Sequels, reboots, remakes, legacy sequels, spinoffs, and prequels may have been dominating the output of the film industry over the past few years, but the art of sequel-making still remains elusive, and we frequently encounter movie sequels that should never have been made. They can be soulless iterations that are made just to capitalize on people’s interest in an IP.
Yet, there are enough movies that needed sequels but never got one, because some characters leave us wanting more of them, and some movies leave incomplete storylines that are never resolved, such as the many teasers and Easter eggs in the MCU that are yet to be addressed. So, some stories require follow-ups, and they usually get audiences very excited.
Although rare, the phenomenon of sequels being better than the original movie is an observed consequence of dedicated filmmaking that treats the original material, the audience, and the creativity that the art form is based on with enough respect. Unfortunately, many sequels are still just products of the capitalistic mindset that guides studio executives, and they frequently betray their audiences.
American Psycho II: All American Girl (2002)
Mila Kunis can’t save the train wreck that American Psycho‘s sequel becomes because of its poorly developed premise and its treatment of its predecessor. Cutthroat college compeтιтion is a good starting point for a student’s psychosis. Unfortunately, the writers’ endeavor to prove her psychopathy turns her into a caricature, and this sequel feels like an unintentional parody of the original.
American Psycho is a horror movie that follows its main character’s descent into madness through a satirical representation of the world of investment banking. Not only does All American Girl feel barely like a spiritual successor and makes innumerable allusions to compensate, but it also features Patrick Bateman’s unceremonious death that disrespects the original movie and betrays the audience’s expectations.
Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014)
Shia LaBeouf left the Transformers franchise because he felt Michael Bay’s movies were irrelevant, but for fans of the franchise, his absence is disappointing after keeping up with a trilogy of movies. Most of the worst Transformers movie plot holes begin with 2014’s Transformers: Age of Extinction, which spoils the continuity of the lore and ruins the dedicated audience’s experience.
The number of retcons in Transformers: Age of Extinction is not only frustrating, but also makes it feel like an unofficial reboot for no reason. However, the new characters and these confusing lore rewrites make this new story particularly difficult to stay invested in. There’s nothing of substance anymore, and watching Grimlock spew fire can only carry you so far.
Grease 2 (1982)
When neither John Travolta nor Olivia Newton-John signed on to do the sequel to their instant classic hit musical, that was perhaps a sign that the studio should have taken to halt the production of Grease 2. The sizzling chemistry between the two stars elevates the electric soundtrack of the musical, earning it a spot in the Hall of Fame.
So, the fact that Grease 2 tells a story that’s a lazy, gender-switched retelling of the same story and has a soundtrack that’s missing some of the same punch as the original’s soundtrack naturally leaves fans feeling betrayed. The leads try their best, but they don’t have as much chemistry, and the film is an entirely unnecessary, lifeless sequel.
Staying Alive (1983)
Saturday Night Fever is an iconic ’80s classic that has one of the best disco soundtracks ever put together, John Travolta’s incredible dancing, and the timeless message of self-acceptance that is delivered through the arc of Tony Manero (Travolta). It all makes for something that many fans from the decade love to this day.
Staying Alive is named after the iconic and beloved single, of the same name, from the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
However, these two movies didn’t need blending through what would be officially touted as a sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Staying Alive, helmed by Sylvester Stallone, who has a cameo in the movie, turns Tony Manero into the Rocky of the musical theater world, and follows the performance of a Broadway show whose elements don’t fit into any real musical.
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
Why there are five Highlander movies is inexplicable, because not only is the first film a perfectly self-contained whimsical fantasy adventure that doesn’t need a sequel, but its follow-up is also one of the worst movie sequels of all time and should have discouraged further continuation. The later sequels aren’t significantly better, and there should only have been one Highlander.
The lore of Highlander almost automatically makes a sequel logically inconsistent, but through the introduction of aliens, writers and the studio found an excuse to continue the story. As if messing with the lore to that extent wasn’t enough betrayal of its fandom, the movie goes further into inexcusable territory by somehow reviving characters who died in the previous film.
Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
Image via Sony Pictures
Not everyone enjoys The Next Karate Kid starring Hilary Swank opposite Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi, because she doesn’t feel like a worthy successor to Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. However, Mr. Miyagi’s wise diction and Swank’s performance make it worthwhile. Similarly, The Karate Kid reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan at least has rewatch value because of their mentor-mentee chemistry.
Karate Kid: Legends contributes to the things about the Karate Kid movies that make no sense by introducing an entirely new character while bringing back Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Both Swank’s Julie and Smith’s Dre are missing without any reference to them, which feels like a betrayal to the fans who’ve seen all five movies before Karate Kid: Legends.
Son Of The Mask (2005)
It is a shame that the follow-up to Jim Carrey’s iconic and hilarious movie wasted a comedic talent like Jamie Kennedy by somehow giving the mask more time with his character’s dog than with him. It’s also jarring to see the contrast between how unrestrained and chaotic Carrey was when his character wore the mask and how wooden Kennedy is.
Moreover, Son of the Mask features what’s arguably the worst CGI baby in film history, who is somehow automatically born with the powers of the mask and must defend himself against the attacks of a vengeful dog who wears the mask to kill him out of jealousy. Ruining the legacy of an incredible movie like The Mask is an unforgivable betrayal.
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
Speed, which tried to be the new Die Hard and succeeded as Die Hard on a bus, is memorable for Keanu Reeves’ uniquely behaved protagonist. His soft mannerisms and lack of macho heroism make him both realistic and refreshing, and his incredible chemistry with co-star Sandra Bullock is the icing on the cake, especially because her presence is equally important.
However, pairing Bullock with Jason Patric, with whom she barely has any chemistry, isn’t the worst misstep in Cruise Control. It’s set on a cruise ship, which betrays audience expectations after Speed tells a story that relies on maintaining high speed. It’s such an irrational choice, and Willem Dafoe looks so uninterested that you’d be excused for abandoning it midway.
Mulan II (2004)
Mulan is one of the best Disney princesses of all time, and her story follows the arc of fighting social and parental expectations by rejecting typical insтιтutions meant for a woman and eventually saving her world as a consequence, which both Frozen and Moana are much more famous for doing. It also has a catchy soundtrack of classic Disney songs.
Mulan II seems written exclusively to walk back on the female empowerment arc, and turn the тιтular Mulan into a traditional and stereotypical Disney princess character whose life revolves around her love life. Her consistently uncharacteristic behavior in the sequel is grating to watch as a fan and is a complete betrayal of both the original film’s themes and its audience.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
The upcoming Star Wars movies have generated a lot of buzz as fans are eagerly waiting to return to theaters for their favorite fandom seven years after the previous film for The Mandalorian & Grogu. However, one of the newly announced movies is already struggling to find any support, and that is the new Jedi Order movie that follows Rey.
Ryan Gosling is set to join the Star Wars franchise in a standalone movie.
The entire Star Wars sequel trilogy seemed like an experiment in how far a franchise can push its fans before they reach their limit, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is its epitome. Palpatine’s return and C3PO’s confusing arc pale in comparison to the mistake of letting the poorly written Rey call herself a Skywalker after a forgettable arc.
