Successful Sequels

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration103 mins

Finding Dory(2016)

Animated sequel in which the friendly blue-tang fish heads out to search for her parents in the vastness of the ocean.

Thirteen years after Pixar introduced us to the world under the sea, this time the focus is on Dory as she sets out with friends old and new to try and find the family she became accidentally lost from as a child. Along with lots of colourful fun, there is also a sensitive discussion around disability, adoption and rehabilitating troubled creatures.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration89 mins

Shrek 2(2004)

After their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona are summoned to meet her royal parents, but Fiona’s father is less than pleased with his new son-in-law.

The first Shrek film came out of nowhere to delight audiences with its ingenious take on ancient fairy tales and animation folklore. For the sequel, the charm is maintained as Shrek and Fiona head off to Far, Far Away on their honeymoon, where they encounter a sneering Prince Charming and the adorable Puss In Boots, who might not be quite as cute as he looks!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration136 mins

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(2004)

Third film in the franchise in which Harry learns of a dangerous criminal who has escaped from the highest-security prison in the wizarding world.

The first two Harry Potter films had done a solid job of establishing characters and setting the scene, but it was the third film, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, where the magic truly began and the franchise began to spread its wings. A simple but effective decision was to replace the slightly archaic school robes with everyday casual clothing of the type any teenager would wear.

Cert

Age group5–14

Duration89 mins

Toy Story 2(1999)

Woody, Buzz and the gang return for more fun in this lively animated sequel.

Originally intended to go straight to DVD, Pixar’s first sequel remains one of their greatest films. Adding emotional depth, as the characters deal with the idea of separation as well as their owner Andy growing up and moving on with his life, the film is brilliantly funny, exciting, poignant and confirmed Woody, Buzz and co. as some of cinema’s most beloved characters.

Cert

Age group5–16

Duration98 mins

Toy Story 3(2010)

The third outing for Buzz and Woody in a tale every bit as funny, touching and exciting as it's predecessors.

Toy Story 3 takes the emotional core of the earlier films and deepens it even further, producing a film of unbearable sadness at times, as the toys are packed up and shipped off to a daycare centre, seemingly abandoned by their family. As the film deals with saying goodbye, it never forgets to be every bit as exciting, funny and adventurous as we’ve come to expect.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration98 mins

How To Train Your Dragon 2(2014)

Animated fantasy sequel that is just as charming as the first instalment, as Hiccup must again save wild dragons from an evil foe.

Upping the scale and introducing slightly darker themes, as well as tantaslingly setting up a third instalment of the trilogy, this has been called The Empire Strikes Back of animated sequels. The film builds on the story of the first film, setting the scene for an exciting finale and remains a rousing adventure in its own right.

Cert

Age group11+

Duration123 mins

The Lost World: Jurassic Park(1997)

Sequel to the blockbuster monster movie which focusses on a second island over-run by dinosaurs.

Following up the film that became the most successful of all time and changed cinema forever was never going to be an easy task. The sequel to Jurassic Park does not have the wonder of the original film, but does contain some riveting set-pieces, ups the ante with the dinosaurs and contains a topical sub-theme around the ethics and practice of big-game hunting.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration93 mins

Despicable Me 2(2013)

Despite his best efforts to live a normal life as a new father, Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a mysterious criminal.

Everyone’s favourite supervillain returns in this barmy and hilarious follow-up, but this time Gru is not quite as evil as we remembered him! Putting the Minions front and centre of the story, the film cleverly takes what people liked most about the original film and significantly increases their presences leaving audiences in a state of helpless giggles.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration90 mins

Kung Fu Panda 2(2011)

Sequel to the celebrated martial arts animation about a Kung Fu Panda called Po and his friends who this time must save China from a deadly villain.

Kung Fu Panda 2 succeeds where many sequels fail, managing to be funnier, more adventurous, action-packed and visually imaginative than its predecessor. The film also has a slightly darker tone and a stronger focus on Po himself and his personal journey. A huge commercial hit, it is the most successful film of all time directed by a woman.

Cert

Age group7+

Duration121 mins

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade(1989)

The third adventure of Indiana Jones sees the brave archaeologist in a race against time to find the Holy Grail before the Nazis can do so.

The third instalment in the adventures of Indy adds a fun family dynamic by introducing Sean Connery as his cantankerous father. We also see a young Indiana developing his love of adventure, as well as his lifelone fear of snakes! A light, comedic sequel that doesn’t quite match the original but remains a rollicking ride.