Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of A Quiet Place Part II, we’re counting down our favorite movies with Roman numerals in the title. Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
Back To The Future Part II is arguably everyone’s favorite sequel to BTTF. Here as SiftPops official* BTTF resident expert, I can see the strong argument for that point. This film isn’t just important for being entertaining, it is also important for filmmaking with its revolutionary technique that ILM’s engineers developed, called VistaGlide. This is a way for the filmmakers to record their camera movements and have it repeated back perfectly so that we can have one actor portray multiple roles within the same shot. To get back on point, how can you not fall in love with what they envisioned for the then future as well as revisiting the first film in 1965. Now excuse me while I go watch all three films back to back in stunning 4K!
*Frank is self-proclaimed and is in no way officially official, but it’s whatevs at this point. He does what he wants. In fact, he probably did it just so he could write this explanation so that his blurb has some sort of joke. (Frank Kemp III)
Richard Donner is still responsible for the best Superman films ever made. The original is, in my opinion, a perfect origin and telling of the Man of Steel with a score that is one of my favorite ever (John Williams, you brilliant mind, please live forever). So it’s a sequel that has some pretty high flying standards to meet, and I think it does so! What’s great is that Zod and his trio are introduced in the first film at the very beginning, so when they reappear here it feels like it was always part of the plan. I have always loved Christopher Reeves’ portrayal of Clark Kent and Superman — his earnest and kind meek Clark and his strong confident Superman. The way he can switch on a dime between the two is really something, and a particular interaction with Miss Lois Lane is one of my favorite moments in any Superman story. It’s fun watching him fight against people of his own kind and realizing that he can’t win by sheer strength. It’s hard for me to write about this film in such a confined manner just because it excites me with so much I could say. Put simply, Superman II is fun and unforgettable, and it continues to make me believe a man can fly. (Evan Lucken)
When I was young, I was watching an episode of The Simpsons where the boys of Springfield got into a turf war with the boys of the rival town Shelbyville over a lemon tree. Bart Simpson was trapped in a room full of doors with Roman numerals and figured out which door was the proper exit with the help of the Rocky movies. Rocky Balboa taught a generation of people the value of hard work and determination. In Rocky IV, the stakes are high against arguably the biggest test of Rocky’s boxing career: creating geopolitical harmony in the 1980s. Iconic movie moments, an epic grunge match with high stakes that were literally life and death, and a larger than life opponent, Rocky IV has action, heart, and unintentional camp that is charming and stands out from the entire series. I still get goosebumps every time Apollo Creed and Ivan Drago fist bump before their fight and Ivan says, “I must break you.” This movie is in the pantheon of pop culture, too, with references in TV shows episodes of Chuck and How I Met Your Mother, and being a major driving point in the movie Creed II. In this era of political strife and turmoil, we must all heed the immortal words of this film: “If I can change, and you can change. Everybody can change.” (Mike Hilty)
I never felt the phenomenon of Star Wars until the first time I saw The Force Awakens. From the crawl during the opening sequences to the end of the movie, the first entry in the Sequel Trilogy is what I believe to be the best. It’s a new adventure, and the beginning of the end for the Skywalker Saga, which I wasn’t ready for. But it was giving us new stories and an end to an incredible one. It’s a fun ride for old and new fans to enjoy this film and to throw themselves into a fandom that most of us have been sucked into. Meeting the new trio (Rey, Finn and Poe) was fun, and still watching the original trio (Han, Leia and Luke) after 40 years is a joy. Amazing performances (John Boyega and Adam Driver standouts, to me), old friends, new enemies, and the Millennium Falcon. Also, I don’t know about anybody else, but I definitely have a thing for that baddie Kylo Ren. Even though there were comparisons to A New Hope, The Force Awakens still stands tall on its own. (Chantal Ashford)
If you tell me that you have a film starring Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Maggie Smith, you’re going to have my attention. If you then say that it also includes the likes of Jim Broadbent, Robert Downey Jr., and Kristin Scott Thomas, then you are going to have my sheer fascination, as I found when watching the 1995 rendition of William Shakespeare’s Richard III. McKellen brings a villainous portrayal of Shakespeare’s King Richard of Gloucester to the silver screen, a man portrayed as hungry for power and who doesn’t care much about how he attains it nor whom he must kill along the way. However, the writers and director of this film made a creative choice that truly makes this film unique and makes the character just a bit more evil by setting this film not in the fifteenth century, but during the 1930’s, with the reign of Richard and that of the House of York having clear undertones of the fascist regimes that rose up during the years preceding World War II. It’s a bold choice with a strong cast, and it makes Richard III all the more unique and worthy of viewing. So don’t look for a horse, a horse, your kingdom for a horse. Instead, opt for a tank, or perhaps a Jeep, and give this film a spin. (Joseph Davis)
Until relatively recently, I had never seen Menace II Society. However, in a strange turn of events, it was through following a film reviewer on TikTok that I was inspired to watch it. He spoke about how important the movie was to the black community, particularly those raised in that ‘90s era of the greater Los Angeles area. It’s one of the cultural centerpieces depicting very real events that, to some degree, still occur today, nearly 30 years after the movie originally came out. Menace II Society can be an uncomfortable watch, but in an important way; a way that makes you think and reflect. The film is held together by some incredible performances, most notably those of Larenz Tate and Tyrin Turner. They bring a hard truth to their characters that could have been lost or heavy-handed in the hands of other actors. I feel as if anybody who has seen Boyz in the Hood should do an eventual double feature with Menace II Society, because they are both exceptionally crafted films depicting similar events to very different outcomes. While it’s unfortunate movies like this still have real-world comparisons, I find it an incredibly moving and thought-provoking film that people should watch. (Nashua Doll)
No longer hampered by the budgetary constraints of the original film, the gleefully gory Evil Dead II unleashed the cinematic force that is Sam Raimi unto the world. While The Evil Dead is your prototypical cabin in the woods horror movie, the sequel is simply off the walls, but that is a large part of its appeal. This cult classic is filled to the brim with incredible practical effects, memorable one-liners, and moments of unexpected humor. Led by the terrifically campy Bruce Campbell as the chainsaw-wielding Ash, Evil Dead II packs dozens of unrelentingly creative horror sequences into its brisk 84 minute runtime. Evil Dead II is undoubtedly the grooviest horror movie ever made. Fun for the whole family! (Foster Harlfinger)
I could have happily picked, and defended, any one of the four Star Trek films which contain a Roman numeral in their title, although I will always be baffled by the franchise’s decision to skip the numeral V entirely. What sets Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan apart from other entries in the franchise is its ability to stand alone as a fantastic piece of science fiction cinema, while also providing enough Star Trek goodness to please the long-time fans. Well, apart from killing Spock.With The Wrath of Khan, Nicholas Meyer managed to craft a compelling story of vengeance, mortality, and friendship that just happens to be set in the Star Trek universe. This film also contains one of the most tense submarine battles in cinema history, without including a single submarine… or water — no small feat at all. Not to mention it provides us with one of the most iconic pop culture villains of all time (not you, Cumberbatch). Of course, The Wrath of Khan is by no means spared from Shatner’s ‘unique’ school of line delivery and acting, but if you have a dry eye after Spock’s final, “I have been, and always shall be, your friend,” then quite frankly, you deserve to go down with the Kobyashi Maru… while watching Star Trek Into Darkness. (Ian Whittington)
While I wouldn’t necessarily say this was a “List of Shame” entry, I was certainly interested in checking Henry V out. I only read three Shakespeare’s in my high school English days (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear) and added the Michael Fassbender version of Macbeth a few years back. However, this one had a few things that intrigued me, namely Kenneth Branagh at the helm and a lack of anachronism between the setting and the use of the original Shakespeare dialogue (a pet peeve of mind). Branagh certainly knows how to do his Shakespeare adaptations (earning Oscar noms for both direction and acting here) and the infamous St. Crispin’s Day speech lives up to its reputation. There’s also plenty of familiar faces, like Judi Dench and a young Christian Bale. Without the annotations that came with our school books, you may not know exactly what is being said, but the gist is easy enough to follow. If you’re looking for a Shakespeare adaptation, this is a solid option. (Jake Bourgeois)
I don’t really have to justify this one too much, do I? Considered one of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather Part II is a crime drama masterpiece of epic proportions. How do you follow up on arguably the greatest film ever? You dig deeper and take things to a dark place. The first film was just the beginning of the epic descent of one Michael Corleone. Al Pacino is a revelation in this powerful performance that stands the test of time. To parallel his warping of the American Dream, we are treated to the rise of his own father with Robert De Niro taking on the iconic role of Vito Corleone (which he absolutely owns every moment of). This complex and textured narrative is filled to the brim with complex characters brought to life by career defining performances. The Godfather Part II has it all and remains one of the most impactful film experiences of my life. If you haven’t experienced it… TREAT YOURSELF. (Shane Conto)
Creed II
Creed II continued to interject life back into the Rocky franchise with its pulse pounding fights and hard-hitting drama. Michael B. Jordan once again reprises his role as the up-and-coming boxer with huge shoes to fill, Adonis Creed. Adonis doesn’t even get the moment to celebrate his tremendous achievement of becoming the Champion of the World before coming up against a mountain of a man, Viktor Drago. This film does a great job of being essentially a sequel for two different films — the initial Creed movie and Rocky IV. It’s an impressive feat to be able to ground something so over the top as Rocky IV and make us care about the Dragos’ plight. On the flip side, we get to see Creed and the beginnings of his new family and knowing that he has so much to lose taking on this fight. Seeing these prized pupils go through the same war their given cornermen have gone through is tremendously satisfying. The fights in this movie have the necessary weight due to the time they take with its characters and making every punch count as a result. Creed II continues the legacy of Rocky, while bolstering up the new franchise. (Joe Vargas)
Frozen II
Frozen II is an underrated movie — there, I’ve said it! Following the mammoth that was the original Frozen, this film had enormous shoes to fill, and it did a pretty great job of doing so. Following Elsa as she essentially experiences a quarter life crisis, we get a deeper look into Arendelle and the intricate lore that surrounds its existence. From different spirits and types of magic, to wacky songs and bigger stakes, this movie hasn’t really gotten the praise it earns and deserves. Add to that the fact that it has one of the funniest retelling scenes in cinema, and it really is a good time. There’s nothing else to say, except that it’s got more magic, more heart, and more character development than warranted, and if a tear doesn’t slip from your eye watching it, then you’re ice cold! So ignore the deep seated trauma that came from hearing “Let It Go”on repeat for years, and enter the wonderful world of Frozen again in part two. (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
Clerks II
You may not find many bigger Kevin Smith apologists than me. As an impressionable teen, I found Clerks to be life-changing. It was a cathartic experience that lead me down a deeper understanding of cinema. It was more than a movie to me, meaning Smith means a lot to me also. His universe was the first movie universe I knew of. Heck, it was the first time I even realized films could be connected in the way Smith did. It felt so great to be a part of it and in on the joke. So it was great to see Dante and Randall return 10 years older, but maybe not 10 years wiser. This time they’re trying to figure out life whilst “clerking” at another of Smith’s universal creations — the burger joint, Mooby’s. The banter between the two is just as it was. Vulgar and funny, but with a bit more panache. Clerks II is surely an insight into Smith himself as he grew into a family man, trying to grow up and knock the immature teenager from inside his head. Clerks II resonates with anyone who grew up with Smith’s movies, while navigating their own entry into adulthood and the burden of responsibilities. (Adam Ritchie)
Blade II
Guillermo Del Toro’s Blade II really was the film that made him a big name for general audiences, and it’s easy to see why. Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of this character still defines him in a similar way as Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man or Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, and out of the three films, this is easily his most physical and entertaining outing. I love all the cheesy early 2000s stylistic flourishes you see, whether it be almost entirely leather-clad costume design, the odd CGI camera movements, or the hilariously outdated effects for the vampire deaths. None of those fun stylistic or technical aspects that may have aged the film really hold it down, though. The story is still earnestly effective, whether emotionally or experientially. The practical stuff Del Toro is known for is present and highly effective in making the audience gross out in fear or get sucked into this world of the unknown. It all culminates in a finale that is to this day one of the bloodiest, most violent set pieces I’ve ever seen in an action horror film. This is a sequel to a franchise that is fairly looked over in the modern era of comic book films, and it is in every way worthy of a rewatch. (May Honey)
The Karate Kid Part II
I consider this a unique story to tell after the results of The Karate Kid. Most movies would probably go the revenge route of Johnny Lawrence seeking to win back the All Valley Tournament. Instead, the story takes us down the path of Mr. Miyagi’s origin and the story of why he moved to America. A new movie means a new location (Okinawa, Japan) and dropping all the side characters as well. Mom moved to Fresno and Ali “left him” for another guy at UCLA (which is hilariously better explained in the third season of the sequel Netflix series Cobra Kai). While this movie is a bit less charming and missing the classic training montage from the first film, the stakes are much higher here. Every gauntlet thrown has life and death stakes, not some silly trophy. People literally want to kill for honor! However, we still get a great bit at the end where an innocuous lesson that has nothing to do with fighting turns out to be the turning point in the climax. But honestly, one of the best scenes in the whole franchise is when Daniel has to break sheets of ice in a bar. One of the most wholesome genuine scenes featuring just how much faith and trust Mr. Miyagi has in Daniel-San. (Scott Batchelor)
Ghostbusters II
Much of the internet will have you believe that Ghostbusters II is a bad movie. What my theory presupposes is, maybe it’s not? In fact, it does what every great ‘80s sequel does — it doubles down on everything in the original, from silliness to scariness. There are two standout performances for me: the late, great Harold Ramis’ Egon and Peter MacNicol’s Janosz. Ramis has a performance that revels in subtlety, from small facial expressions to casual comments that have me bursting with laughter every time. As for MacNicol, he just needs to open his mouth to be hilarious, from, “everything you’re doing is bad” to, “oh, but I wooed.” To stand out amongst a cast that includes Rick Moranis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Bill Murray is impressive to say the least. Not to mention Ghostbusters II used the “5 years later” title card 30 years before Avengers: Endgame unapologetically stole it! If the MCU is ripping you off, you must be doing something right! In conclusion, who ya gonna call? “WINNNSTONNNN!” (Nick Ferro)
Saw III
John Kramer is back for another round of his games where he puts to the test Jeff, a grieving father who is given a test which makes him decide whether or not to let the people involved in his son’s death live or die. The Saw franchise is not for everyone, especially if you don’t like gore, and Saw III doesn’t shy away from the gore. Saw III bridges the first two Saw movies with the rest of the sequels by starting the intertwining story and plot of the later sequels. The Saw franchise has always been under scrutiny for its gore and twisted nature, but Saw always asks the question: what is your life worth to you? Whereas Saw III bears to ask the question, what is the value of another’s life placed in your hands? Whether or not horror movies like Saw III are your cup of tea, it’s still an interesting turn in the Book of Saw and it takes the story of Saw to new and exciting places. Some will say it’s all downhill from here, but Saw III offers the turning point of the franchise with a fantastic twist ending. Do you want to play a game? (Austen Terry)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
There comes a point in film where a movie seemingly becomes self-aware, knowing exactly the kind of movie that it wants to become. More common in actions or comedies, these movies can embrace their campy nature, and revel in their cheesiness. That’s the exact awareness that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze uses to create magic. Don’t remember what I’m talking about? Maybe you forgot the fourth wall breaks to speak directly to the audience, or Ernie Reyes Jr. is doing his best to create an audition tape for the masterpiece that is Surf Ninjas, or that WWF wrestler Kevin Nash played Super Shredder, and that the final is a battle taking place in the middle of an epic Vanilla Ice performance. All of this melds together to create an enjoyable atmosphere for children, while still making the film engaging for adults. Although we don’t get Bebop and Rocksteady, we do get the classic storyline of more mutated animals from the mysterious ooze that created the turtles in the first place. It creates a lot of cartoonish excitement and fun action sequences to pull you through a movie that will leave you nostalgic for your childhood. Cowabunga dudes! (Heath Lynch)
Jurassic Park III
Watching Jurassic Park III as a child, I was terrified; watching this as an adult I was overjoyed with nostalgia while remaining on edge. From the get-go, the tension was still able to make me squirm and scream out at characters in warning of the choices they were making. Despite some cheesy dialogue between the pair, watching Sam Neill and Laura Dern reunite (though only briefly) made me giddy to remember the transformations they went through during the original film, making the “where are they now?” feeling this film opens with even more intriguing. William H. Macy and Téa Leoni are also always a welcome sight and rarely disappoint. The wide shots and visuals are gorgeous, including the opening parasailing scene that makes you envious of the location, and realize that dinosaurs aside, “I want to do that!” Additionally, this film does a great job of maintaining tension throughout and keeps you on edge from the moment a raptor shows itself in the glass pane to Dern, to the final raptor showdown. However, one of the major highlights of this film is the perfectly placed and spaced score! Even though Jurassic Park III may not have the most critical acclaim, it’s always an absolute gem for a go-to nostalgic movie night! And stating the obvious… “Alan!?!” (Matt Lawson)
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Nothing about this movie makes sense. First of all, the title – First Blood Part II? So second blood? Second coming? Is Rambo Jesus? What? What is this film? Now, let’s go into the story. Remember the First Blood (you know, the first Rambo movie, that wasn’t actually called Rambo) how it wasn’t really that violent, but it was more skewed towards being a drama, one man against the entire world, Vietnam War PTSD? Well, this movie took that nice, thought up concept and put it in the nearest bin, as this can’t be more of wild, sweaty, 80’s action, even if John Rambo himself stopped to exercise to “Let’s Get Physical” in a body leopard suit in the middle of it. And yet, somehow, it works! It’s so different from its predecessor, it’s so violent, it just works, on a completely different level. That is, if you only care about the kick ass action scenes. This film is what cemented Rambo into the pop-culture phenomenon and made it so easy to parody for decades to come. (Luke Burian)
Also See: Halloween sequels, Bad Boys II, Beverly Hills Cop II, Hellboy II, Men in Black II
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