7 Clever Sequel Titles That Prove You Don’t Need To Just Put “2” On The End

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Movie sequels and franchises often play a significant role in viewers’ cinematic experiences, with some spectators already contemplating future events as the film concludes. Sequels can trace their roots back to the early 20th century, even for films that didn’t achieve great success initially. The quality of these sequels can differ greatly, but the charm of cinema lies in its ability to cater to diverse tastes.

Over time, some sequels have moved beyond simple numerical values in their titles, opting for more creative approaches. Books-based movie series often stick to the original book titles, but other productions have been more inventive with naming subsequent installments, using wordplay, puns, and even full subtitles after a colon. It’s no longer just a matter of sequels ending in a number.

8. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

Directed by John Madden

When “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” premiered, it took many by surprise as it turned out to be much more successful than anticipated. The story revolves around a band of senior British citizens venturing to an Indian retirement home and learning that they had underestimated the vitality of life. With Dames Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, alongside Bill Nighy and Dev Patel, the cast was exceptional. What made it even more astounding was that it managed to gross $150 million on a production budget of only $10 million, given its specialized theme.

Title of the next installment is quite impressive in numerous aspects. Unlike the first movie which centered on Sonny’s struggle to launch his quirky concept, this follow-up finds him aiming to broaden his business by opening “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” With growing demand for his establishment and space constraints, he embarks on a quest to discover another location. This new site will offer additional senior citizens the chance to spend their golden years in a captivating haven, just like the original hotel. The title effectively hints at its sequel status while giving us an idea of the storyline.

7. Look Who’s Talking Too (1990)

Directed by Amy Heckerling

I must confess, the first flick I’m referring to was nothing short of a phenomenon, generating an astonishing $300 million worldwide on a mere $7.5 million budget. The concept was pure genius, with Bruce Willis masterfully narrating the entire journey of pregnancy, as he voices Mikey – a life-changing outcome from a casual encounter that forever alters two lives. From speaking for the sperm to providing intimate glimpses into his home for the next nine months, this timeless 80s comedy is filled with strange yet side-splitting moments that I just can’t get enough of!

Following its box office success, a sequel was inevitable and arrived swiftly, given that it hit theaters just one year afterwards. Titled Look Who’s Talking Too, the creative decision to continue the series made sense due to the enticing chance to incorporate the addition of “too.” While other films have utilized this method with differing levels of grammatical effectiveness, this instance stands out as one of the most successful uses of the trope. In this installment, it’s Mikey’s sister who engages in the internal monologue, adding a fresh perspective to the narrative. The third movie, Look Who’s Talking Now, is also fittingly titled because it centers on the family pets.

6. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025)

Directed by Ruben Fleischer

Essentially, this new movie is a sequel to a sequel because the second installment in the series originally ended with a “2”. However, a more clever title could have incorporated its tagline “you haven’t seen anything yet“, or even adding “too” would have been fitting. The missed opportunity with the third film of the trilogy is clear, but naming it after the full phrase of the original title, “Now You See Me“, completes the saying and pays homage to its magic tricks.

It’s quite likely that this upcoming film, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” due out in November 2025, will serve as the concluding installment. However, with details about the plot still scant, it remains a mystery for now. But should these characters’ tales truly end here, there’s always room for additional stories, perhaps under titles like “Now You See Me, Or Do You?” or “Now You See Me Disappear,” that might further captivate us.

5. Addams Family Values (1993)

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

Since their debut in a comic published by The New Yorker in 1938, and later in a popular TV series during the 1960s, the eccentric and mysterious Addams Family has been a cultural phenomenon. In the 1990s, they were brought back to life with memorable performances such as Angelica Huston portraying Morticia and Christina Ricci playing Wednesday. This revival was a massive success worldwide, earning over $191 million and influencing Halloween costumes for the following three decades. The renewed interest in the Addams Family led to the production of a sequel.

In the first movie, we were reacquainted with their grisly lifestyle. However, Addams Family Values delves into their personal identities on a more intimate scale. The kids are sent to camp where they clash with ordinary children who love Disney and sunbathing, while the parents assist Uncle Fester in his quest for romance. Despite underperforming financially, this sequel has garnered a devoted fanbase over time, largely thanks to Joan Cusack’s memorable portrayal of Debbie Jellinsky.

4. 28 Weeks Later (2007)

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

The initial film within this post-apocalyptic zombie series appears more like a standalone sequel. Contrary to expectation, “28 Days Later” debuted in 2002, not following the movie “28 Days” that was released in 2000. Instead, it portrays the chilling aftermath of London post-catastrophic outbreak, where survivors seek a secure refuge. This film cleverly redefined the undead genre and garnered excellent reviews, eventually amassing a massive fanbase.

The film titled “28 Weeks Later” centers around a fresh set of survivors residing in another region, unfolding events further down the line in a bleak future. There were several potential paths for the titles, such as using multiples of 28, extending the title with additional years, like “A Year and 28 Days Later“, or adhering to the original approach by altering the time measurement. They appear to have skipped over months, since the following third installment is named “28 Years Later“. Therefore, the next sequel must venture off into a completely new direction.

3. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Directed by Ruben Fleischer

The second guideline Jesse Eisenberg offered for navigating a world overrun by zombies was to confirm they’re truly deceased, or as he put it, to “double tap.“.

In the movie “Zombieland: Double Tap,” Columbus offers fresh survival guidelines, and the group meets new individuals throughout their journey, frequently needing to employ the “double tap” method. The blend of horror and humor seems to have been appreciated by viewers, as the sequel outperformed the first film at the box office. Here’s hoping that in another 10 years, audiences will enjoy “Zombieland: Don’t Be a Hero” or a prequel titled “Zombieland: Get Ready.

2. Before Sunset (1995)

Directed by Richard Linklater

In the movie “Before Sunrise,” Jesse and Celine come across each other on a train and share some delightful hours together before they eventually must go their separate ways. The storyline struck a chord with many viewers as it seemed to depict a flawless first date, making them feel connected to the characters. Despite not being a blockbuster hit, it inspired countless people to dream about having a similar encounter in Vienna. Additionally, it received an exceptional score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that critics found it highly favorable.

Nine years elapsed, and they meet again in New York, proving their earlier attempts at reconnection didn’t pan out as hoped. This time, their schedules were even tighter, yet they opted to cherish the scant moments they had together, reminiscent of a sunset. The title cleverly references the original film and advances the narrative. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy co-wrote the script, adding a deeply personal touch as they resurrected these cherished characters. If all goes according to plan, fans can anticipate “Before Dawn” around 2029.

1. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Directed by Danny Cannon

1990s saw a massive surge in popularity for slasher films, particularly ones like “Scream” and the original “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” These movies raked in substantial box office earnings and breathed new life into the genre. The story revolves around four attractive teenagers who find themselves at the mercy of a vengeful murderer armed with a fishhook, following an unfortunate accident. As anticipated, not all of them survive, but those who do were left hinting at a sequel in the final scenes, with the chilling phrase “I still know” scrawled on a steamed window. There was no other fitting title for this movie.

In “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” Julie and Ray reappear alongside fresh characters destined for a gruesome end. A keen observer of geography would have spotted the discrepancy when they inexplicably won a vacation to a tropical island following an incorrect response, indicating it was all part of a sinister plan. The sequel might not have matched the brilliance of the first film, but its title alone warranted its existence. The latest installment returns to its original moniker, hinting at possible future sequels.

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2025-05-04 01:39