Sequels of action movies frequently boast about larger explosions and higher risks, yet many end up falling flat, unable to recreate the enchantment of the original. This can be due to a lackluster script, the absence of key actors, or simply poor decisions, leaving fans dissatisfied and critics underwhelmed.
As a devoted movie critic, I’ve compiled a list of my top 15 disappointing sequels in the realm of action cinema. These films are ranked according to their descent from their original brilliance, taking into account poor execution, squandered potential, and the dismay of disappointed audiences. From heartless cash grabs to puzzling misfires, these movies offer a stark reminder of what can go awry when action takes a turn for the worse. Delving into the reasons behind their failure and examining why they rank where they do, this list serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromising on quality in the pursuit of profit.
15. Taken 3 (2014)
In a new installment of the “Taken” series, Liam Neeson reprises his role as Bryan Mills, who finds himself facing charges for murder. This time around, Olivier Megaton is at the helm, but the fast-paced action and weak narrative fail to recapture the taut suspense of the original film.
13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes indicates that this film feels repetitive compared to its predecessor, lacking the initial movie’s sense of immediacy. Its weak kidnapping plotline and excessive chase scenes contribute to an unmemorable experience that drags on.
14. The Expendables 3 (2014)
In simpler terms, Instead of Sylvester Stallone, there are new characters like Wesley Snipes in this film, but despite that, the PG-13 rating makes it less gritty and intense. The director, Patrick Hughes, seems to have made a confusing and overly complex action sequence instead of a focused one.
The film’s 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes indicates its diluted action sequences and underdeveloped antagonist. Unfortunately, it delivers a disappointing result, swapping the original’s genuine appeal for generic computer-generated explosion spectacles.
13. Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
In a different take, John Rambo, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, engages in a battle against a ruthless Mexican drug cartel to rescue a captured child. Adrian Grünberg is at the helm as director, yet the dark atmosphere and underdeveloped narrative seem to contradict the character’s storied history.
The film, with a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, delivers a brutal action that seems to lack the emotional depth present in previous installments. Regrettably, it offers an intense yet empty finale that falls short of what dedicated fans had hoped for.
12. Die Hard: A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
In the film, Bruce Willis’ character John McClane partners up with his son in Russia. However, instead of the usual witty dialogue, John Moore’s directing style opts for general disorderliness. The relationship between father and son feels contrived, and the storyline is confusing.
With a disappointing 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this version falls short compared to the original’s captivating allure and thrilling action of Die Hard. Sadly, it appears more as a heartless money-making scheme rather than a worthy addition to the legendary series, potentially damaging the iconic franchise.
11. Terminator Genisys (2015)
In the realm of cinematic critique, I find myself compelled to share my thoughts on “Terminator: Genisys,” a film that sees Arnold Schwarzenegger once again gracing our screens as the indomitable T-800. The narrative here is a complex web of time travel, with Emilia Clarke stepping into the shoes of Sarah Connor. Director Alan Taylor attempts to rekindle the “Terminator” franchise, but unfortunately, it seems the saga stumbles rather than soars in this latest installment.
With its complex plotline and underdeveloped tension, this film received a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Regardless of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appeal, the movie is an unmemorable deviation that leaves audiences perplexed rather than excited.
10. Predator 2 (1990)
In this city-set sequel from 1997, Danny Glover steps into Schwarzenegger’s role, pursuing a Predator in the streets of L.A. Stephen Hopkins is at the helm, but the grittier feel falls short compared to the original’s jungle-borne dread.
Despite earning a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this action movie tends to feel rather monotonous, and unfortunately, Donald Glover’s performance doesn’t quite measure up to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s charisma. Although it’s an ambitious effort, it disappointingly falls short for enthusiasts of the original film.
9. Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
In this underwater sequel, Sandra Bullock is back, but not accompanied by Keanu Reeves. Instead, the story revolves around a menacing bomber aboard a cruise ship. Unlike Jan de Bont’s previous work featuring a speedy bus, here he switches gears to a leisurely boat.
With a 4% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s implausible storyline and absence of suspense are critically hit. Sandra Bullock gives her best, but lacking the charm of Keanu Reeves, it turns out to be an unsuccessful follow-up that seems doomed to fail.
8. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
In simpler terms, the fifth movie in the Transformers series by Michael Bay features Mark Wahlberg on a quest for an ancient relic from the Middle Ages. However, the overly complex narrative and excessive use of computer-generated imagery seem to have overshadowed the initial enjoyment that the series offered.
Having a Rotten Tomatoes score of 15%, this movie turns out to be a chaotic, senseless jumble, characterized by excessive explosions and a feeble narrative. Unfortunately, it represents a disappointing low mark for the series.
7. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
In a unique twist, Sigourney Weaver’s genetically replicated character of Ripley encounters xenomorphic creatures within a spacecraft, under the direction of Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film’s eccentric mood and chaotic screenplay seem to contrast sharply with the horror foundations established in the series.
With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 31%, the movie squanders Sigourney Weaver’s tenacity by featuring over-the-top antagonists and peculiar decisions. This unexpected blunder in the Alien franchise seems quite odd.
6. RoboCop 3 (1993)
In the new version of the movie, Robert Burke steps into the role previously held by Peter Weller, portraying RoboCop who stands against a business seizure in Detroit. However, Fred Dekker’s production tries to deliver satire, yet it appears somewhat shabby and lacking in creativity.
The movie scored only 3% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating it lacks the intended punch, and its PG-13 rating seems to soften the original’s grit. Sadly, this follow-up appears devoid of soul, failing to capture what made RoboCop a timeless icon.
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
In a 1950s sci-fi setting, Harrison Ford reprises his role as Indy, this time alongside Shia LaBeouf. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film offers an extraterrestrial adventure. However, its heavy reliance on CGI effects and humorous plot twists has left some viewers feeling disconnected.
A rather lenient 78% rating from Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t quite capture the subpar action levels and underwhelming antagonist of this film, which seems to have dented Indiana Jones’ iconic charm. Unfortunately, this movie has left a mark on his whip-wielding exploits that might not be so shiny.
4. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
The movie “Superman,” starring Christopher Reeve, attempts to address nuclear disarmament, but it’s hindered by financial constraints and a didactic screenplay. Despite its noble intentions, director Sidney J. Furie’s attempt is commendable yet marred by these flaws.
12% on Rotten Tomatoes suggests that the film’s poor reception is due to its subpar special effects and weak narrative, which unfortunately overshadow Christopher Reeve’s charisma. Despite its good intentions, this final installment of the classic series ends up being an awkward and humbling experience.
3. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
In the fourth installment of the Jaws series, the Brody family encounters a malicious shark, but without the creative direction of Steven Spielberg. The film is directed by Joseph Sargent, and while Lorraine Gary is present in the cast, the rest of the original actors are absent, resulting in a plot that feels unoriginal and somewhat humorous.
The dismal zero rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks volumes—laughable shark noises and sloppy special effects tarnish the reputation of this once-illustrious series, leaving viewers bewildered. It’s an unfortunate low ebb for a franchise that was previously highly respected.
2. Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
In a revised version, we find that Christopher Lambert’s character, Connor MacLeod, engages in combat with extraterrestrial beings in a bleak future, discarding the initial storyline about immortality. The sequel directed by Russell Mulcahy turns out to be a chaotic catastrophe.
The movie left fans puzzled as it received a zero rating on Rotten Tomatoes, due to its illogical storyline and subpar special effects. This was quite unexpected, given how the initial film captivated audiences with its enchanting swordplay.
1. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
Despite being produced in the ’70s, this sequel to “The Exorcist” is noteworthy due to its appalling quality, frequently used as a warning for future action-horror spin-offs. John Boorman is the director behind Linda Blair’s struggle with another demonic recurrence.
The movie received a disappointing 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes due to its overly complex spiritual elements and failure to deliver scary moments, making it something of a disaster. Regrettably, it fell short in preserving the eerie reputation established by its predecessor.
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2025-06-13 06:15