A pair of interconnected movies is called a duology, and there are a few cinematic duos that are in desperate need of a third installment to become amazing trilogies. Sequels aren’t exclusive to movies, but film lends itself well to ongoing series. A trilogy is the perfect format to tell a longer story, largely because it mimics a three-act structure.
There’s no shortage of classic trilogies, but duologies are actually quite rare. Sometimes a burgeoning franchise is cut short because of financial underperformance, while others simply get lost in development hell and never materialize. Whatever the reason, duologies can feel incomplete without a third film to put a proper cap on the story and franchise.
Some potential trilogies seem like they are only a few years away from becoming a reality, while others are a bit more far-fetched. Either way, the best duologies can stand on their own, but would be made even better if a third film joined their illustrious ranks.
Kill Bill (2003-2004)
Quentin Tarantino has never been shy about wearing his influences on his sleeve, and his Kill Bill duology is a love letter to his favorite martial arts movies. The Uma Thurman-led action masterpiece is actually one long story told across two movies, and Tarantino initially meant for Kill Bill to be a single release.
Though the revenge flick ended on a positive note, the chance for more was always on the table. The Bride’s bloody quest for vengeance opened the door for a lot of retribution, and Tarantino himself often spoke about making more movies. Sadly, Tarantino sH๏τ down rumors of a third movie in 2023, and the project has been dormant ever since.
Sicario (2015-2018)
Before he crafted one of the most popular TV shows in recent memory with Yellowstone, writer/director Taylor Sheridan had a big hit on his hands with Sicario. The unflinching and violent crime thriller duology involves US government agents taking on the Mexican cartel, and it was noted for its stark cinematography and brilliant acting.
Sicario was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Sicario and its sequel were released in quick succession, but years have pᴀssed without a third movie. Sicario: Capos is a trilogy-capper that has been in the works for years, but little news has surfaced since 2018. This is especially frustrating since Day of the Soldado ended on something of a cliffhanger that could easily spin off into another sequel.
Crank (2005-2009)
Jason Statham’s movies aren’t usually held in particularly high regard, but his appearances in the Crank films are a true highlight of his career. The off-the-wall action series casts Statham as a hitman who (through a series of misadventures) must race against the clock to keep himself alive through any means necessary.
Since Statham isn’t picky with his roles, his return as Chev could be as easy as finding the right script. A threequel could dream up an even more ridiculous reason for Chev’s adventure, and it could embrace the silly fun of its predecessors. Statham continues to be a draw, so even a 15-plus-year wait wouldn’t hurt a possible Crank sequel.
Shanghai Noon (2000-2003)
While they might have faded into the background a bit in the last 20 years, the Shanghai Noon/Knights duology is one of the highlights of blockbuster cinema in the early Aughts. Pairing Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson together in a surprising partnership, the popcorn flicks got decent reviews and hauled in a ton of cash as well.
A legacy sequel could finally do the series the justice it deserves, and the return of Chan and Wilson would certainly spark some fan interest. The third movie could jump forward in the timeline, and show Chon and Roy many years after their move to Hollywood. Whatever the plot, all a third Shanghai movie needs is a lot of laughs.
Zombieland (2009-2019)
Though it took a decade for the first sequel to arrive, the irreverent horror comedy Zombieland finally became a duology in 2019. Poking fun at zombie movie tropes, the series managed to craft a fascinating post-apocalyptic world with its own rules and clever spins on the established mythos. On top of that, the movies were just plain funny.
The popularity of zombies has begun to rise again after the subgenre was a bit overexposed in the 2010s. Zombieland 3 could come at any point, especially with stars like Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson doing other sequels. Zombieland: Double Tap had a sweet conclusion, but it was by no means a definitive ending.
National Treasure (2004-2007)
Disney was on a roll with their live-action offerings in the 2000s, and the National Treasure series was the studio’s response to franchises like Indiana Jones. The movies tap Nicolas Cage to play a rogue historian who uncovers secret artifacts that tie into conspiracies involving the United States government and its past. They were bombastic and silly, but endlessly entertaining.
A TV series bombed on Disney+, and it’s biggest failing was that it didn’t have Cage. The National Treasure movies were major moneymakers, so it would behoove Disney to make a third. Cage doesn’t seem to turn down many roles, and the franchise’s premise leaves the door open for Ben Gates to return for a new adventure quite easily.
Sherlock Holmes (2009-2011)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s intrepid detective hero is no stranger to the big screen, but the 2009 Sherlock Holmes film stands head and shoulders above the rest. Boasting starpower like Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, the Guy Ritchie action mystery used its lavish budget to bring Victorian England to life with all the exaggerated style of a Hollywood blockbuster.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows didn’t miss a beat, and it seemed as if the third film would arrive soon. Sadly, The RDJ franchise has been on ice since 2011, and it doesn’t appear to be thawing any time soon. The ending revealed that Holmes was alive, and the blockbuster duology isn’t without material to make a trilogy.
Jump Street (2012-2014)
Based on the popular TV series of the same name, 2012’s 21 Jump Street was one of the most surprising comedies of the 2010s. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are a pair of beat cops sent undercover at a local high school, and the movie has fun with the original series’ rather silly concept.
A crossover with the Men in Black franchise was teased but has yet to actually happen.
The Lord and Miller comedy easily could have been disposable nostalgia bait, but its laughs were genuine. The sequel, 22 Jump Street, kept the ball rolling and established the formula. A potential 23 Jump Street could follow Schmidt and Jenko on their first post-grad undercover case, and show how they have adjusted to a more mature position in the force.
Monsters Inc. (2001-2013)
Though they’re increasingly commonplace today, Pixar sequels used to be quite rare. Therefore, the long-awaited Monsters Inc. follow-up had big shoes to fill when it debuted in 2013. Monsters University was a prequel to the 2001 film, and built on the beloved fictional universe while diving deep into the origins of the characters.
Monsters University opened the door for another Monsters Inc. film because it wasn’t a traditional sequel. Should Pixar return to Monstropolis, the threequel could be set after the ending of the first movie, or explore another point in the lives of Sully and Mike. No matter what the story is, a Monsters Inc. sequel has to bring the heart.
Blade Runner (1982-2017)
Blade Runner is one of the most influential sci-fi movies ever, but a sequel never seemed possible because the movie wasn’t a big hit. Blade Runner 2049 was a love-letter to the original and its fans, but it too was something of a box office disappointment. Nevertheless, the fictional universe is still ripe for exploration in another movie.
Not only would a third Blade Runner film be an exciting prospect from a story perspective, it would also give filmmakers the chance to get it right. Blade Runner 2 doesn’t need to happen just because the duology feels incomplete, but also because the impactful franchise deserves to have at least one major financial success in its history.
