Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter finally returned as the excellent duo Bill and Ted, 29 years after their last adventure. While its box office run was surprisingly short, the film still won over critics. They highlighted its genuine humor and the heartfelt core of the story. | © MGM
Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson returned as the fashion world's most famous models after a 15-year break. The long-awaited sequel reunited the comedic duo for another round of absurdity. It delivered more of the signature humor that made the original a cult favorite. | © Paramount Pictures
This follow-up to the beloved classic arrived a staggering 46 years later. It presented a much darker and more frightening version of the magical land of Oz. The film's eerie tone offered a very different experience from its cheerful predecessor. | © Disney
The ghost with the most finally returned after a 36-year absence, with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder back in their original roles. This long-awaited sequel quickly became a massive box office hit. It proved the chaotic character's appeal is truly timeless. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Sylvester Stallone returned to his most iconic role after a 16-year hiatus, portraying an older, retired Rocky. The film resonated deeply with both fans and critics. It offered a poignant and fitting final chapter for the beloved underdog. | © MGM
Michael Douglas reprised his Oscar-winning role as Gordon Gekko 23 years after the original film. This sequel was a major box office success. Critics particularly highlighted the powerful performances from its talented cast. | © 20th Century Studios
The digital world of Tron finally returned to the big screen 28 years later. This sequel plunged viewers back into the visually striking landscape of the Grid. It used groundbreaking effects to expand the universe of the original cult classic. | © Disney
Anthony Perkins slipped back into the role of Norman Bates 23 years after the original horror classic. This follow-up was a genuine surprise to audiences. Its success was strong enough to greenlight a third and final chapter in the story. | © Universal Pictures
The post-apocalyptic franchise roared back to life after a 30-year hiatus. This long-awaited sequel didn't just meet expectations; it blasted past them. Its incredible success was capped off with six Academy Awards. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
This film finally delivered a true sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy, arriving over three decades after Return of the Jedi. Fans were ecstatic to see the beloved original cast back in action. Their return helped launch a brand new era for the galaxy far, far away. | © Lucas Films LTD
Eddie Murphy and the original cast reunited for this comedy sequel more than three decades after the first film. It skipped theaters for a debut on Amazon Prime. The strategy worked, making it a massive streaming hit for the platform. | © Paramount Pictures
Nearly two decades after his last crusade, Indiana Jones finally returned for another adventure. This time, the archeologist traded ancient relics for a confrontation with otherworldly forces. The film sent him on a new kind of quest that divided fans. | © Paramount Pictures
Two decades later, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels returned as the world's most lovable idiots. While it didn't quite capture the same magic as the original, the sequel still proved to be a major box office draw. Fans showed up in droves to revisit the pair's signature foolishness. | © New Line Cinema
Arriving 35 years after the original, this sequel to the sci-fi landmark proved some stories are genuinely worth the wait. It was a massive hit that captivated audiences. The film successfully honored its beloved predecessor while forging its own path. | © Columbia Pictures
It took over 36 years for this sequel to the 1986 classic to finally arrive. The long wait paid off, as the film soared to become one of the biggest blockbusters in cinematic history. Fans and new audiences alike were thrilled by its return. | © Paramount Pictures
Some movie characters feel like they're gone for good, only to make a surprise return decades later. These long-awaited sequels prove that in Hollywood, a story is never truly finished. We look at the films that picked up their narrative years, and sometimes generations, after the credits first rolled.
