Every Rom-Com Sequel: RANKED!
#8: “The Kissing Booth 2” (2020)
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When an on-screen adaption of Beth Reekles’s novel “The Kissing Booth” hit Netflix in 2018, it was a big success. In the follow-up film, high schooler Elle is prepping for her next stage in life: college. While dealing with a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Noah, she becomes fond of transfer student Marco, and of course, there’s her close friendship with Lee, which also leads to dilemmas. Sufficient to say, things are super complicated, which makes for great drama and comedy. However, we have to say the sequel never quite captures the same spark as the first installment.
#7: “Coming 2 America” (2021)
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Over thirty years later, Eddie Murphy’s comedy classic about an African prince who travels to Queens to find love, finally got a sequel. In the follow-up, Murphy’s Prince Akeem discovers that he produced a child (and a potential heir) during his time in New York. The film’s cast includes many returning members such as Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones and invites new additions Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Wesley Snipes and Jermaine Fowler. Full of callbacks and special cameos, the film stands on its own and complements its predecessor with respect rather than trying to top it.
#6: “Grease 2” (1982)
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Grab your leather jacket and gas up your car, ‘cause the T-Birds and Pink Ladies are back. Taking place two years after the events of the original musical, the sequel follows Sandy Olsson’s British cousin Michael as he attempts to fit into Rydell High’s greaser culture, just like his cuz did before him. Starring Maxwell Caulfield as Michael and Michelle Pfeiffer as his love interest Stephanie, the musical never quite lived up to the fame of its originator and became a critical and box office dud. Years later Caulfield was even quoted as saying it took him a decade just to “get over” the movie. You know what they say: “Greased Lightnin’” never strikes twice.
#5: “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” (2020)
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Following the massive success of 2018’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” the Netflix original film got its long-awaited sequel in 2020. Based on Jenny Han’s novel, the movie catches up with protagonist Lara Jean and her boyfriend Peter Kavinsky, who are thriving as a couple. But when John Ambrose (one of the recipients of Lara’s infamous letters from the first film) starts coming around, things get complicated. Adding Jordan Fisher to the cast, the sequel is just as sweet and charming as the first film and is the perfect centerpiece to the “Boys” universe, which wrapped up with an similarly enjoyable final installment, “Always and Forever.”
#4: “Bridget Jones’s Baby” (2016)
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After witnessing Bridget Jones find new love, a new career and a new outlook on life, fans finally got to see the rom-com icon face her biggest challenge yet: motherhood. This third film finds the news reporter-turned-producer pregnant and trapped in a love triangle between Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy and newcomer Jack Qwant, played by Patrick Dempsey. Struggling to find out the paternity of her baby, Bridget navigates uncharted waters in an attempt to prepare for this life-changing event. While we can appreciate the first sequel, “Edge of Reason,” this one delivers the perfect conclusion for the imperfect yet beloved Londoner.
#3: “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” (2004)
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In 2001, Anne Hathaway became a household name thanks to her breakout role in the first “Princess Diaries.” After American teenager Mia Thermopolis discovers she’s heir to the fictional country of Genovia, the sequel sees her attempting to navigate her royal duties, primarily a forthcoming arranged marriage. Reprising her role alongside Hathaway is Dame Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse, who’s as charming as ever, and joining the cast in his feature film debut is a young Chris Pine, whose future stardom we could see coming from a mile away. “Royal Engagement” is much loved by fans of the original and features a fresh and engaging story that’s fit for a princess.
#2: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” (2016)
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Everyone’s favorite overbearing family is back in this follow-up to the 2002 hit. Protagonist Toula, husband Ian and the rest of the Portokalos clan are going through some rocky times. Between Toula smothering her daughter Paris, her travel agency closing, and the revelation that her parents’ marriage is invalid, everything is as broken as a smashed plate. Nia Vardalos and John Corbett reprise their roles as the leads and remind viewers that no matter how much time has passed, this story, which at its core is about family dynamics, will never be ancient history.
#1: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” (2018)
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Based on the hit Broadway musical, “Mamma Mia!” blazed onto the big screen in 2008 and left audiences wanting more. Fans' wishes were granted when, ten years later, the sequel made its triumphant return with more singing, more dancing, and of course, more romance. Simultaneously a sequel and a prequel, “Here We Go Again” shows Sophie five years later as she learns more about her mother’s past, shown in flashback sequences with Lily James portraying a young Donna. Also adding Andy García and Cher into the mix, this follow-up is a fun and splashy celebration of music, life and love that beckons a third installment. Here we go again, again? Please?
