Let’s face it: sequels have a bit of a bad rap. Too often they ride in on the coattails of a beloved original, only to trip over their own feet and faceplant into mediocrity. But every now and then, a sequel not only meets but surpasses the hype, taking the story to exhilarating new heights and reuniting us with characters we’ve grown to love. Here are five films that are screaming for such a glorious return.
Watch our quick video version above or enjoy a bit more of a dive below.
Dredd (2012)
Let’s talk about Dredd, the badass sci-fi action flick where Karl Urban‘s chin does most of the acting—and we mean that in the best way possible. Set in the dystopian sprawl of Mega-City One, this film didn’t exactly set the box office on fire, but it ignited a passionate fanbase who appreciated its gritty aesthetic and uncompromising portrayal of justice. Critics dug it, audiences who actually saw it dug it, and it’s high time we get the sequel we deserve. Imagine diving deeper into the chaotic world where judges are the law, exploring more of the dark underbelly, and maybe even introducing fan-favorite characters like Judge Death. The groundwork is laid; all we need is for someone to pull the trigger.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Guillermo del Toro‘s Hellboy series is like that rare vintage wine—rich, complex, and leaving you wanting more. After Hellboy II: The Golden Army, fans were salivating for a third installment to cap off the trilogy. Ron Perlman embodied Hellboy with such gruff charm that it’s hard to imagine anyone else filling those oversized shoes (or sawed-off horns). Despite del Toro and Perlman both eager to bring the finale to life, studio hesitancy left us in limbo. The less said about the recent attempts at reboots, the better. Let’s rally to get the original team back together and give Hellboy the epic conclusion he—and we—deserve.
The Nice Guys (2016)
If ever there was a buddy-cop duo we didn’t know we needed, it’s Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in The Nice Guys. Shane Black crafted a delightful cocktail of comedy, action, and ’70s flair that left us all wanting another round. The chemistry between Gosling’s hapless private eye and Crowe’s tough-as-nails enforcer was pure gold. The door was left wide open for more misadventures, and in a cinematic landscape saturated with sequels nobody asked for, this is one we absolutely do. Let’s get these two back on the streets of L.A., unraveling conspiracies and exchanging snappy banter.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Who knew that watching Tom Cruise die repeatedly could be so entertaining? Edge of Tomorrow took the tired alien invasion trope and injected it with adrenaline, thanks in large part to its clever time-loop premise and Emily Blunt‘s portrayal of the battle-hardened Rita Vrataski. The film’s ending teased so much potential for further exploration: new timelines, bigger threats, and deeper character development? There have been whispers and winks about a sequel titled Live Die Repeat and Repeat, but it’s time to stop teasing and start filming. The concept is franchise gold, and we’re ready to hit play, again and again.
Eastern Promises (2007)
David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises gave us a raw, unflinching look at the Russian mafia in London, anchored by Viggo Mortensen‘s mesmerising performance as the enigmatic Nikolai. The film left us with more questions than answers, and a burning desire to see where Nikolai’s journey takes him next. A sequel was tantalisingly close, with Mortensen ready to step back into the shadows and Steven Knight penning the script. Yet, studio politics threw cold water on the project. In an era where gritty crime dramas are enjoying a renaissance, resurrecting this sequel seems like a no-brainer. Let’s delve back into that dark underworld.
