We are halfway through the 2020s, meaning it has been long enough for certain films released since 2020 to get sequels. Some of these films wrapped up neatly, leaving little room for confusion or continuation, to the point that a follow-up might even interfere with their greatness. Others, however, beg for a sequel. And while some of them already have one in development or at least confirmed, many do not have such promising news. Still, it is interesting to imagine what certain sequels would look like, even if the original movie didn’t seem like the start of a franchise.
Whether through unresolved puzzles, in-depth world-building, or intriguing hints at other stories concerning secondary characters, certain successful films from the 2020s have paved the way for a sequel in one way or the other. A good movie sequel does not simply need to continue the original story but can also expand the surrounding universe and reinvent the original idea, not to mention how some could even get a spiritual successor that isn’t necessarily an official sequel.
10
Soul
Released In 2020
One of Pixar’s latest movies, Soul, is a poignant story about the meaning of life, idenтιтy, and finding a sense of purpose. In the first movie, the main character is a struggling musician who, right when his dreams are about to come true, falls to his death. Refusing to give up, his life forms an alliance with a lost soul (literally) in a pre-existing limbo who, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with living.
Soul, perhaps more than any Disney Pixar movie, touches upon existential themes of belonging. It offers a philosophical commentary on people’s obsession with finding a unique path that would grant them value and meaning. It proved that children’s cartoons can deliver in-depth exploration of more serious topics without losing their playful appeal. A sequel could expand on this, perhaps telling where 22, the originally lost soul, is and how they are currently dealing with the life they once feared. It would also be nice for the two main characters to reunite.
9
Last Night in Soho
Released In 2021
Last Night in Soho is a brilliant thriller that subverted the genre’s classical tropes and featured Thomasin Mckenzie as the young and sensitive Eloise and Anya Taylor-Joy as the mysterious Sandie. The story alternates between modern-time London, exploring Eloise’s life as a newly-arrived student at UAL, and the 1960s British Capital through the former’s dream about Sandie, an aspiring singer trying to make it in the big city. Slowly, the story builds up to the unexpected, final plot twist while also revealing the psychic ability of the protagonist.
It is the gift of Eloise in Last Night in Soho that sets up a sequel. The young student, now equipped with an ability that she is able to control and recognize, can explore beyond Sandie’s past and uncover new secrets. As a consequence, a further film could take advantage of this by delving into a different and equally exciting period in the history of London, while also introducing new fascinating characters and thrilling mysteries.
8
Tenet
Released In 2020
Although Christopher Nolan’s 2020 movie Tenet divided critics, there are several fans everywhere who would definitely enjoy a continuation of the mind-blowing and confusing story. The film director chose to delve into one of his favorite subjects: time.
The film is a sci-fi, action thriller portraying a former CIA agent who joins a covert organization to investigate time-reversing objects and their link to an attack from the future on the present. Despite the mixed opinions it received, Tenet is a very interesting addition to Nolan’s filmography. The story, incredibly complex and detailed, could easily be brought to new heights and explored further in a sequel.
There are so many twists and possible mysteries to uncover, to the point a sequel could actually be a prequel and vice versa. Unfortunately, Christopher Nolan has never done a sequel outside the Dark Knight trilogy, and it seems highly unlikely that he will ever do so for movies like Inception or Tenet.
7
Encanto
Released In 2021
Disney’s Encanto enchanted the audience and critics alike, delivering a heartfelt musical fantasy that follows Mirabel Madrigal, a fifteen-year-old girl who finds out she is the only one in her family without a magical gift, and she embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery behind her family’s fading powers. The magical realism, exploration of themes like generational pressure, and melodic music made the cartoon instantly a cult, with songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” becoming a phenomenon.
Given its success, an Encanto sequel seems like a no-brainer for Disney but has yet to be confirmed. A follow-up could expand the story while introducing new family members or magical communities, without losing track of the more delicate themes analyzed in the first movie, such as transgenerational trauma and the impact of societal and family expectations on mental health.
6
Underwater
Released In 2020
Underwater premiered in 2020 as a sci-fi action horror featuring Norah (interpreted by Kirsten Stewart) and a group of workers attempting to survive against terrifying marine monsters after the drilling facility at the bottom of the ocean where they operate is destroyed by an earthquake.
Underwater‘s ending set up a sequel by suggesting that Tian Industries might have had more knowledge than expected about what lurked at the bottom of the Marianna Trench.
The movie manipulates humans’ haunting terror of the unknown deep sea while simultaneously playing with the surrounding catastrophic atmosphere. Although it received mixed reviews, it delivered an interesting twist that teased a more complex story taking place behind the events portrayed.
Underwater‘s ending set up a sequel by suggesting that Tian Industries might have had more knowledge than expected about what lurked at the bottom of the Marianna Trench, while also seemingly revealing that Norah’s final choice might not have put an end to the creatures. It would be worth, therefore, delving into a new story with either the remaining characters of the previous films or new additions.
5
The Creator
Released In 2023
The Creator is a sci-fi action film set in a future where humanity has waged a war against advanced AI after the latter activated a nuclear detonation in Los Angeles. The movie is a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence and morality. The main character, Joshua (John David Washington), is a soldier sent to eliminate a powerful AI child, Alphie, only to question his own belief system.
Although the movie did not have much success at the box office and the plot might have had some shortcomings, the incredible world-building and detailed characterization hint at the possibility of many more stories to deliver that would delve into the fascinating background portrayed. The Creator 2 could enrich the philosophical pondering already done by the first on an even bigger scale. Edwards’ world-building is rich with untapped potential, making a sequel an exciting opportunity to expand this original IP.
4
Don’t Worry Darling
Released In 2022
Don’t worry, Darling might have stirred some behind-the-scenes controversy and mixed reviews, but the movie’s take on the thriller and romance genres could be revisited, either in a proper sequel or with new characters. The surrealist psychological thriller features Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, and Harry Styles as the main characters in an idyllic town where a sinister secret seems to be lurking under a 1950s picture-perfect facade. The film explores themes of possession, illusion, and gender roles.
Despite having a somewhat satisfying (albeit bittersweet) conclusion for the protagonist, the viewer is left with some questions about the more general story taking place behind the scenes and the fate of the characters involved. Don’t Worry Darling 2‘s ending leaves room for a sequel. A follow-up could investigate the Victory Project more deeply, and explore what happened in that specific reality and to the other people trapped there. The focus could shift to another woman seeking to break free.
3
Bullet Train
Released In 2022
With fun characters, biting humor, and the various connections between seemingly unrelated events, Bullet Train could have easily started a franchise. The movie features Ladybug (Brad Pitt), a reluctant ᴀssᴀssin who is entrusted with covering for his colleague Carter and retrieving a briefcase on a speeding train filled with hitmen and criminals, each of their conflicting plans.
Characters like Ladybug, Lemon, Tangerine, and The Father and The Elder are effortlessly charming presences, with an intriguing appeal rooted in the mystery that, despite their respectful screentime, still surrounds them. As much as we might have seen of them, we know, based on their interactions, that there is room for more to see. And although, unfortunately, not all of them will be able to come back, the remaining ones deserve another occasion to shine.
2
Barbarian
Released In 2022
Barbarian took the horror genre by storm with its shocking twists and chilling atmosphere. The story follows Tess (Georgina Campbell), who unknowingly rents a house that has been double-booked by a man, unaware of the horrific secrets beneath the place’s foundation. The film builds to a brutal and completely unexpected climax but also leaves the audience haunted by unanswered questions.
Instead of a prequel on the origins of Frank, the twisted man responsible for the house’s dark legacy, a sequel could continue the story of The Mother, who, despite her apparent end, could have easily survived the sH๏τs. Zach Cregger, the director, joked about the possibility of the character integrating into modern society (via The Hollywood Reporter). With its innovative approach to the horror genre and unexpected storytelling, Barbarian 2 could expand the terror in bold new ways.
1
Renfield
Released In 2023
Renfield offered a new perspective on the myth surrounding Dracula, combining horror, action, and dark comedy. The film features Renfield, a servant of Count Dracula who tries to break free from his toxic relationship with the feared vampire. Although the movie offers a satisfying conclusion, it also leaves room for more to come.
After all, throughout the whole film, it is constantly hinted at a much bigger universe of mysterious and dark creatures and vampire hunters. The sequel could introduce new threats, relive old legends, or even reveal more about the fate of Dracula, which despite the appearances, might not be as definitive. Renfield 2 could expand on its horror-comedy roots while continuing to reinvent the legend of Dracula and his surrounding universe. Director Chris McKay also suggested the possibility of a sequel to the 2020s movie.
