Movie franchises have become an integral part of Hollywood’s business model. With the success of one film, studios often release sequels to cash in on the popularity of the original. However, some sequels don’t cut it, and franchises can be ruined. Some awful movie franchises should have ended after just one film.
1. The Matrix
The Matrix, released in 1999, was a revolutionary movie that combined action, philosophy, and science fiction in a unique way. The film was a box office and critical success and won four Academy Awards. However, the sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, failed to capture the magic of the original. The convoluted plot and excessive use of CGI left audiences feeling disappointed, and the franchise ended with a whimper.
2. Transformers
The first Transformers movie, released in 2007, was a fun and entertaining action movie that brought the beloved 80s cartoon to the big screen. However, the sequels, which were directed by Michael Bay, became increasingly over-the-top and confusing. The franchise became known for its explosions and cheesy humor, rather than its engaging characters and storylines.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
The first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, The Curse of the Black Pearl, was a surprise hit in 2003. The swashbuckling adventure was a refreshing take on the pirate genre and introduced audiences to the iconic character of Captain Jack Sparrow. However, the subsequent sequels, which became increasingly convoluted and bloated, failed to capture the charm of the original. The franchise should have ended after the first film, but instead, it became a bloated mess.
4. The Hobbit
The Hobbit was a beloved children’s book that was adapted into a movie in 2012. However, the filmmakers decided to turn the book into a trilogy, stretching the story beyond its limits. The result was a series of bloated, overlong films that lacked the heart and soul of the original book. The franchise was a disappointment and should have ended after the first movie.
5. Terminator
The first two Terminator movies, released in 1984 and 1991, were groundbreaking films that revolutionized the action genre. However, the subsequent sequels, which were released decades later, failed to capture the magic of the originals. The convoluted time-traveling plot and lackluster performances left audiences feeling disappointed. The franchise should have ended after Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but instead, it continued to limp along.
6. The Hangover
The Hangover, released in 2009, was a hilarious and fresh take on the bachelor party gone wrong trope. The film was a box office hit and launched the careers of its stars. However, the sequels, which essentially repeated the same plot with different locations and more over-the-top scenarios, were a complete disappointment. The franchise should have stopped after the first film, but instead, it became a cash grab.
7. The Mummy
The Mummy, released in 1999, was a thrilling adventure that combined action, comedy, and horror. The film was a commercial and critical success and spawned a franchise that included two sequels, a prequel, and a spin-off. However, the sequels failed to capture the charm of the original, with convoluted plots and overuse of CGI. The franchise should have stopped after the first film, but instead, it became bloated and uninspired.
8. Men in Black
Men in Black, released in 1997, was a fun and entertaining sci-fi comedy that introduced audiences to the concept of secret agents who protect Earth from alien threats. The film was a hit and spawned two sequels that failed to capture the original’s magic. The sequels lacked the chemistry between its stars and relied too heavily on special effects. The franchise should have ended after the first film, but instead, it became a forgettable trilogy.
9. Jaws
Jaws, released in 1975, was a game-changer for the film industry, ushering in the summer blockbuster era. The film was a critical and commercial success and remains a classic to this day. However, the sequels, which focused on the same premise as a killer shark, failed to capture the terror and excitement of the original. The franchise should have ended after the first film, but instead, it became a cash cow for the studios.
10. Divergent
Divergent, released in 2014, was an adaptation of a popular YA novel that featured a strong female protagonist in a dystopian society. The film was a modest success, followed by two increasingly convoluted sequels that lacked the original’s heart. The franchise should have ended after the first film, but instead, it became a bloated and forgettable trilogy.
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This article was produced and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
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