Top Five Sequels
Here's the definition of a sequel I'm going with: a film that features reappearing characters and storylines from a previous film that acknowledges the events and history of the previous film. This means movies in franchise films like Rocky, Star Trek, or Batman would count after the first movie. Also, the second and third parts of trilogies (like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings) also count. However, Bond films don't count because they each function as their own separate entities, never referring to the events of movies past. I'll allow that Kill Bill Volume Two doesn't meet sequel criteria, because it merely the second half of a whole film. Also, while the Kevin Smith Jersey films seem to fit the criteria, with the sequential appearance of Jay and Silent Bob, I'm not counting them as sequels.
Note: this is a list of sequels, not prequels, which should get there own list. However, Attack of the Clones is a fuzzy area since it is a sequel to a prequel, while being a prequel on its own. No matter, there's no way that movie would qualify for a top five anything (well, maybe top five romance stories featuring no chemistry). As a reminder: I've never seen any of The Lord of the Rings movies.
5. The Godfather II (this one's a gimme, as it was the only sequel to ever win an Academy Award Return of the King did this year, and that wasn't really on its own merit. This one wasn't a reward for both movies, as The Godfather won as well. Most would argue that this should be higher, as it is the highest quality movie on the list, but I like the others better)
4. Before Sunset (you'll only like this movie if you liked Before Sunrise, which is one of my favourites. This was one of the most satisfying movies I've ever seen)
3. The Empire Strikes Back (this'll be number one on others list-- providing, of course, others make lists-- but I'm a comic geek, not a Star Wars geek)
2. X2: X-Men United (this is the tough one. I liked Spider-Man 2 better, going as far as listing in my top five favourite movies, but I have 20 straight years of X-Men comics. Oh well, X-Men 3 should regain the series' rightful spot at the top of the list. Especially if the Whedon news is true)
1. Spider-Man 2 (I've said enough. This movie kicks all kinds of ass. Go get `em Tiger)