Line #59 Main/EvenBetterSequel


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4	[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/AssassinsCreed https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/assassinscreedbettersequel.jpg]]]]
5	[[caption-width-right:350:Now with 80% ''fewer'' pointless {{Fetch Quest}}s!]]
6
7	->''"VideoGame/{{Halo 2}} is a lot like [[VideoGame/HaloCombatEvolved Halo 1]], except it's Halo 1 on fire going 120 miles per hour through a hospital zone chased by helicopters and ninjas. And the ninjas are all on fire too."''
8	-->-- '''Jason Jones''', ''Official Xbox Magazine''
9
10	The rule usually holds that the [[{{Sequel}} second work in a series]], decent though it may be, [[{{Sequelitis}} simply can't stand up to the glory of the first.]] Indeed, for many a series, when all is said and done, a consensus forms that FirstInstallmentWins.
11
12	The exception to this conventional rule is the Even Better Sequel, which are largely (if not unanimously) thought to top the already-good original. In many cases, this is either the result of or comes along with a [[GenreShift genre shift]], as instead of just trying to top the original, the makers will be trying something entirely new (see the ''Franchise/{{Alien}}'' and ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'' examples). In addition, this seems to be common with sequels to superhero films. This may be because genre conventions demand (or at least, strongly encourage) a SuperHeroOrigin story in the first movie, which takes up a good chunk of the plot and screen time with a [[ThisLoserIsYou relatively uninteresting everyman character]] before we even get a chance to see any super-heroics. Sequels tend to work well if any change is organic, or a plot was built up in the previous installments.
13
14	It's possible that in the musical world, Even Better Sequel is the rule rather the exception, considering that an artist's first album (though still good) may have been recorded when they were still trying to figure out their style. Or it's simply that their first album was produced cheaply: all in one take using cheap instruments and cheap equipment. If a label isn't sure that a musician is a good investment, they aren't going to give him/her the best stuff to work with. A successful first album can mean access to better equipment, an instrument upgrade and getting more studio time: all of which can contribute to the second album just having better quality sound and therefore being better, even if it's essentially the same as the first one.
15
16	Also relatively common in video games, where the sequel is often built on the technological and fictional foundation of the first. This significantly reduces the time needed to come up with or adapt new technology or build the game's world, and allowing the developers to focus on enhancing the things that work and prune the things that don't. Not to mention having a library of visual, sound and script assets stored up, making development more like putting together a puzzle than like creating a world. Sequels in any medium may also benefit from the higher budget and greater creative freedom that are afforded to a proven franchise, provided the beancounters have the good sense to refrain from {{executive meddling}}. This also applies to literature, where an author's work is generally regarded to improve after their first published efforts. In fact, prejudice against sequels typically applies only to film, whether or not such an attitude is justified.
17
18	If the sequel becomes so influential and successful that it shapes future installments afterward, then you have a FranchiseCodifier.
19
20	Not to be confused with SurprisinglyImprovedSequel, where the sequel is "better" only because the original wasn't good.
21
22	When it happens within individual seasons, that is GrowingTheBeard.
23
24	Compare SequelDisplacement, SequelEscalation, MorePopularSpinoff. Contrast ContestedSequel, {{Sequelitis}}, SophomoreSlump. See also RemadeAndImproved.
25
26	'''A Administrivia/{{No Recent Examples\|please}} rule applies to this trope'''. Examples shouldn't be added until '''six months''' after the sequel is released, to avoid any knee-jerk reactions.
27	----
28	!!Example Subpages:
29
30	[[index]]
31	* [[EvenBetterSequel/LiveActionFilms Films — Live-Action]]
32	* EvenBetterSequel/VideoGames
33	[[/index]]
34
35	!!Other Examples:
36
37	[[foldercontrol]]
38
39	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
40	* ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}} ~After Story~'' consistently gets better reviews than the excellent first season of the anime, thanks to a series of {{Wham Episode}}s and CharacterDevelopment in the second half. It also frequently tops lists of the best anime series ever made.
41	* The first ''Manga/InuYasha'' anime was widely loved even with all the filler, but the last part of the manga (that hadn't yet come out when the anime ended) was shown in ''[=InuYasha=]: The Final Act'', which was much more straightforward.
42	* While the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' was an AcclaimedFlop (in fact, it was cancelled due to falling ratings... but became a smash hit on reruns, go figure), six years later, ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'' was so popular that it spawned a direct sequel just two weeks after it was completed -- a feat yet unsurpassed by any other Gundam installment. To this day, many Gundam fans consider ''Zeta'' the best entry in the saga.
43	* While ''[[Anime/TheMysteryOfMamo Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo]]'' is well-liked among Lupin fans, it's the second Lupin film, ''Anime/TheCastleOfCagliostro'', directed by Creator/HayaoMiyazaki, that's achieved widespread mainstream critical acclaim on both sides of the pacific.
44	* A variant example with the ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' series. The series itself has been continuous since the beginning, and thus has never had need of a true sequel. However, after the drought of {{Filler}} (over eighty continuous episodes, nearly two year's worth) after the animated episodes OvertookTheManga, there was a {{Retool}} to coincide with the series' TimeSkip, leading into ''Naruto: Shippuuden''. Much like the manga it derives from, it jumps in quality to become much more mature, relying far less on toilet humor and greatly emphasizing CharacterDevelopment. The producers also learned their lesson from the Great Filler Drought, interjecting a filler arc in between every 1-2 {{Canon}} story arcs so that there's no chance of [[OvertookTheManga Overtaking the Manga]]. These filler arcs are worth mentioning, in that they are actual story arcs of fairly decent quality, unlike the pre-TimeSkip episodes which were mostly stand-alone slapstick.
45	* The ''Anime/PatlaborTheTVSeries'' (a separate continuity from the first OVA and the movies) was consistently decent, but the second OVA (which followed in the same continuity as the TV show) was much better, upping not just the production values but also the humor and the drama.
46	* While the [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha first season]] of the ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' series was unexpectedly good (given its original premise), it's the [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs second one]] that remains the most popular among the five televised so far, to the point it's used as the [[ToughActToFollow benchmark]] by which all others are judged.
47	* ''[[Anime/RebuildOfEvangelion Evangelion 1.0]]'' was very well-received, but a common criticism was the fact that it retreaded familiar territory. While ''Evangelion 2.0'' started off in the same manner, it stood apart from its predecessor by going completely OffTheRails and taking the story of ''Evangelion'' in a bold, if frightening, new direction.
48	* Most fans agree that the second season of the ''{{Literature/Slayers}}'' anime, ''Slayers NEXT'', is superior in all aspects, from story to character development, to the first season. Unfortunately, [[{{Sequelitis}} it declined shortly after that.]]
49	* ''Manga/RosarioPlusVampire Season II'' (not to be confused with the anime's ''[=Capu2=]'') is regarded as much better than the original manga, thanks to a DarkerAndEdgier plot, amazing ArtEvolution, more CharacterDevelopment and TheHero Tsukune being more badass than he was in season I.
50	* While the first season of ''Anime/SailorMoon'' is undoubtedly a classic, ''Sailor Moon R'' and ''Sailor Moon S'' are the most praised among critics and fans. Unfortunately, they were followed by the panned ''Sailor Moon Super S'' and polarizing ''Sailor Moon Stars''.
51	* Out of all the various sequels and spin-offs of ''Manga/SaintSeiya'', ''Manga/SaintSeiyaTheLostCanvas'' is the most well-liked and second most popular after the original manga itself, due to being extremely well-drawn with a tight-plotted and exciting story, as well as improving some flaws the original had, such as making Saori's counterpart Sasha more of an ActionGirl and Seiya's counterpart Tenma less of an IdiotHero.
52	* Season 1 of ''Anime/SonicX'' is SoOkayItsAverage at best. Season 2 introduced some more focused plotlines and more CharacterDevelopment for the cast. The DarkerAndEdgier season 3 went even further and is widely considered by fans to be what the show should've been like from the beginning, with a solid MythArc and an awesome new BigBad.
53	* ''Anime/StandByMeDoraemon2'' is considered by most Doreaemon fans and moviegoers an improvement from the original for having a more cohesive storyline, a beautiful relationship between Noby and his grandmother and lot of funny, heartfelt and tearjerking moments.
54	* ''Literature/VampireHunterD Bloodlust'' (2000) got better reviews than the original ''Vampire Hunter D'' (1985), and is generally considered to be an improvement.
55	* Depending on who you ask, ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' is this to ''Manga/DragonBall''. Some people prefer it due to the [[CerebusSyndrome more serious tone]], the intense, over-the-top action, and higher stakes that only escalate with each arc, or simply because it gained a following in North America [[SequelFirst before its predecessor]], and was thus the first part of the franchise most fans were exposed to. On the other hand, there are those who prefer ''Manga/DragonBall'' for its humor, its focus on adventure, and its martial arts battles that are more grounded by comparison.
56	* The overall East Asian demographic (including domestic Japan) agree that, of the ''Anime/MashinHeroWataruSeries, Wataru 2'' holds the best visuals, character/mechanical designs and story execution fit for its world setting. To sum it up, while the first installment was fun, ''Wataru 2'' was fabulously fun.
57	[[/folder]]
58
59	[[folder:Asian Animation]]
60	* ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf'': ''Mighty Little Defenders'' is the sequel to ''War of Invention''. People tend to prefer ''Mighty Little Defenders'' due to it returning to the normal art style, having a better plot, and having more unique ideas.
61	[[/folder]]
62
63	[[folder:Comic Books]]
64	* Brian Michael Bendis's well-done run on ComicBook/MoonKnight was followed by Warren Ellis and Brian Wood's run which proceeded to basically reinvent Moon Knight from the ground up and is considered by many to be a modern classic.
65	* Grant Morrison's ''ComicBook/NewXMen'' revitalized the X-Men and was largely praised by critics and fans, even after it hit some skids towards its end due to ExecutiveMeddling. It was followed by Joss Whedon's ''ComicBook/AstonishingXMen'' which was even more critically acclaimed, single-handedly rescued the X-Books after the tepid reception of ''ComicBook/HouseOfM'', and avoided the meddling that Morrison's run encountered.
66	* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye'' is widely considered to be even better than James Roberts' previous work on ''ComicBook/TheTransformersLastStandOfTheWreckers''.
67	[[/folder]]
68
69	[[folder:Fan Works]]
70	* ''Hottie 4: Even Better Sequel'', the sequel to ''FanFic/Hottie3TheBestFanFicInTheWorld''.
71	* ''Fanfic/{{Intercom}}'' is a considerably rare example of a ''FanSequel'' being deemed better than the [[WesternAnimation/InsideOut source material]]. Nonetheless, the story builds on the premise of ''Inside Out'', continues to explore different directions in which to take the many characters, introduces new characters that aren't carbon copies of previous characters, shows the consequences of the film, and has a new premise which isn't just a straight rehash of the original.
72	[[/folder]]
73
74	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
75	* Ever since they've finally started GrowingTheBeard, Creator/DreamWorksAnimation's rise in quality has also affected their sequels.
76	** While the first ''WesternAnimation/Shrek1'' movie is still regarded as a classic animated comedy, ''WesternAnimation/Shrek2'' is the most popular of all the ''Franchise/{{Shrek}}'' franchise's four main movies. It had a bigger plot, [[ArtEvolution much better animation]], more and improved action scenes, several new characters (including [[EnsembleDarkhorse Puss in Boots]]) and was a bigger smash hit during the time it ran in theaters than its predecessor.
77	** The ''Shrek'' spin-off ''WesternAnimation/PussInBoots2011'' got good remarks with the main appeal being it stars Puss himself as well as being better than the last two films from the main series. However, its long-awaited sequel, ''WesternAnimation/PussInBootsTheLastWish'' surpassed it handily by retaining the same comedy and likeable characters while adding surprisingly deep themes about mortality and death, strong CharacterDevelopment, one of the greatest antagonists that [=DreamWorks=] has ever created, and the occasional ArtShift.
78	** ''WesternAnimation/TrollsWorldTour'' has been considered by fans of the first film to be superior to the original, due to focusing more on world building, more genres of music aside from modern pop, a more well-written story and villain, and having a comparatively less cutesy feel.
79	** ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda2'' has been widely considered to be even better than [[WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda1 the original]], which is already considered one of [=DreamWorks=]'s best films to date. This is because, as mentioned in the opening paragraph of this page about ''Alien'' and ''Terminator'', it tried something new. The last story was about Po coming into his own and learning to be the Dragon Warrior. This film was about saving the world and finding out about Po's past. It wasn't a rehash of the same thing at all, which helped it a lot. Also, like the ''Terminator'' and ''Alien'' sequels, it featured a shift towards more action, which was available now that Po had completed the training from the first movie. No BagOfSpilling here! Likewise, there is more drama as Po learns some hard truths about the apparent fate of his family and his people and must struggle to come to terms with it. In turn, it sets the stage for the next with [[spoiler:Po's biological father, part of a hidden village of giant pandas, realizing his son is alive.]] It also gave the Furious Five a much greater chance to actually show off their abilities against actual enemies and help Po in battle, something they didn't get to do in the first movie.
80	** The ''Franchise/{{Madagascar}}'' films received a giant jump in quality with each sequel installment. This was partly because the main cast's struggle to get home gave the series a structure, allowing it to conclude in an emotionally believable way that builds on the characters' growth and change with [[WesternAnimation/Madagascar3EuropesMostWanted the third film]].
81	** ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon2'' is considered by many animation fans and fans of the first film to be slightly better than the first, as it not only improves upon the flaws of the original (e.g. the derivative yet well-executed plot), but also expands the franchise's own world, and the characters that live in it (Hiccup in particular).
82	** ''Westernanimation/TheCroodsANewAge'' earned as good if not better remarks than the original, mostly for giving more focus to the comedy.
83	* The original ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls1'' wasn't bad, but it had its fair share of BrokenBase, with complaints directed at the setting, cliché story, and an underwhelming antagonist. The sequel ''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsRainbowRocks Rainbow Rocks]]'' was better received. Every aspect lacking in the original was improved to some degree; Sunset and Twilight get more character development, the story is stronger, the songs are better (and worked into the story more smoothly), the animation is improved, and the villains are memorable.
84	* ''WesternAnimation/TheRescuersDownUnder'' is often considered to be better-paced, better-written, and in general a superior movie to the original ''WesternAnimation/TheRescuers'', [[ContestedSequel though there is still some debate within the fandom about that]].
85	* As far as Rotten Tomatoes goes, critics have rated ''WesternAnimation/TheSpongeBobMovieSpongeOutOfWater'' more highly than its predecessor, ''WesternAnimation/TheSpongeBobSquarePantsMovie'', which was also generally well-received.
86	* ''WesternAnimation/StarshipTroopersInvasion'', compared to the previous two, at least. The boarding of the ''John A. Warden'' manages to feel more suspenseful than the second movie's failed attempt at being ''Aliens'', and even the brief screen-time afforded to the [[MiniMecha Marauder]] is better than what the third movie did with them. The bugs haven't looked this good since the original, either.
87	* Most people agree that ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory2'' ended up better than [[WesternAnimation/ToyStory1 the original]]. Many also consider that ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory3'' managed to top them both. The first two films have a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the third one has 99% (although it also received a lot more reviews in total). ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory4'' was more contested, though by [[Franchise/ToyStory the series]]' standards the reception was still positive overall (97%), and many were surprised how much it matched up to its predecessors.
88	* The first of Disney's [[WesternAnimation/TheManyAdventuresOfWinnieThePooh Winnie the Pooh featurettes]], ''Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree'', received critical praise when it was released in 1966. The second featurette, ''Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day'', released two years later, was received even better for its larger scope, memorable sequences, and the additions of Piglet and Tigger to the cast, topped off with an Academy Award win.
89	* ''WesternAnimation/CinderellaIIIATwistInTime'' is one of the only Disney DirectToVideo sequels that is generally considered better than its predecessors. In particular, the writing is much better, with a tighter plot, more proactive heroine, and better characterization across the board. All this while managing to raise the stakes in a believable way ''and'' retain the fairy-tale feel of the original.
90	* ''WesternAnimation/AnAmericanTailFievelGoesWest'' has definitely created a BrokenBase, but there's a good portion of the fanbase who see it as better than the original ''WesternAnimation/AnAmericanTail''. It certainly has a lot more going for it than say, the sequels to [[WesternAnimation/TheLandBeforeTime other]] Creator/DonBluth [[WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNIMH2TimmyToTheRescue classics]]- it has some very solid animation for the time, and a few genuinely great songs.
91	* Some have considered ''WesternAnimation/Cars3'' to be a better film than ''WesternAnimation/Cars1'', due to having even more CharacterDevelopment, improved writing, a well-written female protagonist, as well as completely ignoring the events of the [[{{Sequelitis}} first]] [[WesternAnimation/Cars2 sequel]].
92	* Some consider ''WesternAnimation/HotelTransylvania3SummerVacation'' to be the best of the franchise because of its colorful animation and reduced reliance on potty humor. This is due to Genndy Tartakovsky having more creative control over this film than its predecessors.
93	* Some feel that ''WesternAnimation/FindingDory'' managed to top ''WesternAnimation/FindingNemo'' due to having Dory as the main character, its even ''more'' emotional story, and being one of the funniest Creator/{{Pixar}} movies overall.
94	* ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretLifeOfPets2'' has been hailed by many to be better than its predecessor. Helps that its audience score is in the low 90's compared to the first film's 62%.
95	* Many fans consider ''WesternAnimation/Sing2'' to be superior to [[WesternAnimation/{{Sing}} the original]], due to having a more memorable, fleshed-out antagonist, a consistently strong soundtrack, and the heartwarming character development that many of the returning characters have gained since the last film.
96	[[/folder]]
97
98	[[folder:Literature]]
99	* {{Creator/Homer}}'s ''[[Literature/TheOdyssey Odyssey]]'' is the even-more-famous sequel to ''Literature/TheIliad'', making this trope OlderThanFeudalism.
100	* Many ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' regard ''Literature/AStormOfSwords'' as better than the first two books. The third and fourth seasons of ''Series/GameOfThrones'' adapted ''A Storm of Swords'', and are likewise considered the strongest seasons of the show.
101	* ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn'' to ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'', the latter being a fun boy's novel with some ComingOfAge themes. The former delves more deeply into the world of the DeepSouth, with biting social commentary and powerful CharacterDevelopment.
102	* ''Franchise/TheDarkTower'' really starts going with the second and third entries in the series; the first book being a compilation of five separate works ends up being a weirder and weaker installment compared to the next three books.
103	* The third ''Literature/HarryPotter'' book, ''Literature/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban'', is generally seen as the best, or at least better than the first two.
104	* The first two ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' novels are enjoyable if somewhat generic fantasy-parodies. After that, Terry Prachett found his voice as an author, and the quality of the series continued to improve.
105	* The first two books in ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' were StrictlyFormula and didn't do much, even if they were enjoyable reads. As the series continued, it got deeper, began playing with tropes a lot more, deviating from formula, and developing characters beyond the stock modern fantasy character archetypes. Fans of the series will often warn new readers that the first two or even three books can be a rough entry into the series.
106	* The original trilogy of Joe Abercrombie's ''Literature/TheFirstLaw'' series is a competent DarkFantasy work, even if it brings little originality to the world. The three books that follow it, however, create much deeper characters and digs deeper into the setting's unique aspects. Each one is also a minor GenreShift; while each book retains the DarkFantasy that the trilogy played straight, ''Best Served Cold'' mixes in a swashbuckling action story, ''The Heroes'' is a war novel, and ''Red Country'' is a Western.
107	* While ''Literature/GardensOfTheMoon'' drawns many readers into the ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'', it's agreed upon that the second volume, ''Literature/DeadhouseGates'', has even better writing, characterization and a better developed plot; and for many readers volume three, ''Literature/MemoriesOfIce'', tops the second.
108	* ''Literature/TheHobbit'''s sequel, ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'', is much more mature in tone and epic in breath with more dynamic characters and a great deal more at stake. It's partly a matter of genre, as well: ''The Hobbit'' was very clearly literature aimed at children, while ''The Lord of the Rings'' was a massive enterprise, intended to create an entire mythology.
109	* While ''Logan's Run'' is a good book, ''Logan's World'' is much better seeing as it has an actual coherent plot and flows from one scene to the next. Plus it shows Logan is an even bigger badass then you were originally led to believe.
110	* The first novel of the ''Literature/HonorHarrington'' series, ''On Basilisk Station'', is a thoroughly enjoyable MilitaryScienceFiction novel, but its sequel, ''The Honor of the Queen'', is where the series really starts to find its stride.
111	* Creator/NancyKress's ''Probability'' trilogy got better with each book (in contrast to her better-known ''Literature/BeggarsInSpain'' series, which did somewhat the opposite). The final novel, ''Probability: Space'' was the award-winner, and many people refer to the series by the name of the last book.
112	* ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'': Most fans agree that the series gets better with each book, as there is steady CharacterDevelopment for the heroes and the plot becomes more complex.
113	** ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus'': While the second book ''Son of Neptune'' was well-received ([[{{SurprisinglyImprovedSequel}} especially in comparison to the lackluster]] ''The Lost Hero''), the third book ''Mark of Athena'' is even better with Percy and Annabeth reuniting and the Seven finally working as a group. The fourth book ''The House of Hades'' continues the trend and is often considered the best, due to its excellent CharacterDevelopment, a truly insane ChekhovsArmory pulling from pretty much every corner of the story so far (Think Bob and Calypso), and the journey through Tartarus everyone had been waiting for.
114	* ''Literature/TalesFromAlcatraz'': Despite the TrilogyCreep nature of the fourth book and a few popular characters being DemotedToExtra, many fans feel that the fourth book is on par with the rest of the series and even slightly better than the reasonably popular third book.
115	* David Brin's first Literature/{{Uplift}} trilogy - ''Sundiver'' is decent, but ''Startide Rising'' blows it out of the water (no pun intended), and swept the major SF awards.
116	* Don Winslow's novel ''Literature/TheCartel'' is an improvement over ''The Power of The Dog''. The stories are great but ''The Cartel'' being more about revenge and had more focus on its characters makes the novel much better.
117	* ''The End of Atlantis'' is a good and solid enough ''Literature/AliceGirlFromTheFuture'' book, but there’s nothing outstanding about it. ''Literature/TheCityWithoutMemory'', its ImmediateSequel, has a much more original premise, gets a DarkerAndEdgier upgrade from the usual fluffy adventure, and has colorful characters and extremely intriguing plotlines. Not only is it viewed as a ton of improvement over ''The End of Atlantis'', but it’s considered by some the best book of the entire series.
118	* ''Literature/RatsBatsAndVats'': Many readers feel that the CourtroomAntics, the villains' comeuppance, and the light shed on the non-battlefield parts of the fictional world make for better reading than the events of the first book.
119	* ''Literature/TheGrishaTrilogy'' is a well-received and commercially successful YA novel. Its sequel/SpinOff, ''Literature/SixOfCrows'', however, is largely considered an improvement in all fronts, with a bit more action and well-developed characters. The second book of the duology, ''Crooked Kingdom'', is considered still an improvement over the first, with deeper character, bolder schemes, and even more action.
120	[[/folder]]
121
122	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
123	* It's not an uncommon opinion that the prequel series, ''Series/BetterCallSaul'', is actually better than ''Series/BreakingBad'', which is no small accomplishment considering ''Breaking Bad'' is widely considered a television masterpiece, although it's also a common opinion that ''Better Call Saul'' is "merely" just as good. Fans will point to its memorable EnsembleCast, further development of secondary characters in ''Breaking Bad'', and the argument that Jimmy/Saul is a more poignant and likable protagonist whose moral fallings are more complex than Walt's, and thus has a more pathos-filled {{Tragedy}}. Since it's conclusion, it has seen comparisons to the above mentioned ''Film/TheGodfather Part II'', as a work that follows up a medium-defining masterpiece and, against all initial expectations, manages to be almost universally seen as equal, if not better.
124	* The ''Series/{{Blackadder}}'' series is subject to this, as ''Blackadder II'' is generally regarded as being better than ''The Black Adder''. The first season was good in its own right,[[note]]It won an International Emmy award in the popular arts category in 1983.[[/note]] just not as good as the second in which Ben Elton took over writing duties from Rowan Atkinson, and the character of Blackadder became the iconic, witty DeadpanSnarker. This could also be considered a case of GrowingTheBeard. It continued with ''Blackadder the Third'' -- which some fans consider slightly better than the second series, though others consider it a slight step down -- and was definitely continued with ''Blackadder Goes Forth'', which is near-universally regarded as the best ''Blackadder'' series.
125	* ''Series/TheDarkCrystalAgeOfResistance'' is a rare ''prequel'' example. While ''Film/TheDarkCrystal'''s reputation has grown over the years to the point of becoming a CultClassic, its story is still considered weak. ''Age of Resistance'' has been widely acclaimed and faces no such criticism, though having ten hours to develop a story vs one hour and a half surely helps.
126	* ''Series/{{NCIS}}'' is generally considered superior to (and ''is'' far more popular than) ''Series/{{JAG}}''. ''Series/NCISLosAngeles'' as well.
127	* The various ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' series fall somewhere between sequel and spin off, but in general, while the first few seasons were good, the production team were still trying to hammer out the kinks of trying to write and film a story around already done Japanese source footage. The show hit its stride somewhere around ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace.'' ''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce'' had the benefit of numerous seasons before it to hammer out the kinks before the franchise was sold to Disney, making it one of the most solid entries. It was also extremely close to the original ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger''.
128	** Although not a hard rule, it's often seen that a beloved ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' season will be a sub-par ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' season while a sub-par Sentai will be seen as a superior Power Ranger Series. This is mostly due to the fact that Power Rangers benefits from having knowledge of what the response to the story in Japan is as well as the reaction and can change the plot to better fit American tastes if needed. Consider, for example, ''Series/PowerRangersRPM'' which was well received by U.S. Fans for being a good natured jab at the franchise as a whole, and tossed out the interdimensional storyline from [[Series/EngineSentaiGoOnger its counterpart's]] mediocre plot to instead tell a story that is basically Terminator's Robot War settings, vs. ''Series/PowerRangersSamurai'' which was widely disliked in the States, despite being similar in story line to [[Series/SamuraiSentaiShinkenger its Japanese counterpart]], which was widely praised by Japanese and U.S. Fans alike.
129	* ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' was a good television show that had some good lead actors and often made poignant insights into the human condition, but suffered from cramped production time and a low budget. ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' had an actual budget, universally high-quality actors, a chance to use a StoryArc or three dozen, and consistent show continuity, and in fact is the only Trek show to get a Golden Globe nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. TV Guide also considers TNG to be one of the 100 best shows of all time. Things proceeded to escalate even ''further'', in terms of critical reviews at least - ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'' earned even more critical raves than its predecessor, and pioneered the use of intensive CharacterDevelopment and {{Story Arc}}s spanning multiple seasons in a time well before that became the norm.
130	* ''Series/XenaWarriorPrincess'' was also a spinoff but was easily more popular than ''Series/HerculesTheLegendaryJourneys'', no doubt due to the obscene levels of [[LesYay implied lesbianism]]. It was also much more willing to be experimental in its stories, and considering how different Hercules could be, that's saying something. Though Xena did suffer from one of the worst cases of SeasonalRot ever so ''improved'' might not be a completely accurate statement. Considering that Hercules was much better at being consistently good Xena may be the only example of a show being a SurprisinglyImprovedSequel AND an example of {{Sequelitis}}.
131	* While the series would try to retcon it into regular episodes' formula of the gang being in Junior High, the general consensus is that ''Series/SavedByTheBell'' is this to ''Good Morning, Miss Bliss'' due to it being reworked into a DenserAndWackier [[KidCom teen sitcom]] and Zack being a more interesting protagonist than Miss Bliss.
132	[[/folder]]
133
134	[[folder:Music]]
135	* ''Music/DiscoveryDaftPunkAlbum'' is widely considered better than the already genre-defining ''Music/{{Homework}}''. Also, after the ContestedSequel ''Human After All'' and decently-received score for ''Film/TronLegacy'', their long-delayed fourth album ''Music/RandomAccessMemories'' has become the robot duo's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful one, mostly due to them trying something new, with its GenreThrowback nature and large-scale production.
136	* Music/{{Nirvana}}'s ''Music/{{Nevermind\|Album}}''. While ''Nevermind'' was a massive success and now ranks highly as one of the greatest albums of all time, Nirvana's first album, ''Music/{{Bleach\|Album}}'', is almost completely unknown by comparison.
137	* Music/ThePixies' second album, ''Music/{{Doolittle}}''. Their debut, ''Music/SurferRosa'', while failing to be a commercial hit, was well-received by critics, and has since been noted for being one of the greatest albums of all time. With the bar already rather high, ''Doolittle'' was released, and is regarded as even better than ''Music/SurferRosa''. Oddly, the band fared far better commercially and critically in Britain than they did in their home country of America.
138	* Music/MichaelJackson made ''Music/OffTheWall'', which was popular, critically acclaimed, and cemented him as ''the'' breakout star of the Jackson family by itself. Then he made ''Music/{{Thriller}}'', which came to be the biggest-selling album of all time.
139	* Music/TheSmashingPumpkins and ''Music/SiameseDream''. Debut ''Gish'' was well received, but was totally [[SequelDisplacement displaced]] by the second record. And then ''Music/MellonCollieAndTheInfiniteSadness'' topped that one too.
140	* ''Sehnsucht'' (namely "Du Hast") was what put Music/{{Rammstein}} on the map in America, despite it being the second album.
141	* A lot of people said this about Music/JoyDivision's second album, ''Music/{{Closer}}'', which came after the massive, genre-defining masterpiece ''Music/UnknownPleasures''.
142	* Music/LedZeppelin's first album, ''Music/LedZeppelin1969 I'' was filled with blues-covers and was all around fairly good. But ''Music/LedZeppelinII'' was where they instead focused more on the rock aspect and really took off.
143	* Music/{{Cream}} was a SuperGroup whose first album consisted mostly of blues covers and was not as good as people hoped. For ''Music/DisraeliGears'' they added elements of psychedelia and it was better received.
144	* ''Music/ParanoidAlbum'' is generally considered the best Music/BlackSabbath album. Guess which number it is.
145	* Music/{{Metallica}}'s debut ''Kill 'Em All'' is a classic, but most consider ''Music/RideTheLightning'' and ''Music/MasterOfPuppets'' to be better. Which one is the best is the subject of many a FlameWar.
146	* Music/{{Kyuss}}'s first album ''Wretch'' is generally seen as little more than a curiosity for hardcore fans of the band. However, their second album, ''Blues for the Red Sun'', is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential "stoner rock" albums of all time.
147	* Music/QueensOfTheStoneAge's rather excellent self-titled debut is largely overshadowed by the far more popular ''Rated R'' and ''Music/SongsForTheDeaf''. While the band certainly sounds more evolved and distinct on those two albums, their debut is still a fine rock record in its own right.
148	* Likewise, Music/{{Megadeth}} easily topped their debut with the follow-up ''Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?''
149	** And many agree their best album is ''Rust in Peace'', their ''fourth''.
150	* Music/NeutralMilkHotel only released two albums... but ''Music/InTheAeroplaneOverTheSea'' is the second, and it's the one that everybody remembers.
151	* Music/{{Rush\|Band}}'s ''Music/FlyByNight'' is vastly more respected than their [[Music/RushAlbum debut album]], largely because of Neil Peart joining the band. Not that the original doesn't still have its charms.
152	* Music/JudasPriest: Their first album, ''Rocka Rolla'', was utterly overshadowed by ''Sad Wings of Destiny'', a universally avowed AdaptationDistillation of metal.
153	* Music/TheB52s - Their second album ''Wild Planet'' is widely considered by fans to be the one that best captures The B-52's spirit, as it contains their hardest rocking and lyrically weirdest material. It also opens with the best opening track they ever did "Party Out Of Bounds".
154	* Music/JoannaNewsom's first album, ''The Milk-Eyed Mender'', was a cute folky affair that garnered a largely positive reaction. Her ''second'' album, ''Ys'', knocked everyone's socks off and is generally considered one of the best (if [[MindScrew strangest]]) albums of 2006.
155	** Her ''third'' album has managed to pull this off ''again''. Successfully combining the best elements of the first two. Oh, and it's a ''triple album''.
156	* Music/{{Pink}}'s first album was popular, even if it was considered 'more of the same' from LA Reid and Babyface, the producers. Pink did her second album ''Missundaztood'' herself, and it is outstanding.
157	* Music/DeepPurple's first three albums were cult classics; however, most people know of the band from their fourth album (''Music/DeepPurpleInRock'') onward. This may have something to do with their then-new lineup and different sound.
158	* Music/{{Hawkwind}} came first. Then, one of them (Lemmy) was fired, and Music/{{Motorhead}} was born. Also, Music/{{Motorhead}}'s self-titled debut album is less remembered than the other three which came after them: ''Overkill'', ''Bomber'' and the classic ''Music/AceOfSpades''.
159	* Music/IronMaiden recorded their [[Music/IronMaidenAlbum first]] [[Music/{{Killers}} two]] albums with Paul Di'Anno, which are regarded as classics. Then he was replaced by Music/BruceDickinson, and they recorded ''Music/TheNumberOfTheBeast''.
160	* Music/{{Helloween}} did well with their self-titled EP and ''Walls of Jericho'' with Kai Hansen on vocals and guitars. Then, he gets tired of singing and playing the guitars at the same time. Then they hire Michael Kiske. Then they record the first ''Keeper of the Seven Keys''. Then came ''Keeper of the Seven Keys 2'', considered the PowerMetal masterpiece.
161	* Music/DreamTheater's first album was recorded with Charlie Dominici on vocals. Then after he was fired, the band hires James [=LaBrie=]. Then, they record ''Music/ImagesAndWords'', which is considered even today a masterpiece of ProgressiveMetal. It also contains [[OneHitWonder their first]] (and ATM only) number 1 hit. After that, the band kept on the road and released many great albums as well. And one of DT's songs was called "Metropolis—Part I: "The Miracle and the Sleeper"". After firing Derek Sherinian, the band went to record their second masterpiece, a ConceptAlbum called ''Music/MetropolisPt2ScenesFromAMemory'', one of the best {{concept album}}s of the genre.
162	* Dominici went on to make a series of prog concept albums called "O3: A Trilogy". The first one was a solo album, with Dominici on acoustic guitar, harmonica, and vocals. The second and third were epic amazing prog metal, similar to DT.
163	* Music/VisionDivine. Their original singer, Fabio Lione, left the band to concentrate on his solo career and on Rhapsody. Then, they've hired the unknown (to the metal world) singer Michele Luppi. The three recordings on his stance are still today regarded as the best the band made in their career, even after Lione's return.
164	* Music/GarthBrooks' first album held his breakthrough song, "The Dance", and won him enough acclaim to make him a CMA Horizon Award winner (now Best New Artist). ''No Fences'' topped that with his signature song, "Friends in Low Places", and won him his first CMA Entertainer of the Year award. ''Music/RopinTheWind'' topped ''that'' by becoming the first country album ''ever'' to debut #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
165	* Music/FrankOceans' first album "Channel Orange" was well received and earned him a Grammy and two nominations, yet his follow up Blonde was regarded as an even better album by his fans and critics. It was far more advanced and experimental than his previous album and was regarded as being one of the best albums of the year, if not the whole decade.
166	* Music/TheBeatles were incredibly popular and well-loved with their first few albums, and were breaking new ground with them. But there were still critics at the time convinced that The Beatles were nothing but a passing fancy for the ladies who would inevitably give way to the next big thing. The lads from UsefulNotes/{{Liverpool}} responded by churning out ''Music/RubberSoul'', ''Music/{{Revolver\|Beatles Album}}'', ''Music/SgtPeppersLonelyHeartsClubBand'', ''Music/TheWhiteAlbum'' and ''Music/AbbeyRoad''. The rest is history. ''Music/PleasePleaseMe'', while being a popular albums coming from the UK in 1963, was undeniably topped by ''Music/WithTheBeatles''. And with "She Loves You" making them superstars in Europe and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" doing the same in America, it probably seemed the only way was down. Cue ''Film/AHardDaysNight'' -- [[Music/AHardDaysNight album]], song and film.
167	* Music/PinkFloyd. There are many Floyd fans that not only hold ''Music/TheDarkSideOfTheMoon'' as a classic in its own right but also believe the following album, ''Music/WishYouWereHere1975'', is even better still. At least 2 of the Floyd members, David Gilmour and Richard Wright, believe ''Wish You Were Here'' is the best Floyd album.
168	* Although Music/BonJovi's first two albums were popular, ''Music/SlipperyWhenWet'' surpassed them by selling diamond in the US and topping the charts in seven countries. It is also their most critically acclaimed album.
169	* Music/{{Queen}}'s first three albums, while quite good examples of Queen's musical talent, were not commercially successful. Their fourth album, ''Music/ANightAtTheOpera'', contained their single greatest hit (and first ever #1 song), "Bohemian Rhapsody", and the well-regarded "You're My Best Friend".
170	* Music/{{Disturbed}} from ''The Sickness'' to ''Believe''. The debut was considered simple but catchy, loaded with small hits and [[SignatureSong Signature Songs]] while ''Believe'' had the band stepping into stronger melodies, better writing and deeper, even introspective concepts.
171	* The debut album for Music/NineInchNails, ''Pretty Hate Machine'', was well regarded, though some accused Trent Reznor of going LighterAndSofter and selling out industrial music. Five years, a nasty fight with his first label, and a CreatorBreakdown later, ''Music/TheDownwardSpiral'' was released, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made and silenced those who accused Reznor of being a sellout.
172	* American Pop/Rock band Music/{{Toto}} got off to a good start in their self titled debut album, but after their 2nd and 3rd albums ended up slumping, ''[[TitleByNumber Toto IV]]'' was a smash hit, earning several awards (and giving the band their signature smash hits "Rosanna" and "Africa").
173	* The band Music/SugarRay reached mainstream fame with their second album, ''Floored''. Critics expected the band to fizzle out, having gotten their "FifteenMinutesOfFame". The band responded with their third album, ''14:59'' (noticed the title?), which surpassed the first in number of sales, singles, and [[NewSoundAlbum revamping their musical approach]] with a hefty dose of {{Pop}}. ''Floored'' in itself was this trope as well - their first album, ''Lemonade and Brownies'', with its FunkMetal[=/=]HardcorePunk hybrid, never really made too many waves.
174	* Music/{{Coldplay}}'s debut, ''Parachutes'', got some acclaim. But the follow-up ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' earned better reviews (it is still the band's highest rated on Metacritic), sold better and cemented them as superstars.
175	* Music/{{Eminem}}'s first canon album[[note]] The first album, he did, ''Infinite'', was a incredibly weak critical and commercial success, and didn't feature the trademarks of his later albums, like Slim Shady.[[/note]], ''Music/TheSlimShadyLP'' received notable critical acclaim and had his breakout hit "My Name Is", but the follow up ''Music/TheMarshallMathersLP'' is widely considered one of the best rap - if not overall - albums ever.
176	** Fans going off the music alone are not unheard of to find ''The Marshall Mathers LP 2'' a better album than the original, especially when it first came out -- it has Eminem rapping with [[TechnicianVersusPerformer superior technique]], and lacks the {{Horrorcore}} experiments, homophobic blowjob skits, forced D12 promotion and repetitive TakeThatCritics theme that hampered the original. However, it has had far less of a social impact than the first album, with its most enduring song ("Rap God") being more of interest to people who rap themselves than to general audiences.
177	* Music/{{Oasis}}' ''Music/WhatsTheStoryMorningGlory'' is this to their debut ''Music/DefinitelyMaybeAlbum''.
178	* Music/BeastieBoys' debut album, ''Music/LicensedToIll'', was loud and raw hip-hop with a frat-boy lining, with several good selections. The next album, ''Music/PaulsBoutique'', was a sudden departure from their Def Jam days. It's not hard to see why ''Paul's Boutique'' is regarded as the best of the Beasties albums - it has significantly refined lyrical jive, and multi-layered, sample-rich beats by the Dust Brothers. Funnily enough, it stalled out on its initial release, but it wasn't too long before it was VindicatedByHistory.
179	* Music/AmyWinehouse's ''Music/BackToBlack''. ''[[Music/FrankAlbum Frank]]'', her first album, was a best seller and was nominated for a number of prestigious awards including both a Brit award and an Ivor Novello award (which it won). ''Back to Black'', however is the best selling album of the entire 21st century in the United Kingdom, and won considerably more awards including five Grammies. It also had success in many other countries around the world too and is credited by many for kick starting a third British invasion in America paving the way for other artists such as Adele, Duffy and Jessie J.
180	* Music/MikeOldfield: Although they have never attained universal acclaim (as with all of Mike Oldfield's post ''Music/TubularBells'' albums sadly), there is more than a few Mike Oldfield fans that consider ''Tubular Bells II'' and/or even ''Tubular Bells III'' (and/or even other Oldfield albums) lovingly and immensely better than the original ''Music/TubularBells'', which still is a universally loved classic itself.
181	* Music/{{Adele}}'s first album, ''19'', was a pretty good record and was reasonably successful in both the UK and the USA (despite lacking a very strong hit single in the latter country), and it was released at a time [[FollowTheLeader when that kind of sound was very popular]]. After refining her sound on her tour in support of that album, she came back two years later with the enormously successful ''Music/TwentyOne'', which put out three number one singles in America and is currently one of the biggest selling and most acclaimed albums released in the 21st century.
182	* Music/DefLeppard's first album (''On Through the Night'') was alright. It sounded like a cross between T. Rex and Music/ThinLizzy, but it seemed kind of indecisive. Their fortunes improved with ''High 'N' Dry'' (their first album produced by Creator/RobertJohnMuttLange) and ''Pyromania'' made them superstars.
183	* Music/RiloKiley's second album, ''The Execution of All Things'' was a sort of refinement of their previous work under the guiding hand of Conor Oberst's Saddle Creek Records.
184	* Music/{{Pavement}}'s ''Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'' can be considered this, depending upon who you ask. Both this and their debut, ''Slanted and Enchanted'' are equally acclaimed indie rock records. However, ''Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'' is the album that flirted briefly with the mainstream and garnered them attention from major labels, despite the band's preference for remaining independent (which they ultimately did).
185	* The last hit from CountryMusic group Music/LadyAntebellum's debut album was also its first #1 hit ''and'' the biggest country hit of 2009. "Need You Now," the title track to the band's second album, was an ''even bigger'' hit and one of the biggest country-pop crossovers ever.
186	* Music/DarkTranquillity[='s=] first album ''Skydancer'' was one of the first MelodicDeathMetal albums, but generally not "understood." After trading singer Anders Friden to Music/InFlames, and getting Mikkel Stane in return, they produced ''The Gallery'', which is today considered one of the most influential Melodic Death Metal albums of all time.
187	** Music/InFlames' story goes the same. They first published ''Lunar Strain'' (which, though brave, wasn't that much of a success) and a couple years later (and with current vocalist Anders Friden) they released ''The Jester Race'', the other MelodicDeathMetal TropeCodifier along with ''The Gallery'' by DT and ''Slaughter of the Soul'' by Music/AtTheGates.
188	* Music/MindlessSelfIndulgence's first album, ''Tight'', is usually considered excellent by fans. Most consider their second album, ''Frankenstein Girls May Seem Strangely Sexy'', to be their best release, however.
189	* Music/ATribeCalledQuest's ''Peoples Instinctive Travels'' was critically acclaimed, but it was also criticized for a lack of focus and being repetitive. They followed it up with ''Music/TheLowEndTheory'', which is considered to be one of the best hip-hop albums ever. Then they followed that up with ''Midnight Marauders'', which, depending on who you ask, is a second Even Better Sequel (and a lot of people who don't think it's better still think it's a damn good album).
190	* Music/MyChemicalRomance's debut album ''I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love'' may be well-liked by fans, but it was their sophomore album ''Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge'' that gave them their first taste of mainstream success and is widely considered one of the band's best releases. But it was topped by their next album, ''Music/TheBlackParade'', which had explosive mainstream success and is still considered their defining work.
191	* Almost every single member of the Music/WuTangClan made a great solo debut album, and then failed to make anything as good again. The only exception to this rule is Ghostface Killah; there are plenty of people who say that Supreme Clientele is better than Ironman.
192	* While Music/{{Nas}}'s first album ''Illmatic'' is generally considered so good none of Nas's subsequent albums managed to live up to it, his sophomore album ''It Was Written'' has since been VindicatedByHistory, with a couple people saying that it's actually ''better'' than ''Illmatic''.
193	* Power metal band Music/{{Kamelot}}'s concept album ''Epica'' was a beautiful, well crafted piece of music. However, the sequel album, [[note]] (a true sequel instead of a follow up)[[/note]], ''The Black Halo'', is a masterpiece.
194	* Music/{{Tool}}'s ''Opiate'' and ''Undertow'' (the former a rather obscure EP while the latter had songs with extensive radio play) were both excellent albums with a unique sound that didn't fall into the trap of the PostGrunge-era alternative rock formula. Then came ''[=Æ=]nima'', which charted at number 2 in the U.S., spawned five hit singles, and broke the mold of what many people considered "mainstream" rock. The success continued with ''Lateralus,'' which debuted at number 1 in many countries and also had four hit singles. It's widely considered Tool's best studio album ever...not bad considering the first radio single was [[EpicRocking almost seven minutes long]]. Rather jarring to hear played alongside 3-minute pieces on Top 40 radio stations.
195	* Music/ThirtySecondsToMars' debut album is considered quite good, but ''A Beautiful Lie'' is where they really started to shine. Most of their well-known songs are from that album.
196	* Music/WeirdAlYankovic had a self-titled debut album with parodies that included Toni Basil and Queen, but his second album, ''[[In 3D'', with his parody of MJ, made him a {{household name\|s}}.
197	* Music/TaylorSwift's eponymous debut album was a fairly big critical and commercial success. Her second album, ''Fearless'', launched her into global superstardom, was recognized by Billboard in 2011 as ''the'' [[http://www.billboard.com/features/taylor-swift-top-artist-finalist-interview-1005179542.story#/features/taylor-swift-top-artist-finalist-interview-1005179542.story top-selling album]] released between 2006 and 2011, and made her, at age 20, the youngest person ever to win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
198	* Music/{{Pantera}}'s breakout album was ''Cowboys from Hell'', where they defined their brand of groove/thrash metal (possibly after catching from hints from the likes of Dave Mustaine, if you can believe him), and is by far one of the most popular albums in Pantera's repertoire. It's not the second, the third, or even the fourth album they put out. Yep, ''Cowboys'' is their ''fifth'' album. You wouldn't believe the same band that did ''Power Metal'' in 1988 (they were young) also did ''Cowboys from Hell'' and, later on, ''Far Beyond Driven''.
199	* When you hear the name Music/{{Slayer}}, what do you think of? More than likely, ''Music/ReignInBlood'' comes to mind. This is yet another metal example. ''Music/ReignInBlood'' was their ''third'' album. While Metallica and Megadeth were experimenting on their own, Slayer nailed their defining sound in one go (according to Kerry King), and it's widely regarded as the one of the best of the Big Four of thrash metal. It helps that they had legendary producer Rick Rubin working with them on it.
200	* Music/{{Nightwish\|Band}} was doing pretty good as a power metal band with ''Wishmaster''. But the point where they really hit their stride was probably around ''Century Child'', when they figured out that the best way to use their opera-trained soprano vocalist was to reduce the amount of extremely high-speed guitar, increase the amount of OneWomanWail, and [[SymphonicMetal back her up with a whole freaking orchestra]]. Then they topped that with ''Once'', essentially an entire album of the most over-the-top epic music you ever did hear, including "Ghost Love Score," [[MemeticMutation infamous]] as the song of choice for [[MundaneMadeAwesome making everyday things AWESOME]].
201	* Music/KatyPerry's first mainstream album ''One of the Boys'' was a commercial success, but her second album ''Teenage Dream'' exceeding it, sold twice as many copies, received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, and yielded a record five number-one singles.
202	* Music/{{Radiohead}} did this in succession for their first four albums. ''Pablo Honey'' got decent reviews but wasn't widely acknowledged outside of its single hit ("Creep"); ''Music/TheBends'' was the album that proved there was more to them than "Creep" and got rave reviews; ''Music/OKComputer'' overshadowed ''The Bends'' in terms of both commercial and critical success. Then they did the same thing again with ''Music/KidA''.
203	* The first two albums by Music/TheReplacements usually get lukewarm to positive reviews. Their third album, ''Let It Be'', has appeared on lists of the best albums of TheEighties, and it was listed as the twelfth greatest album of all time by Spin Magazine.
204	* Music/ElvisCostello's debut, ''Music/MyAimIsTrue'', was hailed as the arrival of a major talent, but as strong as the album was, the sedate backing band kept it from fulfilling its potential. Costello followed it up with ''Music/ThisYearsModel'', on which the Attractions gave him the kickass accompaniment he needed to put his music over the top. And then came ''Armed Forces'', which was more textured and complex than the first two albums, and also introduced three of Costello's {{Signature Song}}s: "Accidents Will Happen", "Oliver's Army", and a CoverVersion of Music/NickLowe's "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" that [[CoveredUp easily overshadowed the original]].[[note]]"Peace, Love and Understanding" wasn't on the original British version of ''Armed Forces'', but was added to it when Costello got the rights to his catalog in 1993.[[/note]]
205	* Music/{{TLC}}'s first album "Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip" was a bonafide success with three top ten hits and was certified quadruple platinum, though critics thought the group would be a one-shot. Their second album ''Music/CrazySexyCool'' was released to universal acclaim, spawned the group's first number one singles, won two Grammys, and earned Diamond certification making it the best-selling album ever by a female group.
206	* Music/GreenDay have done this a few times. Their debut, ''1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours'' (a compilation of ''39/Smooth'', their ''actual'' debut, ''Slappy'' and ''1,000 Hours'', their first two [=EPs=], and the song "I Want to Be Alone"), is seen as fairly average in comparison to their later, more poppy songs. Their second album, ''Kerplunk'', was their first record with EnsembleDarkhorse Tre Cool, featuring additional focus on PopPunk, and it's still a fan favorite to this day. They did it again with ''Music/{{Dookie}}'', which you might have heard of - it's sold over 20 million copies, made the band household names, and put PopPunk into the mainstream for good. Their seventh album, ''Music/AmericanIdiot'', reached new critical heights and received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
207	* Although Music/PenguinCafeOrchestra's debut ''Music From The Penguin Cafe'' was acclaimed at the time, its reputation was far eclipsed by the [[SelfTitledAlbum self-titled follow-up]], which is more representative of what would become their SignatureStyle. The first album is still well-regarded, but often seen as EarlyInstallmentWeirdness in comparison.
208	* Music/AliceInChains has done this three times:
209	** Their debut album ''Facelift'' is very well regarded, and delivered one of the band's biggest {{Signature Song}}s in "Man in the Box", but it wasn't until ''Dirt'' that they found their sound. ''Facelift'', while good, was a little too heavy on the glam influences. ''Dirt'' however is often considered one of the best metal albums of 90s. This was made possible by making the album seriously DarkerAndEdgier, bringing in elements of DoomMetal and writing lyrics more about drug addiction, depression, and failed relationships. It's the album most people think of when they think of the band
210	** ''Sap'' was the first of their two acoustic [=EPs=], and it had several brilliant songs on it. ''Jar of Flies" just happened to be even better in every way, bringing in a more diverse sound and making it sound more wistful and folksy, while still having the bands signatures.
211	** ''Black Gives Way to Blue'' is generally considered a great comeback album, and helped win over unsure fans that William DuVall was the right choice. ''The Devil put Dinosaurs Here'' took everything great about the album and tightened it up, and gave it an even clearer vision. It really helped solidify what the band's modern sound should be like.
212	* Music/RedVox fans agree that ''Another Light'' is a huge step up from ''What Could Go Wrong''.
213	* While Music/{{Madonna}}'s [[Music/MadonnaAlbum debut album]] was a commercial success with three hit singles, it was her sophomore album ''Music/LikeAVirgin'' that truly made her a household name and proved herself that she was not a OneHitWonder.
214	* Music/TalkingHeads' debut, ''Music/TalkingHeads77'' was an instant critical darling and is still a hit with fans today, but in hindsight it's agreed that producer Tony Bongiovi's ExecutiveMeddling held back much of the band's potential. 1978's ''Music/MoreSongsAboutBuildingsAndFood'', the first of three albums produced by Music/BrianEno, meanwhile, was Talking Heads unleashed; it was an even bigger hit with fans and critics and is generally agreed to be [[GrowingTheBeard the point where the band came into their own as musicians]].
215	* While it may not have matched the sales and impact as her first album ''Music/PureHeroine'', Music/{{Lorde}}'s second album ''Melodrama'' was regarded as this by various critics, even making it on lists of the Top Ten best albums of 2017 by various publications. Allmusic even gave it a [[https://www.allmusic.com/album/melodrama-mw0003031925 5 out of 5 star review]] compared to the 3 out of 5 stars of ''Pure Heroine''.
216	* Music/TheProdigy had their commercial and critical success improve with each consecutive album for a time. Although ''Music/{{Experience}}'' garnered some acclaim for its creative and playful use of samples mixed with thumping hardcore breakbeat, they were derided as “kiddie ravers” in some circles of the press for that very playfulness. Cue ''Music/MusicForTheJiltedGeneration'', a DarkerAndEdgier effort that combined the creative sampling with a much harsher sound inspired by the anger resulting from the UK’s crackdown on illegal raves. Not only did this album’s righteous anger end the “kiddie ravers” critiques for good, ''Jilted'' became highly regarded in pretty much every way and is still considered to be one of (if not the) best rave albums of all time. And then came ''Music/TheFatOfTheLand'', which leaned even more heavily into rock elements and became another resounding critical and commercial success, topping album charts in over 20 countries and having two singles, “Firestarter” and the infamous “Smack My Bitch Up,” chart in the United States - a market where electronic music rarely (if ever) crosses over onto mainstream pop charts.
217	[[/folder]]
218
219	[[folder:Roleplay]]
220	* While the CreatorDrivenSuccessor ''Roleplay/NanQuest'' is less popular overall than ''Roleplay/RubyQuest'', due to both to it [[ToughActToFollow following a massive success]] and [[ScheduleSlip how long it took to finish]], the general consensus is that it's a better work overall. The story is tighter, characters are deeper, and it has a much larger sense of lore and backstory overall.
221	[[/folder]]
222
223	[[folder:Theatre]]
224	* While both of the ''Theatre/{{Latibaer}}'' plays that ''Series/LazyTown'' is based on are well-received, the latter, ''Glanni Glæpur Í Latabæ'', is generally seen as an improvement over ''Áfram Latibær'', due to it having more of a plot, having more stylized sets and costumes, and being the introduction of fan-favorite character Glanni Glæpur/Robbie Rotten.
225	[[/folder]]
226
227	[[folder:Toys]]
228	* Toys/{{LEGO}}'s ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'':
229	** The initial "trilogy" (2001-2003) is the most well-known era of the series for its unique premise and memorable characters and setting, but it was during the Metru Nui saga (2004) that the true world-building began and the characters were allowed to go beyond being one-note stereotypes. The story, up until then fairly linear and riddled with fantasy-clichés, also got more complex and serious, and the BigBad was re-imagined as a complicated and realistic villain.
230	** The Ignition Trilogy (2006-2008) is also liked for placing heavy focus on action, replacing troop-builders with well characterized, individual villains, and for loosening up some of the story's more worn-out "rules". This was also when the world was developed into an entire complex universe as the writers introduced several other islands.
231	** The sets introduced from 2004 onwards are generally seen as vast improvements from their predecessors with improved articulation and more varied and complex builds.
232	* The Super-Poseable Spider-Man from the 2002 ''Spider-Man'' movie line, while a great figure, had its flaws, including very limited chest articulation, a barely-functioning head joint and shoulders that don't move all the way up. When ''Spider-Man 2'' came out, Toy Biz released the Super-Poseable Spider-Man for the second movie, which was a huge improvement over the original. This one fixed all the flaws the first one had, including a second chest joint, shoulders with a huge range of movement, and neck articulation that moves all the way up, and included several new points of articulation, including armpit joints and individual articulated fingers.
233	[[/folder]]
234
235	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
236	* ''Franchise/AceAttorney'':
237	** ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyTrialsAndTribulations'' to ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyJusticeForAll Justice For All]]''. Even deeper insight to the character's pasts, have the most epic plot of any of ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' games with the added novelty of playing as Mia and [[spoiler:even the chance to play as Miles Edgeworth in the last case]].
238	** ''VisualNovel/GyakutenKenji2'', the [[NoExportForYou Japan-only sequel]] to ''VisualNovel/AceAttorneyInvestigationsMilesEdgeworth'', hits hard and fast with its first case (deliberately trying to set up a "final case" feel to open the game) and then delves into a massive conspiracy that has infected the highest echelons of not just the Prosecutor's Office but an entire nation's government.
239	** ''VisualNovel/TheGreatAceAttorney 2: Resolve'' is considered a vast improvement on its predecessor. The reason why is that unlike the previous ''Ace Attorney'' games which are mostly self-contained stories, the ''The Great Ace Attorney'' games are very closely related to one another. The first game ''very'' heavily sets up elements that come to fruition in the second game, meaning many of the best plot twists and strongest writing moments don't happen until the midway point of the duology. As a result, it's often recommended to simply play them back-to-back as one extremely long ''Ace Attorney'' game. Even Creator/{{Capcom}} seems to think so, since the long-awaited English port released the two of them [[CompilationReRelease as a single game]], ''The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles''.
240	* ''DCII'' is this for the ''VisualNovel/DaCapo'' franchise. The original was a generic cuteness Eroge. The second one had some surprising twists and turns and a plot that was actually moving.
241	* ''VisualNovel/Danganronpa2GoodbyeDespair'' features better cases and more bonus content than its predecessor ''VisualNovel/DanganronpaTriggerHappyHavoc'', while keeping all the positive aspects from the original.
242	* ''VisualNovel/HotelDuskRoom215'' was a fun adventure game with some neat character interaction, animations and puzzles with a compelling storyline. ''VisualNovel/LastWindow'' improved on all of that, as well as providing more insight and development into the returning characters.
243	* ''VisualNovel/ScienceAdventureSeries'': ''VisualNovel/SteinsGate'' is this to ''VisualNovel/ChaosHead''. This seems to be the case with every new title, with ''VisualNovel/ChaosChild'' being the best entry in the franchise so far.
244	[[/folder]]
245
246	[[folder:Webcomics]]
247	* ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' is undoubtedly this for ''Webcomic/MSPaintAdventures''. ''Webcomic/{{Jailbreak}}'' was the first and it put Andrew Hussie's name up there with its very successful application of the InteractiveComic model and silly humour, but it was [[RandomEventsPlot completely nonsensical]] and filled with blood, guts, and shit. ''Webcomic/ProblemSleuth'' was a great improvement, being still very silly but bringing in a plot as well as featuring [[ArtEvolution some surprisingly good artwork]]. And then Homestuck, with its hugely improved plot, characterisation, art, and general SerialEscalation (while still keeping that heavy undercurrent of silliness) came along and was so popular it became a [[CultClassic cult phenomenon]] that has largely [[SequelDisplacement displaced]] ''Webcomic/ProblemSleuth'' from the eyes of most but the longest-lasting fans.
248	[[/folder]]
249
250	[[folder:Web Videos]]
251	* WebVideo/{{Caddicarus}} provides an in-universe example with his retrospective on [[VideoGame/SlyCooperAndTheThieviusRaccoonus the]] [[VideoGame/Sly2BandOfThieves first]] [[VideoGame/Sly3HonorAmongThieves three]] ''VideoGame/SlyCooper'' games. He feels the third game is the best, because it distills the elements he enjoyed from the first two and largely eliminates almost everything he disliked about the first two. He also feels that the characterization and writing are a lot tighter, with Sly, Bentley, and Murray feeling more like friends.
252	[[/folder]]
253
254	[[folder:Western Animation]]
255	* ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' originally dealt with a huge backlash from the fans that were against animal-themed Transformers (at least those with organic animal modes), but somewhere by the end of the first season almost everyone else seemed to catch on that the series was better than the original in almost every way, and it's still usually considered the high point of the entire Transformers animated fiction. People who grew up on [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers G1]] were ready for a ''Transformers'' series that [[AnimationAgeGhetto escaped the ghetto]]. The producers knew this, and delivered in ''spades''.
256	* ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'' managed to outdo the awesomeness of ''Justice League'', thanks in no small part to two season-spanning Universe-shattering {{Myth Arc}}s. Oh, and ComicBook/TheQuestion's transformation from an obscure DC character to an EnsembleDarkHorse.
257	* ''WesternAnimation/WallaceAndGromit'': Their debut short ''WesternAnimation/AGrandDayOut'' was well received, won or was nominated for numerous awards, and is still popular... but that's nothing compared to the second short ''WesternAnimation/TheWrongTrousers'', a technical tour de force with stronger storytelling and humour that is generally considered the best entry in the series.
258	[[/folder]]

Context Main / EvenBetterSequel