Who would’ve guessed that Joker: Folie à Deux would be branded one of the worst sequels of the year? Todd Phillips’ Joker (2019), starring Joaquin Phoenix as Gotham’s most iconic villain, was a massive hit, raking in over a billion dollars worldwide and receiving critical praise. Even though early interviews showed that neither Phillips nor Phoenix were keen on a sequel, the success made it inevitable. Yet here we are—Folie à Deux barely managed $204.8 million, and both critics and fans gave it the thumbs down.
While Joker: Folie à Deux might not sit well with fans of the original, it sparked a thought: Are there any awful sequels that are actually solid movies when viewed on their own? We dug up some prime examples from the last 25 years. So, grab some popcorn and prepare for a list of awful sequels that might just be pretty good films!
Batman & Robin
Mention Batman & Robin (1997) to any Batman fan, and you’ll probably be met with a grimace. This Joel Schumacher-directed film, starring George Clooney as the Dark Knight, served as the unexpected finale to the Tim Burton-Batman saga. Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) were followed by Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995) with Val Kilmer, and then came Batman & Robin, completing what is probably the quirkiest quartet in Batman history.
Yes, it’s filled with camp, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze delivers enough icy puns to chill a polar bear, and the tone is a complete 180 from Burton’s gothic style. But approach Batman & Robin as a zany homage to the 1960s Adam West era, and there’s something oddly entertaining about it. Between Gotham’s neon-lit cyberpunk aesthetic and the bittersweet storyline between Bruce Wayne and his ailing butler Alfred, there’s plenty of charm beneath the cheese.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
There was a time when Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) was deemed the worst thing to happen to the Terminator franchise. After the high bar set by Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), continuing the series seemed like tempting fate, and the reaction from audiences showed it.
But the Terminator franchise didn’t stop there–three more installments followed—Terminator Salvation (2009), Terminator Genisys (2015), and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)—each more controversial than the last. Compared to these later films, T3 looks better with time. Sure, it has a bit of a self-parody vibe, but it’s undeniably entertaining, featuring explosive action scenes and a respectable successor to T2’s T-1000 with the formidable T-X (Kristanna Loken). And who doesn’t love seeing Arnold back as the T-800?
Jurassic Park III
The Jurassic Park franchise took a dip in quality with Jurassic Park III (2001). It lacks the jaw-dropping special effects of Spielberg’s 1993 original and the blockbuster polish of Jurassic World (2015). But this dino-packed adventure is still a ton of fun.
Fans have started to see it in a new light over the years. While it doesn’t try to explore “big ideas” like its predecessors and successors, Jurassic Park III leans into being a brain-off, thrill-packed ride. From the fearsome Spinosaurus to the breath-taking Aviary sequence, this film is pure popcorn entertainment. So, if you’re just looking for some roaring dinosaur fun, you’re in for a treat.
Halloween: Resurrection
When it comes to Halloween sequels, Halloween: Resurrection (2002) usually gets a chilly reception. Many fans were thrilled with the ending of Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), which saw Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) triumph over Michael Myers. But Resurrection undid all that by bringing Michael back and then killing off Laurie in the opening scenes!
While it’s hard to defend Resurrection as a worthy follow-up, it’s still entertaining in its own right. Michael Myers (Brad Loree) has his eerie moments, and the film leans into its cheesiness. And who could forget Busta Rhymes facing off with Michael in a showdown that’s… well, memorable.
The Predator
When it was announced that Shane Black—who played Hawkins in the original 1987 Predator film—would be co-writing and directing The Predator (2018), fans were pumped. Unfortunately, the result was less action-horror and more… straight-up comedy.
Despite mixed reactions, The Predator has its fun moments. The main predator is a bit of a CGI spectacle, and the plot is pure sci-fi nonsense, but if you go in expecting laughs alongside the action, there’s plenty to enjoy. It’s a huge departure from the tone of the original 1987 film, but it’s still a good time for fans who don’t mind a bit of camp in their alien hunt.
Do you agree that these awful sequels may be bad but still make for a fun watch? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our full rankings for the Batman, Terminator, Jurassic Park, Halloween, and Predator movies!
