15 Movies That Deserve a Sequel—And Why Hollywood Needs to Make Them Now
15 Movies That Deserve a Sequel—And Why Hollywood Needs to Make Them Now.
It finally happened. Spaceballs 2 is officially on its way, proving that Hollywood never truly says goodbye—it just hits the snooze button for a few decades. If this galaxy-brained sequel can defy time itself, surely there are other films begging for their long-overdue moment in the spotlight. Here’s a list of movies that absolutely, unquestionably must get sequels (even if common sense says otherwise).
The Iron Giant (1999) – The Greatest Robot Needs a Comeback
That ending was right there! The Giant was reassembling, setting the perfect stage for a new adventure! Instead, we got… silence. Hollywood, let’s fix that before we get another unnecessary Fast & Furious sequel.
The Nice Guys (2016) – Because Buddy Cop Chaos Should Never End
Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling stumbling through crime scenes while barely maintaining control of their own lives? Chef’s kiss. The world needs The Nicer Guys or The Nicest Guys, featuring twice the fumbling, twice the questionable detective work, and probably just as much drinking. We deserve more of this neo-noir nonsense.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – Live, Die, Wait for a Sequel
Tom Cruise figured out time loops and alien warfare, yet somehow Hollywood can’t crack the formula for a second movie? Make it make sense. Edge of Tomorrow was actually a clever, well-paced blockbuster, and it would be criminal not to bring it back—preferably without renaming the sequel Live, Die, Repeat Again, because even Hollywood should have standards.
Dredd (2012) – Just Give Karl Urban His Franchise Already
The world could always use more dystopian, bullet-riddled justice, especially when Karl Urban is serving it up in his best gruff, helmeted glory. Dredd was the sleek, brutal sci-fi action film that actually did the character justice, yet here we are, still waiting for a follow-up. At this point, Urban could film it himself and it’d still be better than whatever reboot inevitably happens instead.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) – Stylish Spies Deserve More Screen Time
This movie had everything: charm, style, Henry Cavill effortlessly existing as a suave spy. And yet, we got zero sequels. The world demands more well-dressed espionage, preferably with Cavill, Armie Hammer (if Hollywood ever forgives him), and Alicia Vikander outsmarting villainous masterminds while looking impossibly polished.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) – The High Seas Call Again
Yes, this one came out ages ago, but you know what? It deserves another voyage. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany played off each other brilliantly, and period naval battles haven’t been this captivating since. Imagine a sequel where they face new threats, explore new waters, and continue debating philosophy while cannonballs fly past their heads.
Treasure Planet (2002) – The Most Underrated Disney Adventure Ever
Disney loves a good sequel—Frozen 2, Toy Story 12—so why does Treasure Planet get neglected? This animated sci-fi adventure was stunning, unique, and had space pirates, yet somehow it vanished from the cultural conversation. Give us more Jim Hawkins navigating the galaxy, because no one asked for yet another live-action remake of a talking animal movie instead.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019) – The Cliffhanger Deserves Justice
They set up a sequel, teased a bigger conflict, and then… absolutely nothing. Alita: Battle Angel was the ambitious cyberpunk adaptation that actually worked, and yet the box office gods were unkind. But let’s face it: the cult following demands resolution, and honestly, if Avatar can get four sequels, surely Alita deserves at least one more shot.
District 9 (2009) – Aliens Deserve Better Treatment
This sci-fi masterpiece ended with a giant, blinking “SEQUEL SETUP” sign, yet over a decade later, we still have nothing. Christopher promised to return in three years—well, it’s been more than three years, and humans are still waiting. Time to finally see what happens next in the alien struggle for justice.
Inception (2010) – A Final Answer Would Be Nice
Did the top fall? Did Cobb actually escape his dream loop? No one knows, and Christopher Nolan refuses to answer. So how about a sequel where we actually get answers instead of more mind-bending dream sequences that leave audiences questioning reality? Just saying.
I Am Legend (2007) – Will Smith Said It’s Happening, So… Where Is It?
Will Smith literally confirmed a sequel featuring an alternate ending version, yet somehow, it’s still stuck in development purgatory. Look, we’re not picky—we’ll take anything that expands this post-apocalyptic world. Just, uh, maybe fewer gut-wrenching dog scenes this time.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) – Because Treasure Planet Can’t Be the Only Underrated Disney Movie
Disney’s animated Indiana Jones meets Jules Verne adventure deserved more. Stunning world-building, a charismatic cast, and an actual sense of adventure—not every animated film needs talking animals! Give us more expeditions into the depths of Atlantis before another Frozen sequel inevitably happens.
The Rocketeer (1991) – We Need More Swashbuckling Heroics
A guy with a jetpack fighting Nazis in Hollywood’s golden age—what’s not to love? This cult classic practically begs for a sequel with modern effects. If Indiana Jones can keep rolling well into Harrison Ford’s retirement years, The Rocketeer should absolutely make a comeback.
Big Hero 6 (2014) – More Baymax, Less Waiting
Disney created the perfect mix of superhero action and heartfelt storytelling, then left it in the dust in favor of TV spin-offs instead of a proper sequel. We demand more big-screen Baymax wholesomeness and Hiro’s tech-savvy heroics—TV isn’t enough.
Honorable Mention: Any Movie That Promised a Sequel and Never Delivered
There are too many to name (Eragon, John Carter, the entire Percy Jackson saga before Disney+), but let’s just say that the cinematic graveyard of unfulfilled franchise dreams is vast. Here’s hoping Hollywood’s sudden urge to resurrect old films spills over into the ones we actually wanted more of.