Prequels are more challenging than follow-ups, but these 15 films carried their stories forward by looking back.
You always attack a movie scene as late as you possibly can.
You always come into the scene at the last possible moment.
This bit of advice from the great screenwriter William Goldman has guided most moviemakers.
The overwhelming majority of films begin with trouble already brewing and end before everything can be settled.
But sometimes, a filmmaker takes the opposite approach.
These visionaries begin as early as possible, even after the opening of a different movie.
Thus, the prequel was born.
For that reason, audiences have rightly developed a general skepticism toward the concept.
So it doesnt take too much to outdo that film.
Director Arkasha Stevenson doesnt use that low bar as an excuse to phone things in.
But its real appeal is Stevensons confident direction, which transforms a pulpy horror film into something visually stunning.
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14.
Thanks to that tangled storyline,Saw Xisnt the first prequel in the series.
Infernal Affairs II (2003)
Most American viewers know 2002sInfernal Affairsas the inspiration forMartin ScorsesesThe Departed.
However, Lau and Mak remain behind the camera, ensuring that the action and tension remain in place.
After all, the series broke the final book into two films in hopes of doubling revenues.
Prometheus (2012)
WhenRidley Scottreturned to theAliensaga he originally guided, fan expectations went through the roof.
But then they got scientists making dumb decisions and Guy Pearce in unconvincing old man make-up.
While those problems certainly exist its also true that Scott had more in mind forPrometheusthan just setting upAlien.
The film asks big questions about God and humanity, themes not even touched upon in previous franchise entries.
It does not fulfill its potential, but what a fascinating miss.
But fans of ambitious, low-budget sci-fi cannot deny their appeal.
DirectorMatthew Vaughnhits a high hell never reach again and Kevin Bacon hams it up as Sebastian Shaw.
The movie certainly isnt perfect.
ButFirst Classhas enough energy and gumption to restart the X-Men franchise after the direX-Men: The Last Standderailed it.
So it makes sense that the studio would return to the well to eke out some more profit.
For many, however,Temple of Doomhad a nasty streak that mitigated its most problematic sequences.
More than any other Indy film outside ofRaiders of the Lost Ark, this things action sequences just rip.
Behind the scenes dramainvolving divorces and breakups account for some of the darker tone inTemple of Doom.
But the movie is also a prequel, which features a younger and more selfish version of Indy.
Whatever the reason,Temple of Doomisnt all, uh, doom and gloom.
The movie opens with some ofSteven Spielbergsbest work, and the mine cart sequence is an all-timer.
But in its closing moments (SPOILERS HERE), the would-be survivors think that theyve escaped Deaths trap.
Beyond the title character,Furiosafeatures everything one would expect from a Miller action epic.
It shows Michaels further descent as he puts his mark on the family.
Instead De Niro creates a new and admirable character, adding another layer to Michaels tragedy.
The film is both arguably the best sequel and prequel ever made.
