While it can often feel like Hollywood churns out one unwanted sequel after another, there are plenty of highly anticipated follow-up films that we’re still holding out hope for. Because for every unnecessary franchise and by-the-numbers sequel, there are a treasure trove of unproduced masterpieces that audiences would absolutely love to see the light of day.

The best movie sequels tell a story that genuinely feels like it needs to be told, and all of these releases have unexplored threads that mean viewers would welcome their long-awaited return. Even though none of these sequels are set to be released anytime soon, we still believe in our hearts that they will be made one day.

Cloverfield 2

Cloverfield was one of the most exciting found footage horror movies of the 2000s, as it imbued the genre with Lovecraftian terror. While the film kick-started its own franchise with spin-offs like 10 Cloverfield Lane and The Cloverfield Paradox, audiences have still been holding out hope since 2008 for a true sequel to the influential film.

The success of later monster movies, such as Godzilla and Pacific Rim, also made it feel like Cloverfield 2 was an inevitability; however, despite numerous discussions and rumors about its production, the sequel never got off the ground. Despite this, we haven’t lost hope, as director Babak Anvari (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline) confirmed that a sequel is still in development as of 2025.

Constantine 2

Back in 2005, three years before the Marvel Cinematic Universe changed the superhero genre forever, Keanu Reeves starred in the Hellblazer adaptation Constantine. With Reeves as the cynical exorcist John Constantine, who can communicate with half-angels and demons traveling between Heaven and Hell, this dark reimagining went largely unappreciated in its time.

However, the reputation of Constantine has only grown over the years, and comic fans have long yearned for Reeves to return for a sequel. While these plans never truly got off the ground, the conversation has remained lively, and even as recently as 2025, Reeves (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline) stated that he and director Francis Lawrence have been developing a follow-up.

District 10

South African filmmaker Neill Blomkamp explored the harrowing legacy of apartheid in his sci-fi mock documentary District 9, which is set in a world where extraterrestrials had been cast away into relocation camps. As a Best Picture nominee that was a box office hit, a sequel felt like an inevitability, but sixteen years later, audiences are still waiting.

Blomkamp has been open about his plans for District 10 and even stated that he’s written the draft of the script (via Movieweb.) However, the film has been delayed by other Blomkamp projects, such as Gran Turismo, whose 2023 release may finally open the doors to putting District 10 into production at last.

National Treasure 3

Nicolas Cage added to his vast and varied filmography of unhinged movie roles with the family-favorite franchise National Treasure. As the American treasure hunter and cryptographer Benjamin Franklin Gates, it was exciting to watch Cage engage in a quest to steal the Declaration of Independence and investigate the ᴀssᴀssination of Lincoln in two fun-filled installments.

With an excellent premise that could have sustained endless sequels, viewers have been eager for a third National Treasure since 2007, but it’s unfortunately languished in development hell all these years. While the series did continue with the spin-off TV show National Treasure: Edge of History, we can’t help but hold out for a return to the big screen.

Sherlock Holmes 3

Robert Downey Jr. put his own spin on the iconic Arthur Conan Doyle character Sherlock Holmes in two action-packed Guy Ritchie movies back in 2009 and 2011. Being released shortly after Downey revitalized his career with Iron Man and the MCU, this mystery franchise could have acted as a clever counterbalance to his newfound superhero fame.

However, despite firm plans to continue the series, Sherlock Holmes 3 never came, and Downey increasingly devoted himself to the role of Tony Stark. With almost a decade and a half now since the last installment, the desire for the return of Holmes hasn’t died down, and Downey even said in 2023 (via TheWrap) that making a sequel is a priority for me.

Spider-Man 4

After Tobey Maguire was replaced by Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man, it felt like all hope was lost for a return of Sam Raimi’s interpretation of the Marvel comics character. This was further compounded by the fact that Tom Holland later joined the MCU and led his own series as the world-saving webslinger.

However, long-dormant hopes for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4 were reignited following the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, which features Maguire, Garfield, and Holland all playing their respective versions of the star. Through the clever use of the multiverse, now Spider-Man 4 no longer seems like such an impossibility.

Edge of Tomorrow 2

Edge of Tomorrow was one of the most effective sci-fi movies in living memory, as it combined the time loop stylings of Groundhog Day with the excitement of a dystopian action movie. With Tom Cruise delivering a compelling performance as Major William Cage, he constantly relived the same battle as he searched for a way to defeat his alien foes.

As a box office hit with real franchise potential, Edge of Tomorrow felt like it was primed for a sequel, but it’s been more than ten years with no follow-up. However, Cruise has never lost interest in the property, and a new deal with Warner Bros., announced in 2024 (via THR), revealed Edge of Tomorrow 2 as a proposed project.

Old Fink

With classic movies like Fargo and No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers have their fair share of iconic releases, but they have surprisingly steered clear of sequels. That’s except for Barton Fink, which the sibling filmmakers have always said they’d love to follow up with a sequel, with John Turturro returning as an older version of his character.

Released in 1991, Barton Fink followed John Turturro as a struggling screenwriter in 1940s Hollywood. The long-discussed sequel, Old Fink, would revisit him during the 1960s Summer of Love. The Coen brothers once said they wanted Turturro to age into the role, and nearly 35 years later, the timing couldn’t feel more perfect.

Kill Bill Vol. 3

Quentin Tarantino introduced a whole generation of Western viewers to the merits of kung fu with his two-part epic revenge story Kill Bill. With an extraordinarily stylish atmosphere and a standout performance from Uma Thurman, the director has long spoken about a potential Vol. 3 where Nikki would seek revenge on the Bride for killing her mother.

The biggest blockade toward Kill Bill Vol. 3 being made is Tarantino’s self-imposed ten-movie limit, which means his next film could very well be his final work as a director. However, most film lovers know that Tarantino’s desire to tell stories could put that plan in jeopardy, and there’s a good chance we could see Vol. 3 one day.

23 Jump Street

The Jump Street series featured two of the best comedies of the 2010s, as Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill excelled playing undercover cops infiltrating high school and college. With an excellent premise that had plenty of fan interest, even the credits to 22 Jump Street teased a litany of outrageous sequels exploring all sorts of bizarre concepts.

In 2014, 23 Jump Street was confirmed, and there were later announcements about a crossover movie with the Men in Black series. While none of these projects ever came to fruition, 23 Jump Street remains one of the most highly anticipated comedies around, and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before the stars align for its production.