The phrase “a sequel is in the works” has become increasingly common in the film industry, more so than ever before. Even movies that tell perfectly self-contained stories are no longer spared from studio executives eager to capitalize on success. A prime example is the anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, set to release in 2026. Though opinions vary, excitement remains high despite some reservations.
There is a widespread belief that many films do not need to evolve into franchises and that certain franchises tend to outstay their welcome. Yet, numerous once-defunct movie franchises are predicted to return before 2030, driven largely by financial potential. The continued popularity of series like Jurassic Park, where the simple draw of dinosaurs keeps theaters packed, demonstrates the lasting power of intellectual property (IP) cinema.
The Mixed Landscape of 2025 Movie Sequels
2025 proved to be a perplexing yet intriguing year for movie sequels and franchise revivals, showing both remarkable successes and notable failures. The year’s IP output reflected a complex relationship between creativity and commercial appeal, making it difficult to settle on a single conclusion about the health of sequel culture.
Outstanding 2025 Movie Sequels that Surprised Fans
One of the most thrilling returns was the Final Destination franchise. Final Destination Bloodlines shocked fans and critics alike by scoring an astounding 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—an unprecedented feat for a series that historically struggled to exceed 65%. This sequel not only broke records but also delighted long-time fans with subtle nods and Easter eggs referencing the franchise’s best moments.
Another major comeback came from the horror genre with 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle. This film revisited the terrifying zombie apocalypse theme while exploring deeper human emotions and expanding the existing lore, reinforcing its status as one of the year’s best horror movies.
Furthermore, Rian Johnson continued to impress with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, delivering an Agatha Christie-style whodunit that breathed fresh life into a seemingly tired franchise. Alongside these, Predator: Badlands also received praise from fans and critics, further highlighting 2025’s unexpected franchise successes.
Remakes and Legacy Sequels: Hits and Misses in 2025
The resurgence of classic franchises was a notable 2025 theme. Superman made a triumphant return to the big screen, with David Corenswet stepping into the iconic role. This revival successfully recaptured the hopeful spirit most famously associated with Christopher Reeve’s portrayal.
Alongside Superman, the beloved The Naked Gun franchise was revived with Liam Neeson playing the son of Detective Frank Drebin, originally immortalized by Leslie Nielsen. However, not all legacy sequels hit the mark. The Karate Kid sequel, despite the return of stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, failed to resonate deeply. Similarly, the remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer struggled to capture the quintessential ’90s slasher vibe, though The Running Man was praised for improving on its original.
Disappointing Big-Budget Sequels in 2025
While many dormant franchises thrived with their revivals, some ongoing sequels fell flat. Jurassic World Rebirth disappointed, introducing convoluted lore that wasted a highly talented cast and left audiences underwhelmed. Additionally, Freakier Friday felt out of touch and failed to connect with contemporary viewers.
The most disappointing sequel of the year was undeniably Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Despite Tom Cruise performing his best stunt work to date, the film struggled emotionally, unable to meet the high expectations built over nearly three decades.
2025’s Triumphs in Original Filmmaking
Despite the heavy focus on franchises, 2025 was also a banner year for original films by renowned directors. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is poised to become only the second horror film to win Best Picture, showcasing the potential for genre films to achieve critical acclaim.
Joseph Kosinski’s F1, starring Brad Pitt, was widely celebrated as the best theater experience of the year. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet returned with the A24 production Marty Supreme, reinforcing the draw of indie auteur cinema.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another also bucked the trend of declining box office for auteur-driven projects, hinting at a possible renaissance in big-budget original films funded by major studios. Yorgos Lanthimos re-entered the awards buzz with Bugonia, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, another testament to the strength of original storytelling in 2025.
Animated Originals and IP Films Making an Impact
While IP-driven movies like Zootopia 2 and The Bad Guys 2 performed solidly, original animated features made a significant splash. KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched content ever, with its soundtrack setting new records on Billboard charts. Alongside originals like Elio, these films demonstrated that fresh ideas could still shine in a market dominated by sequels and remakes.
2025 Movie Sequels: Are the Successes Just Exceptions?
Despite the successes, 2025’s lineup serves as a reminder that quality sequels can be the exception rather than the rule. Even a pioneer like James Cameron faced challenges with Avatar: Fire and Ash, which struggled to meet sky-high expectations. This raises questions about what original and inspiring projects filmmakers might pursue if not tethered to existing franchises.
Conclusion
In summary, 2025 has been a confusing yet fascinating year for movie sequels. While several franchise revivals and sequels exceeded expectations and brought renewed excitement to theaters, others fell disappointingly short. The year also highlighted the vital importance of original films, which continued to achieve critical and commercial success against the backdrop of blockbuster IPs.
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