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Top 20 Best Prequel Movies of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - June 6th 2025, 19:00 GMT+2

Cropped Prey 1 — 20. Prey (2022)

Who knew a Predator movie could sneak up on us like this? *Prey* takes the intergalactic hunter back to 1719, deep into the Great Plains, where a fierce Comanche warrior named Naru (played by breakout star Amber Midthunder) proves she’s got more survival instinct than a spaceship full of alien tech. The film ditches the usual military bravado for a lean, gritty survival thriller that’s part *The Revenant*, part *sci-fi showdown*, and somehow it works beautifully. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this prequel slices through low expectations with a tomahawk and reminds us why we fell in love with the Predator franchise in the first place. Less guns, more guts. And you didn’t even miss the jungle, did you? | © 20th Century Studios

Cropped the first omen 2024 — 19. The First Omen (2024)

Let’s be honest: no one asked for another Omen prequel… and yet *The First Omen* crawled out of hell and said, “You’re welcome.” Set before the original 1976 horror classic, this unsettling origin tale follows a young American novitiate (played by Nell Tiger Free) as she stumbles upon a Vatican-level conspiracy that involves—you guessed it—baby Antichrist. Cue the creepy Gregorian chants and uncomfortable eye contact. This one brings the dread slowly, oozing it through atmospheric visuals and a mounting sense of "Nope." With a devilishly good performance by Ralph Ineson and a stylish directorial debut from Arkasha Stevenson, this prequel isn't here to play nice—it's here to haunt your nightmares. | © 20th Century Studios

Cropped Kong Skull Island 2017 — 18. Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Hold onto your helicopters—*Kong: Skull Island* is not your grandfather’s King Kong movie. This beastly prequel ditches the Empire State Building for a Vietnam War-era expedition gone totally bananas (pun absolutely intended). With a cast stacked like a Comic-Con panel—including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Goodman—this film blends monster mayhem with pulpy adventure and just the right amount of self-aware chaos. Kong himself is a towering, brooding antihero who claps helicopters like they’re mosquitoes. Add in some freaky giant creatures and a synth-heavy soundtrack, and you've got one glorious throwback creature feature. Oh, and it's part of the MonsterVerse, so there’s more kaiju goodness where that came from. | © Legendary Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped cruella 2021 — 17. Cruella (2021)

Forget everything you know about the lady with the Dalmatian obsession. *Cruella* is punk rock Disney, all eyeliner and revenge with Emma Stone snarling her way through a delightfully wicked fashion origin story. Set in 1970s London with a glam-punk soundtrack that could give *Guardians of the Galaxy* a run for its money, this film tells the tale of how Estella became the iconic fur-loving villain. Emma Thompson goes full Miranda Priestly as the Baroness, serving haute couture and cold cruelty in equal measure. Sure, it’s a prequel, but it plays like *The Devil Wears Prada* meets *Joker*, and somehow it totally works. Who knew villainy could be so fabulously dressed? | © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Cropped fantastic beasts and where to find them 2016 — 16. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Before Harry ever got his Hogwarts letter, there was Newt Scamander—wizard, magizoologist, and accidental chaos magnet. *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* transports us to 1920s New York where the magic is sleek, the beasts are adorable (and occasionally terrifying), and Eddie Redmayne plays Newt like a socially awkward Doctor Dolittle with a wand. Toss in Colin Farrell (with a Johnny Depp surprise twist), Katherine Waterston, and Dan Fogler’s scene-stealing No-Maj Jacob, and you’ve got the start of a whole new corner of the Wizarding World. It may not quite reach Potter-level nostalgia, but it's a whimsical, beast-filled ride with enough magical flair to keep fans enchanted. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Star Wars Revenge of the Sith 2005 — 15. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Cue the dramatic music and prepare for heartbreak—*Revenge of the Sith* is where Anakin Skywalker finally gives in to the Dark Side, and suddenly everything hurts. Sure, the prequel trilogy had its ups, downs, and droid-related cringe, but this third act lands like a thermal detonator. Ewan McGregor turns in peak Obi-Wan, delivering “You were my brother, Anakin!” with Shakespearean pain, while Hayden Christensen fully commits to his tortured transformation. And let’s not forget Natalie Portman, whose Padmé gets the short end of the lightsaber. The visuals are stunning, the lightsaber duels are legendary, and that final battle on Mustafar? Pure molten drama. It's space opera at its most operatic. | © Lucasfilm Ltd.

Cropped bumblebee 2018 — 14. Bumblebee (2018)

Somehow, *Bumblebee* did what few thought possible: it gave the *Transformers* franchise a soul. Set in the 1980s and drenched in Spielbergian nostalgia, this prequel-slash-soft-reboot swaps out the usual explosion-fest for a surprisingly tender story about a girl and her car. Hailee Steinfeld is the heart of the movie, playing Charlie with just the right mix of teen angst and mechanical empathy. Bumblebee, ever the lovable Autobot, gets a retro redesign and enough personality to charm even the most robot-weary viewer. And yes, John Cena is here too—because every movie’s better with a bit of John Cena yelling at robots. It’s the kind of film that makes you feel things... about a giant yellow alien car. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey 2012 — 13. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Bilbo Baggins just wanted a quiet life of tea and second breakfasts, but Gandalf had other plans. *An Unexpected Journey* kicks off the Hobbit trilogy with more dwarves, songs, and CGI than you can fit in a hobbit-hole. Martin Freeman is perfectly cast as Bilbo, reluctantly swept into an adventure alongside Thorin Oakenshield (played by Richard Armitage with maximum brooding) and a company of dwarves who are equal parts warriors and walking punchlines. The film might take its sweet time getting started, but once the trolls and goblins show up, it’s Middle-earth magic all over again. Plus, who can resist a riddle-off with Gollum and Andy Serkis’s unhinged brilliance? | © New Line Cinema / Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Rogue One A Star Wars Story 2016 — 12. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

It’s not every day a prequel ends with everybody dying... and yet *Rogue One* makes it look cool. This gritty, ground-level Star Wars story answers one burning question: how *did* they steal the Death Star plans? Felicity Jones leads the ragtag crew as Jyn Erso, with Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, and Alan Tudyk (as a sassier-than-thou droid) forming a cast of underdog heroes you actually care about. It’s war, it’s rebellion, it’s heartbreak—and then Darth Vader shows up in *that* hallway scene, and suddenly every fan was screaming. The Force might not be strong with this crew, but the emotions? Off the charts. | © Lucasfilm Ltd.

Cropped X Men First Class 2011 — 11. X-Men: First Class (2011)

Before the X-Men were a school for gifted youngsters, they were just a group of mutants trying to stop World War III. *X-Men: First Class* rewinds the franchise clock to the swinging '60s and gives us James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as younger versions of Professor X and Magneto—with enough charisma and chemistry to light Cerebro on fire. Jennifer Lawrence shows up as a blue-hued, shape-shifting Mystique, and Kevin Bacon plays a Nazi mutant villain because... why not? The film blends real-world history with superhero drama in a way that’s campy, stylish, and weirdly effective. Who knew the Cuban Missile Crisis needed more telepathy and teleportation? | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped the many saints of newark 2021 — 10. The Many Saints of Newark (2021)

Before Tony Soprano was the boss of North Jersey, he was just a wide-eyed kid with a crooked smile and a front-row seat to mob drama. *The Many Saints of Newark* dives into the formative years of the future mobster, focusing on his mentor, Dickie Moltisanti, portrayed with smoldering intensity by Alessandro Nivola. Michael Gandolfini steps into his late father's iconic shoes as young Tony, delivering a performance that's both a tribute and a fresh take. The film is a nostalgic trip through the '60s and '70s, complete with racial tensions, family feuds, and the kind of moral ambiguity that made *The Sopranos* a classic. With a cast featuring Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, and Ray Liotta, it's a must-watch for fans craving more from the Soprano universe. | © New Line Cinema / HBO Films / Chase Films

Cropped transformers one 2024 — 9. Transformers One (2024)

Ever wondered how Optimus Prime and Megatron went from best buds to mortal enemies? *Transformers One* takes us back to the metallic world of Cybertron, where Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) start as allies before ideological differences tear them apart. This fully animated prequel boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Scarlett Johansson as Elita One and Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the heavy burden of leadership, all wrapped in dazzling animation that brings Cybertron to life like never before. It's a fresh take that adds depth to the franchise's lore. | © Paramount Animation / Hasbro Entertainment / New Republic Pictures

Cropped Battle from the Planet of the Apes 1971 — 8. Escape, Conquest and Battle from the Planet of the Apes (1971 - 1973)

This trio of prequels takes the *Planet of the Apes* saga from time-travel novelty to full-blown ape revolution. *Escape* kicks things off with Cornelius and Zira (Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter) arriving in 1970s Earth, where curiosity quickly turns to fear. In *Conquest*, a young Caesar rises against human oppression, flipping the script with fiery rebellion and a side of dystopian drama. *Battle* closes the arc with Caesar striving for coexistence in a fragile, post-war world. It’s pulpy, it’s political, and somehow, it still makes you root for talking chimps in turtlenecks. | © 20th Century-Fox

Cropped Furiosa A Mad Max Saga 2024 — 7. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Before she was the fierce warrior of *Fury Road*, Furiosa was a young girl torn from her home, fighting to survive in a brutal world. Anya Taylor-Joy steps into the role with a performance that's both vulnerable and formidable, tracing Furiosa's journey from captive to Imperator. Chris Hemsworth surprises as the villainous Dementus, adding layers to the chaos. Director George Miller delivers high-octane action and stunning visuals, expanding the *Mad Max* universe while maintaining its gritty heart. It's a prequel that stands tall on its own, offering depth to one of the franchise's most compelling characters. | © Warner Bros. Pictures / Kennedy Miller Mitchell

Cropped pearl 2022 — 6. Pearl (2022)

In *Pearl*, director Ti West and star Mia Goth craft a Technicolor nightmare that's as visually stunning as it is unsettling. Set in 1918, the film follows young Pearl, whose dreams of stardom clash with a repressive home life, leading to a descent into madness. Goth delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing Pearl's innocence and instability with chilling precision. The film pays homage to classic cinema while carving its own bloody path, serving as a prequel to X and deepening the character's tragic backstory. It's a haunting exploration of ambition, isolation, and the dark side of the American Dream. | © A24 / Little Lamb

Cropped Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me 1992 — 5. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)

Oh, you thought *Twin Peaks* was already weird enough? David Lynch politely disagrees. *Fire Walk with Me* isn’t just a prequel—it’s a fever dream drenched in dread and whispered secrets. This haunting descent into the last seven days of Laura Palmer's life gives Sheryl Lee the spotlight she deserved, turning in a heartbreaking performance that elevates the whole saga. Kyle MacLachlan returns as Agent Cooper (though a bit reluctantly), and there's a who’s-who of Lynch regulars, including Ray Wise and Grace Zabriskie. Equal parts terrifying and tender, this film divided critics upon release, but has since become a cult classic—and essential for any Peakshead. Just don’t expect answers. This is Lynch, after all. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped indiana jones and the temple of doom 1984 — 4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Before melting Nazis and holy grails, Indy went deep—literally—into the caverns of India for his darkest (and arguably wildest) adventure yet. *Temple of Doom* cranks the pulp to eleven with heart-ripping rituals, runaway mine carts, and the most iconic "No time for love, Dr. Jones!" moment in film history. Harrison Ford is peak swashbuckling charm, while Kate Capshaw screams her way through the chaos with flair. And let’s not forget Ke Huy Quan as Short Round, delivering pint-sized charisma and roundhouse kicks like a pro. Sure, it’s intense—and occasionally controversial—but it’s also a rollicking ride that helped define the summer blockbuster. | © Lucasfilm Ltd. / Paramount Pictures

Cropped monsters university 2013 — 3. Monsters University (2013)

Before Mike and Sulley were scaring kids for a living, they were just a couple of awkward college students trying to find their roar. *Monsters University* gives Pixar the full college comedy treatment—frat rivalries, campus mishaps, and lessons in friendship—just with more eyeballs and tentacles. Billy Crystal and John Goodman bring their A-game, as always, and the film does a great job of showing how these two very different monsters became best buds. It’s fun, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, especially for a movie about monsters cramming for exams. Who knew getting kicked out of scare school could be this wholesome? | © Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios

Cropped The Good the Bad and the Ugly 1966 — 2. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Technically a prequel to *A Fistful of Dollars*, this spaghetti western classic doesn’t just ride into town—it kicks the saloon doors off the hinges. Clint Eastwood’s iconic Man with No Name is at his quiet, squinty best, navigating a brutal Civil War backdrop with Eli Wallach’s chaotic Tuco and Lee Van Cleef’s icy Angel Eyes. The music? Ennio Morricone’s score isn’t just legendary—it’s a cultural soundbite. The standoffs? Tense enough to make you forget to blink. Whether you’re here for the ponchos, the one-liners, or the operatic gunplay, this is prequel filmmaking with grit, grandeur, and grit again. | © Produzioni Europee Associate / United Artists

Cropped the godfather part ii 1974 — 1. The Godfather Part II (1974)

When it comes to prequels, *The Godfather Part II* didn’t just set the standard—it redefined it. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic follows two timelines: Al Pacino’s Michael tightening his cold grip on power, and a young Vito Corleone, played with quiet intensity by Robert De Niro, rising from immigrant to don. This dual narrative isn’t just brilliant—it’s cinematic gold. Watching Vito’s journey adds heartbreaking context to the Corleone legacy, while Michael’s descent into soulless authority gives “family drama” a whole new meaning. With a stacked cast including Diane Keaton, John Cazale, and Talia Shire, it’s a masterclass in acting, storytelling, and slow-burn tragedy. Simply put, this isn’t just the best prequel—it’s one of the best films ever made. Period. | © Paramount Pictures

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Prequels have become a powerful storytelling tool in modern cinema, offering audiences a deeper look into the origins of beloved characters, iconic worlds, and legendary franchises. From sci-fi epics to crime dramas and animated adventures, the best prequel movies add rich context and emotional depth to the stories we already love. In this article, we rank the top 20 best prequel movies of all time—films that not only live up to their predecessors but in some cases, surpass them. Whether you're a fan of action, fantasy, or classic film sagas, this list is your ultimate guide to the most compelling and critically acclaimed prequels ever made.

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Prequels have become a powerful storytelling tool in modern cinema, offering audiences a deeper look into the origins of beloved characters, iconic worlds, and legendary franchises. From sci-fi epics to crime dramas and animated adventures, the best prequel movies add rich context and emotional depth to the stories we already love. In this article, we rank the top 20 best prequel movies of all time—films that not only live up to their predecessors but in some cases, surpass them. Whether you're a fan of action, fantasy, or classic film sagas, this list is your ultimate guide to the most compelling and critically acclaimed prequels ever made.