Buzz
Just when Antonio Banderas' sultry feline voice seemed like a thing of the past, the spin-off Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (starring Antonio Banderas) emerges with a long-awaited sequel, 11 years after the character's last appearance, and even secures an Oscar nomination. This year's Best Animated Feature category is fiercely competitive—don’t underestimate Marcel the Shell—but given its critical acclaim and box office success, Puss stands a strong chance. This is especially remarkable considering it’s a spin-off of Shrek, which won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2001 but hasn’t aged well. In contrast, Puss in Boots brings something fresh to the table, particularly with its visually stunning Spider-Verse-inspired animation:
This isn’t the only spin-off that could overshadow its predecessor. Unlike sequels, spin-offs often shift focus to secondary characters or introduce new narratives within the original universe. Here are 12 spin-offs that deliver, even if you’re new to the series (and sometimes, that’s for the best).
Logan (2017)
The 20th Century Fox X-Men franchise stands out as one of the most unique superhero series, spanning two decades with wildly varying tones and representing both the highs and lows of the genre. The tenth installment, and the third to spotlight Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, this film feels more grounded in reality, despite its mildly dystopian setting and quasi-immortal characters. Stripped of the flashy costumes and antics of previous entries (some of which are excellent), Jackman delivers a powerful performance as an aging superhero, while Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of a dementia-stricken Charles Xavier is deeply moving. While the film is undeniably dark, it’s also thoughtful, exploring themes of hope and legacy, earning it an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Where to stream: Disney+
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
While technically a follow-up to 1963's The Pink Panther, A Shot in the Dark serves as a swift pivot from its predecessor, which featured David Niven as a suave jewel thief and Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau as a bumbling side character caught up in a gem-related escapade. With the original’s success demanding a sequel, writer/director Blake Edwards swiftly crafted A Shot in the Dark, elevating Clouseau to the lead role and abandoning the earlier film’s central figures. Though promoting the comic relief might seem risky, the film’s masterfully executed humor flows so naturally that it feels like the story Edwards always intended to tell. Later sequels couldn’t replicate this magic, making this entry the standout of the series.
Where to stream: Tubi, Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto
Bumblebee (2018)
The five Michael Bay Transformers films are overwhelming—massive explosions, convoluted lore, and melodramatic human subplots rivaling a season of One Tree Hill, yet they often lack substance. Bay handed over the reins for the latest installment, which focuses on the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, and it’s arguably the strongest since the 2007 original (if you’re being generous to Bay) or the best in the series (if you’re being honest). This entry is more subdued and character-focused, anchored by a compelling performance from Hailee Steinfeld (an Oscar nominee!). It also excels as an action film, with clear, coherent fight scenes—a stark contrast to the chaotic visuals of earlier movies. Much of the credit goes to director Travis Knight, known for his meticulous work in stop-motion animation at Laika Studios (Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings).
Where to stream: Paramount+, Fubo
Creed (2015)
As a spin-off, Creed might just surpass the original Rocky—a monumental achievement, but one Ryan Coogler’s film nearly accomplishes. It easily outshines the numerous Rocky sequels (some of which are still enjoyable), even as it adheres to the same foundational formula. Coogler’s direction is sharp, the film balances humor perfectly, and Michael B. Jordan proves he’s more than capable of leading a franchise (now heading into its third installment). What makes it remarkable isn’t just its originality but its ability to breathe new life into a franchise that’s over four decades old.
Where to stream: TNT, TBS, Tru TV
Deadpool (2016)
Returning to the X-Men universe, Deadpool takes a wildly different approach compared to Logan. While the latter thrives on seriousness, Deadpool distinguishes itself by embracing absurdity and irreverence. A touch of emotional depth—stemming from Wade Wilson’s relationship with Morena Baccarin’s Vanessa—keeps the chaos grounded, even as Ryan Reynolds’ disfigured anti-hero breaks the fourth wall with charm and sarcasm. The film gleefully mocks a genre that was already ripe for parody—even seven years ago.
Where to stream: Disney+
Birds of Prey (2020)
Even Viola Davis couldn’t salvage 2016's Suicide Squad, a messy film whose only redeeming quality was Margot Robbie’s vibrant portrayal of Harley Quinn. Naturally, a spin-off centered on her was the next logical step. Director Cathy Yan and writer Christina Hobson give Robbie plenty of witty, irreverent material to work with, supported by a stellar cast including Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, and Ali Wong. The result is a fast-paced, hilarious, and visually striking film that, sadly, didn’t get the audience it deserved compared to other modern DC entries. What a shame, puddin’.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The LEGO Batman Movie
While The LEGO Movie was a delightful surprise, this Batman-centric spin-off cranks up the humor and absurdity without losing the heartfelt charm that made its predecessor so special. It zips through Batman’s entire pop culture legacy, piecing it all together to deliver a story that reminds us no amount of gadgets or brooding can replace the importance of friends and family.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Rogue One (2016)
From a 2023 perspective, it’s almost impossible to neatly categorize the Star Wars series, but the standalone Rogue One clearly qualifies as a spin-off. While its story ties closely to the original 1977 film, as a product of Disney’s modern franchise era, it’s best seen as a spin-off of The Force Awakens, the film that launched an era of endless movies and TV shows (some of which are actually good). Among these, Rogue One stands out, partly because it introduces fresh characters with no guarantee of future appearances (though we’re fortunate to have explored Diego Luna’s Andor further). This makes it feel less calculated than films designed to set up sequels. Additionally, Rogue One revitalizes Darth Vader, stripping away the family drama to restore his terrifying presence.
Where to stream: Disney+
Prey (2022)
I’ll always champion the 1987 action classic Predator: a near-perfect blend of sci-fi, ‘80s action, and just enough lore to fuel a franchise. But Prey takes a different approach: a clever, imaginative prequel with fewer explosions but no shortage of brilliantly crafted action and horror. Its premise is genius—what if the universe’s ultimate hunter encountered Indigenous peoples in North America centuries before the original film? While many action films falter in balancing character development with spectacle, Prey shines with Amber Midthunder’s compelling lead performance and a narrative that knows when to pause and build tension. It’s not only arguably the best in the series but also a standout film on its own.
Where to stream: Hulu
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
Anything tied to Wallace and Gromit is a safe bet, and 1995's A Close Shave ranks among the best. Shaun the Sheep is equally whimsical, delightful, and a masterclass in stop-motion animation, even at nearly triple the length of its predecessor. A tale of runaway sheep shouldn’t captivate for 90 minutes, but this one does, earning its place as a standout. (The sequel is equally fantastic.)
Where to stream: Digital rental
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018)
While the 2008 original Ip Man was loosely based on the life of the Wing Chun master (and Bruce Lee’s mentor), the series has increasingly embraced fiction across its five brilliant martial arts films. Master Z, a spin-off of the third installment, follows former antagonist Cheung Tin-chi (Max Zhang), now a grocer and part-time mercenary who turns hero to dismantle a heroin smuggling ring. It retains the spirit of the earlier films but ups the ante with even more elaborate and stunningly choreographed fight sequences. Michelle Yeoh’s role as a conflicted crime boss adds depth, while Dave Bautista delivers as the formidable villain.
Where to stream: Peacock, Fubo, The Roku Channel
Night Train to Munich (1940)
Admittedly, Night Train to Munich doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes, but it’s still a remarkable film in its own right. It brings back the Charters and Caldicott characters (played by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder), a subtly gay-coded duo of cricket fans who find themselves entangled in a quirky espionage plot. This time, their bad luck continues as they dive into another train-based spy adventure, playing a more active role when Nazis attempt to seize a new armor plating design. Directed by Carol Reed (The Fallen Idol, The Third Man, Oliver!, etc.), the film launched a series of subsequent appearances for the characters, or their near-equivalents, across movies, radio, and TV, despite occasional rights issues.
Where to stream: Flix
