Sequel! Does the word immediately make you cringe, or think 'unnecessary cash-grab'? Understandable. However, once in a while, a sequel is made that may actually surpass the original, not just financially, but in how it's recognized. It's been known to happen! Here's a brief list I thought of, and I'm not going to get into planned series, such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter. Again, these are sequels that are often seen as 'better' than their originals by critics and fans, and sometimes financially, too.

-The Dark Knight- I like the movie and think it's a good one, but personally I'm not sure how much 'better' it is than Batman Begins. However, I seem to be in the minority here, as most seem to feel that TDK is superior. It certainly made a Hell of a lot more money, but again, it seems to be higher-esteemed, too.

-The Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn- I definitely think fans are right on this one; many think this one is superior to its original, and I agree. Primarily because this is the movie that gave us the Ash we all know and love, and carries on into Army of Darkness. What's funny about this movie though is, although it's numbered like a sequel, it....technically isn't; it's a redux. Maybe this means it shouldn't count on this list? Well, it is the second in the series, so..

-The Godfather, Part II- There are those who call this one as better than the original entry. Sure, it doesn't have Brando, but it does have a rising Al Pacino, and provides more drama and the deepening conflicts of the Corleone family. I haven't seen these movies in a long time, so I'm not really sure who I agree with. I think I understand the viewpoint of TGFII being 'superior,' though.

-The Silence of the Lambs- This is another interesting case in that this is the second entry in a series, but it's actually more recognized and imprinted into film history and popular culture than its technical predecessor, Manhunter (originally written by Thomas Harris as Red Dragon, which did receive a redux with the correct title, many years later). The main reason is probably due to the performances of Anthony Hopkins and Jodi Foster, and well, chances are, if someone has a favorite entry in the Hannibal Lecter movie series, it's probably The Silence of the Lambs.

-Spider-Man 2- I'm conflicted as to whether I think this movie is really 'better' than the first one or not; I love them both. However, many fans love the sequel the most, calling it one of the best, if not the best, superhero/funnybook movies ever made. I agree it's definitely high up there. What I like is the deepening story and development of Peter, as he does grow and change in all the movies. I guess the story is probably better in a lot of ways here. Also, we get more J.J., and J.K. Simmons is awesome.

-Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan- I have to admit, I can't entirely speak for this one myself. I'm not much of a Star Trek fan, and I haven't seen this movie in many, many years, if I even saw all of it at all. I have not seen all of the original movie either, but even I know that fans love the sequel a lot more. From what I gather, the story is just seen as more interesting, and well, obviously WoK has what's generally accepted as the greatest moments out of all of the Star Trek movies, if not in all of Star Trek itself, period. You can't beat that. For...Star Trek, I mean.

-Terminator 2: Judgement Day- Truly, this is one of the best and greatest sequels ever made, no question. It was a real game-changer for special effects, too, much like Star Wars before it was. I think in many ways, it is a 'better' movie than the original, but at the same time, I love both, and they are both good at doing different things. This one seems to be more recognized and celebrated anymore, though.

-Toy Story 2- I'm not a hardcore fan of this series, but I think I can see why many consider this one to be superior to the original Toy Story. We spend deeper time with the characters, and it's nice to them in environments outside of Andy's room. I thought it was...kind of silly that you do get toys running around outside in broad day light and no one noticed, but....well, it's a cartoon and meant for kids, so....I think IGN also has rated this movie as the greatest animated movie ever made. I....definitely wouldn't go that far. But that's IGN for you.

-The View Askew movies- This depends on how you want to look at it. Technically, most of these movies aren't really 'sequels;' the only numbered sequel is Clerks II. There is an order for these movies and where they fall in relation to each other, though. If I'm not mistaken, Mallrats takes place before Clerks, although Clerks was made first. I believe Chasing Amy comes after Clerks, but again, it's technically not a 'sequel;' it just takes place in the same world that was established in Clerks. Both Clerks and Chasing Amy were well-received though, with the latter being the favorite Kevin Smith movie of many fans. You could thus call this an example of a 'sequel' more liked than its predecessor. As far as Clerks II goes, I personally do like it a little better than Clerks, although I....don't think most fans agree with me. Aw well.

       So, thoughts? Any sequels that I missed?