The comparison of sequels to their original movie is a common debate between many people. Most have the conception that originals will always top their sequel, no matter what the story line or plot is. Some have rules, like if the sequels still keep the original characters, then it is okay. But is it true that original movies are always superior?

Nowadays, more sequels are put out in theaters than original movies. In 1981, 7 of the top 10 films in the U.S. were original movies, whereas in 2011, 0 of the top 10 were originals. This could perhaps be due to thinning imaginations of Hollywood writers, or lowered societal entertainment standards. While some sequels are necessary in carrying out the plot of the first movie, others butcher a plot that would have been better off just left alone.

For example, “The Hangover” trilogy sparked indifferent conversation amongst viewers. The huge success and popularity of the first movie seemed to be succeeded by the second, that kept all the same characters and the same plot. Junior Caroline Cote said, “The only time a sequel is okay is if it has all the same actors as the first one, like the Hangover, for instance. In that case, I liked the second movie the best.”

However, with the third and last movie in the trilogy, the plot was lost and many viewers were left disappointed. In this case, the plot may have just been better left alone and not continued in an attempt to expand the movie franchise. However, in other cases, such as “Harry Potter,” each sequel was essential to the plot. In cases when movies are well done, follow a concise plot and have a growing fan base, such as Toy Story and the Hunger Games, sequels are often looked forward to. Cult movies such as these are, in many movie lovers’ opinions, the only case when sequels should be made.

Others agree that a sequel may ruin the movie altogether. If an extremely successful movie has a disgraceful sequel, it may even make the original less enjoyable. Junior Andrea Winter said, “The originals are always better, like in ‘Mean Girls.’ The sequel, ‘Mean Girls 2,’ didn’t even compare to the first one.”

Upcoming sequels that will be out in theaters soon are “Finding Dory,” “Alice in Wonderland 2,” and “Fast and furious 7,” just to name a few. Will they be comparable to their originals? You’ll just have to wait and see.