Buzz
I’m not particularly fond of our current cultural fixation on nostalgia, partly because it feels like we’re heading toward a future where a lack of fresh cinematic ideas will leave little for future nostalgia enthusiasts to explore.
This summer’s most anticipated sequel is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, marking the franchise’s second legacy sequel following 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Also on the horizon: October’s The Exorcist: Believer, which appears to be one of those sequels that skips over the less successful entries to focus on a straightforward revival. Kenan and Kel reunite for a follow-up to 1997's Good Burger; meanwhile, that year’s other major hit, The Full Monty, is being revived as a series on Hulu. Even the Gremlins are making a comeback in a new animated show on HBO Max.
It’s a treasure trove, to put it simply, and Hollywood has been tapping into it for years. As we anticipate the next revival of something old, here are 12 legacy sequels that succeeded—and eight that fell flat.
Missed the mark: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Follow-up to: the Indiana Jones trilogy (1981–1989)
While many of us hold the Indiana Jones series in high regard, its consistency varies more than we often recall, even if all the films remain enjoyable. Crystal Skull isn’t terrible, but it stands as the least impressive of the quartet, with uninspired action sequences and a lackluster storyline for Indy and his unexpected son Mutt (Shia LaBeouf, during his rise to fame). Karen Allen’s return as Marion Ravenwood is a highlight, and Cate Blanchett shines as a Soviet villain, but the overall effort feels reheated.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Succeeded: Doctor Sleep (2019)
Follow-up to: The Shining (1980)
Director Mike Flanagan (Hush, The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass) is celebrated for his skill in crafting “elevated” horror, and he brings that expertise to Doctor Sleep. Based on a later Stephen King novel, which already divided readers, Flanagan had the daunting task of creating a Shining sequel that honored both the book and the iconic Stanley Kubrick film. Despite these challenges, the movie feels remarkably original, blending emotional depth (through the bond between Ewan McGregor’s adult Danny Torrance and a young girl with similar abilities) and terror (embodied by Rebecca Ferguson’s menacing Rose the Hat) while navigating the demands of franchise expectations.
Rent digitally: Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox
Fell short: Coming 2 America (2021)
Follow-up to: Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy returned with this highly anticipated sequel after the success of Dolemite is My Name, but it faded into obscurity almost immediately after its release on Prime Video, a result of Paramount selling the rights to Amazon during the pandemic. The film relies heavily on recycled jokes from the original, leaving Coming 2 feeling unnecessary. Worse still, the storyline hinges on a poorly thought-out running joke about date rape, making the movie feel more outdated and uncomfortable than its 30-year-old predecessor.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Succeeded: Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Follow-up to: Top Gun (1986)
For better or worse, Top Gun: Maverick replaced the original’s gay camp aesthetic with sheer action brilliance, creating a film that understands the power of well-executed cinematic spectacle. It revitalized theaters and earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination, a rare achievement for a legacy sequel—unlike The Godfather, Part III, this one is genuinely beloved.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
Succeeded: Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Follow-up to: The Die Hard trilogy (1988 - 1995)
Bruce Willis’ comeback as John McClane was a thrilling cinematic experience, with the aging action hero effortlessly stepping back into the shoes of the grizzled detective for another high-stakes mission. Featuring a menacing Timothy Olyphant as the antagonist, this stands as arguably the strongest Die Hard sequel. Sadly, the subsequent A Good Day to Die Hard is easily the weakest, proving that consistency in sequels is never guaranteed.
Where to stream: Max
Fell short: Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Follow-up to: Space Jam (1996)
The original managed to balance intellectual property integration (and sneaker marketing) with a playful tone, resulting in an enjoyable 90-minute experience—or at least one that resonates with those who were kids at the time. The sequel, however, is longer, noisier, less humorous, and, crucially, failed to leave a mark on pop culture, relying heavily on uninspired references. While not terrible, it mostly leaves you longing for the charm of the first film. (Or something entirely different.)
Where to stream: Max
Succeeded: Creed (2015)
Follow-up to: the Rocky series (1976 - 2006)
Much like its titular character, the Rocky franchise has seen multiple legacy sequel revivals over the years, including the solid Rocky Balboa in 2006. While that film served as a fitting epilogue, Creed reimagines the series without losing its essence. Rocky remains, but now as a mentor to Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed. This soft reboot was so effective that it launched a new series of films with Jordan at the helm and even sparked talks of a Stallone-led project and a Dolph Lundgren spin-off centered on Rocky IV antagonist Ivan Drago.
Where to stream: Sling
Fell short: Rambo (2008)
Follow-up to: the Rambo trilogy (1982 - 1988)
This one’s reception may vary based on perspective: Rambo achieved modest box office success, and Stallone clearly knows what fans expect—excessive violence and a nearly invincible protagonist. On those fronts, the film delivers, but the extreme brutality quickly becomes monotonous. The story attempts to address serious issues regarding missionaries in Burma, but the absurdly graphic violence undermines any attempt at gravitas.
Where to stream: Peacock
Succeeded: The Color of Money (1986)
Follow-up to: The Hustler (1961)
Paul Newman reprises his iconic role from The Hustler in Martin Scorsese’s follow-up, a film that earned Newman his sole Best Actor Oscar after multiple nominations. While it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the 1961 classic, Newman and Tom Cruise share excellent chemistry in a movie that respects its predecessor while carving out its own identity.
Rent digitally: Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox
Fell short: The Two Jakes (1990)
Follow-up to: Chinatown (1974)
While not as terrible as its reputation suggests, Jack Nicholson’s directorial sequel to Chinatown bombed at the box office, and rightly so. Plagued by years of development issues, the film’s messy production is evident in the final product: Nicholson’s direction is competent, but the convoluted plot is tedious and fails to enhance the original’s legacy.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
Fell short: Texasville (1990)
Follow-up to: The Last Picture Show (1971)
While The Last Picture Show was celebrated by critics and audiences, cementing Peter Bogdanovich as a defining voice of his era, Texasville hinted that the director might have lost his edge (and was no longer collaborating with ex-wife Polly Platt, whose absence is palpable in his later work). What was once a poignant coming-of-age tale becomes a poorly executed romantic comedy, showcasing talented actors but little else.
Where to stream: Surprisingly, given its cast and director, Texasville isn’t available on any streaming platform. Perhaps that’s for the best.
Succeeded: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Follow-up to: Blade Runner (1982)
Though it may feel a bit lengthy, Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Blade Runner is a visual masterpiece, expanding on the original’s philosophical questions while introducing new ones. Ryan Gosling delivers a standout performance, and Villeneuve skillfully draws a compelling late-career portrayal from the often gruff Harrison Ford.
Where to stream: Hulu
Fell short: Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Follow-up to: Independence Day (1996)
The original isn’t a cinematic masterpiece but remains a fun, albeit silly, blockbuster. The sequel offers a few impressive action sequences, but that’s its sole redeeming quality. The offscreen demise of Will Smith’s Captain Steven Hiller not only hurt the film but also seemed like a savvy career move by Smith. To make matters worse, the movie feels like a setup for another sequel that will likely never materialize.
Rent digitally: Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox
Succeeded: Bad Boys for Life (2020)
Follow-up to: Bad Boys (1995) and Bad Boys 2 (2003)
The first two films relied heavily on the charm and dynamic between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, despite being bogged down by Michael Bay’s flashy yet uninspired direction. The third installment, helmed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, leverages its stars’ appeal while striking a far better balance between humor and action. It’s not only the strongest Bad Boys sequel but also the best entry in the franchise.
Digital rental: Prime Video, Apple TV+, Redbox, Vudu
Succeeded: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Follow-up to: the Mad Max trilogy (1979 - 1985)
George Miller revisited his Mad Max universe with this explosive 2015 triumph, a cinematic tour de force that’s as brutal and chaotic as it is narratively sharp. By centering Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, the film reimagines the male-dominated chaos of the original as a feminist, post-apocalyptic western.
Where to stream: AMC+
Succeeded: Psycho II (1983)
Follow-up to: Psycho (1960)
A sequel to Psycho seems unnecessary, but this one defies expectations, revisiting Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and the Bates Motel while subverting assumptions and adding depth to the character. It stands as one of the finest slasher films of the ‘80s, complete with a clever final twist.
Where to stream: IndieFlix, rent digitally on Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox
Fell short: Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Follow-up to: Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Despite its commendable attempt to shift the setting and tone (relocating the ghostbusting action from the city), Afterlife leans too heavily on nostalgia. It introduces fresh faces and a new generation, only to trap them in a story overly reliant on callbacks to the original. While it has its charms and heartfelt moments, it often feels more like a homage than a standalone film. [Whispers] Ghostbusters 2016 was better.
Where to stream: Starz
Succeeded: The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Follow-up to: the Matrix trilogy (1999 - 2003)
This film is as divisive as they come, with many Matrix fans outright rejecting it. For me, it’s easily the strongest of the sequels. After years of oversimplified “red pill” references (yes, Elon Musk, I’m talking about you), it emphasizes that the truth isn’t so straightforward, using mirror imagery to highlight that the real challenge isn’t the machines but our own struggle to confront our flawed humanity. This meta approach is anchored in the love story between Neo and Trinity. While some plot elements feel awkward (why and how are they alive again?), I’d take Lana Wachowski’s bold vision over countless formulaic, soulless sequels any day.
Where to stream: Max
Succeeded: Candyman (2021)
Follow-up to: the Candyman trilogy (1992 - 1999)
Nia DaCosta’s Candyman functions as both a reboot and a direct sequel, weaving in elements and characters from the original. DaCosta and her team amplify the racial commentary of the first film, offering a deeper, Black-centered exploration of how society transforms marginalized victims into villains. The film also dazzles with its creative and intelligent visual style.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
Succeeded: Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Follow-up to: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
A blend of heartwarming and silly, the Bill & Ted sequel arrived at the perfect time—just months into the pandemic, when audiences craved lighthearted escapism. The film delivers exactly what fans want from an older Bill & Ted, embracing its charm and humor with enthusiasm.
Where to stream: Freevee, rent digitally on Redbox
