Need we remind you that “Paddington 2” was once the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes?

Conventional movie wisdom says that sequels are usually inferior to the originals.

But every once in a while, a sequel manages to eclipse its predecessor.

THE GODFATHER: PART II, Robert De Niro, 1974

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It’s the difference betweenJim Carrey’s Riddler andHeath Ledger’s Joker.

Also, never underestimate the power of Paddington Bear.

In chronological order, are 15 sequels that are better than the original.

THE ROAD WARRIOR, (aka MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR), Mel Gibson, 1981

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This Vito is expertly portrayed byRobert De Niro, his early starring role earning him his first Oscar.

(They had to waitthree yearsfor the resolution in 1983’sReturn of the Jedi!)

You heard it here first: “The Empire Strikes Backis the bestStar Warsmovie.”

Star Wars Ranking Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Lucasfilm Ltd.

It’s an inspired, almost farcical setup of the villains' iconic presence.

(Who could ever forget, “Kneel before Zod”?)

AsEW wrote, “Superman IIis an exquisitely well-produced movie that takes itself not at all seriously.”

SUPERMAN II BR 1980 CHRISTOPHER REEVE as Superman / Clark Kent Date 1980, , Photo by: Mary Evans/WARNER BROS / DC COMICS/Ronald Grant/Everett Collection(10371454)

Mary Evans/WARNER BROS/DC COMICS/Ronald Grant/Everett

But even the most hard-core Trekkie will testify thatThe Wrath of Khanremains the series' undisputed high point.

“Both the thrills and the therapeutic personal growth are well earned.”

Because it’sHSM, Troy chooses the loyalty option (friends!)

STAR TREK 2: WRATH OF KHAN, Ricardo Montalban, 1982. (c)Paramount. Courtesy: Everett Collection.

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over the advantageous one (opportunities!

), but Efron ably sells the adolescent drama, which easily bests the otherHSMmovies.

But the villain the Scarecrow, really?

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1991, ©TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett Collecti

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andKatie Holmesas the love interest left a lot to be desired.

(AndMaggie Gyllenhaalhad much more chemistry with Bale, too.)

It’s a ride for the gutandthe brain."

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, 2004, (c) Warner Brothers/c

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the gang prepares to die together in an incinerator, and then (double spoiler!)

Yet there’s a hell-bent vitality to its paranoia."

Like the firstPaddington,P2is undeniably charming, endearingly British, and the cinematic equivalent of a tea cozy.

SPIDER-MAN 2, Tobey Maguire, 2004, (c) Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection

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EW’s critic lauded its one-liners, writing, “Ragnarokis basically a Joke Delivery System…

The movie isfun.”

Oh, and did we mention it kicks off with Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song?”

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, (foreground) Zac Efron, Corbin Bleu, (second row) Kaycee Stroh, Vanessa Hudgens, Monique Coleman, (background left) Kimberly Klapow, Bayli Baker, Britt Stewart, (background center) Charles Klapow, Chris Warren Jr., (background right) Tyne Stecklein,, (aired August 17, 2007), photo: Fred Hayes / ©Disney Channel / courtesy Everett Collec

Fred Hayes/Disney Channel/Everett

AsStan Leewould say, ‘nuff said.

The Dark Knight (2008)HEATH LEDGER

Warner Bros. Pictures

TOY STORY 3, Mr. Potato Head (second from left, voice: Don Rickles), Jessie (left of center, voice: Joan Cusack), Woody (right of center, voice: Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (front right, voice: Tim Allen), 2010. ©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

Buena Vista Pictures/Everett

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED, 2012. ©Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Paramount Pictures/Everett

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, Chris Evans, 2014. ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/courtes

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Paddington-2

Warner Bros.

THOR: RAGNAROK

Marvel Studios