13 Underrated Movie Sequels That People Hate For No Reason

13 Underrated Movie Sequels That People Hate For No Reason

Some sequels never stood a chance. The shadow of the original was too long, the expectations too high, or the studio tried something different and fans weren’t ready for it. But here’s the thing—time has a funny way of revealing hidden gems. Many films that were mocked, dismissed, or outright hated when they first came out have since found loyal audiences who see them for what they really are: underrated entries that deserve a second look.

1. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

While it didn’t have the fresh magic of the first Jurassic Park, the sequel still delivered plenty of dino-sized thrills. Steven Spielberg leaned into darker territory, making the second installment more of a survival thriller than a wide-eyed wonder story.

The raptor grass scene alone is enough to justify its existence, proving Spielberg still knew how to terrify audiences. Jeff Goldblum also took center stage, and his dry humor carried the movie through its rougher patches.

Sure, the San Diego ending was a little over the top, but who doesn’t want to see a T. rex stomping through suburbia? If you accept it as a pulpy adventure instead of a repeat of the first, it’s wildly entertaining.

2. Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

Keanu Reeves may have jumped ship, but that doesn’t mean the sequel is a total disaster. Sandra Bullock returned and gave it her all, turning what could’ve been a throwaway movie into a campy disaster-thriller worth revisiting.

The “bus can’t slow down” concept was never going to work twice, so the switch to a cruise ship actually made sense. The pacing drags in spots, but when things finally explode—literally—the payoff is pretty satisfying.

Plus, Willem Dafoe as the eccentric villain is so gleefully unhinged that he’s reason enough to give this movie another chance. It’s cheesy, yes, but if you treat it as a big, loud summer popcorn flick, it’s much more fun than people admit.

3. Batman Forever (1995)

Gone was Tim Burton’s gothic gloom, replaced by neon lights, Dutch angles, and Jim Carrey bouncing off the walls as the Riddler. The tonal shift was jarring for many fans, but if you let go of comparisons, it’s a colorful, eccentric slice of ’90s superhero filmmaking.

Val Kilmer stepped into the cowl and gave Batman a more human, conflicted edge. Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman’s Dr. Chase Meridian added a campy but fun romantic subplot that fit perfectly with the film’s heightened energy.

Is it silly? Absolutely. But Batman Forever has an infectious, cartoonish energy that’s aged into a cult classic. It’s the kind of movie that may not take itself too seriously, but still manages to entertain in spades.

4. Grease 2 (1982)

People expected another cultural phenomenon like the original Grease, and what they got instead was a quirky, campy musical that marched to the beat of its own drum. And honestly? That’s part of its charm.

Michelle Pfeiffer shines as Stephanie, bringing cool-girl swagger to the Pink Ladies in a way that rivals even Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy. The songs may not have reached “Summer Nights” level fame, but they’re undeniably catchy, with “Cool Rider” standing out as an earworm classic.

It’s the kind of sequel that feels more like a cult midnight movie than a mainstream hit, and that’s exactly where it thrives. Fans who revisit it now often find themselves asking why they dismissed it in the first place.

5. Rocky V (1990)

Coming after the bombastic Rocky IV, this entry felt like a massive downshift, and audiences weren’t thrilled. Instead of a glitzy Cold War showdown, they got a street fight and a story about broken dreams.

But that’s precisely why it’s worth another look. Rocky V strips the franchise back to its roots, showing the toll of fame and fighting on a man who never truly left his working-class roots behind. The mentor-student relationship between Rocky and Tommy Gunn, though flawed, brought a new emotional layer.

And that street fight finale? It may not be a championship bout, but it’s raw, gritty, and exactly the kind of thing Rocky Balboa would throw himself into.

6. Alien 3 (1992)

Few films have been hated so quickly. Killing off beloved characters right at the start didn’t win David Fincher’s debut many fans, but the movie itself is far better than its reputation suggests.

The stark, industrial prison setting is one of the bleakest in the franchise, turning the survival horror dial all the way up. Ripley’s arc here is haunting and powerful, showing her sacrifice and resilience in a way that makes the ending unforgettable.

Yes, studio interference muddied Fincher’s vision, but the bones of a chilling, atmospheric horror film are there. Over time, Alien 3 has gained respect for being bold enough to zig when everyone expected it to zag.

7. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Few things spark more internet rage than Indy surviving a nuclear blast in a fridge. That one scene soured a lot of people, but if you can move past it, the movie isn’t nearly as bad as the jokes suggest.

Harrison Ford still embodied the character perfectly, balancing gruff humor with classic adventuring spirit. The jungle chase sequence and the return of Karen Allen as Marion gave fans plenty to cheer for.

Sure, the aliens were divisive, but let’s be real—every Indiana Jones movie had a supernatural twist. This one just leaned into sci-fi. It may not hit Raiders-level highs, but it’s still a worthy and fun addition to the franchise.

8. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Fans expecting Michael Myers were blindsided, and the backlash was brutal. But taken on its own, this is a wonderfully weird little horror movie.

The story about evil Halloween masks that literally melt children’s faces is pure nightmare fuel. The synth-heavy score and surreal atmosphere make it one of the most unique horror films of the ’80s.

What hurt it in the short term—no Myers—has since become its greatest strength. It stands apart as a creepy anthology entry that dares to do something different. Today, it’s embraced as the oddball cousin of the franchise, and rightfully so.

9. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Following one of the greatest action movies ever made was never going to be easy. But this sequel doesn’t deserve the scorn it often gets.

The action is relentless, with some set pieces—like the crane chase—ranking among the best in the series. Kristanna Loken’s T-X brought a fresh new kind of threat, blending cold menace with a futuristic twist.

Most importantly, the movie’s ending is shockingly bold. Instead of a neat victory, humanity loses, Judgment Day happens, and the franchise takes a darker turn. That alone makes it worth more credit than it usually gets.

10. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Expectations were sky-high, and when the sequel delivered philosophy-heavy dialogue and a cliffhanger, fans weren’t thrilled. But looking back, it’s one of the boldest sci-fi sequels ever attempted.

The action choreography is jaw-dropping, with the freeway chase still holding up as one of the best action sequences of all time. The introduction of the Architect and deeper exploration of the Matrix lore gave the trilogy a mythic weight.

It’s a movie that asks a lot of its audience, and that ambition deserves respect. While not as universally beloved as the first film, it’s aged into a fascinating, underrated chapter of the saga.

11. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

By the time it came out, the prequels were already a punchline. But Episode III proved there was more to the story than just clunky dialogue and CGI overload.

The fall of Anakin Skywalker is handled with operatic tragedy, giving the saga some of its most emotional moments. The duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin on Mustafar remains one of the franchise’s most iconic battles.

Yes, there are some lines that fans still joke about, but the emotional weight and visual spectacle are undeniable. Today, many fans consider it the crown jewel of the prequel trilogy—and for good reason.

12. Tron: Legacy (2010)

Glowing grids and Daft Punk’s legendary soundtrack weren’t enough to win everyone over in 2010, but in hindsight, this movie is way cooler than it got credit for.

The digital world is stunningly realized, blending sleek design with a moody, futuristic tone that still looks fresh today. While the story is simple, the emotional arc between father and son adds unexpected heart to all the neon spectacle.

Its biggest strength is its atmosphere—few films capture a vibe as perfectly as this one. Over time, Tron: Legacy has grown into a cult favorite, beloved for its visuals, music, and sheer style.

13. Ghostbusters II (1989)

The first Ghostbusters was lightning in a bottle, so no sequel could ever live up to it. But the follow-up isn’t nearly as bad as its reputation suggests.

The cast’s chemistry is still electric, and the plot—slime fueled by New York’s negativity—is both goofy and strangely clever. Vigo the Carpathian may not be Gozer, but he’s a memorable villain in his own right.

It’s also packed with fun moments, from the dancing toaster to the Statue of Liberty coming to life. Is it as groundbreaking as the original? No. But as a fun continuation with the same beloved crew, it absolutely holds up.