For every “The Godfather Part II,” there’s a “Speed 2: Cruise Control.” And for every “The Empire Strikes Back,” there’s a “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”
We turned to Rotten Tomatoes to find sequels that were so bad they were unwatchable.
So, let’s take a look at some of the worst sequels to grace the big screen
10. ‘Little Fockers’ (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 9%
The third time proved to be anything but a charm for the “Meet the Parents” franchise. Despite boasting an A-list cast including Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Alba, Kevin Hart, and Harvey Keitel, the third installment of the family comedy failed badly both with audiences and critics alike. The plot centers on Greg and Pam Focker (Ben Stiller and Teri Polo), who are now the parents of 10-year-old twins—thus the imaginative title. The movie was heavily criticized for its lazy, forced plot and stale “I am watching you” jokes. It got Three Razzie award nominations and one win for Worst Actress in Supporting Role (Jesica Alba).
What critics said: “When a cinematic series starts resorting celebrity cameos instead of actual filmmaking, then it’s time to close up shop and move on to something else.” –Richard Propes, TheIndependentCritic.com
9. ‘The Next Karate Kid’ (1994)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 7%
Neither waxing off nor on could save the 1994 installment of the much-beloved ” Karate Kid” franchise from being a critical and commercial disappointment. Featuring a pre-oscar Hillary Swank in a breakout role as Julie Pierce, a troubled Boston teenager who Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) takes responsibility for, ‘The Next Karate Kid” was unanimously declared by critics as a desperate attempt to keep the franchise alive.
What critics said: “An irrelevant foot note in the “Karate Kid” series that can be overlooked if only for being so vanilla.” –Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed
8. ‘Son of the Mask’ (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 9%
A lackluster follow-up to a beloved slapstick comedy, “Son of the Mask,” proved to be a textbook example of what happens when Hollywood runs out of ideas.
Without the likes of Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, the 2005 Razzies award-worth sequel bombed terribly, grossing $59.9 million against its $84–100 million budget. The movie was panned by both audiences and critics alike for its weak storyline, forced slapstick humor, and forgettable performances.
Critics said: “Whatever possessed director Lawrence Guterman and writer Lance Khazei to transform the sequel to 1994’s libidinous hit comedy into pabulum?” Andrea Gronvall.
7. ‘Basic Instinct II ‘ (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 6%
Basic Instinct II is bad. It is so bad even an actress as superb as Sharon Stone couldn’t save the disaster of the follow-up to the classic 1992 erotic thriller. Premiering in 2006—14 years after the seductive Catherine Tramell’s lewd and lascivious leg crossing blew everyone away— “Basic Instict II: Risk Adiction” flopped terribly at the box office and was panned mercilessly by critics for being a convoluted and underwhelming mess.
Critics said: “A veritable cold shower of a sequel to 1992’s softcore spectacular.” – Matthew Leyland, BBC.com
6. ‘Caddyshack II’ (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 4%
“Caddyshack II” was a forgettable and disappointing follow-up to the beloved original. Despite a star-studded cast, the film failed to capture the irreverent humor and charm that made the first movie a classic. The result was a critical and commercial disappointment that quickly faded from memory.”
Critics said: “The first Caddyshack may have been funny, but take away some of the talent from the original – Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, director Harold Ramis – and you’re left with the mess that is Caddyshack II.” – Joanna Berry, Radio Times
5. ‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ ( 1997)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 4%
Released in 1997, Speed 2 is a slap in the face of a sequel to the beloved action-packed 1994 hitSpeed, which starred Bullock alongside Keanu Reeves. While Reeves made the wise decision to take a pass, Bullock reprised her role, something that she publicly admits regretting to this day. “I have one [that] no one came around to and I’m still embarrassed I was in,” Bullock said. “It’s called ‘Speed 2.’ I’ve been very vocal about it. Makes no sense. Slow boat. Slowly going towards an island.” the actress told Variety.
Critics said: “They spent double, maybe even four times as much as they did on Speed…and it’s terrible.” –Martin Thomas, Double Toasted
4. ‘The Sting II ‘ (1983)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0%
There are sequels that are so bad they’re fascinating to watch, but unfortunately, “The Sting II” doesn’t fall into that category. Watching paint dry would be more interesting than this film. Ten years after its predecessor captivated audiences and won seven Academy Awards, The Sting II released in 1983, just flopped badly. Despite an all-star cast featuring Jackie Gleason, Mac Davis, and Teri Garr, the film failed to capture the charm and sophistication of the original and relied too heavily on rehashed plotlines lacking the fresh, witty dialogue and clever twists that made the original such a classic.
Critics said: “Moves slowly, looks terrible and copies the first film shamelessly. Rather than a sequel, it’s a retread, with David S. Ward’s screenplay supplying hoodlum lingo you could cut with a knife and outlining a set of similar shenanigans. ” – Janet Maslin, New York Times
3. ‘Staying Alive’ (1983)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0%
The 1983 follow-up to the disco-fueled sensation “Saturday Night Fever,” proves that sometimes, it’s best to let a classic stand on its own. Directed by none other than Sylvester Stallone, the film sees John Travolta donning his dancing shoes once again as Tony Manero, trying to make it big on Broadway while juggling personal conflicts and romantic entanglements. However, Stallone’s directorial touch fails to capture the same gritty, authentic feel that made “Saturday Night Fever” a cult classic. Critics panned the film for its overly sentimental approach and lackluster screenplay, which failed to do justice to Travolta’s impressive dance moves.
What critics said: “A sequel with no understanding of what made its predecessor work.” Janet Maslin, New York Times
2. Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0%
In 1991, the world saw Christopher Lambert as MacLeod in a disastrous sequel to the cult classic “Highlander.” Despite a strong cast, including Sean Connery and Virginia Madsen, “Highlander II: The Quickening” was heavily criticized for its nonsensical plot, confusing editing, and silly storyline that left fans of the original scratching their heads.
What critics said: “Highlander 2: The Quickening is the dullest and shoddiest action-adventure flick of the year, with only a few cute Sean Connery moments to rescue it from total, sheer and utter bogosity.”
1. ‘Jaws The Revenge’ (1987)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0%
It’s a shame when a cinematic masterpiece like “Jaws” gets followed by a string of disappointing sequels like “Jaws 2,” “Jaws 3-D,” and “Jaws: The Revenge.” The fourth and final installment in the series, “Jaws: The Revenge,” was the worst of them all. The film completely abandoned the social commentary and masterful suspense that made the original so iconic, replacing it with a larger and less convincing rubber shark model that even growled upon surfacing.
What critics said: “Let`s put it this way: When you see and hear the nasal Lorraine Gary on screen you want the shark to eat her.” –Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
