In the realm of cinema, prequels are a delicate art, often struggling to captivate audiences already familiar with the narrative's direction. Yet, within the vast landscape of science fiction, a handful of prequels have not only thrived but have also become fan favorites, expanding the lore of beloved franchises. This article delves into the 10 best sci-fi movie prequels, each offering a unique perspective on the genre's malleability and the power of storytelling. From horror to space opera, these prequels not only serve as extensions of their respective series but also stand as compelling works in their own right.
Prey (2022): A thrilling prequel to the iconic 'Predator' series, set in the early 18th century. It introduces Naru, a young Comanche woman, as she battles against an interstellar hunter in the untamed wilderness of North America. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, 'Prey' is a gritty and innovative take on the franchise, anchored by a stellar performance from Amber Midthunder. It's the best-reviewed 'Predator' movie to date, offering a fresh and entertaining story that gives the series a much-needed second wind.
X-Men: First Class (2011): A period piece prequel to the X-Men franchise, set in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It introduces the first meeting of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, who are tasked with defusing the crisis. Directed and co-written by Matthew Vaughn, the film brings a sense of fun and campiness to the superhero genre, while also exploring themes of friendship and conflict. It's one of the best X-Men movies to date, showcasing the franchise's potential for emotional depth and action-packed sequences.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024): A prequel to the post-apocalyptic epic 'Mad Max: Fury Road', focusing on the backstory of the hardened road warrior Furiosa. Played by Anya Taylor-Joy, Furiosa's journey spans over a decade, revealing her rise through the ranks of the wasteland communities. Directed by George Miller, the film provides a comprehensive exploration of the franchise's world-building, capturing the complex alliances and rival factions in the post-apocalyptic setting. It's a modern myth that stands as George Miller's magnum opus.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): A soft reboot or prequel to the iconic 'Planet of the Apes' franchise, set in an alternate timeline where apes grew super-intelligent from a radical new drug. Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the film centers on Caesar, a chimpanzee who leads his fellow apes to escape from captivity. It provides a fresh jumping-on point for the series, offering an alternate explanation of how apes supplanted humanity. The movie also nods to the classic series with Easter eggs and allusions, providing a rebirth for the iconic sci-fi franchise.
Bumblebee (2018): A prequel and soft reboot of the 'Transformers' franchise, set in 1987. It follows Bumblebee, an Autobot who disguises himself as a Volkswagen Beetle and befriends a California teenager, Charlie Watson. Directed by Travis Knight, the film brings a tightened focus and stronger emphasis on sentimentality, demonstrating what's possible for the franchise in live-action. It's a robotic beating heart for the series, offering a fun and engaging coming-of-age narrative.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): A prequel to the 'Star Wars' franchise, set directly before the events of 'A New Hope'. It follows Jyn Erso, whose father was forcibly recruited by the Galactic Empire, and her team's mission to obtain the Death Star plans. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film is a fantastic expansion of the galaxy far, far away, revealing the fateful battle that yielded the Death Star plans. The final battle, in particular, is beautifully rendered, and the story has spawned the television series 'Andor', further exploring the 'Rogue One' backstory.
Prometheus (2012): A prequel to the 'Alien' franchise, set 29 years before the events of the 1979 film. It follows an expedition to investigate an ancient alien civilization linked to the creation of humanity. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is one of the boldest science fiction movies in recent memory, making even the most stalwart 'Alien' fans rethink the franchise's narrative. The scares are effective, particularly a twisted C-section sequence, and the performances from Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender are firing on all cylinders.
Kong: Skull Island (2017): A prequel to the 'Godzilla' and 'King Kong' franchises, set in the 1970s during the Vietnam War. It follows an expedition to Skull Island, led by Bill Randa, which encounters Kong, a towering gorilla. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the film is a stylish period piece that offers a twist on the familiar King Kong story. It seamlessly integrates Kong into the MonsterVerse and provides a fun-filled ride, veering more overtly into horror as its human characters are picked off one-by-one by creatures.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): A prequel to the dystopian 'The Hunger Games' series, set decades before the events of the main series. It follows a young Coriolanus Snow, who participates in the 10th annual Hunger Games to restore his family's fortunes. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film is a good, if overstuffed, prequel, showcasing the growth of Coriolanus into the villain we know from Donald Sutherland's performance. The central character arc is matched by a fiery turn from Rachel Zegler, serving as an idealistic counterpoint to Coriolanus.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2020): A prequel to the sci-fi horror series 'A Quiet Place', set in New York City as it's invaded by alien monsters sensitive to sound. Directed by John Krasinski, the film goes deeper with its characters while still providing monstrous scares. The emotional richness and nuance brought by Lupita Nyong'o to her dying character elevate the film above its predecessors, making it the best movie in the series. At once the most bombastic and intimate entry, it expands what the series can be.
These prequels showcase the genre's versatility, proving that the narrative approach can work admirably, even in the face of skeptical audiences. Each film offers a unique perspective, expanding the lore of its respective franchise while standing as compelling works in their own right.
