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The movie is a bit more graphic than the original, probably explained by the decade difference in their productions (movies are undoubtedly bloodier and more violent today than in the 1990s), and also more terrifying in some of its sequences and deaths. But Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, and Ed Norton all deliver chilling and even sympathetic performances, supported by the always superb Philip Seymour Hoffman, Harvey Keitel, and Mary-Louise Parker. Measuring up to the original Silence of the Lambs is no easy feat, but, particularly when compared to the more wooden sequel, Hannibal, this “origins of Hannibal Lecter” movie provides helpful and interesting insight into one of the most memorable film villains of all time, while keeping the audience guessing and in suspense through the last act. It’s one of a few prequels one can be glad was made and that also holds up well on repeat viewings.

Batman Begins

The best movie prequel of all time, however, is in my view Batman Begins. I can hear the groans already - Batman Begins is a reinvention, not necessarily a prequel. Perhaps, but perhaps not. The entire movie does take place before the events of the original (except for the known story of the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents), and finishes arguably where the main action in the original Batman commences - with the appearance of The Joker.

In any case, this film tops the list for a simple reason: it easily blows out of the water any of its original predecessors, and thus serves not only as a worthy prequel but really as a much better standalone movie. The complexity of the title character is much more nuanced and explored in Batman Begins, and the dark lightning and ominous smoke rising from the ground make for a much better ambiance setter than the almost cartoonish hues of Tim Burton’s original. Blame the ‘80s for that, I guess.

And, like with some of the other movies on this list, it is remarkable to see that the prequel’s cast outshines the original’s by miles. While Jack Nicholson is, I suppose, appropriate as The Joker and Michael Keaton a sufficiently handsome Batman, it is hard to conceive of better actors for the roles now than Christian Bale and the others who supported him in the prequel. Sorry, Ben Affleck.

It is worth closing the column with an additional observation that somewhat unexpectedly appeared across some of the movies I listed here - the plot of the prequel was more complex, nuanced, and thematic than the original’s. This perhaps reflects a broader phenomenon in movies as the medium has aged: audiences expect more challenging fare from movies they’re expected to take seriously, or at the very least from movies that are meant to explore an old story from a different or new angle. Batman Begins delivers the desired subtleties and twists perfectly, and is to me unarguably the best prequel out there.

Which are your favorite prequels?

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