The Good, The Bad, And The Worst Sequels Of Movies From The ‘80s
The 1980s gave us some of the most iconic films of all time, but not every great movie needed a sequel. Unfortunately, Hollywood didn’t always get the memo. Here are 10 movies from the ’80s that were perfect on their own, but their follow-ups only tarnished their legacies.
Highlander (1986) & Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
The original “Highlander” was a stylish, action-packed fantasy film with an intriguing mythology. However, “Highlander II: The Quickening” ruined everything by introducing bizarre alien origins that contradicted the first movie. The sequel outraged the fans and was thoroughly panned by the critics.
Caddyshack (1980) & Caddyshack II (1988)
“Caddyshack” was a comedy classic filled with legendary performances. Without Bill Murray and Rodney Dangerfield, the sequel felt forced and unfunny. The slapstick humor was uninspired, and even Chevy Chase couldn’t save it. Ultimately, this unnecessary sequel was a double bogey for fans of the original.
The Fly (1986) & The Fly II (1989)
David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” is a gruesome yet thought-provoking horror masterpiece. But the sequel lacked his vision and replaced psychological horror with mindless gore. The emotional depth of the original was missing, which left the audiences with an empty and forgettable follow-up. Without Cronenberg, the franchise lost its sting.
RoboCop (1987) & RoboCop 2 (1990)
At first glance, “RoboCop 2” appeared to have the same action-packed, dystopian appeal as the original. But closer analysis revealed a shallow, cynical film that lacked the original movie’s sharp social commentary. Instead of a gripping sci-fi watch, audiences got a soulless action flick.
Gremlins (1984) & Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
“Gremlins” blended horror and comedy perfectly and created an unforgettable Christmas classic. On the other hand, “Gremlins 2” went all-in on cartoonish absurdity, making the creatures more ridiculous than terrifying. It completely abandoned the charm of the original movie and felt more like a parody than a sequel.
Mannequin (1987) & Mannequin Two: On the Move (1991)
The first “Mannequin” was lighthearted and whimsical, a fun guilty pleasure. The sequel, however, was lifeless and uninspired and failed to capture the original’s quirky romance. In the end, the charm of the original was lost.
The NeverEnding Story (1984) & The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990)
Some stories are best left untold, and “The NeverEnding Story II” proved it. Like a beautiful painting defaced with childish scribbles, this sequel stripped away the original’s magic. The script was weak, and the effects were lackluster. A complete recast made it feel like an uninspired imitation of its prequel.
Arthur (1981) & Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988)
The original “Arthur” had heart, humor, and a perfectly messy lead in Dudley Moore. But the sequel? Not so much. “Arthur 2” leaned too hard on old jokes and half-baked plotlines, losing the charm that made the first film a classic. It’s the kind of follow-up that makes you wish they’d just left well enough alone.
Fright Night (1985) & Fright Night Part 2 (1988)
“Fright Night” was a perfect blend of horror and humor, set in a creepy suburban neighborhood. The sequel introduced new characters but lacked the charm of the original. As a result, what could have been a cult classic follow-up ended up forgotten in the shadows.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) & An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)
The first film set a new standard for horror-comedy with groundbreaking effects. Years later, its sequel destroyed that legacy and delivered a bland story with bad CGI. The future of the franchise became nonexistent after “An American Werewolf in Paris” killed any hopes of another installment.
