There are several visually stunning fantasy movies to compelling storylines to memorable characters. This genre is so vast that there is always a movie for everyone, even for those who might not particularly care for fantasy.
Many iconic fantasy franchises. The genre only continues to grow, allowing room for more sequel opportunities. While many follow-up films disappoint, many fantasy sequels are just as good as or even better than the first film. The reasons vary from more riveting storylines to better directing and editing. Regardless of the reason, these fantasy sequels have impacted the genre on their own, establishing themselves as high-quality films.
10 Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets
First Movie – Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Release Date
- November 13, 2002
- Runtime
- 161 minutes
- Director
- Chris Columbus
Cast
Harry Potter
Ron Weasley
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves
- Prequel(s)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets is often one of the more overlooked second-book syndrome, the movie adaptation is arguably one of the most stunning of the film series. Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets introduces new visual effects, such as the Weasleys' flying car, Aragog, and the Basilisk.
The new scenarios in Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets make this movie just as good as Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone. Furthermore, the mystery surrounding the muggle-born wizards makes Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets more compelling and exciting than its predecessor.
9 The Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King
First Movie – The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Release Date
- December 17, 2003
- Runtime
- 201 Minutes
- Director
- Peter Jackson
Cast
Elijah Wood
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Peter Jackson
- Prequel(s)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Franchise(s)
- The Lord of the Rings
All three the One Ring reaches a climax when Frodo and Sam finally reach Mount Doom.
10 Biggest Changes LOTR: The Return Of The King Makes To The Book
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, but it was different from its source material in a good few ways.
Even after Sauron is defeated, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provides excellent closure for the primary characters. This film portrays a happy ending for all the heroes—even Frodo, who struggles the most in the aftermath. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the perfect way to end a great film trilogy, and Sauron's defeat and the aftermath make this film more epic than its predecessors.
8 Shrek 2
First Movie – Shrek
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Shrek 2
- Release Date
- May 19, 2004
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
- Director
- Kelly Asbury, Andrew Adamson, Conrad Vernon
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- David N. Weiss, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem, Andrew Adamson
- Prequel(s)
- Shrek
- Sequel(s)
- Shrek Forever After
- Franchise(s)
- Shrek
For a movie as iconic as Shrek, it seems impossible that any of its sequels would be better, but Shrek 2 accomplishes this feat. Shrek 2 takes everything to the next level, including music, humor, plot, and characters. Shrek has an amazing soundtrack with hits such as "All Star," "Hallelujah," and "I'm a Believer." However, Shrek 2 features even more iconic songs, including "Accidentally in Love," "Holding Out for a Hero," and "Livin' la Vida Loca."
Furthermore, Shrek 2 is even funnier than the first film because of the introduction of new iconic characters such as Puss in Boots, Prince Charming, and Fairy Godmother—not to mention that Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona are back with their usual funny antics. Shrek 2's plot is more exciting because the stakes are even higher, and Fairy Godmother is a more iconic villain than Lord Farquaad. Of course, Shrek still revolutionized animation and fantasy in film, but Shrek 2 is bolder, better, and braver.
7 Twilight: New Moon
First Movie – Twilight
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The Twilight Saga: New Moon
- Release Date
- November 18, 2009
- Runtime
- 130 minutes
- Director
- Chris Weitz
Cast
Taylor Lautner
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Melissa Rosenberg
- Prequel(s)
- Twilight
- Sequel(s)
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2
- Franchise(s)
- The Twilight Saga
Although New Moon is the least interesting installment of the Twilight books, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is one of the best Twilight Saga movies. Twilight has a more compelling plot, and New Moon does not become exciting until the end. However, the directing and editing of the first Twilight film dampens the storyline significantly. It is messy and confusing, making a fascinating story dull. On the other hand, Twilight: New Moon takes the least compelling installment and turns it into a decent film.
The Twilight Saga |
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|---|---|---|---|
Movie |
Release Date |
Writer(s) |
Director(s) |
Twilight |
November 21, 2008 |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Catherine Hardwicke |
The Twilight Saga: New Moon |
November 20, 2009 |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Chris Weitz |
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse |
June 30, 2010 |
Melissa Rosenberg |
David Slade |
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 |
November 18, 2011 |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Bill Condon |
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 |
November 16, 2012 |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Bill Condon |
Bella and Jacob also have zero chemistry in the books, whereas Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner's chemistry is much more exciting to watch. The actors who play the Volturi—Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl, and Cameron Bright—make these villains more compelling. The introduction of Twilight's Quileutes—Jacob's wolf pack—also establishes a new side to the supernatural world. Edward is hardly in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, but it is still a better adaptation than Twilight.
6 Nanny Mhee & The Big Bang
First Movie – Nanny Mhee
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Nanny Mhee and the Big Bang
- Release Date
- March 26, 2010
- Runtime
- 109 minutes
- Director
- Susanna White
Cast
Nanny Mhee
Norman Green
Lord Gray
Maggie GyllenhaalIsabel Green
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Emma Thompson
- Producers
- Debra Hayward, Eric Fellner, Lindsay Doran, Liza Chasin
Nanny Mhee is a decent film, but Nanny Mhee & the Big Bang is even better. Although the first film is more financially successful, the sequel fares better in just about every other department. Nanny Mhee and her powers have already been established, allowing the sequel to dive into the exciting action much faster than the first film. The stakes are higher with a more devious villain, more dire circumstances, and more magic.
Emma Thompson, who portrays the titular character in both movies, also wrote both screenplays.
Of course, Nanny Mhee is still a great film, but the first movie acts more like a precursor to the main event, Nanny Mhee & the Big Bang. The Greens are also better developed than the Browns, most likely because Nanny Mhee focuses on the fairy tale aspect more than the individual characters. It is a shame that the sequel did not do as well as anticipated because Nanny Mhee 3 would surely have been just as good as the sequel.
5 How to Train Your Dragon 2
First Movie – How To Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon 2
- Released
- June 10, 2014
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Torus Games
- Publisher(s)
- Little Orbit
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op
The How to Train Your Dragon movies are all great installments, a rare feat for a trilogy. However, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the superior film. While all three movies are excellent, How to Train Your Dragon 2 introduces higher stakes because the antagonist is a much bigger threat than the Red Death. How to Train Your Dragon 2 also features incredible character development on top of a compelling plot, whereas the first film primarily focuses on the antagonistic dynamic between humans and dragons.
Hiccup and Toothless endure challenging journeys that strengthen the film's storyline, ending with incredible development for both characters.
Similarly to the Nanny Mhee movies, How to Train Your Dragon seems like a prequel to the actual conflict in the sequel. Hiccup and Toothless endure challenging journeys that strengthen the film's storyline, ending with incredible development for both characters. The dragons and the humans have their respective storylines in How to Train Your Dragon 2, but they both intertwine at the end. This factor fleshes out the trilogy's fantastical world more effectively.
4 Descendants 2
First Movie – Descendants
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Descendants 2
- Release Date
- July 21, 2017
- Runtime
- 111minutes
- Director
- Kenny Ortega
Cast
Dove Cameron
Cameron Boyce
Sofia Carson
Booboo Stewart
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Sara Parriott, Josann McGibbon
- Prequel(s)
- The Descendants
While Descendants is a great film, it falls a little flat compared to Disney Channel's previous musical films, such as High School Musical or The Cheetah Girls. The soundtrack is decent, but the film wasted Kristin Chenoweth's potential, and the only memorable songs are "Rotten to the Core" and "Set it Off." Descendants has a great plot and compelling characters, but its sequel, Descendants 2, knocks it out of the park. Every song in Descendants 2 is a massive hit, from "Ways to be Wicked" to "What's My Name" to "Chillin' Like a Villain" to "Space Between."
Furthermore, the action is much more exciting in Descendants 2 because the antagonist, Uma, plays a more active role than Mal's mother in the first film. The new characters in Descendants 2 complete the storyline and add more flair to this universe. Most importantly, Descendants 2 is a movie that can rival High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls.
3 Mary Poppins Returns
First Movie – Mary Poppins
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Mary Poppins Returns
- Release Date
- December 19, 2018
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Rob Marshall
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- David Magee
- Prequel(s)
- Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is one of Disney's most iconic films, so when Mary Poppins Returns was announced, it seemed impossible that the sequel could live up to the original. However, Mary Poppins Returns exceeds every expectation and serves as an excellent reminder of why the first film is so beloved to begin with. Mary Poppins Returns reinvents the titular character while keeping classic elements, such as the animation and live-action sequence, the chimney sweep musical number, and a grand finale.
Emily Blunt pays Mary Poppins justice with her interpretation of the character. She is respectful of Julie Andrews while adding her own flair. Mary Poppins Returns is also able to do a lot more with visual effects, given that it was released in 2018, compared to its predecessor in 1964. While Mary Poppins Returns might not be better than the original film, it is certainly just as good, with its own strengths.
2 Frozen 2
First Movie – Frozen
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Frozen II
- Release Date
- November 22, 2019
- Runtime
- 103 minutes
- Director
- Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
Cast
Sterling K. Brown
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Allison Schroeder
- Prequel(s)
- Frozen Fever
- Franchise(s)
- Disney
Similarly to Mary Poppins Returns, Frozen 2 is not necessarily better than the first film, but it is just as good. Frozen 2 acts as a second part of the entire story, which is a significant reason why it is in the same league as Frozen. Frozen focuses on Anna and Elsa coming into themselves while repairing their bond. On the other hand, Frozen 2 continues to strengthen and deepen this bond, allowing it to extend beyond Arendelle's borders.
It is difficult to imagine what Frozen 3 can come up with because Frozen 2 feels final. Whereas the end of Frozen provides a lot of potential for a sequel, Frozen 2 does not accomplish the same thing. However, both Frozen and Frozen 2 have memorable songs, from "Let it Go" to "Into the Unknown" to "For the First Time in Forever" to "Show Yourself." Both Frozen movies are two halves of a whole, so it makes sense that Frozen 2 is just as good as Frozen.
1 Avatar: The Way of the Water
First Movie – Avatar
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Avatar: The Way of Water
- Release Date
- December 16, 2022
- Runtime
- 190 Minutes
- Director
- James Cameron
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- James Cameron, Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Shane Salerno, Amanda Silver
- Prequel(s)
- Avatar
- Sequel(s)
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Franchise(s)
- Avatar
James Cameron's Avatar movies set up quite the franchise, with its next installment, Avatar: Fire & Ash. There are high expectations for this movie, especially because the first sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is even better than the first film. The first two Avatar movies have revolutionized the film industry, especially with visual effects and the series' impact on 3D movies. Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water have almost 15 years between them, allowing incredible strides in visuals, setting, and effects. Avatar: The Way of Water is far more visually stunning than its predecessor.
Every Avatar Movie (2025-2031)
Here's everything currently known about the four Avatar sequels planned by James Cameron up until 2031, including plots, titles, and casting.
Furthermore, Avatar: The Way of Water deepens the characters' dynamics and histories while adding more attributes to the creative world-building. If each Avatar film continues in this direction, the sequels will continue to be better than their predecessors. Avatar: The Way of Water has greatly improved this fantasy world from the first film and, hopefully, will continue to do so with future sequels.
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