Film Theory: Sequelitis–Hollywood Dominated by Blockbuster Franchises
Hollywood in New Millennium: Sequels Syndrome
While they have always existed, it’s only since the 1980s, that sequels have become a Hollywood staple, sort of the industry’s infrastructure.
The opinions of filmmakers, critics, ad viewers on their pop-cultural and artistic value have shifted among both filmmakers and viewers.
No longer were sequels perceived and made as just quasi-remakes with few returning faces and cheaper budgets. Over the past four decades, sequels have become movie events (and event moves) that the studios and their marketing arms could promote as highlights of their yearly slates, especially during the summer season.
That’s not to say sequels gained favor overnight and outran schlock overnight (see 1983’s Jaws 3D) or that plenty of bad sequels weren’t released (1984’s Conan the Destroyer).
But when you look at today’s film culture, it’s clear that franchises rule and sequels tend to make up for the vast majority of the world’s highest-grossing films, for better and worse.
Still, it’s no easy task to make a hit follow-up, especially if the first film was a critical and/or commercial success.
It’s even harder to make a sequel that’s better than the original when the original is such an accomplishment in itself.
Here are the best sequels of this century that have managed to surpass their predecessor and moved their respective franchises forward.
With so many follow-ups hitting the screens this summer, here’s a look back at the films that surpassed their predecessor, thus moving their respective franchises forward.
‘The Dark Knight’: Heath Ledger as The Joker, 2008. WARNER BROS./COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
Since the 1980s, sequels have become a staple of the movie industry–a Hollywood infrastructure.
Their pop-cultural and artistic value has shifted among filmmakers and viewers.
No longer were sequels just quasi-remakes with few returning faces and significantly cheaper budgets. On the opposite, they have become events that studios promote as highlights of their slates.
Sequels have nit gained favor overnight. There have been outran schlock overnight (1983’s Jaws 3D), and many bad sequels were released (1984’s Conan the Destroyer).
But at today’s movie culture, franchises are ruling, with sequels making up for the world’s highest-grossing films (Deadpool &Wolverine, or Deadpool 3).
However, contrary to popular notion, it’s no easy to make a hit follow-up, especially if the first film was a critical or commercial success.
It’s even harder to make a sequel that’s better than the original when the original is an accomplishment in itself.
The 2024 summer, like all summers, is filled with highly anticipated sequels: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Maxxxine, My Spy: The Eternal City, Twisters, Deadpool & Wolverine and Alien: Romulus.
Film Theory: Sequelitis–Hollywood Dominated by Blockbuster Franchises
Film Theory: Sequelitis–Hollywood Dominated by Blockbuster Franchises
Hollywood in New Millennium: Sequels Syndrome
While they have always existed, it’s only since the 1980s, that sequels have become a Hollywood staple, sort of the industry’s infrastructure.
The opinions of filmmakers, critics, ad viewers on their pop-cultural and artistic value have shifted among both filmmakers and viewers.
No longer were sequels perceived and made as just quasi-remakes with few returning faces and cheaper budgets. Over the past four decades, sequels have become movie events (and event moves) that the studios and their marketing arms could promote as highlights of their yearly slates, especially during the summer season.
That’s not to say sequels gained favor overnight and outran schlock overnight (see 1983’s Jaws 3D) or that plenty of bad sequels weren’t released (1984’s Conan the Destroyer).
But when you look at today’s film culture, it’s clear that franchises rule and sequels tend to make up for the vast majority of the world’s highest-grossing films, for better and worse.
Still, it’s no easy task to make a hit follow-up, especially if the first film was a critical and/or commercial success.
It’s even harder to make a sequel that’s better than the original when the original is such an accomplishment in itself.
With so many follow-ups hitting the screens this summer, here’s a look back at the films that surpassed their predecessor, thus moving their respective franchises forward.
Since the 1980s, sequels have become a staple of the movie industry–a Hollywood infrastructure.
Their pop-cultural and artistic value has shifted among filmmakers and viewers.
No longer were sequels just quasi-remakes with few returning faces and significantly cheaper budgets. On the opposite, they have become events that studios promote as highlights of their slates.
Sequels have nit gained favor overnight. There have been outran schlock overnight (1983’s Jaws 3D), and many bad sequels were released (1984’s Conan the Destroyer).
But at today’s movie culture, franchises are ruling, with sequels making up for the world’s highest-grossing films (Deadpool & Wolverine, or Deadpool 3).
However, contrary to popular notion, it’s no easy to make a hit follow-up, especially if the first film was a critical or commercial success.
It’s even harder to make a sequel that’s better than the original when the original is an accomplishment in itself.