Movie Sequels: Who Wants Them?

Written By Grace Kertz

Branding Executive

You may have heard your film buff friends say at some point, “Hollywood is running out of ideas,” or “Sequels are never as good as the original.” You may have even said it once or twice. With movies like “Moana 2”, “Gladiator II,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” all just released in theaters, it may feel as though all the film industry can do is build off previous ideas.

Well, guess what? You’re not wrong.

From 2016 to now, only five out of the last top 60 box office releases have been original plot lines, with some notable sequels topping the charts being “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: Way of Water,” and “Jurassic World.” In fact, in 2023, sequels made up 45.8% of the box office despite only accounting for less than 5% of the movies released.

While you may initially feel disappointed to hear these statistics, you would be better off asking yourself – why sequels?

The answer is simple: money. Whether people like it or not, the world runs on money, and industries–especially film–rely on it to survive. 

One major way to measure a movie's success after its release is by assessing how frequently it is discussed by both the mainstream media and the general public. While money is a factor, it is ultimately a byproduct of effective communication. Actresses win awards, directors gain recognition, and films earn substantial profits largely due to the opinions of audience members and critics. Press tours, movie posters, and sponsorships all play a role in generating buzz. Executives regularly follow this blueprint, and sequels are no exception.  

Thanks to social media and streaming, the conversation around movies, and therefore sequels, has only grown louder. Since its launch in 2019, Disney+ has added over 16,000 movies to the platform, giving subscribers the convenience of revisiting their favorite films anytime. Streaming services often rotate their content libraries, and if a movie or show becomes available at the right moment, social media can propel it into mainstream popularity. This heightened visibility not only reignites interest in older titles but can also pave the way for sequels by demonstrating continued audience demand.

TikTok videos, Instagram reels, and X posts flood social media with opinions on countless topics, including movies. These platforms foster virtual communities, encouraging like-minded individuals who share their enthusiasm for specific films. If you’re curious about how others feel about a movie you just watched, you’ll likely find endless discussions online. Nostalgia often drives these conversations as fans reflect on the films they grew up with and rediscover their favorite characters and stories. This shared nostalgia not only strengthens connections within these communities but also fuels demand for sequels, as audiences eagerly anticipate the continuation of beloved narratives.

This now brings us back to the original question of who wants sequels and why they exist. The film industry, with the help of social media and streaming platforms, can tap into pre-existing audiences and the nostalgia that comes with an iconic franchise.

Nostalgia by itself is a massively effective tool that, when used correctly, can create–or, in this case, recreate–magic. Regardless of age, everyone wants to feel a sense of magic–a magic that they experienced when they were younger. Do I even dare to describe some dedicated sequel-goers’ desire as hunger? Do they crave a cozy, familiar feeling of watching something great for the first time over again?

Maybe I do.

Sequels, though not always successful, are a safe bet with little risk. They build off pre-existing audiences and expand stories further, capturing the attention of new prospective audience members through the promotion process. Just check your social feeds, and you’ll see for yourself. The hashtag #TopGunMaverick has over 3.6 billion views on TikTok, with everyone from Gen Z to Boomers using it in their posts.

So yes, sequels do serve a purpose, and they do have an audience, and if you find yourself criticizing the film, don’t stress. Maybe you’re just not part of said audience. I mean, there must be someone out there who likes “Grown Ups 2”. Right?