5 Movies That Deserve a Sequel & 5 Franchises That Should Have Stopped After the First Film

5 Movies That Deserve a Sequel and 5 Franchises That Should Have Stopped After the First Film

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best examples of five films that should’ve become franchises and five that never should’ve gotten the chance.

#5 Deserves a Sequel: “The Killer” (2023)

It’s far from the first movie about an assassin, but it’s up there with the greats. Michael Fassbender plays a professional hitman who blows a job and ends up putting himself in danger. The character is played with such precision and Fassbender deserves all the praise for his spot-on interpretation. His character is endlessly intriguing with his many precise methods and the ending certainly sets up the potential for more story to come. David Fincher’s direction and the awesome soundtrack don’t disappoint either so let’s hope, if ever we get a sequel, they’ll keep those elements in tact.

#5 Should’ve Stopped: “Zombieland” franchise (2009-)

Among the standout films of 2009, “Zombieland” features smart writing and funny performances. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson play an unlikely pair that traverse the zombie apocalypse. Many of the first film’s best gags come from surprises, including Bill Murray’s iconic cameo. This doesn’t make great material for a sequel, though. “Zombieland: Double Tap” comes far too late for people to care, failing to seize the moment during the original movie’s popularity. It also comes in the wake of an over-saturation of zombie content in the media. While it might be nice to see the old gang back together, their second adventures don’t seem all that interested in trying out anything fresh.

#4 Deserves a Sequel: “Drive” (2011)

This film operates from a simple formula. Ryan Gosling drives cars, wears cool clothes, and listens to a killer soundtrack. For some, the concept could easily produce a dozen sequels. Under the skillful direction of Nicolas Winding Refn, the story about a getaway wheelman defies its genre trappings in stylish scenes. The movie ends on an ambiguous note, setting up a potential series where the Driver could grapple between cruising the straight and narrow path, and keeping a foot in the crime world. It’s a premise and character that doesn't need much to entertain audiences. Plus: Ryan Gosling.

#4 Should’ve Stopped: “Police Academy” franchise (1984-)

Any fans of 1980s comedy will remember “Police Academy.” They probably also remember the many sequels of questionable quality. It’s hard to justify the fact that the series eventually took the characters to Russia. With some fun performances, the original film has enough laughs to carry a normal runtime. However, it doesn’t manage to set up any substantial material (or a running joke, for that matter) that warrants seven films. Talented performers like Michael Winslow deserved much better than to be thrown into tired plots. While some enjoy the absurdity of the later entries, the money could’ve been put to better use elsewhere.

#3 Deserves a Sequel: “The Nice Guys” (2016)

The buddy film formula has been around for a long time, but writer-director Shane Black seems to do it better than almost anyone. He brought it back for “The Nice Guys” and introduced audiences to two fantastic characters. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe play two men trying to make sense of a mystery, but who also get on each other’s nerves in the process. Gosling in particular knows how to be a goofball in some hilarious moments. Unfortunately for fans, this movie didn’t quite shine at the box office. The charisma of the two leads could power tons of future projects together. With Black writing witty dialog, this idea has a lot more potential than some multi-million dollar franchises.

#3 Should’ve Stopped: “Rambo” franchise (1982-2019)

The latter entries of this series focus on bloodshed, but the original takes a hard look at a veteran with PTSD. Some people might forget the psychological drama at the heart of “First Blood.” Sylvester Stallone plays John Rambo, a desperate man thrust into a terrible situation. The first movie includes some entertaining action as just one part of a larger character exploration. In the fourth and fifth “Rambo” films, it seems that the hero does nothing of substance other than take out bad guys. The beauty of the first entry is that it takes its time and relies on the threat of violence without showing too much of it. They manage to keep the follow-ups energetic, but forget what’s so riveting about the initial movie.

#2 Deserves a Sequel: “District 9” (2009)

Wikus van de Merwe goes from corporate lackey to alien freedom fighter in this inventive sci-fi film. Director Neill Blomkamp mixes a documentary style with elaborate visuals, crafting a movie that’s shocking and entertaining. It’s such an inventive concept that you’ll likely come away wanting more. Blomkamp also leaves the plot on a cliffhanger. The hard-hitting movie tackles heavy themes while also generating plenty of outstanding set pieces. In a sequel, the filmmaker could easily expand this universe and the larger implications of an alien invasion and transformation beyond oneself. It wouldn’t be bad to watch a few more thrilling battles either.

#2 Should’ve Stopped: “The Hangover” franchise (2009-13)

After a bachelor party gone wrong, a group of friends search Las Vegas for their missing groom. This premise delivers both comedy and mystery in a wildly entertaining film. Bringing together amazing talent, “The Hangover” is a fresh take on raunchy humor. It also features a stellar cast that includes Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and a cameo from Mike Tyson. However, this idea doesn’t translate as well to the two sequels. The gang end up in Bangkok and back in Vegas, but neither adventure can do much other than build upon the same jokes. Where the original movie surprised us, Part II and III felt like overkill. The blockbuster series might’ve seemed fun on paper, but it only really works once.

#1 Deserves a Sequel: “Kill Bill: Volume 1” (2003) & “Kill Bill: Volume 2” (2004)

While this could already be considered a franchise, Quentin Tarantino considers them to essentially be one film. Regardless, it would be fun to revisit the world of Beatrix Kiddo all these years later after she reunited with her daughter. There’s ample opportunity to explore the larger world of international killers and it’s been imagined that Vernita Green’s daughter could come looking for the heroine, setting up a potentially fun showdown. Tarantino could also explore Kiddo’s potential retirement and journey back to violence. While it might be a longshot, this idea could bring many more excuses to excite audiences.

#1 Should’ve Stopped: “The Matrix” franchise (1999-)

Remember when you first saw this movie? If you’re anything like us, the experience made you completely rethink what cinema could be. The story of Neo becoming his ultimate self is extraordinary. Unfortunately, the sequels fail to capture the same spark of the original. The first film features groundbreaking visuals and fight scenes, but “Reloaded” and “Revolutions” get bogged down in over-wrought stories. Only having “The Matrix” would’ve preserved the ferocious and one-of-a-kind nature of the initial concept. Despite attempts to course correct with “Resurrections,” it still feels like the 1999 film should’ve been left alone.

Did we forget another movie that should’ve gotten a sequel? Let us know in the comments below.