10 Disney Sequels That Surpass the Originals You Can’t Miss!

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Globally, people are captivated by Disney’s vast collection of timeless animated and live-action masterpieces, such as movies, TV series, video games, and theme parks. Their narratives continue to prove enduring, drawing crowds to cinemas in anticipation of their latest tales.

There are numerous films that follow iconic movies, hoping to match their predecessor’s prestige. But it’s seldom seen in Hollywood when a sequel reaches the same level as the original. Interestingly, Disney has been successful in revisiting classic tales and creating fresh versions on multiple occasions.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

1995 saw the debut of Toy Story, which was met with deafening applause and an eagerness for more. Despite the original film being near-perfect, the creative minds behind it found ways to make their narratives even more captivating with Toy Story 2. This sequel brought back Woody and Buzz, voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen respectively, and introduced a new character – Jessie, a cowgirl toy played by Joan Cusack.

As a die-hard movie buff, I find myself captivated by the latest chapter in the Toy Story saga. In this installment, Woody, my beloved cowboy pal, gets inadvertently peddled at a yard sale to a covetous toy store proprietor named Al. This shrewd collector adds Woody and his Roundup gang to his prized possessions. However, Al intends to sell them off to foreign markets. It’s up to Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the toys to save the day. While there’s no denying that each of the original three Toy Story films are timeless classics, this new adventure promises to be just as thrilling!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

James Gunn significantly transformed and elevated the superhero genre through his critically acclaimed 2014 release, “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This film not only stands out as a shining example of top-tier storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it also set the stage for an even more remarkable, fulfilling culmination of the franchise and trilogy with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

For quite some time now, viewers have been invested in these characters across multiple movies, such as “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” With so much narrative still unfolding, James Gunn delivers a satisfying conclusion in “Vol. 3.” Not only does the team shine at its peak, but we encounter one of the most impressive villains in recent memory with the High Evolutionary, portrayed brilliantly by Chukwudi Iwuji. This marks the final chapter of the saga.

Monsters University (2013)

Monsters Inc. is frequently considered a top pick among fans when it comes to this company. Yet, its equally impressive sequel, Monsters University, often gets overlooked and undervalued. This sequel is worthy of the same level, if not more, acclaim. It reintroduces the original pair, Mike and Sully, voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman, as they recount their first encounter in college while training to become scarers.

In an unusual twist, Mike harbored a passion for becoming a scare-master, yet was frequently dismissed and met with skepticism. Rather than directly confirming his abilities, the movie takes a surprising turn by demonstrating that he wasn’t cut out to be one. Disappointingly, Mike discovers this when he is expelled from university, but it doesn’t deter him. Through his bond with Sully, they manage to climb the ranks and ultimately win over fans as the unforgettable scare-master duo.

High School Musical 2 (2007)

Enthusiasts of the movies often debate that any of the trilogy is remarkable, but it’s High School Musical 2 that typically sparks the most discussion about which one is the best. High School Musical was the game-changer, and it significantly shaped the identity of the channel during its time. The return of characters that viewers had grown to love from the first installment was quite a spectacle, and this time around, they were embarking on their summer vacation.

I wholeheartedly affirm that Kenny Ortega has once again crafted a magnificent work, this time with upbeat pop tunes, engaging dance routines, a contemporary backdrop, and familiar faces reprising their roles. Though some may dismiss the High School Musical trilogy for its stereotypical narrative structure and predictable melodies, it’s undeniable that these movies left an indelible mark on the youth of today.

Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must say that it’s not every day we get a new Mickey Mouse film, but whenever Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas graces our screens, it’s like a warm holiday tradition. This time around, the production seems to have outdone itself, with Mickey and his charming friends taking center stage in a delightful Christmas revue filled with entertaining tales that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

One noticeable change from the original was their transition from 2D animation to 3D. This shift not only modernized the stories but also added a fresh, captivating dimension to the visuals, making each tale even more engaging and enjoyable.

In addition to providing a wider range of engaging stories, the sequel combines tender moments with quick-witted humor that appeals to everyone. Significantly, it enhances character interactions, creating more enjoyable and memorable scenes for beloved characters such as Donald and Goofy. The tempo is faster, and the tone is more uniform, resulting in a smoother, more captivating viewing experience during the holiday season. In summary, it manages to capture the holiday spirit while presenting itself as fresher and more ambitious than its predecessor.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve got to admit, it felt like an eternity since Disney and James Cameron unleashed their 2009 blockbuster hit, Avatar, which raked in billions. But oh boy, did we ever forget how extraordinary it was! Fast-forward to 2023, and the sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, splashed onto screens worldwide, reminding us all why it’s one of the most anticipated films of the 2020s.

The astonishing images in this production are taken to new heights, thanks to the meticulous care and creative talent poured into it. And let me tell you, these images are nothing short of breathtaking. But what really sets this apart is its engaging plot. Despite running for more than three hours, the dynamic narrative keeps the film thrilling and visually captivating from start to finish, earning praise from audiences worldwide.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Captain America’s trilogy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is often overlooked but deserves more recognition. The First Avenger offered a thrilling and authentic origin tale, while Civil War delivered an intense, action-packed drama. However, among these, The Winter Soldier stands out as one of the MCU’s finest films.

In present times, Captain America, once a soldier, finds himself entangled in a Hydra plot when he uncovers that SHIELD has been overtaken by this malevolent organization. He is now pursued by an adversary from his past. This character, who has won the hearts of audiences since his first appearance, takes on a more terrifying persona as a villain in the franchise, making him one of the most thrilling antagonists ever seen. There’s plenty to appreciate about Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which makes it one of the most adored and successful sequels of all time.

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” exceeds the first movie in many ways. It maintains the enchanting fairy tale vibe while growing the fantastical Genovian universe that continues to captivate audiences. Mia’s path to queenhood in the sequel feels more genuine and inspiring. Moreover, the love story between Mia (Anne Hathaway) and Nicholas, portrayed by Chris Pine, brings an additional element of romantic tension and chemistry, making the narrative even more emotionally engaging.

In a more vibrant, opulent style with larger-than-life scenes, the movie evokes the atmosphere of an extravagant royal celebration that viewers can’t get enough of. Julie Andrews outshines her original performance even further, especially during the charming sleepover scene where she truly embodies her genuine, humorous, and entertaining character. Instead of merely establishing its own history, The Princess Diaries 2 consistently draws audiences back to this wonderful sequel again and again.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

In the movies Thor and Thor: The Dark World, audiences were starting to feel less enthusiastic about Thor’s character due to his traditional stoic and powerful persona not captivating them like other superheroes. However, in 2017, director and writer Taika Waititi breathed fresh life into Thor by making him a humorous, endearing superhero, maintaining his strength and charm while also offering a new tale to rejuvenate the character.

In a fresh and engaging manner, Thor: Ragnarok not only adapts the narrative from the comics but also brings to life a cherished comic storyline that fans had eagerly anticipated on-screen. This vibrant, dynamic, and highly enjoyable film offers a heartfelt story brimming with sincere moments that resonate deeply. If Thor: Love and Thunder hadn’t left some viewers unsatisfied, it’s likely that more fans would be enamored with Ragnarok today.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

In simpler terms, if Toy Story and its follow-up, Toy Story 2, are considered masterpieces, Toy Story 3 manages to surpass all expectations by narrating a story that not only concludes the epic animated trilogy in a fitting manner but also evolves alongside its viewers. After more than a decade since we last saw Woody and his friends, fans revisit Andy, who is now preparing for college.

In the movie “Toy Story 3,” Woody and the other toys are unwittingly transported to a preschool. There they encounter an antagonist, Lotso the Teddy Bear, who keeps them confined and under watchful eyes. The toys devise a plan to break free and return to their owner, Andy. In the end, Woody learns he must part ways with his friend, and says farewell in a poignant and stunningly emotional scene – one of the most heart-wrenching and breathtakingly beautiful moments ever depicted in a Pixar film. This installment of Toy Story manages to take the series to new heights, solidifying it as one of the .

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2025-05-12 01:51