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Hollywood is often criticized for making more sequels and remakes than original movies. A common criticism is how a successful movie will get a follow-up of some kind even when it isn’t needed. While this may very well be true to an extent, there are a number of films that demand a sequel. Movie sequels work best when they continue a story or naturally build on to a world, and in some cases, they are needed. These sequels may be wanted because fans feel there is more to the story or simply because they long to see familiar characters return. Regardless of the reason, here are ten movies that need sequels.
10. Beetlejuice
For decades fans have longed to see the ghost with the most return to the big screen. The 1988 classic is a staple of the Halloween season even today, and it is hard to imagine the season without watching g Michael Keaton’s undead shenanigans. While rumors of a follow-up seem to appear once every few years, an official sequel has yet to be announced. Beetlejuice ended on a closed note, but there is still a lot that can be done with the character and his world. The titular freelance bio-exorcist surely has much more tricks up his sleeve that could carry another movie. A film primarily set in the world of the undead could be a lot of fun, and that is what fans want to see. Michael Keaton isn’t one to turn down sequels, so it is very possible a sequel could be greenlit.
9. The Goonies
The Robert Zemeckis classic The Goonies gets more and more fans each year. The story of a group of young friends going on a treasure hunt is one of the most imaginative movies of the ’80s. The Goonies ended on a high note, and it seems there is nowhere to go, but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood before. Today, legacy sequels set decades after the original are more popular than ever. A film set in the present day featuring the children of the original Goonies going on their own adventure would be a great idea. Having the original cast return as the adult parents would allow fans to see these classic characters again, without the actors having to give a full commitment. A movie sequel to The Goonies is sure to scratch the nostalgic itch of many, and fans are waiting for the official announcement.
8. Spaceballs
Mel Brooks is one of the undisputed kings of the parody genre. One of the more popular films that have taken on a life of its own is Spaceballs. The film is a loving spoof of the science fiction genre, primarily the Star Wars films. When the original movie was released, the only Star Wars movies were the original trilogy. Since then, two other trilogies have been released, including a number of spin-offs. Now, Brooks would have more to work with than he did in 1987. Rick Moranis has been out of the public eye for quite some time, so having him reprise one of his best-known characters, Dark Helmet, would be a treat for fans. The Star Wars sequels themselves are legacy sequels, so having a legacy sequel set in the Spaceballs universe spoofing them is a no-brainer.
7. Solo: A Star Wars Story
When Disney began producing Star Wars movies in 2015, they announced they would be releasing spin-off films set in the universe. One of them was a story centered around a young Han Solo, and fans were not very receptive. The fans were not keen on accepting anyone other than Harrison Ford in the role, so the film was skipped. When it was released on home video, public opinion changed. The film is essentially a heist film set in space. Fans have since praised Alden Ehrenreich for his portrayal as a young Han, claiming he is similar to Ford while making it his own. There are a lot of places a sequel could go, with each one being a stand-alone adventure. While maybe not a film, at least a Disney+ show could work just as well.
6. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
While this entry is itself a sequel, fans have longed for a third film since 2008. Director Guillermo del Toro teased and hinted at a follow-up, but Lionsgate instead opted for a reboot separate from the first two movies. While that film received moderate praise, fans still wished they were seeing a third entry to the series. Hellboy II was far superior to the first film in the eyes of many, and many held out hope that a third would be even better. Nearly everyone who worked on the film was open for a third entry that never came to pass. Just because the series was rebooted, doesn’t mean Lionsgate can’t backpedal and make a third entry. Sequels are released all the time, and here is one that fans still have their fingers crossed for.
5. Monsters Inc.
The Disney/Pixar classic Monsters Inc. did receive a theatrical prequel as well as a Disney+ series set after the show, but it hasn’t gotten a straightforward sequel. Fans have wanted to see what happens after the film for quite some time. Originally, there were plans for a sequel that would see Boo being a bit older and fans feel robbed. There was even one with a sadder ending. While the prequel Monsters University was pretty well-received, fans still felt like a follow-up would have faired better. Disney movie sequels seem to be released constantly for no apparent reason, yet Monsters Inc. is unfortunately not one of them. Seeing an older Boo’s relationship with Sully would be a heartwarming story, a story that fans are unlikely to see anytime soon.
4. Freddy Vs. Jason
There may not be many people who want a follow-up to Freddy vs. Jason, but we do exist. The film pitted together two of the most iconic legends of all time. The two had several bloody battles, and the film ended with both monsters still alive in some way. There were plans to release a sequel, but they never materialized. One cut ending of the film even teased an ending by having Pinhead from the Hellraiser franchise show up. Another proposed sequel saw the two pitted against Ash from the Evil Dead franchise. The latter idea actually ended up being released as a comic series. While it is unlikely a true follow-up will ever be released, this is one movie sequel many horror fans would go crazy over.
3. The Incredible Hulk
When the MCU was first launched in 2008. two films kicked things off. Iron Man of course had two sequels as well as direct story continuations in the Avengers films. The second one released later that year was The Incredible Hulk. While this film has been loosely referenced through returning characters such as General Ross and the Abomination, it has yet to receive a direct sequel. The film had Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, who was replaced by Mark Ruffalo in further films. While Ruffalo is the same version of the character in this movie, fans still feel like the story told in the 2008 MCU black sheep has yet to be continued. The film even had a test to classic Hulk villain The Leader, a tease that has yet to be built on.
2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Making sequels for classic films is rarely a good idea. However, if done a right, a sequel to E.T. could prove successful. Like with many successful movies, a sequel was in the works at one point before being canceled. Having a sequel taking place, primarily on E.T.’s homeworld, could be an enjoyable premise. Again cashing in on legacy sequels, the film could follow a now-adult Elliot as his kids encounter his childhood friend. There are plenty of places a sequel to this movie could go, and it is one that deserves a follow-up in some capacity.
1. Dredd
In 2012, a film featuring the comic character Judge Dredd was released, reintroducing him into the mainstream. The film starred Karl Urban as the ritual Judge, and it was a stylistic smash hit. The ultra-violent film pleased Judge Dredd fans and introduced the character to a new generation of fans. As successful as the film was, there has been no sequel. There are tons of places a sequel could go and many stories that could be adapted. Unfortunately, the film has fallen under the radar of the general public, so a sequel may never come. This is one movie sequel that fans are practically begging for and one that would surely stand out above other lackluster sequels.
