Top 10 Movie Sequels That Failed to Meet Expectations in the 2010s
Exploring the most disappointing movie sequels from the past decade, where high hopes turned into major letdowns. Dive into the realm of sequels that failed to live up to their predecessors' glory and left audiences wanting more.
Disappointing movie sequels were abundant in the 2010s as studios capitalized on existing IP for easy-to-produce films amidst the rise of live-action remakes. Some sequels, while not entirely unwarranted, failed to meet expectations, lacking the quality or impact of their predecessors. Whether released a year or two decades later, these sequels struggled to carry on a compelling narrative, often falling short of the high standards set by their predecessors. Legacy sequels, in particular, faced the daunting task of living up to decades of anticipation, resulting in greater disappointment if they failed to deliver.
It is not uncommon for unnecessary sequels to disappoint, but the most surefire way to create a lackluster sequel is by disregarding the elements that made the original film so beloved. Bold and inventive action movies can easily deteriorate into generic franchises over time, losing the essence that made them unique and engaging. Conversely, movies with intricate and thought-provoking storylines have been let down by sequels that offer little more than shallow, mindless entertainment.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Will Smith leaving spelled doom for the Independence Day sequel.
Liam Hemsworth flying a spaceship in Independence Day Resurgence - Will Smith leaving spelled doom for the Independence Day sequel. - Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Independence Day: Resurgence suffers from the absence of original star Will Smith, leading to a rushed script rewrite when he dropped out to film Suicide Squad. This hasty decision ultimately contributed to the downfall of the movie, as it relied on lazy, clichéd storytelling and introduced too many new characters to compensate for Smith's departure. Despite the presence of Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, the film could have benefitted from focusing on just one or two new, young stars to complement the veteran cast.
Sex And The City 2 (2010)
Sex and the City 2 ruined the legacy of the TV show.
Carrie and Samantha on the plane in Sex and the City 2 - Sex and the City 2 ruined the legacy of the TV show. - Sex And The City 2 (2010)
Sex and the City 2 has not aged well, with many questioning if it was ever well-received in the first place. The movie is widely criticized for its problematic portrayal of the Middle East, as well as the obnoxious behavior of Carrie and her friends. It has been vividly and accurately argued that the film "broke the legacy of Sex and the City in two" (via CBC). As a result, Kim Catrall declined to return for And Just Like That... and plans for Sex and the City 3 were ultimately scrapped.
Cars 2 (2011)
Cars 2 has none of what made Cars a good movie.
Mater and Lightning race off with a fiery explosion behind them. - Cars 2 has none of what made Cars a good movie. - Cars 2 (2011)
Cars 2 is a James Bond spoof that lacks the sophisticated emotional storyline of its predecessor.
Cars, a heartfelt movie, delves into the struggles of fame, the despair of being forgotten, and the importance of reassessing one's priorities. In contrast, Cars 2 takes a different direction as a James Bond parody, lacking the emotional depth of its predecessor. Unfortunately, it falls short of adding any meaningful contribution to the original storyline. The relationship development between Lightning and Mater feels redundant, as it should have been resolved in the first film. Cars 2 stands out as a major disappointment and ranks among Pixar's weakest films. On the other hand, Cars 3 is generally perceived as not reaching the heights of the first installment but still manages to surpass the shortcomings of Cars 2.
Movie | Rotten Tomatoes score | Audience score |
|---|---|---|
Cars | 75% | 80% |
Cars 2 | 40% | 49% |
Cars 3 | 69% | 68% |
Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)
Disney overplayed its hand with the live-action Alice in Wonderland.
Alice Through the Looking Glass promotional image - Disney overplayed its hand with the live-action Alice in Wonderland. - Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)
Disney's live-action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland may have been commercially successful, but the sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass, failed to impress. The movie undid the positive outcomes and messages of its predecessor, resulting in a flat storyline where the characters redundantly find their way back on track. The whimsical elements and overly vibrant settings did little to elevate the overall viewing experience.
Zoolander 2 (2016)
Even the stars were not happy with Zoolander 2.
Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Penelope Cruz in Zoolander 2 - Even the stars were not happy with Zoolander 2. - Zoolander 2 (2016)
Despite the cult classic status of Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson's Zoolander, creating a sequel to such a beloved film is often a risky endeavor. The original film's success was unconventional, thriving despite negative reviews and appealing to a specific charm of its time. Unfortunately, Zoolander 2 failed to recreate the magic of its predecessor, resulting in poor box office performance and critical reception. Benedict Cumberbatch even expressed regret over his involvement in the film, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding his portrayal of a non-binary character.
Terminator: Genisys (2015)
Genisys once again failed to save the Terminator franchise.
Terminator Genisys promotional image of the cast - Genisys once again failed to save the Terminator franchise. - Terminator: Genisys (2015)
Terminator: Genisys, while not the worst in the franchise, was still a disappointing attempt to modernize the series. It repeated the same mistakes as Terminator: Salvation by recasting most of the main roles for a soft reboot. The straightforward time travel approach of the early movies has been replaced with a confusing timeline. However, the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger was a highlight in Genisys. This decision may have led to the producers bringing back Linda Hamilton for the next installment, Terminator: Dark Fate, which received better reviews.
A Good Day To Die Hard (2013)
A Good Day to Die Hard ruins John McClane's character.
Bruce Willis as John McClane in A Good Day to Die Hard, firing a gun - A Good Day to Die Hard ruins John McClane's character. - A Good Day To Die Hard (2013)
A Good Day to Die Hard is often seen as a letdown, marking the end of a franchise that began with a groundbreaking action film. One of the main complaints about the movie is the transformation of John McClane from a relatable everyman to a superhuman figure. The storyline's shift towards an international espionage plot results in excessive and meaningless action sequences. However, it can be appreciated that the studio did not attempt to prolong the series with further disappointing installments.
Taken 2 (2012)
Taken 2 is a forced continuation of a one-off adventure.
Bryan and Kim Mills in Taken 2 - Taken 2 is a forced continuation of a one-off adventure. - Taken 2 (2012)
Despite mixed reviews, Taken is considered a standout action film that gave rise to its own sub-genre and works well as a self-contained, independent story. However, Taken 2 brings in a new antagonist seeking revenge, prompting Liam Neeson's character, Bryan Mills, to spring back into action. Similar to the trajectory of the Die Hard series, the Taken franchise gradually veered towards a more formulaic approach. The declining Rotten Tomatoes ratings reflect the diminishing quality of each subsequent sequel. Given the significant drop in quality between Taken and Taken 2, the decision to produce Taken 3 came as a surprise.
Movie | Rotten Tomatoes score | Audience score |
|---|---|---|
Taken | 60% | 85% |
Taken 2 | 22% | 52% |
Taken 3 | 13% | 43% |
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
The movie that finally killed the Fox X-Men franchise.
Sophie Turner attacking in X-Men Dark Phoenix. - The movie that finally killed the Fox X-Men franchise. - X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
The Star Wars sequel trilogy has had its share of highs and lows, from the divisive The Last Jedi to the nostalgia-filled The Force Awakens. The Rise Of Skywalker aimed to wrap up the Skywalker saga, but it received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. The film attempted to tie up loose ends and provide closure to beloved characters, but some felt that it fell short of expectations. Despite some stunning visuals and epic moments, The Rise Of Skywalker left many feeling unsatisfied.
The Rise of Skywalker highlighted the overall problems with the sequel trilogy.
Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker - The Rise of Skywalker highlighted the overall problems with the sequel trilogy. - Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
Unfortunately, the Skywalker Saga of Star Wars did not get the conclusion it deserved. The hype surrounding the return of Star Wars had died down by the last movie, and the feeling of it being a once-in-a-lifetime event was detracted by various spinoff movies and TV shows.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker most effectively illustrates the Star Wars sequel trilogy's problems with different directors telling their own stories and refusing to collaborate. The inundation of fan service and the feeling that the last Skywalker movie should be good make it the most disappointing movie sequel of the decade.
Source: TheWrap, CBC
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of disappointing movie sequels released in the 2010s, highlighting the common pitfalls that led to their failures. The analysis focuses on the absence of key actors, problematic storylines, and the over-reliance on nostalgia as contributing factors to the lackluster sequels. The examples cited, such as "Independence Day: Resurgence" and "Sex and the City 2," effectively illustrate how the disregard for the elements that made the original films successful resulted in subpar sequels.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative vision and avoiding excessive formulaic approaches. Sequels that attempt to replicate the success of their predecessors by sticking to a tried-and-tested template often fall short of expectations. It highlights the need for innovation and originality, especially in the context of legacy sequels that face the daunting task of living up to decades of anticipation. By examining the failures of these disappointing sequels, the article serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers aiming to create successful sequels that honor the legacy of their predecessors while embracing new ideas.
