The Rocketeer
1991 Disney production The Rocketeer had ‘franchise’ written all over it. An all-American hero in a rocket pack, battling mobsters and evildoers in the run-up to World War 2? Imagine the directions that story could have taken! Alas, the film didn’t perform well enough at the box office for sequels to follow, but director Joe Johnston’s film remains a charming adventure in its own right.
The Goonies
1985’s family adventure The Goonies captured the imaginations of children everywhere with its tale of intrepid youngsters setting off in search of pirate treasure to save their homes from destruction. While director Richard Donner’s film works perfectly as a standalone story, it would have been great to reunite with that endearing ensemble. Even almost 40 years later, rumors of a possible sequel have never gone away.
Nightbreed
Back in 1990, audiences – or, at least, studio executives – weren’t ready to see monsters as heroes. As such, writer-director Clive Barker’s big screen adaptation of his fantasy horror novel Cabal was met with a bewildered response on release. There’s clearly room for the story to continue, but this sadly never came to pass, either on film or in Barker’s books.
Elf
When it first hit screens back in 2003, few anticipated that a Christmas-based comedy starring Will Ferrell would become one of the best-loved festive films of all time. Fans have long hoped to see what happened next for Buddy the Elf and his family, but reluctance on Ferrell’s part (and alleged personal differences with director Jon Favreau) have sunk any such plans.
Commando
By the mid-80s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was already known as Conan the Barbarian and the Terminator – but it was 1985’s Commando that really established him as a gun-toting, wisecracking, butt-kicking action hero. The bullet-ridden adventures of one-man army John Matrix were crying out to continue, yet Schwarzenegger refused to do a sequel – though there’s an oft-disputed story that Die Hard was almost made as Commando 2.
Dredd
Back in 2012, when the comic book movie boom was at its peak, one page-to-screen adaptation somehow wound up flying under the radar: Dredd, a considerably more faithful and well-executed take on 2000 AD comics anti-hero Judge Dredd than the earlier Sylvester Stallone movie. Fans and critics adored it, but as it failed to make a profit at the box office, no follow-up films ensued.
Galaxy Quest
Sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest didn’t come close to the blockbuster success it had aimed for when it first hit screens in 1999, but over time the raucous yet heartfelt Star Trek spoof has developed a fervent fanbase. There’s long been talk of a follow-up, but plans were thrown asunder by the sad demise of core cast member Alan Rickman in 2016.
Trick ‘r Treat
Made in 2007 but (for still unclear reasons) left unreleased until a belated DVD release in 2009, writer-director Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat presents an anthology of interconnected horror stories set on Halloween night. It quickly became a cult classic, and fans have long clamored for more, yet despite enduring rumors that a sequel may be in the pipeline, it has still yet to happen.
Heathers
Though a controversial box office flop on release, 1989’s satirical, jet-black comedy Heathers has since proved to be one of the most influential high school movies ever made. Leading lady Winona Ryder has long pushed for a sequel following the film’s survivors in adulthood, but screenwriter Daniel Waters has resisted. Still, Heathers has enjoyed a new lease of life as a popular stage musical.
Cobra
Sure, given that he’s had Rocky, Rambo, The Expendables and Escape Plan, Sylvester Stallone isn’t exactly short on movie franchises – but who wouldn’t want to see more of Lieutenant Marion ‘Cobra’ Cobretti? The hard-boiled, match-chewing, black-clad cop in mirror shades is one of the most larger-than-life creations of Stallone’s career, which is saying something. Sadly, the outlandish 1986 action romp proved to be a one-and-done.
District 9
District 9 is a sci-fi thriller that tackles topics such as segregation, xenophobia, and the treatment of refugees by the government. The refugees in question are aliens, also known as Prawns, who are being held in internment camps waiting for relocation. Shallot Copley’s character Wikus is in charge of the relocation effort but soon realizes that the Prawns are being treated terribly. The movie’s cliffhanger ending hinted at a sequel, but there has yet to be any news confirming one.
Logan Lucky
Logan Lucky is a 2017 comedy-heist movie that boasts a stacked cast, featuring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, and Daniel Craig. Movie company Bleecker Street secured the rights to distribute any sequels to the film if director Steven Soderbergh was to make one. Despite a new potential antagonist being introduced late on in the movie, there is yet to be any indication that a sequel is on its way.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Released in late 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life is much beloved among moviegoers and movie critics. Its pure, emotional storytelling often sees it land in ‘greatest ever’ movie lists, leaving many fans desperate to find out what happens next in main character George Bailey’s life. There were in fact plans for a sequel to be released in the mid-2010s, but the idea was scrapped before it got off the ground.
Step Brothers
Step Brothers is a much-loved, much-quoted comedy, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. The film follows two middle-aged and unsuccessful step brothers, brought together by their parent’s marriage. The pair transform from enemies to best friends throughout the course of the movie, before the movie climaxes with a very happy ending. It does leave you curious as to what happens next in the lives of the two step-brothers.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. became a mega-hit when it was released in 1982, going on to be regarded as a classic movie. This of course tempted its creators to remain on the bandwagon and create a sequel. However, director Steven Spielberg quickly put an end to plans for another E.T. film, because of fears of what it would do to the character’s reputation.
Casablanca
Not long after Casablanca’s release in 1942, rumors were swirling that there was going to be a sequel named Brazzaville, with Humphrey Bogart and Sydney Greenstreet’s characters to be retained. This caused widespread anticipation, but ultimately, the movie never materialized, leaving fans of Casablanca disappointed.
Inception
Christopher Nolan’s Inception is widely revered for its unique storyline and the impressive ingenuity of its filming process. However, the movie’s ending was intentionally left for the audience to decipher themselves. This has resulted in many fans calling for a sequel in order to answer their remaining questions about the movie.
World War Z
World War Z is a zombie-horror movie, starring Brad Pitt. It depicts the chaos surrounding the non-infected members of the human race as they try and navigate their way to safety. The film was widely praised upon its release, prompting the film studio to announce a sequel almost immediately. This sequel was unfortunately canceled in 2019 due to budget issues.
The Social Network
The story of the birth of Facebook was excellently depicted in 2010’s The Social Network. A lot has changed in the online space since, with not only the birth of multiple rivals to Facebook’s social media dominance but also the data protection scandals that have followed Facebook around since its early days. It would indeed be interesting to see Jesse Eisenberg depict Mark Zuckerberg awkwardly standing in front of the US Senate.
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s second movie, Pulp Fiction, was a huge hit when it was first in cinemas, and has retained public adoration almost 30 years after its release. Tarantino briefly flirted with the idea of creating a sequel named The Vega Brothers, working the aged John Travolta and Michael Madsen into the storyline. However, these plans never materialized, and it’s now unlikely they ever will.
Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese himself was extremely interested in making a sequel to Taxi Driver in the early 2000s, even going as far as bringing Robert De Niro back to reprise his role. However, dissatisfaction with the final storyline and busy schedules slammed the brakes on the project, and it failed to pick up after that.
Edge of Tomorrow
Edge of Tomorrow is a highly-praised sci-fi thriller, which involves Major William Cage, played by Tom Cruise, stuck in a never-ending time-loop in which he relives the same day over and over again. It has been known for a while that a sequel to Edge of Tomorrow is well and truly possible, but no news on when it will happen has been released.
Up
Up is up there with many of the classic Disney movies when you think about its popularity and mass appeal. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, which is no mean feat for an animated movie. Movies such as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story were all rewarded with sequels, so it only seems right that Up should receive the same treatment.
Desert Hearts
Desert Hearts is a movie that has garnered even more praise in the years since its release than it got when it first came out in 1985. This prolonged success has given a good reason for a sequel to be made, with the director Donna Deitch at one point trying to raise funds for it. However, the last time that Desert Hearts 2 looked a genuine prospect was in 2016, with speculation having largely cooled off since.
True Lies
True Lies follows Harry Tasker, a US spy tasked with taking down an international terrorist, all while suspecting his wife is having an affair. The movie was highly praised for its pantomime-esque qualities and fans quickly demanded a sequel. However, True Lies director James Cameron was in no rush to get things underway, before eventually ruling it out following the impact of the 9/11 attacks.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
A Series of Unfortunate Events was a movie adaptation of the popular book series, which follows three orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, as they try and evade the creepy Count Olaf who is out to inherit the family’s vast fortune. With multiple books in the series yet to be adapted, a sequel wouldn’t have proved too difficult a mission. However, much time has passed since the movie came out, and with the kids all having grown up, an entirely new cast would likely have to be chosen.
Twins
Twins is a classic 80s comedy movie starring Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger as long-lost twin brothers. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors is a joy to watch, and many have called for a sequel in the years since the film came out. Schwarzenegger still seems insistent that a sequel will happen, and there is talk that it may star Eddie Murphy. No concrete news has been confirmed though.
Hitch
In Hitch, Will Smith plays a professional dating expert, who has trouble with women himself. The movie was well-received but is unlikely to get a sequel, especially as Will Smith has gathered a bigger profile for himself with scheduling conflicts bound to play a part.
Wanted
Sequels to 2008’s Wanted have been close on numerous occasions but have never quite made it across the line. In 2022, audiences found out that once again, a Wanted sequel had been attempted, this time without Angelina Jolie, but the movie never even got to the filming stage. This is probably not the last time fans of the first movie will have their hopes lifted either.
The Grey
The Grey, starring Liam Neeson, follows a group of eight oil workers as they try and find their way to safety after surviving a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. The group is hunted down by a pack of wolves, who kill seven of the group along the journey, leaving only Neeson’s character, Ottway, alive. Unfortunately, the movie ends with Ottway and a wolf on the edge of battle, and we never get to see who makes it out alive.
Spaceballs
Star Wars parody movie Spaceballs was well received upon its release, with many fans clamoring for a second installment. Unfortunately, this remains a dream, with only a handful of rumors of a sequel circulating since the movie first came out in 1987.
Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting, the film about 20-year-old genius Will Hunting left audiences both amazed and emotional when it hit cinemas in 1997. Many fans of the movie have been desperate to find out what happens to Will after the movie ends, with proposals having been made for a sequel. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have declined these proposals, rendering it highly unlikely that a sequel will ever happen.
Spy
Spy is a comedy starring Melissa McCarthy, who plays a CIA staff member who dreams of one day being assigned to a mission in the field. Director Paul Feig has stated his interest in making a second edition of the movie but also said there was no interest from Fox, who made the first movie, for a sequel. However, as Fox has since been taken over by Disney, maybe they’ll be interested?
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids was the project that elevated Melissa McCarthy to stardom, which is also partly the reason that the movie never got a sequel. Director Kristen Wiig has spoken openly about not writing, or even thinking about, making another Bridesmaids movie, as she believes that most of the cast would be too busy working on other projects.
The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is often regarded as one of the best movies of all time, and rightly so – it is cleverly made, emotionally inspiring and features some iconic Morgan Freeman narration. However, in the years since it was released, many viewers have speculated how the main character Andy Dufresne spent his life of freedom, and whether the police ever did go looking for him.
The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is another movie that underperformed in cinemas, but grew a large following off the back of home video sales. The fact that it didn’t do particularly well at the box office is likely the reason that it was never approached for a sequel. However, Vin Diesel’s profile has grown considerably since he voiced The Iron Giant, making a successful sequel plausible.
Big Trouble in Little China
Unfortunately, Big Trouble in Little China was a box office flop, leading the director John Carpenter to give up entirely on making movies for Hollywood. The film picked up the majority of its popularity in the years after its cinema release, even causing Dwayne Johnson to announce he would be making the sequel himself. Nothing came of this announcement, although fans remain hopeful.
Zootopia
Disney’s animated movie Zootopia touched many hearts with its cute characters and important subject matter. The film touched on the troubles caused by stereotyping and prejudice, all while keeping the movie relevant for children. The creators have expressed their interest in producing a sequel to the movie but, as of yet, nothing has been confirmed.
The A-Team
The A-Team was originally a movie adaptation of the TV series in which a group of dishonorably discharged army veterans fight to clear their name. Low box office numbers, unfortunately, rendered a sequel to the movie a risk that the studios were not willing to take.
The Other Guys
After the death of two outstanding police officers, two NYPD officers played by Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell fight to fill their shoes in the good-cop bad-cop comedy The Other Guys. The film was well-received upon its release and even had a cliffhanger which teased at a sequel, but low box office numbers meant that the movie was left as a standalone.
The Nice Guys
You might not peg Russell Crowe for a comedic role, but he was brilliant opposite Ryan Gosling (before Gosling found his Kenergy), in this 2016 murder mystery comedy. It had intrigue and suspense in addition to the laughs. The pair look as if they’re having a blast, and there was definitely scope for this to be continued with a sequel.
Get Smart
Despite mixed reviews from the critics, Get Smart was popular enough on its release to be worthy of a sequel. The film was a victim of its own success though, as both Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell became so sought-after following the film’s release, it was never an option. So whilst it was ripe for a sequel at the time, that ship has probably sailed.
Time Bandits
As wacky as anything from Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin of Monty Python, Time Bandits is a 1981 classic that had oodles of potential for a sequel. There was even talk of a script, but that wasn’t until 1996, by which time two of the original cast (Tiny Ross and David Rappaport) had died. When a third (Jack Purvis) passed away the following year, the sequel was shelved. We’ll just have to enjoy Time Bandits as a glorious solo effort.
Jumper
With a strong cast including Hayden Christiansen, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell and Rachel Bilson, plus an interesting plot that focuses on the teleporting teen hunted by a secret society, there was definitely scope for a sequel. However, despite its $220 million success at the box office, critics were not keen on it. Time will tell whether a sequel happens – it was based on a trilogy by Steven Gould, so who knows.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
This modern adaptation of the 1960s TV series as directed by Guy Ritchie has all the hallmarks for a sequel. Despite lackluster responses from critics and a lukewarm performance at the box office, the 2015 film starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer has grown in popularity, begging the question why a sequel isn’t underway.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Sometimes it’s the connection you can feel between the actors that elevates a film from average to good, or from good to great. This romcom starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson is a brilliant example, and the plot is reasonable enough to consider a sequel. When you consider other sequels such as The Hangover movies, and the Meet the Parents films, this is on the level.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
It can be utterly baffling when a film as fantastic as Master and Commander isn’t followed by a sequel. It has a superlative cast including Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, it had 10 Oscar nominations and two wins, and there are two further books in the trilogy to draw on. Granted, Crowe is a little more weathered two decades later, but that’s surely befitting of an experienced naval officer.
Edward Scissorhands
There must be so many people who watched this Tim Burton film from 1990 and wondered what happened next to poor Edward and his utensiled hands that it’s hard to understand why a sequel doesn’t exist. Inspiration for the movie came from a drawing that Burton did as a troubled teenager, so perhaps he felt that there was nothing further to say. Whatever the reason, fans of the film – and of Johnny Depp – would love a sequel. We’ll have to dream on.
Stardust
Based on a Neil Gaiman novel, so it’s obviously got that alone going for it, Stardust told tale of a magical land, a quest to find a fallen star and a trio of witches intent on stealing said star for their own nefarious purposes. Oh, and it’s got Robert de Niro as a camp pirate captain. What more could you need for a sequel? Well, if you needed persuading, Gaiman wrote a related short story …
Eragon
Having taken $250 million at the box office, you would think a sequel to this tale of dragons would be ripe for the picking. But such fruit isn’t always appealing to studios, or least this one wasn’t at the time. Since then, Emilia Clark as the Mother of Dragons has made dragons cool again – maybe now is the time for an Eragon sequel, given that there are three further books to inspire.
Ender’s Game
Starring Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin and Ben Kingsley, you would imagine this film based on the books of the controversial author Orson Scott Card would have plenty of room for a sequel. Having said that, maybe the author’s opinions rather put paid to further enfranchisement, even though the film itself isn’t half bad.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
With a BAFTA and three Oscars to its name, the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit has plenty of critical acclaim. It also starred the inimitable Bob Hoskins opposite the animated (in both senses) Roger Rabbit, and at the time of its release, was Disney’s biggest opening weekend ever. So why has it never had a sequel? Something to do with it being the only film to feature both Disney and Warner Bros characters, maybe? Whatever the reason, a sequel looks unlikely.
I am Legend
Will Smith was on form for this post-apocalyptical thriller, and there was so much potential to elaborate on the film. Co-writer Akiva Goldsman said in 2014 that there was a prequel and a sequel already written, but for some reason, neither has ever gotten past that point. A pity, as we’d love to see where I Am Legend could have led to.
Léon: The Professional
A young Natalie Portman stole the show in this thriller about a hitman who reluctantly takes a young girl on as his apprentice. Gary Oldman and Jean Reno were superb too, and the film was reasonably well received by critics. However, the sequel that writer and director Luc Besson wrote was never made, after he left the film company to start his own. The next best thing is Colombiana (starring Zoe Saldana), which was inspired by Léon, although not as highly rated. Or you could just watch Léon again.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Aside from the obvious fact that this probably won’t happen now since the divorce of power couple Brangelina, it is curious that this wasn’t tapped up for a sequel reasonably soon after its release. It did well at the box office and pretty well with the critics, but there seems to have been no interest in a sequel or spin-off. Perhaps it’s to do with the accusation of plagiarism the year after its release.
Serenity
By the time he wrote and directed Serenity, Joss Whedon had already had a variety of successes, including the TV series Firefly that inspired Serenity. The Firefly series was much loved if short lived, winning a Primetime Emmy award for its special effects, so Serenity has rather a cult following (despite its poor box office reception). A sequel would no doubt be welcomed by fans.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Based loosely on the book of the same name (which was in turn loosely based on the original radio show), the movie of Douglas Adams’ best-known work was underwhelmingly received both by critics and at the box office. The chances of a sequel seem pretty slim, in part as Morgan Freeman said that it wouldn’t happen, but also as Douglas Adams passed away in 2001, before the movie was even close to finished.
The Simpsons Movie
It seems astonishing that there are no concrete signs of a sequel to the hugely popular Simpsons movie, but there it is. It’s been going since December 1987, and is one of the most loved animated series ever, and it took three decades for the movie. So what’s going on? There was talk of a sequel, but until there is a definite date nobody should get excited. Spider Pig was worth the wait, so any sequel should be too.
Tron: Legacy
OK, allowing some poetic license here, as this one is a sequel in its own right – there are nearly thirty years between the original and this movie. They even persuaded Jeff Bridges to make a return, and that’s partly what makes it appealing. So there is plenty of room to enhance the Tron legacy (if you’ll excuse the pun), especially as there was a sequel in the running … until Disney pulled it.
Labyrinth
An undisputed classic, Labyrinth was and still is loved by a great many people. Jim Henson’s last directorial film, it was BAFTA nominated and has grown a huge cult following since its release back in 1986. Despite the fact that Jim Henson and David Bowie have since passed away, there is still potential from a plot perspective for a sequel, although some might argue that you can’t improve on perfection.
The Princess Bride
What’s not to love about an adventure that includes pirates, magical rodents, jealous lovers … so why has there never been a sequel? On its release, The Princess Bride was quite well liked by the critics and since then it’s built up a cult following (like many other 1980s classics), so there would surely be demand. But real life doesn’t tend to follow the normal happy-ever-after formula of films … so we’ll have to keep waiting.
The Usual Suspects
This fantastic film won two Oscars, one of which was for Best Writing. That shouldn’t surprise anyone, given how much people love this movie. Kevin Spacey won an Oscar for his supporting role, and even the critics largely enjoyed the film, which is quite the achievement. Perhaps the reason why we’ve not seen a sequel is concern that any subsequent efforts would fall short of this superb effort.
Napoleon Dynamite
Considered by many to be an all-out classic, Napoleon Dynamite was a huge commercial success, made for just $400k yet less than a year after its release had made almost $45 million. The critics seemed enamored too, which is no mean feat, especially for an independent movie of this ilk. It’s developed its own cult following over time, which surely is indicative that there is scope for a sequel. We’d love to see what Napoleon and his frenetic head of hair has done since.
The Golden Compass
If ever there was a film with a clear sequel but no chance of it being made, it would be The Golden Compass. Adapted from Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights (of the His Dark Materials trilogy), the Oscar-winning film was met with criticisms from assorted religious groups, not least the Vatican newspaper, which referred to the movie as godless. Nevertheless, the trilogy has been popular, and critically acclaimed, with Northern Lights winning both the annual Carnegie Medal for British children’s books and the annual Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. A pity then that there’s little likelihood of the sequels ever happening.
The Fifth Element
If there is one word to describe The Fifth Element, it would have to be “inimitable”. There has never been another film quite like it. It’s so zany, with so many incredible characters, that fans of the film would no doubt love to see a sequel. Even if you didn’t have the meat popsicle that is Bruce Willis adding his unique style, there would be plenty left to explore. Sadly, writer and director Luc Besson has said it won’t happen because he prefers to try new things. We’ll just have to watch this again, then.
Jungle Cruise
Perhaps it’s a little premature to demand a sequel to this one, given that it was only released in 2021 (delayed in part due to the pandemic), and there is talk of a sequel underway. Having said that, the fabulous pairing of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt means lots of us are keen for a follow-up, even if the film is based on a theme park ride. It had rather mixed reviews from the critics, but that’s not unusual. Here’s to the prospect of a sequel
Mars Attacks!
A very impressive cast belies the lukewarm reception the film received amongst the critics, and the fact that it barely covered its own costs (bringing in around $101.4 million against the cost of $80 million plus $20 million on marketing). Nevertheless, the memorable aliens and the discovery of how to stop them made for an entertaining movie, and there was definitely the option to make a sequel. Well, in the eyes of us viewers at least. Perhaps Warner Bros felt differently.
The Abyss
Another watery adventure from James Cameron, only the threat wasn’t a gargantuan iceberg so much as a mysterious dome at the bottom of the ocean. The Abyss won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, and did pretty well at the box office and amongst the critics. The discovery of alien life has always been fascinating to humanity, and Hollywood plays on that with varying success. The Abyss did it well, and there was definitely potential for a sequel. Three decades on, we’re still waiting.
The Italian Job
It’s up there with Sir Michael Caine’s best and most loved movies (of which there are over 160), and The Italian Job is a firm favorite for many of us. There’s no better cliffhanger than the very literal ending to this film, so what on earth happened to the sequel? The opening scene had been written and approved by the film studio, according to producer Michael Deeley, but the film had such a poor response in the US, it’s thought the idea was canned. A shame, as we’ll always wonder what Charlie Croker’s great idea was.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Based on the book series of the same name, The Spiderwick Chronicles was reasonably well received at the box office, by viewers and critics alike. The efforts of Freddie Highmore playing twins Simon and Jared are great, and the characters of Hogsqueal and Thimbletack are ably voiced by the excellent Seth Rogen and Martin Short respectively. Being based on a book series leaves ample space for at least one sequel – let’s hope they make one at some point.
