Besides sequel movies like
Aliens (1986) and
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) and
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) and
Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan (1982), in my opinion, there are three REALLY GREAT movie sequels in the annals of Hollywood film-making:
A) Francis Ford Coppola's
The Godfather, Part II (1974)

B) Irwin Kershner's
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

and
C)
The Dark Knight (200

, which is Christopher Nolan's ambitious sequel to Batman Begins (2005)

So I am asking you guys, what made these three really great film sequels in the annals of Hollywood film-making that I am talking about
REALLY GREAT?