Just FYI: We're comparing the Tomatometer scores here, aka the critical reception! For example, a 90% RT approval rating means 90% of approved critics gave the movie a positive review overall, not that it's a 9/10. Also, the audience scores might be different altogether.

Paddington 2 (2017): 99% approval rating

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."

Top Gun: Maverick (2022): 96% approval rating

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."

Dune: Part Two (2024): 92% approval rating

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

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."

Batman Begins (2005): 85% approval rating

The Dark Knight (2008): 94% approval rating

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."

The Hunger Games (2012): 84% approval rating

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): 90% approval rating

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."

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): 91% approval rating

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002): 95% approval rating

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

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018): 80% approval rating

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?"

X2: X-Men United (2003): 85% approval rating

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."

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."

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."

Spider-Man 2 (2004): 93% approval rating

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

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): 89% approval rating

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."

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017): 92% approval rating

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019): 91% approval rating

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021): 93% approval rating

Critics' Consensus: "A bigger, bolder Spider-Man sequel, No Way Home expands the franchise's scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart."