10. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
> Original in franchise: The Bourne Identity (2002)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10 (sequel), 7.9/10 (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 92% (sequel), 83% (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 91% (sequel), 93% (original)
The second Bourne film from Paul Greengrass (and the third overall) continues the director’s propulsive hand-held camera style. Still trying to uncover his mysterious origins, Bourne (Matt Damon) embarks on a global adventure with various enemies hot on his heels.
9. Goldfinger (1964)
> Original in franchise: Dr. No (1962)
> IMDb user rating: 7.7/10 (sequel), 7.2/10 (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 99% (sequel), 95% (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 89% (sequel), 82% (original)
The James Bond franchise honed its style and formula with the third installment, which pits Agent 007 (Connery) against criminal magnate Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe). Everything from the extended pre-credits sequence to the abundance of gadgetry to the cheeky one-liners would become series staples for decades thereafter.
8. Logan (2017)
> Original in franchise: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (sequel), 6.6/10 (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 93% (sequel), 37% (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 90% (sequel), 58% (original)
A somewhat lackluster trilogy concluded on a high note with this R-rated entry from director James Mangold. It takes place in a future wasteland and finds the titular hero (Hugh Jackman) living in a weary state of isolation. With the emergence of a mutant child (Dafne Keen) and evil corporation comes a reason to bare the claws one last time.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II (2011)
> Original in franchise: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (sequel), 7.6/10 (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 96% (sequel), 81% (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 89% (sequel), 82% (original)
The final battle between good and evil plays out in this blockbuster Harry Potter adventure. Directed by franchise stalwart David Yates, it delivers thrilling action sequences while landing its emotional punches. “Easily the best of the series,” wrote critic David Nusair for Reel Film.
6. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
> Original in franchise: The Avengers (2012)
> IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (sequel), 8.0/10 (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 94% (sequel), 91% (original)
> Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 90% (sequel), 91% (original)
This Marvel epic clocks in at just over three hours and picks up five years after the catastrophic events of “Infinity War.” Utilizing a time travel loophole, the Avengers take on Thanos once again in their attempt to restore universal order. It’s the second highest-grossing film of all time (unadjusted for inflation).
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