9 Sequel Films That Divided Fans
Sequel films often spark heated debates among fans, with some loving the continuation of the story and others feeling disappointed or let down. Here are 9 sequels that have divided fan communities, provoking passionate discussions and differing opinions.
Toy Story 4 (2019)
A series thought to have ended in 2010
Woody Bo Peep Toy Story 4
Nine years following Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4 sees the familiar toys with their new owner, Bonnie, and the adventures that lead to Woody's departure from the group. Some of the fandom found this ending to be satisfactory and a nice way to tie up the cherished series of films. Other parts of the fandom found the characterization of Buzz's lack of intelligence and Woody's choice to leave with Bo Peep to be odd. Despite any divisiveness among fans, critics praised Toy Story 4 and it won Best Animated Feature.
Batman staring off into the distance
Keywords: Toy Story 4, Woody, Buzz, Bonnie, Bo Peep
Rey
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Creative decisions made were not welcomed by all fans
Rey and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars The Last Jedi
The second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is still one of the most divisive movies in recent years. A majority of critics reviewed The Last Jedi in a positive light. Many of the positive reviews from critics and fans commend both the risks and direction taken by Rian Johnson, and the film's ability to fit into the Skywalker saga. However, Johnson's approach is what led to much of the divisiveness and negative impressions by fans. Many fans felt as though the film turned everything beloved about Star Wars upside down. Similar to other films listed, The Last Jedi itself is not a bad film, but the characterization of Luke Skywalker and the unsatisfactory answer about Rey's parents caused disdain from part of the fandom.
Rey in The Last Jedi
Keywords: The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson, Skywalker saga, Luke Skywalker, Rey, Star Wars
The Last Jedi Rey
Predator 2 (1990)
Unable to meet the bar set by 1987 film
City Hunter standing on top of platform
Predator 2 takes place 10 years after Predator, and though the initial response from critics was negative, the film has been reexamined over the years, especially following the 2022 release of Prey. Still, for some fans, the negativity remains as part of their take on the film. Taking on police tropes from other movies and shows, Predator 2 feels unoriginal, in addition to its relocating from the jungle to Los Angeles. However, for fans who continue to enjoy the film, much praise was given to both Danny Glover for his performance and the added mythology to the Predator.
Keywords: Predator 2, Predator, Los Angeles, Danny Glover, Prey
T-Rex in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
A lackluster result after over a decade
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones brandishing a whip in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Although Dial of Destiny was a disappointment for many, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull remains the least favorite for fans of the franchise. The inflated humor, unrealistic action sequences, and use of CGI are among the negative takeaways of the film. However, it's not the most controversial Indiana Jones film, and fans of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull have been able to identify a sense of familiarity in the film. Furthermore, Harrison Ford's performance as the titular character continued to be celebrated following the 19-year gap from The Last Crusade.
Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf look down at something in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Keywords: Indiana Jones, Crystal Skull, Harrison Ford, Last Crusade, Dial of Destiny
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones submerged up to his chest in quicksand as a snake is held in front of him in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The first of two Matrix films that should've been one
Neo halting bullets in mid-air while preparing to fight a group of armed men in The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Reloaded is the second film in the franchise, released within the same year as The Matrix Revolutions. A common complaint among both of these films is that they could have been made into one, due to the lack of additions made within the franchise from The Matrix Reloaded. Additionally, parts of the plot were confusing upon the film's release, such as the Architect scene. However, those in the divided fandom who enjoy the film point out its action sequences and how fresh and innovative they were at the time.
Keywords: The Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions, Architect, action sequences
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins with His Mouth Open in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Unlikeable protagonist and too many villains
Peter Parker dancing outside
Among the Sam Raimi trilogy films, Spider-Man 3 is often regarded as the weakest and least favorite among fans. Similar to the response of other superhero films, the action sequences are favored by fans, and scenes, such as Peter Parker dancing, have become the focus of many conversations surrounding the film. On the flip side, while Peter's darker side is supposed to be obnoxious, part of the fandom found it to be utterly unbearable. In addition, there are far too many villains in Spider-Man 3, which ultimately leads to unequal screen time and incomplete character development.
Keywords: Spider-Man 3, Sam Raimi, Peter Parker, villains
A T-rex roars beside a volcano as Chris Pratt's Owen stands by a gyrosphere in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A conclusion some fans found to be disappointing
The Dark Knight Rises takes place eight years after The Dark Knight, a widely acclaimed film, often noted as one of Christopher Nolan's best movies. The sequel, however, failed to live up to its success. Fans of Nolan's trilogy were disappointed by the loaded plot, weak pacing, and considerable number of additional characters. Many left feeling unsatisfied with the protagonists' ending, but others in the fandom found it to be a fitting conclusion and the initial consensus from critics attests to that. Overall, the film is not bad, but is significantly inferior to the beloved films that came before it.
Keywords: The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan, protagonists
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
A darker tone that doesn't make up for a dull plot
Chris Pratt as Owen Grady is looking shocked in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom takes place soon after the events of Jurassic World. Comparable to other films in the Jurassic Park franchise following the first in 1993, it's difficult to live up to that sort of success and acclaim - from critics and fans. The division is apparent when discussing all but the film's plot as most agree it's dull and doesn't stand strong as an individual film. However, where some can look past this and enjoy Fallen Kingdom for its action, visual elements, and darker tones, due to the direction of J. A. Bayona, others cannot.
Keywords: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic Park, J. A. Bayona, T-Rex
Owen confronting a dinosaur
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)
An unfortunate sequel in a disliked trilogy
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the second installment in The Hobbit trilogy that gained a generally positive reaction upon initial release. Overall, fans can be split on their feelings towards The Hobbit films with a majority preferring The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but others still able to find the good in the prequel trilogy. For The Desolation of Smaug, fans appreciate the attention to the characters' journeys and the depth provided to them. Yet, those who dislike the film point out the dragged-out plot, as The Hobbit wasn't meant to be three movies.
Keywords: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, prequel trilogy
