Aliens, is the superior film. There's no doubt that Alien is an icon in the horror genre, known for its atmospheric focus and overall influence on the genre.

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However, Aliens is well known for the action-packed sequence that made it such a thrilling watch. The sequel film had more overall success than the original, claiming two Oscars and several other nominations. Though it's praised at least as much as the historical original, Aliens arguably has some of the best action and suspense in all of film-making.

8 Bride Of Frankenstein (1935)

Frankenstein's monster is a classic character in horror and sci-fi, represented in different variants of the original story by Mary Shelley. Bride of Frankenstein, one of the must-watch Frankenstein movies, utilizes one of the more interesting aspects of the original story.

This sequel is an interesting one that also acts as an adaptation. As the monster wanting a companion is a key element in the classic novel, the Bride of Frankenstein brings this interesting aspect to the forefront of the plot. Among the different renditions of Frankenstein, this is the most notable and still a popular cult classic.

7 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, is an icon in the action sci-fi genre. Among Ridley Scott's array of exceptional movies, this chilling dystopian sci-fi is considered one of his masterpieces, highlighting the complicated concept of being human.

However, Blade Runner 2049 has been highly praised as a movie with some of the best visual effects. Though it's debatable if this sequel surpassed the original, many fans agree that the imagery is breathtaking. The duo of Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling truly enhances the franchise's quality.

6 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max, released in 1979, continues to be an icon within dystopian films that depict a doomed near-future experience. Starring Mel Gibson in one of his first major roles, this sci-fi film blends the action of a futuristic world and a classic revenge plotline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

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While Mad Max had a lasting impact on the genre, Mad Max: Fury Road has revolutionized the franchise and made an impression on modern cinema. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Fury Road is a masterpiece when it comes to stunning visual effects and storytelling.

5 Catching Fire (2013)

The Hunger Games films have been praised for their often faithful adaption of the source material. Though the original kickstarted the popularity of this movie franchise, Catching Fire is undoubtedly considered the best adaptation out of the four movies.

Though there is a lot of debate among sci-fi fans as to whether or not the sequels surpass the original, Catching Fire is clearly a better movie than the original. This sequel follows Katniss and Peeta as they go through their victory tour, all while the rebellion in the districts reaches new heights. This second film also has some of the most beautiful imagery and suspense out of the franchise.

4 Logan (2017)

Considering the length of the X-Men movie franchise, fans debate about which is the best in the series. However, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine character is one of the most beloved within the franchise. The reputation of this iconic character certainly has a hand in why Logan is often considered the best X-Men movie.

In addition to this being an epic ending to Wolverine's story, Logan offers a great message about moving beyond someone's past and redeeming one's self. Among this superhero franchise, known for its unique take on mutants, Logan is the perfect example of how to end a hero's story arc.

3 Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a great revival of this unique sci-fi franchise, though it didn't succeed in surpassing the charm and cultural influence of the 1960s Planet of the Apes. However, this revival did bring about the best sequel in the franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

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Though War of the Planet of the Apes was a great conclusion to this franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was a cinematic sensation. The sequel to the revival of this classic sci-fi series was a refreshing movie that managed to do what few could do before it: pay homage to the origin story while creating a sophisticated story that brought something fresh into the series.

2 Terminator: Judgment Day (1991)

The Terminator is a staple in the science fiction action genre that revolutionized the futuristic genre by creating a truly unique storyline that none following have been able to imitate successfully. However, Terminator 2: Judgment Day meets the standards set down by the original and, arguably, exceeds them.

Though flipping the script on the original can be risky in movies, Terminator 2 creates a unique plot that acts as a natural progression to the storyline. Schwarzenegger was an epic villain in the original, but many fans enjoyed the Terminator character more as a badass hero.

1 The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Utilizing the most advanced technology of the time and an unmatched soundtrack, the first Star Wars in 1977 changed the landscape for sci-fi movies forever. However, though the original film will always be a trademark in cinematic history, the most iconic film in the original franchise is Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered the best Star Wars film to date. This sequel not only succeeded in expanding the universe for those to follow but has one of the most shocking reveals in cinematic history. The movie is also the most quoted (and misquoted) film ever, with even those unfamiliar with the franchise knowing the line, "No, I am your father."

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