This Friday sees the release of “Iron Man 3″, the third film in the Iron Man franchise, and the fifth time Robert Downey Jr. has played Tony Stark (including his cameo in “The Incredible Hulk). It won’t be the only big sequel this summer, either, the slate is full of them. “Star Trek Into Darkness”, “The Hangover III”, “Despicable Me 2″, “Monsters University”, “Fast and Furious 6″ just for starters.

Sequels have come a long way though. Franchises are carefully planned now, and audiences don’t attach half the stigma to them that they once did. Once upon a time, the question was “Which sequels are better than the originals?” Nowadays, the second installment in a franchise is often expected to be the best.

There are no shortages of sequels out there. Many of them are great. What’s your favorite? Will you go old school with “The Godfather: Part II” or “The Empire Strikes Back”, or something more modern, like “The Dark Knight”? How about one of James Cameron’s noted sequels, “Aliens”, or “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”?

There are hundreds to choose from, and the choice is yours.

So let’s hear it! What’s YOUR favorite sequel?

Daniel Fogarty