The 150 Best Sequels of All Time

Critics Consensus: The rare sequel that arguably improves on its predecessor, Toy Story 2 uses inventive storytelling, gorgeous animation, and a talented cast to deliver another rich moviegoing experience for all ages.

Synopsis: Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen from his home by toy dealer Al McWhiggin (Wayne Knight), leaving Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer

Directed By: Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich

Critics Consensus: Comforting as cheese and crackers, with some gentle ribbing of modern technology sprinkled on top, Vengeance Most Fowl revives this lovable pair with all their charm intact.

Synopsis: Aardman's four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith

Directed By: Merlin Crossingham, Nick Park

Critics Consensus: A complex, stirring, and beautifully realized portrait of interconnected lives, Red is the captivating conclusion to a remarkable trilogy.

Synopsis: Part-time model Valentine (Irène Jacob) meets a retired judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who lives in her neighborhood after she runs over his dog. At first the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Irène Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jean-Pierre Lorit, Frédérique Feder

Directed By: Krzysztof Kieslowski

Critics Consensus: Paddington 2 honors its star's rich legacy with a sweet-natured sequel whose adorable visuals are matched by a story perfectly balanced between heartwarming family fare and purely enjoyable all-ages adventure.

Synopsis: Settled in with the Brown family, Paddington the bear is a popular member of the community who spreads joy and marmalade wherever he goes. One... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville

Directed By: Paul King

Critics Consensus: Goldfinger is where James Bond as we know him comes into focus - it features one of 007's most famous lines ("A martini. Shaken, not stirred.") and a wide range of gadgets that would become the series' trademark.

Synopsis: Special agent 007 (Sean Connery) comes face to face with one of the most notorious villains of all time, and now he must outwit and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton

Directed By: Guy Hamilton

Critics Consensus: Fast, sleek, and fun, Mission: Impossible - Fallout lives up to the "impossible" part of its name by setting yet another high mark for insane set pieces in a franchise full of them.

Synopsis: Ethan Hunt and the IMF team join forces with CIA assassin August Walker to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. Arms dealer John Lark and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg

Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie

Critics Consensus: Deftly blending comedy, adventure, and honest emotion, Toy Story 3 is a rare second sequel that really works.

Synopsis: With their beloved Andy preparing to leave for college, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the toys... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty

Directed By: Lee Unkrich

Critics Consensus: Building on the first two installments in Richard Linklater's well-crafted Before trilogy, Before Midnight offers intelligent, powerfully acted perspectives on love, marriage, and long-term commitment.

Synopsis: On the last night of their idyllic Greek vacation, longtime lovers Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reminisce about their lives together and what... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Prior

Directed By: Richard Linklater

Critics Consensus: An eccentric, campy, technically impressive, and frightening picture, James Whale's Bride of Frankenstein has aged remarkably well.

Synopsis: After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) falls under the control of his former... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson

Directed By: James Whale

Critics Consensus: With exhilarating action and a surprising amount of narrative heft, Mad Max: Fury Road brings George Miller's post-apocalyptic franchise roaring vigorously back to life.

Synopsis: Years after the collapse of civilization, the tyrannical Immortan Joe enslaves apocalypse survivors inside the desert fortress the Citadel. When the warrior Imperator Furiosa leads... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne

Directed By: George Miller

Critics Consensus: Arguably the greatest of the spaghetti westerns, this epic features a compelling story, memorable performances, breathtaking landscapes, and a haunting score.

Synopsis: In the Southwest during the Civil War, a mysterious stranger, Joe (Clint Eastwood), and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco (Eli Wallach), form an uneasy partnership --... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffré

Directed By: Sergio Leone

Critics Consensus: Fart-knockers beware: Beavis and Butt-Head are back, and they're just as stupidly hilarious (or hilariously stupid?) as ever.

Synopsis: A tale that technically spans two centuries, BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSE promises to sit atop all future lists of the Dumbest Science Fiction... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mike Judge, Gary Cole, Chris Diamantopoulos, Nat Faxon

Directed By: Mike Judge

Critics Consensus: The second James Bond film, From Russia with Love is a razor-sharp, briskly-paced Cold War thriller that features several electrifying action scenes.

Synopsis: Agent 007 (Sean Connery) is back in the second installment of the James Bond series, this time battling a secret crime organization known as SPECTRE.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sean Connery, Daniela Bianchi, Robert Shaw, Lotte Lenya

Directed By: Terence Young

Critics Consensus: Top Gun: Maverick pulls off a feat even trickier than a 4G inverted dive, delivering a long-belated sequel that surpasses its predecessor in wildly entertaining style.

Synopsis: After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm

Directed By: Joseph Kosinski

Critics Consensus: Heartwarming, funny, and beautifully animated, Toy Story 4 manages the unlikely feat of extending -- and perhaps concluding -- a practically perfect animated saga.

Synopsis: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale

Directed By: Josh Cooley

Critics Consensus: With world-threatening stakes and epic set pieces to match that massive title, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One proves this is still a franchise you should choose to accept.

Synopsis: In Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg

Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie

Critics Consensus: Thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling, Deathly Hallows Part II brings the Harry Potter franchise to a satisfying -- and suitably magical -- conclusion.

Synopsis: A clash between good and evil awaits as young Harry, Ron and Hermione prepare for a final battle against Lord Voldemort. Harry has grown into... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes

Directed By: David Yates

Critics Consensus: Drawing on strong performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola's continuation of Mario Puzo's Mafia saga set new standards for sequels that have yet to be matched or broken.

Synopsis: The compelling sequel to "The Godfather," contrasting the life of Corleone father and son. Traces the problems of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in 1958 and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro

Directed By: Francis Ford Coppola

Critics Consensus: Taking its cues from the Godfather series, Triad Election understands how a giddy mix of thrills and gunplay can make for compelling cinema.

Synopsis: In the wake of his first successful stint at the helm of a Chinese crime syndicate, Lok (Simon Yam) proposes an unheard-of second term. But... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Louis Koo, Simon Yam, Nick Cheung, Siu-Fai Cheung

Directed By: Johnnie To

Critics Consensus: Just as visually dazzling and action-packed as its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse thrills from start to cliffhanger conclusion.

Synopsis: Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man across the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson

Directed By: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Critics Consensus: Creed brings the Rocky franchise off the mat for a surprisingly effective seventh round that extends the boxer's saga in interesting new directions while staying true to its classic predecessors' roots.

Synopsis: Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) never knew his famous father, boxing champion Apollo Creed, who died before Adonis was born. However, boxing is in his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Directed By: Ryan Coogler

Critics Consensus: Arriving more than a decade after the previous installment, the smart, sweet, and funny Puss in Boots: The Last Wish proves some franchises only get better with age.

Synopsis: This fall, everyone's favorite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline returns. For the first time in more than a decade, DreamWorks Animation presents a new adventure in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Olivia Colman, Harvey Guillén

Directed By: Joel Crawford

Critics Consensus: The Two Towers balances spectacular action with emotional storytelling, leaving audiences both wholly satisfied and eager for the final chapter.

Synopsis: The sequel to the Golden Globe-nominated and AFI Award-winning "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers" follows the continuing... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Critics Consensus: John Wick: Chapter 4 piles on more of everything -- and suggests that when it comes to a well-dressed Keanu Reeves dispatching his enemies in lethally balletic style, there can never be too much.

Synopsis: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne

Directed By: Chad Stahelski

Critics Consensus: Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel's epic Infinity Saga.

Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: War for the Planet of the Apes combines breathtaking special effects and a powerful, poignant narrative to conclude this rebooted trilogy on a powerful -- and truly blockbuster -- note.

Synopsis: Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval

Directed By: Matt Reeves

Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.

Synopsis: With the help of allies, Lt. Jim Gordon and DA Harvey Dent, Batman is able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: Funny, poignant, and thought-provoking, Finding Dory delivers a beautifully animated adventure that adds another entertaining chapter to its predecessor's classic story.

Synopsis: Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) is a wide-eyed, blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss every 10 seconds or so. The one thing she can remember... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson

Directed By: Andrew Stanton

Critics Consensus: Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation continues the franchise's thrilling resurgence -- and proves that Tom Cruise remains an action star without equal.

Synopsis: With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt out in the cold, a new threat -- called the Syndicate -- soon emerges. The Syndicate is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson

Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie

Critics Consensus: Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy.

Synopsis: The culmination of nearly 10 years' work and conclusion to Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on the timeless J.R.R. Tolkien classic, "The Lord of the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Critics Consensus: Filled with engaging dialogue, Before Sunset is a witty, poignant romance, with natural chemistry between Hawke and Delpy.

Synopsis: A sequel to Before Sunrise, this film starts nine years later as Jesse (Ethan Hawke) travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torres

Directed By: Richard Linklater

Critics Consensus: While Alien was a marvel of slow-building, atmospheric tension, Aliens packs a much more visceral punch, and features a typically strong performance from Sigourney Weaver.

Synopsis: After floating in space for 57 years, Lt. Ripley's shuttle is found by a deep space salvage team. Upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser

Directed By: James Cameron

Critics Consensus: Sisu: Road to Revenge consistently and creatively kills the competition.

Synopsis: SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE is a wall-to-wall cinematic action event, a sequel to the original sleeper hit SISU. Returning to the house where his family... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang, Richard Brake

Directed By: Jalmari Helander

Critics Consensus: Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series' former glory while injecting it with renewed energy.

Synopsis: Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver

Directed By: J.J. Abrams

Critics Consensus: Exciting, funny, and above all fun, Thor: Ragnarok is a colorful cosmic adventure that sets a new standard for its franchise -- and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions.

Synopsis: In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) at a remote outpost on the Mexican border.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Richard E. Grant

Directed By: James Mangold

Critics Consensus: Incredibles 2 reunites Pixar's family crimefighting team for a long-awaited follow-up that may not quite live up to the original, but comes close enough to earn its name.

Synopsis: Telecommunications guru Winston Deavor enlists Elastigirl to fight crime and make the public fall in love with superheroes once again. That leaves Mr. Incredible with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Boasting an entertaining villain and deeper emotional focus, Spider-Man 2 is a nimble sequel that improves upon the original.

Synopsis: When a failed nuclear fusion experiment results in an explosion that kills his wife, Dr. Otto Octavius is transformed into Dr. Octopus, a cyborg with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: Stylish, fast-paced, and loaded with gripping set pieces, the fourth Mission: Impossible is big-budget popcorn entertainment that really works.

Synopsis: Blamed for a terrorist attack on the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the entire IMF agency are disavowed by the U.S. government, while the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Pearl finds Ti West squeezing fresh gore out of the world he created with X -- and once again benefiting from a brilliant Mia Goth performance.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Ti West returns with another chapter from the twisted world of X, in this astonishing follow-up to the year's most acclaimed horror film. Trapped... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland

Directed By: Ti West

Critics Consensus: Paddington in Peru whisks away cinema's politest bear to a fresh setting under new creative stewardship, delivering a most agreeable adventure for the whole family.

Synopsis: When Paddington discovers his beloved aunt has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the jungles of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

Directed By: Dougal Wilson

Critics Consensus: Dark, sinister, but ultimately even more involving than A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back defies viewer expectations and takes the series to heightened emotional levels.

Synopsis: The adventure continues in this "Star Wars" sequel. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) face... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

Directed By: Irvin Kershner

Critics Consensus: While fans of the series will surely appreciate it, First Contact is exciting, engaging, and visually appealing enough to entertain Star Trek novices.

Synopsis: The Enterprise and its crew follow a Borg ship through a time warp to prevent the Borg from taking over the Earth in a past... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton

Directed By: Jonathan Frakes

Critics Consensus: The Road Warrior is everything a bigger-budgeted Mad Max sequel with should be: bigger, faster, louder, but definitely not dumber.

Synopsis: After avenging the death of his wife and young son at the hands of a vicious gang leader, Max drives the post-apocalyptic highways of the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Emil Minty, Vernon Wells

Directed By: George Miller

Critics Consensus: Blending hand-to-hand combat with breathtaking stunts and slapstick comedy, Supercop reminds us why Jackie Chan is one of the world's great entertainers.

Synopsis: To infiltrate a drug cartel, police Inspector Chan Ka Kui (Jackie Chan) goes undercover in a Chinese prison. There, he earns the trust of Panther... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, Kenneth Tsang

Directed By: Stanley Tong

Critics Consensus: Visually thrilling and narratively epic, Dune: Part Two continues Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of the beloved sci-fi series in spectacular form.

Synopsis: "Dune: Part Two" will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem

Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

Critics Consensus: Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date.

Synopsis: When James Bond's (Daniel Craig) latest assignment goes terribly wrong, it leads to a calamitous turn of events: Undercover agents around the world are exposed,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes

Directed By: Sam Mendes

Critics Consensus: A direct continuation of 28 Years Later that ups the gore while deepening the dread, The Bone Temple is finely adorned by Nia DaCosta's unnerving direction as well as Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell's inspired performances.

Synopsis: Expanding upon the world created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland in 28 Years Later -- but turning that world on its head -- Nia... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O'Connell, Erin Kellyman

Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Critics Consensus: The Bourne Ultimatum is an intelligent, finely tuned non-stop thrill ride. Another strong performance from Matt Damon and sharp camerawork from Paul Greengrass make this the finest installment of the Bourne trilogy.

Synopsis: Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues his international quest to uncover his true identity. From Russia to Europe to northern Africa to the United States, he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn

Directed By: Paul Greengrass

Critics Consensus: Exciting, emotionally resonant, and beautifully animated, How to Train Your Dragon 2 builds on its predecessor's successes just the way a sequel should.

Synopsis: Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting the island's unmapped territories.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson

Directed By: Dean DeBlois, Tom Owens

Critics Consensus: One of the most compelling and entertaining zombie films ever, Dawn of the Dead perfectly blends pure horror and gore with social commentary on material society.

Synopsis: As hordes of zombies swarm over the U.S., the terrified populace tries everything in their power to escape the attack of the undead, but neither... View Full Synopsis

Starring: David Emge, Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross, Scott H. Reiniger

Directed By: George A. Romero

Critics Consensus: Star Wars: The Last Jedi honors the saga's rich legacy while adding some surprising twists -- and delivering all the emotion-rich action fans could hope for.

Synopsis: Luke Skywalker's peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force. Her desire to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley

Directed By: Rian Johnson

Critics Consensus: A breezily unpredictable blend of teen romance and superhero action, Spider-Man: Far from Home stylishly sets the stage for the next era of the MCU.

Synopsis: Peter Parker's relaxing European vacation takes an unexpected turn when Nick Fury shows up in his hotel room to recruit him for a mission. The... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei

Directed By: Jon Watts

Critics Consensus: A nerve-wracking continuation of its predecessor, A Quiet Place Part II expands the terrifying world of the franchise without losing track of its heart.

Synopsis: Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe

Directed By: John Krasinski

Critics Consensus: Smart, solidly crafted, and palpably tense, 10 Cloverfield Lane makes the most of its confined setting and outstanding cast -- and suggests a new frontier for franchise filmmaking.

Synopsis: After surviving a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) wakes up to find herself in an underground bunker with two men. Howard (John Goodman) tells... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr., Douglas M. Griffin

Directed By: Dan Trachtenberg

Critics Consensus: With intelligence and emotional resonance to match its stunning special effects, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes expands on its predecessor with an exciting and ambitious burst of sci-fi achievement.

Synopsis: Ten years after simian flu wiped out much of the world's Homo sapiens, genetically enhanced chimpanzee Caesar and his ever-growing band of followers has established... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell

Directed By: Matt Reeves

Critics Consensus: Cleverly layering a thoughtful message onto another crackerjack caper while solidifying Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as one of the most endearing buddy pairings in ages, Zootopia 2 more than justifies a return trip to the big city.

Synopsis: In Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia 2," detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster

Directed By: Jared Bush, Byron Howard

Critics Consensus: T2 features thrilling action sequences and eye-popping visual effects, but what takes this sci-fi action landmark to the next level is the depth of the human (and cyborg) characters.

Synopsis: In this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over a future robot uprising, is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick

Directed By: James Cameron

Critics Consensus: Visually spectacular with a hyperactive sense of humor, Ne Zha II is a sequel that supercharges the original's charms while still being accessible for the uninitiated.

Synopsis: After the heavenly lightning, although Ne Zha and Ao Bing survived by becoming Spirits, they would soon dissipate completely. Taiyi plans to rebuild Ne Zha... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Joseph, Mo Han, Chen Hao, Qi Lü

Directed By: Yu Yang

Critics Consensus: If Saraband appears to be a minor entry in Ingmar Bergman's filmography, it's still an accomplished piece of work from one of cinema's greatest masters.

Synopsis: Following Johan (Erland Josephson) and Marianne (Liv Ullmann) 30 years after the events of "Scenes from a Marriage," this sequel finds the couple long since... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Erland Josephson, Liv Ullmann, Börje Ahlstedt, Julia Dufvenius

Directed By: Ingmar Bergman

Critics Consensus: Taking a lighter tone than the other films of the Three Colors trilogy, White is a witty, bittersweet comedy with heavier themes on its mind than one might at first realize.

Synopsis: Polish immigrant Karol finds himself out of a marriage, a job and a country when his French wife, Dominique, divorces him after six months due... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, Janusz Gajos, Jerzy Stuhr

Directed By: Krzysztof Kieslowski

Critics Consensus: Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes.

Synopsis: Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: X-Men: Days of Future Past combines the best elements of the series to produce a satisfyingly fast-paced outing that ranks among the franchise's finest installments.

Synopsis: Convinced that mutants pose a threat to humanity, Dr. Bolivar Trask develops the Sentinels, enormous robotic weapons that can detect a mutant gene and zero... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: Suspenseful and politically astute, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a superior entry in the Avengers canon and is sure to thrill Marvel diehards.

Synopsis: After the cataclysmic events in New York with his fellow Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America (Chris Evans), lives in the nation's capital as he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: Smart, smoothly directed, and enriched with a deeper exploration of the franchise's thought-provoking themes, Catching Fire proves a thoroughly compelling second installment in the Hunger Games series.

Synopsis: After arriving safely home from their unprecedented victory in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) discover that... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson

Directed By: Francis Lawrence

Critics Consensus: The rare trilogy capper that really works, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World brings its saga to a visually dazzling and emotionally affecting conclusion.

Synopsis: When the sudden appearance of a female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must journey to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, F. Murray Abraham, Cate Blanchett

Directed By: Dean DeBlois

Critics Consensus: Under the assured direction of Alfonso Cuaron, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban triumphantly strikes a delicate balance between technical wizardry and complex storytelling.

Synopsis: Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts starts off badly when he learns deranged killer Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison and is bent on... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Gary Oldman

Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón

Critics Consensus: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum reloads for another hard-hitting round of the brilliantly choreographed, over-the-top action that fans of the franchise demand.

Synopsis: After gunning down a member of the High Table -- the shadowy international assassin's guild -- legendary hit man John Wick finds himself stripped of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne

Directed By: Chad Stahelski

Critics Consensus: Stepping out from Rocky Balboa's iconic shadow at last, the Creed franchise reasserts its champion status thanks to star Michael B. Jordan's punchy direction and a nuanced heel turn by Jonathan Majors.

Synopsis: After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris

Directed By: Michael B. Jordan

Critics Consensus: John Wick: Chapter 2 does what a sequel should -- which in this case means doubling down on the non-stop, thrillingly choreographed action that made its predecessor so much fun.

Synopsis: Retired super-assassin John Wick's plans to resume a quiet civilian life are cut short when Italian gangster Santino D'Antonio shows up on his doorstep with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio

Directed By: Chad Stahelski

Critics Consensus: It may not be as fresh as the original, but topical humor and colorful secondary characters make Shrek 2 a winner in its own right.

Synopsis: After returning from their honeymoon and showing home movies to their friends, Shrek and Fiona learn that her parents have heard that she has married... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews

Directed By: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon

Critics Consensus: Fear Street Part Three: 1666 sends the slasher series back in time for a trilogy-concluding installment that caps things off on a screaming high note.

Synopsis: The origins of Sarah Fier's curse are finally revealed as history comes full circle on a night that changes the lives of Shadysiders forever.

Starring: Kiana Madeira, Ashley Zukerman, Gillian Jacobs, Olivia Welch

Directed By: Leigh Janiak

Critics Consensus: Visually stunning and narratively satisfying, Blade Runner 2049 deepens and expands its predecessor's story while standing as an impressive filmmaking achievement in its own right.

Synopsis: Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a new Blade Runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks

Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

Critics Consensus: 28 Years Later taps into contemporary anxieties with the ferocious urgency of someone infected with Rage Virus, delivering a haunting and visceral thrill ride that defies expectations.

Synopsis: Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new "auteur horror" story set in the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams

Directed By: Danny Boyle

Critics Consensus: Ralph Breaks the Internet levels up on its predecessor with a funny, heartwarming sequel that expands its colorful universe while focusing on core characters and relationships.

Synopsis: Video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, Taraji P. Henson

Directed By: Phil Johnston, Rich Moore

Critics Consensus: The main characters are maturing, and the filmmakers are likewise improving on their craft; vibrant special effects and assured performances add up to what is the most complex yet of the Harry Potter films.

Synopsis: During Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts a competition will be held between three schools of wizardry, and contestants will be magically chosen for the very... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane

Directed By: Mike Newell

Critics Consensus: The humor occasionally stumbles into slapstick territory, and the special effects are dated, but Superman II meets, if not exceeds, the standard set by its predecessor.

Synopsis: Superman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty

Directed By: Richard Lester

Critics Consensus: A smart and subversive twist on slasher horror, Fear Street Part II: 1978 shows that summer camp has never been scarier thanks to stellar performances from Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, and Ryan Simpkins.

Synopsis: Shadyside, 1978. School's out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, Chiara Aurelia

Directed By: Leigh Janiak

Critics Consensus: Less a continuation than an outright reimagining, Sam Raimi transforms his horror tale into a comedy of terrors -- and arguably even improves on the original formula.

Synopsis: The second of three films in the Evil Dead series is part horror, part comedy, with Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) once again battling horrifying demons... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Denise Bixler

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: A lighter, brighter superhero movie powered by the effortless charisma of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Ant-Man and The Wasp offers a much-needed MCU palate cleanser.

Synopsis: Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña

Directed By: Peyton Reed

Critics Consensus: The Dark Knight Rises is an ambitious, thoughtful, and potent action film that concludes Christopher Nolan's franchise in spectacular fashion.

Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman (Christian Bale), in collusion with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), vanished into the night. Assuming responsibility for the death... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: Kung Fu Panda 3 boasts the requisite visual splendor, but like its rotund protagonist, this sequel's narrative is also surprisingly nimble, adding up to animated fun for the whole family.

Synopsis: Living large and loving life, Po realizes that he has a lot to learn if he's going to fulfill the next challenge from his beloved... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie

Directed By: Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Alessandro Carloni

Critics Consensus: Director Wong Kar-Wai has created in 2046 another visually stunning, atmospheric, and melancholy movie about unrequited love and loneliness.

Synopsis: A train in a futuristic landscape takes passengers to a place where they can recapture their memories, a place from which no one has ever... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Gong Li, Takuya Kimura, Faye Wong

Directed By: Kar-Wai Wong

Critics Consensus: The Bad Guys 2's crew of reformed rapscallions are still a ton of fun as their latest adventure raises the stakes while maintaining a playful sense of mischief.

Synopsis: Everyone's favorite felons are back, and this time, they've got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson

Directed By: Pierre Perifel, JP Sans

Critics Consensus: Terrifier 2 outdoes the original in every way -- which makes it bad news for the squeamish, but a bloody good time for genre enthusiasts.

Synopsis: After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to the timid town of Miles County where he targets a teenage girl and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Elliott Fullam, Sarah Voigt

Directed By: Damien Leone

Critics Consensus: Considered by many fans to be the best of the Star Trek movies, The Wrath of Khan features a strong plot, increased tension, and a sharp supporting performance from Ricardo Montalban.

Synopsis: As Adm. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Capt. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) monitor trainees at Starfleet Academy, another vessel from the United Federation of Planets... View Full Synopsis

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Ricardo Montalban, DeForest Kelley

Directed By: Nicholas Meyer

Critics Consensus: That it's inferior to the original goes without saying, but Paul Newman and Tom Cruise are a joy to watch, and Martin Scorsese's direction is typically superb.

Synopsis: Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson (Paul Newman) decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver

Directed By: Martin Scorsese

Critics Consensus: Picking up where its predecessor left off, The Three Musketeers: Part II - Milady proves there's still swashbuckling fun to be had in modern adaptations of the Dumas classic.

Synopsis: From the Louvre to Buckingham Palace, to the gutters of Paris to the siege of LaRochelle... in a kingdom divided by religious wars and under... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eva Green, François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris

Directed By: Martin Bourboulon

Critics Consensus: Star Trek Beyond continues the franchise's post-reboot hot streak with an epic sci-fi adventure that honors the series' sci-fi roots without skimping on the blockbuster action.

Synopsis: A surprise attack in outer space forces the Enterprise to crash-land on a mysterious world. The assault came from Krall (Idris Elba), a lizard-like dictator... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldaña

Directed By: Justin Lin

Critics Consensus: Guillermo del Toro crafts a stellar comic book sequel, boasting visuals that are as imaginative as the characters are endearing.

Synopsis: Hellboy (Ron Perlman), his pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), and aquatic empath, Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), face their biggest battle when an underworld prince (Luke... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor

Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Critics Consensus: Blessed with a nerve-jangling star turn by Naomi Scott, writer-director Parker Finn broadens Smile's conceit into a pop stardom nightmare that'll leave a rictus grin on horror fans' faces.

Synopsis: About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage

Directed By: Parker Finn

Critics Consensus: With a double helping of Jim Carrey's antics and a quicksilver pace befitting its hero, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the best entry in this amiable series yet.

Synopsis: Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter

Directed By: Jeff Fowler

Critics Consensus: Avengers: Infinity War ably juggles a dizzying array of MCU heroes in the fight against their gravest threat yet, and the result is a thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that (mostly) realizes its gargantuan ambitions.

Synopsis: Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet -- the evil Thanos. On a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Chadwick Boseman

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's action-packed plot, dazzling visuals, and irreverent humor add up to a sequel that's almost as fun -- if not quite as thrillingly fresh -- as its predecessor.

Synopsis: Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: Tightly scripted, solidly acted, and impressively ambitious, X2: X-Men United is bigger and better than its predecessor -- and a benchmark for comic sequels in general.

Synopsis: Stryker (Brian Cox), a villainous former Army commander, holds the key to Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) past and the future of the X-Men. This threat re-ignites... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: Lavishly rendered set pieces and Sean Connery's enduring charm make Thunderball a big, fun adventure, even if it doesn't quite measure up to the series' previous heights.

Synopsis: Led by one-eyed evil mastermind Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), the terrorist group SPECTRE hijacks two warheads from a NATO plane and threatens widespread nuclear destruction... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi

Directed By: Terence Young

Critics Consensus: While it isn't quite as much fun as its predecessor, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part fits neatly into an animated all-ages franchise with heart and humor to spare.

Synopsis: The citizens of Bricksburg face a dangerous new threat when LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space start to wreck everything in their path. The battle... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish

Directed By: Mike Mitchell

Critics Consensus: Visually spectacular and suitably action packed, Star Trek Into Darkness is a rock-solid installment in the venerable sci-fi franchise, even if it's not as fresh as its predecessor.

Synopsis: The crew of the Starship Enterprise returns home after an act of terrorism within its own organization destroys most of Starfleet and what it represents,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban

Directed By: J.J. Abrams

Critics Consensus: Kill Bill: Volume 2 adds extra plot and dialogue to the action-heavy exploits of its predecessor, while still managing to deliver a suitably hard-hitting sequel.

Synopsis: The Bride (Uma Thurman) picks up where she left off in volume one with her quest to finish the hit list she has composed of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Critics Consensus: Boasting even more of the bromantic chemistry between its stars -- and even more of the goofy, good-natured humor that made its predecessor so much fun -- 22 Jump Street is the rare sequel that improves upon the original.

Synopsis: Although they made their way through high school successfully, an investigation at a local college brings big changes for undercover officers Jenko and Schmidt. When... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare, Wyatt Russell

Directed By: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Critics Consensus: Lighter and more comedic than its predecessor, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade returns the series to the brisk serial adventure of Raiders, while adding a dynamite double act between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.

Synopsis: An art collector appeals to Jones to embark on a search for the Holy Grail. He learns that another archaeologist has disappeared while searching for... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Critics Consensus: It isn't the sleekest or most daring 007 adventure, but No Time to Die concludes Daniel Craig's franchise tenure in satisfying style.

Synopsis: In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch

Directed By: Cary Joji Fukunaga

Critics Consensus: Though it threatens to buckle under the weight of its meta gags, Deadpool 2 is a gory, gleeful lampoon of the superhero genre buoyed by Ryan Reynolds' undeniable charm.

Synopsis: Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool meets Russell, an angry teenage mutant who lives at an orphanage. When Russell becomes the target of Cable -- a genetically enhanced... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz

Directed By: David Leitch

Critics Consensus: Creed II's adherence to franchise formula adds up to a sequel with few true surprises, but its time-tested generational themes still pack a solid punch.

Synopsis: In 1985, Russian boxer Ivan Drago killed former U.S. champion Apollo Creed in a tragic match that stunned the world. Against the wishes of trainer... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Directed By: Steven Caple Jr.

Critics Consensus: Dark, thrilling, and occasionally quite funny, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is also visually stunning and emotionally satisfying.

Synopsis: As Death Eaters wreak havoc in both Muggle and Wizard worlds, Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for students. Though Harry suspects there are... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter

Directed By: David Yates

Critics Consensus: Though failing to reach the cinematic heights of its predecessors, Return of the Jedi remains an entertaining sci-fi adventure and a fitting end to the classic trilogy.

Synopsis: Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) battles horrible Jabba the Hutt and cruel Darth Vader to save his comrades in the Rebel Alliance and triumph over the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

Directed By: Richard Marquand

Critics Consensus: As with the first film, Scream 2 is a gleeful takedown of scary movie conventions that manages to poke fun at terrible horror sequels without falling victim to the same fate.

Synopsis: Sydney (Neve Campbell) and tabloid reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) survived the events of the first Scream, but their nightmare isn't over. When two college... View Full Synopsis

Starring: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar

Directed By: Wes Craven

Critics Consensus: A galactic group hug that might squeeze a little too tight on the heartstrings, the final Guardians of the Galaxy is a loving last hurrah for the MCU's most ragtag family.

Synopsis: In Marvel Studios "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: Though perhaps more enchanting for younger audiences, Chamber of Secrets is nevertheless both darker and livelier than its predecessor, expanding and improving upon the first film's universe.

Synopsis: The follow-up to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" finds young wizard Harry Potter and his friends, Ron and Hermione, facing new challenges during their... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh

Directed By: Chris Columbus

Critics Consensus: Live Free or Die Hard may be preposterous, but it's an efficient, action-packed summer popcorn flick with thrilling stunts and a commanding performance by Bruce Willis. Fans of the previous Die Hard films will not be disappointed.

Synopsis: As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, veteran cop John McClane carries out another routine assignment: bringing in a computer hacker for questioning. Meanwhile,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Cliff Curtis

Directed By: Len Wiseman

Critics Consensus: The storyline arc may seem a tad familiar to fans of the original, but Kung Fu Panda 2 offers enough action, comedy, and visual sparkle to compensate.

Synopsis: Now known as the Dragon Warrior, Po protects the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, the Furious Five. However, a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman

Directed By: Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Critics Consensus: Although its high-energy plot and over-the-top violence may play better with genre aficionados, The Raid 2 definitely delivers more of everything audiences loved about its predecessor.

Synopsis: After surviving a bloody fight with powerful gangsters, rookie Jakarta cop Rama thinks he can resume a normal life. However, his exploits during that fateful... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara

Directed By: Gareth Evans

Critics Consensus: Director Tim Burton's dark, brooding atmosphere, Michael Keaton's work as the tormented hero, and the flawless casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as, well, Christopher Walken make the sequel better than the first.

Synopsis: The monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito), who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to topple the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken

Directed By: Tim Burton

Critics Consensus: Though it hints at the absurdity to come in later installments, The Spy Who Loved Me's sleek style, menacing villains, and sly wit make it the best of the Roger Moore era.

Synopsis: In a globe-trotting assignment that has him skiing off the edges of cliffs and driving a car deep underwater, British super-spy James Bond (Roger Moore)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curd Jürgens, Richard Kiel

Directed By: Lewis Gilbert

Critics Consensus: Lethal Weapon 2 may sport a thin plot typical of action fare, but its combination of humor and adrenaline, along with the chemistry between its leads, make this a playful, entertaining sequel.

Synopsis: South African smugglers find themselves being hounded and harassed by Riggs and Murtaugh, two mismatched Los Angeles police officers. However, the South Africans are protected... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Joss Ackland

Directed By: Richard Donner

Critics Consensus: Serving up a fresh round of over-the-top thrills while adding unexpected dramatic heft, Furious 7 keeps the franchise moving in more ways than one.

Synopsis: After defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew have separated to return to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez

Directed By: James Wan

Critics Consensus: T2 Trainspotting adds an intoxicating, emotionally resonant postscript to its classic predecessor, even without fully recapturing the original's fresh, subversive thrill.

Synopsis: First there was an opportunity, then there was a betrayal. Twenty years later, Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to the only place that he can... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner

Directed By: Danny Boyle

Critics Consensus: A well-made sequel that delivers the thrills.

Synopsis: Jason Bourne is living in India when he is framed by Russian agent Kirill for the theft of millions from the CIA; Kirill begins to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles

Directed By: Paul Greengrass

Critics Consensus: Led by a franchise-best performance from Tobin Bell, Saw X reinvigorates the series with an installment that has a surprising amount of heart to go with all the gore.

Synopsis: John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw's most personal game. Set... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand

Directed By: Kevin Greutert

Critics Consensus: Gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope, The Final Reckoning is a sentimental sendoff for Ethan Hunt that accomplishes its mission with a characteristic flair for the impossible.

Synopsis: Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg

Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie

Critics Consensus: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is perhaps the lightest and most purely enjoyable entry of the long-running series, emphasizing the eccentricities of the Enterprise's crew.

Synopsis: Living in exile on the planet Vulcan, the ragtag former crew of the USS Enterprise steal a starship after receiving a planetary distress call from... View Full Synopsis

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Catherine Hicks, DeForest Kelley

Directed By: Leonard Nimoy

Critics Consensus: Carving out a new era for The Planet of the Apes with lovable characters and rich visuals, Kingdom doesn't take the crown as best of the franchise but handily justifies its continued reign.

Synopsis: Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar's reign, in which apes are the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, William H. Macy

Directed By: Wes Ball

Critics Consensus: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again doubles down on just about everything fans loved about the original -- and my my, how can fans resist it?

Synopsis: In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University -- leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth

Directed By: Ol Parker

Critics Consensus: The Conjuring 2 can't help but lose a bit of its predecessor's chilly sting through familiarity, but what remains is still a superior ghost story told with spine-tingling skill.

Synopsis: In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren come out of a self-imposed sabbatical to travel to Enfield, a borough in north London.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Madison Wolfe, Frances O'Connor

Directed By: James Wan

Critics Consensus: Halloween largely wipes the slate clean after decades of disappointing sequels, ignoring increasingly elaborate mythology in favor of basic - yet still effective - ingredients.

Synopsis: It's been 40 years since Laurie Strode survived a vicious attack from crazed killer Michael Myers on Halloween night. Locked up in an institution, Myers... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton

Directed By: David Gordon Green

Critics Consensus: With Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, George Lucas brings his second Star Wars trilogy to a suitably thrilling and often poignant -- if still a bit uneven -- conclusion.

Synopsis: It has been three years since the Clone Wars began. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) rescue Chancellor... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid

Directed By: George Lucas

Critics Consensus: With the help of its charismatic lead, some impressive action sequences, and even a few surprises, Iron Man 3 is a witty, entertaining adventure and a strong addition to the Marvel canon.

Synopsis: Plagued with worry and insomnia since saving New York from destruction, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), now, is more dependent on the suits that give... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce

Directed By: Shane Black

Critics Consensus: License to Kill is darker than many of the other Bond entries, with Timothy Dalton playing the character with intensity, but it still has some solid chases and fight scenes.

Synopsis: James Bond (Timothy Dalton) takes on his most-daring adventure after he turns renegade and tracks down one of the international drug cartel's most-brutal and powerful... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Timothy Dalton, Carey Lowell, Robert Davi, Talisa Soto

Directed By: John Glen

Critics Consensus: Back to the Future Part III draws the trilogy to a satisfying close with a simpler, sweeter round of time-travel antics.

Synopsis: In this final chapter, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) obtains a 70-year-old message from the time-traveling Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), in which he informs... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Wilson

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

Critics Consensus: Ryan Reynolds makes himself at home in the MCU with acerbic wit while Hugh Jackman provides an Adamantium backbone to proceedings in Deadpool & Wolverine, an irreverent romp with a surprising soft spot for a bygone era of superhero movies.

Synopsis: Deadpool's peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin

Directed By: Shawn Levy

Critics Consensus: It's not easy to take the longest Harry Potter book and streamline it into the shortest HP movie, but director David Yates does a bang up job of it, creating an Order of the Phoenix that's entertaining and action-packed.

Synopsis: Now in his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry learns that many in the wizarding community do not know the truth of his encounter with Lord... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter

Directed By: David Yates

Critics Consensus: Implausible but entertaining and poignant, Rocky Balboa finds the champ in fighting form for the first time in years.

Synopsis: Now long-retired, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) runs a Philadelphia eatery and mourns the loss of his beloved wife, Adrian. Yearning to recapture a bit of his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonio Tarver, Geraldine Hughes

Directed By: Sylvester Stallone

Critics Consensus: Dazzlingly colorful and frenetic, Madagascar 3 is silly enough for young kids, but boasts enough surprising smarts to engage parents along the way.

Synopsis: Animal pals Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) are still trying to make it back to New... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith

Directed By: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon

Critics Consensus: Taking an axe to yuletide cheer and everything else in its path, Terrifier 3 is a bloody fantastic stocking stuffer for the holiday season.

Synopsis: After surviving Art the Clown's Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try... View Full Synopsis

Starring: David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, Samantha Scaffidi, Chris Jericho

Directed By: Damien Leone

Critics Consensus: Though it may be short on dazzling special effects, The Search for Spock is still a strong Star Trek installment, thanks to affecting performances by its iconic cast.

Synopsis: Adm. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) has defeated his archenemy but at great cost. His friend Spock has apparently been killed, the USS Enterprise is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei

Directed By: Leonard Nimoy

Critics Consensus: Wes Craven's New Nightmare adds an unexpectedly satisfying - not to mention intelligent - meta layer to a horror franchise that had long since lost its way.

Synopsis: Reality and fantasy meet in unsettling ways in this installment of the long-running horror series, which finds director Wes Craven and actors Heather Langenkamp and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Miko Hughes, David Newsom

Directed By: Wes Craven

Critics Consensus: Frozen II can't quite recapture the showstopping feel of its predecessor, but it remains a dazzling adventure into the unknown.

Synopsis: Elsa the Snow Queen has an extraordinary gift -- the power to create ice and snow. But no matter how happy she is to be... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff

Directed By: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Critics Consensus: Though the plot elements are certainly familiar, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull still delivers the thrills and Harrison Ford's return in the title role is more than welcome.

Synopsis: It's the height of the Cold War, and famous archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), returning from his latest adventure, finds out his job at Marshall... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Critics Consensus: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle uses a charming cast and a humorous twist to offer an undemanding yet solidly entertaining update on its source material.

Synopsis: Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan

Directed By: Jake Kasdan

Critics Consensus: Sleek, loud, and over the top, Fast Five proudly embraces its brainless action thrills and injects new life into the franchise.

Synopsis: Ever since ex-cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) broke her brother Dom (Vin Diesel) out of custody, they've traveled border to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson

Directed By: Justin Lin

Critics Consensus: Dazzling special effects for the kids + well-crafted storytelling for the 'rents = cinematic satisfaction for the whole family.

Synopsis: After their father (Tim Robbins) is called into work, two young boys, Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo), are left in the care of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Critics Consensus: It can't help but feel like the prelude it is, but Deathly Hallows: Part I is a beautifully filmed, emotionally satisfying penultimate installment for the Harry Potter series.

Synopsis: Without the guidance and protection of their professors, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) begin a mission to destroy the Horcruxes,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes

Directed By: David Yates

Critics Consensus: Loaded up with action and a double helping of leading-man charisma, Bad Boys for Life reinvigorates this long-dormant franchise by playing squarely to its strengths.

Synopsis: The wife and son of a Mexican drug lord embark on a vengeful quest to kill all those involved in his trial and imprisonment --... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Jacob Scipio

Directed By: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah

Critics Consensus: While frumpy action-hero Hutch Mansell tries to enjoy a nice vacation, Bob Odenkirk works overtime to make Nobody 2 a diverting sequel that measures up admirably to the original.

Synopsis: Workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville. However, he soon finds himself in the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, RZA

Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto

Critics Consensus: New, well-developed characters add dimension to this batty satire, creating a comedy much more substantial than the original.

Synopsis: The members of the odd Addams Family are up to more macabre antics in this sequel. This time around, Gomez Addams (Raul Julia) and his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack

Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld

Critics Consensus: Delivering squarely on its title, Godzilla vs. Kong swats away character development and human drama to deliver all the spectacle you'd expect from giant monsters slugging it out.

Synopsis: Legends collide in "Godzilla vs. Kong" as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry

Directed By: Adam Wingard

Critics Consensus: Exuberant and eye-popping, Avengers: Age of Ultron serves as an overstuffed but mostly satisfying sequel, reuniting its predecessor's unwieldy cast with a few new additions and a worthy foe.

Synopsis: When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) jump-starts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go terribly awry, forcing him, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans

Directed By: Joss Whedon

Critics Consensus: Despicable Me 2 offers plenty of eye-popping visual inventiveness and a number of big laughs.

Synopsis: Now that Gru has forsaken a life of crime to raise Margo, Agnes and Edith, he's trying to figure out how to provide for his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove

Directed By: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin

Critics Consensus: George A. Romero's latest entry in his much-vaunted Dead series is not as fresh as his genre-inventing original, Night of the Living Dead. But Land of the Dead does deliver on the gore and zombies-feasting-on-flesh action.

Synopsis: In a world where zombies form the majority of the population, the remaining humans build a feudal society away from the undead. Ruthless Paul Kaufman... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Simon Baker, John Leguizamo, Asia Argento, Robert Joy

Directed By: George A. Romero

Critics Consensus: Ridley Scott's ambitious quasi-prequel to Alien may not answer all of its big questions, but it's redeemed by its haunting visual grandeur and compelling performances -- particularly Michael Fassbender as a fastidious android.

Synopsis: The discovery of a clue to mankind's origins on Earth leads a team of explorers to the darkest parts of the universe. Two brilliant young... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba

Directed By: Ridley Scott