Franchise Movies That Deserve Outstanding Sequels
The world of franchise movies has seen its fair share of success and disappointment. While some franchises have delivered outstanding films, others have struggled to maintain their initial appeal. Here, we take a look at nine iconic franchises that are in need of outstanding sequels to reignite their cinematic magic.
1. The Terminator
The Terminator franchise, known for its classic action films, has struggled to replicate the success of its first two movies.
Linda Hamilton Sarah Connor in the desert with an assault rifle in Terminator 2 Judgment Day
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time, but subsequent installments such as Terminator Salvation and Terminator: Dark Fate failed to recapture the magic of the original films.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800 on a motorcycle in terminator 2
With James Cameron back in the mix, fans are hopeful that Terminator 7 will bring the franchise back on track, offering a fresh take on the iconic series.
2. Superman
Despite a great casting in Henry Cavill, modern Superman films have struggled to live up to their potential.
Collage of Superman actors with Henry Cavill as Superman
While Man of Steel had its moments, the subsequent films failed to receive unanimous praise, leaving fans longing for a truly inspiring Superman movie.
The anticipation for James Gunn's Superman: Legacy is palpable, as it promises to breathe new life into the world's most influential superhero.
3. Harry Potter
The original Harry Potter films are hailed as faithful adaptations of the beloved novels, but the Fantastic Beasts series has failed to capture the same magic.
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter pointing his wand at the screen against a blended backdrop of a snowy Hogwarts Castle and the inside of the Great Hall at Christmas
Warner Bros. Discovery's new direction aims to expand on the underused Harry Potter properties, with a TV series in the works and potential for future films.
Fans are eager for a return to the enchanting world of Harry Potter with exceptional storytelling and captivating visuals.
4. Star Wars
The Star Wars franchise, despite its immense popularity, has faced mixed reviews for its recent film releases.
Star Wars Leia Darth Vader and Alderaan
With a four-year gap since the last Star Wars film, fans are hopeful for a compelling new installment that recaptures the essence of the original trilogy.
Custom Star Wars Anakin Skywalker Chosen One Image
The upcoming Star Wars movies hold the promise of reigniting the franchise and delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience for fans.
5. X-Men
The X-Men films were once lauded for their excellence, but the recent releases have left fans wanting more.
Wolverine in Fox's X-Men Movies and Marvel Comics
With the X-Men set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is anticipation for fresh and innovative adaptations of the beloved superhero team.
The return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 has sparked excitement, signaling a potential revival for the X-Men franchise.
6. Alien
The Alien franchise, known for its iconic first two films, has struggled to produce a great movie in recent years.
(Sigourney-Weaver-as-Ripley)-from-Alien-1979-and-(Bolaji-Badejo-as-Alien)-from-Alien-1979-
With the 2024 reboot, Alien: Romulus, and director Fede Álvarez's fresh perspective, fans are hopeful for a revival of the franchise's glory.
Cailee Spaeny's starring role in the upcoming film adds to the excitement surrounding the potential resurgence of the Alien series.
7. The Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy set a high standard for epic fantasy films, but subsequent releases have struggled to meet those expectations.
A blurred poster of the Lord of the Rings trilogy behind Frodo looking shocked holding the One Ring
The upcoming animated film, The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, holds promise for fans craving a return to the enchanting world of Middle-earth.
Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) smiles after he, his friends, and his army triumph over the forces of evil in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
With a focus on capturing the essence of Tolkien's classic novels, the new film aims to reignite the magic of the beloved franchise.
8. Jurassic Park
The Jurassic Park franchise, known for its groundbreaking first film, has struggled to recapture the same level of awe and wonder.
Alan and Ellie admiring Jurassic Park's magnificence
While the Jurassic World series has entertained audiences, there is a longing for a film that harkens back to the original's innovation and impact.
The future of the franchise remains uncertain, but fans hold out hope for a return to the awe-inspiring world of dinosaurs.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, known for its initial success, has faced challenges in maintaining its allure.
Indy (Harrison Ford) wearing a shocked expression in an old fashioned bomber aircraft in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
With the announcement of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 and showrunner Craig Mazin's involvement, there is anticipation for a fresh perspective and revitalization of the beloved swashbuckling series.
Fans eagerly await the return of the high-seas adventure and the iconic characters that made the franchise a global phenomenon.
