The debate over whether the first or second movie in a franchise is better often depends on the specific franchise and individual preferences. However, many franchises do tend to see their sequels outperform the originals in terms of storytelling, character development, and scope.
For example, films like "The Godfather Part II," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," and "The Dark Knight" are often cited as superior to their predecessors. These sequels expanded upon the original stories and characters, introducing new themes and deeper narratives.
Conversely, some franchises see their first films as the best, establishing a strong foundation that later sequels fail to replicate. Movies like "Star Wars: A New Hope" and "Jurassic Park" often get praised as classics that set a high bar for their sequels.
Ultimately, whether the first or second movie is "better" can be subjective and varies by franchise. Each installment can bring different strengths and weaknesses, making it a matter of personal taste.