Though most of the prequel movies are insipid and lack the magnetism of a blockbuster movie or movie-franchise; yet, there are a handful that are really praiseworthy. Such movies not only justify their making but also enhance its successor(s). Let’s check out some of them:-
Best prequel movies of all time:-
Wonka (2023)
‘Wonka’ is a fantasy movie directed by Paul King. ‘Wonka’ tells the audience the origin story of Willy Wonka, a character in the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, depicting his early days as a chocolatier. This movie stars Timothée Chalamet as the title character, with an ensemble cast including Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas. Paterson Joseph, Mathew Baynton, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant. It is the third live-action movie based on Dahl’s novel, following ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’(1971) and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2005) – these two movies portrayed middle-aged Willy Wonka. Here, in ‘Wonka'(2023), Timothée Chalamet as the younger version of the chocolate maker solidifies the film’s story as a prequel. That said, whether the film is a direct prequel to the 1971 film or its 2005 remake, is another question entirely.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Directed by Steven Spielberg , ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ is the second installment in the Indiana Jones movie series, and a prequel to ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark'(1981) which was set in 1936. The film features Harrison Ford who reprises his role as the title character. Kate Capshaw, Amrish Puri, Philip Stone and Ke Huy Quan, in his debut, feature in supporting roles. Here, after arriving in British India, Indiana Jones is asked by desperate villagers to find a mystical stone and rescue their children from a cult known as the Thuggee that practice child slavery, black magic, and ritual human sacrifice.
Not wishing to feature the Nazis as the villains again, executive producer and story writer George Lucas decided to make this movie as a prequel based on China and British India.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ is based on the Marvel Comics fictional character Wolverine. This movie is the fourth installment of the X-Men movie series which was started with ‘X-Men'(2000) followed by ‘X2′(2003) and ‘X-Men: The Last Stand'(2006). ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ serves as not just a prequel of the franchise but also as a spin-off. Hugh Jackman in the role of Wolverine captivates the audience as well as the critics.
The Scorpion King (2002)
Directed by Chuck Russell, the movie stars Dwayne Johnson in the title role, alongside Steven Brand, Kelly Hu, Michael Clarke Duncan and Grant Hesloy. This movie is both a prequel and spin-off of The Mummy franchise. This movie marks Dwayne Johnson’s first lead role in Hollywood.
The events of ‘The Scorpion King’ take place 5,000 years before the events of ‘The Mummy’ and ‘The Mummy Returns’, depicting the origins of Mathayus and his rise to power as the legendary hero, the Scorpion King.
Hannibal Rising (2007)
‘Hannibal Rising’ is a psychological thriller movie and the fifth movie of the Hannibal Lecter franchise. This movie is a prequel to ‘Red Dragon’, ‘Hannibal’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. ‘Hannibal Rising’ is an adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel of the same name and depicts the story of Lecter’s evolution from a vengeful Nazi hunter into a cannibalistic serial killer.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)
‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ is a prequel to the ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'(2003). Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the story of the movie takes place four years before its predecessor. This movie features Jordana Brewster, Diora Baird, Matt Bomer and R. Lee Ermey in the key roles.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos, this movie is the prequel to ‘Underworld’ (2003) and the third installment in the Underworld movie series. This movie features Michael Sheen, Rhona Mitra, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, and Kevin Grevioux in the key roles. The plot of this movie focuses mainly on the origins of the characters and the events that lead up to the Vampire–Lycan war. Kate Beckinsale, who featured in the previous films of this franchise, appears briefly at the end of this movie.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is a sci-fi fantasy movie based on Hasbro’s Transformers toy line. This movie is the seventh installment in the of the franchise and serves as a prequel to ‘Transformers’ (2007).
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
‘The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas’ is a comedy movie directed by Brian Levant. This movie is the prequel to Levant’s ‘The Flintstones’ (1994). ‘The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas’ is set before the events of the first movie, depicting how Fred and Barney meet Wilma and Betty.
None of the original cast from the movie ‘The Flintstones’ reprise their roles in this movie. The film features Mark Addy as Fred Flintstone, Stephen Baldwin as Barney Rubble, Kristen Johnston as Wilma Slaghoople, and Jane Krakowski as Betty O’Shale, replacing John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Elizabeth Perkins, and Rosie O’Donnell respectively. The supporting cast includes Joan Collins, Thomas Gibson, Harvey Korman, and Alan Cumming as both The Great Gazoo and Mick Jagged, a parody of Mick Jagger. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, who created the original cartoon series of the same name, make cameo appearances at the end of this movie.
Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
‘Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd’ is a comedy movie directed by Troy Miller from a screenplay by Miller and Robert Brener. This is the second installment in the ‘Dumb and Dumber’ franchise and a prequel to the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber'(1994). Depicting the characters of the original movie during their high school years, this movie features Derek Richardson and Eric Christian Olsen in the title roles.
