Buzz
The debut trailer for the much-awaited fourth Matrix movie was unveiled recently, and it seems impressive. However, if I were to summarize the plot of The Matrix Resurrections solely based on this new footage, I might end up essentially recounting The Matrix (the 1999 classic, to be precise). Is this film truly a progression of the narrative, or is it a reinterpretation of the original?
Lana Wachowski, a highly innovative director, has contributed to some of the most groundbreaking cinematic ideas in recent years, so I wouldn’t underestimate her vision. But are we revisiting familiar territory when we could be exploring new horizons? And is that even a meaningful pursuit? All stories evolve in some way, and revisiting old ideas has produced some of the most cherished works in history—though it has also led to unnecessary rehashes. Let’s examine some of the most notable legacy sequels—past, present, and future—to determine whether we’ve improved or declined in transforming nostalgia into art.
Psycho II (1983)
Norman Bates simply desires to lead a normal life, you understand?
How long since the previous installment? 23 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? While Hitchcock remains unmatched, this is a clever and entertaining slasher film that surpasses expectations.
Where to watch: Peacock
The Color of Money (1986)
Fast Eddie returns, this time mentoring a young and ambitious Tom Cruise.
How long since the previous film? 25 years after The Hustler.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? While it may not rank among Scorsese’s finest works or match the brilliance of the 1961 classic, it offers a credible and engaging glimpse into Fast Eddie Felson’s later life, steering clear of excessive nostalgia.
Where to watch: Digital rental
The Two Jakes (1990)
Jack Nicholson’s Jake Gittes finds himself entangled in a fresh conspiracy, this time revolving around LA’s oil reserves.
How long since the last installment? 16 years after Chinatown.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? While it has all the right ingredients—a script by Robert Towne, the original writer, and direction by Jack Nicholson—it falls short of its predecessor. It’s a decent neo-noir but pales in comparison to Chinatown, making it a somewhat unnecessary addition. (Apologies, Jack.)
Where to stream: Prime Video
The Godfather Part III (1990)
He attempted to leave, and so on.
How long since the previous installment? 16 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? While some parts are excellent, the film is extremely inconsistent (with more flaws than just Sofia Coppola’s unfairly criticized performance). It achieved financial success and earned accolades, but it doesn’t measure up to its predecessors.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Blues Brothers 2000
The band reunites for another round.
How long since the last one? 18 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? It’s... acceptable, but it mostly just makes you nostalgic for the original.
Where to watch: Digital rental
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Retired Rocky decides to step into the ring one final time. Once more.
How long since the last film? 16 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it work? For the most part, yes. It’s a nostalgic journey, but a satisfying one. More importantly, its success laid the groundwork for Creed, a truly valuable continuation of the original Oscar-winning film’s legacy.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Tron Legacy (2010)
A mysterious signal leads Garrett Hudland to his father’s abandoned arcade, long after his disappearance.
How long since the previous film? 28 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? Despite being labeled a flop, it’s genuinely enjoyable and managed to break even (or better) upon release. Plus, the Daft Punk soundtrack remains iconic. Plans for Tron 3 are in progress, though it’s unclear whether it’ll arrive before another 28 years go by.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Gordon Gecko returns, eager to amass even more wealth.
How long since the last installment? 23 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? This high-profile sequel arrived during a time when Shia LaBeouf’s star power was at its peak. While sleek and well-made, it lacks depth.
Where to watch: Digital rental
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Old college pals come together for a holiday reunion.
How long since the previous film? 14 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? Absolutely. It’s a heartfelt and humorous continuation, featuring the same exceptional cast that made the original a hit.
Where to stream: Peacock
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
A desert-dwelling orphan embarks on a journey to fulfill their destiny in a galaxy ravaged by conflict.
How long since the last installment? 12 years since Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, though that was a prequel; 22 years since 1983's Return of the Jedi, to which this is the first true sequel.
Reboot or sequel? See above, though it also functions as a reboot (see below).
Does it deliver? Scene by scene, Star Wars: The Force Awakens echoes the narrative of the 1977 original, updated with modern humor and effects. While it successfully introduced the saga to a new generation, it also highlighted the pitfalls of nostalgia: by hewing so closely to the original, some argue it struggles to stand on its own as more than a brand extension. (Though I disagree—please don’t email me.)
Where to stream: Disney+
Jurassic World (2015)
It’s been over a decade since the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park escaped and caused chaos for the third time... let’s return!
How long since the last film? 14 years since Jurassic Park 3.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it work? Despite some awkward character development and questionable gender dynamics, it delivers on dinosaur action and breathed new life into the franchise. (Though many consider it terrible.)
Where to stream: FX Now
Mad Max Fury Road (2015)
How long since the previous installment? 30 years since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
Reboot or sequel? Reboot, arguably?
Does it succeed? It’s the ultimate example of a legacy sequel that excels in every aspect.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Jeff Goldblum detects a massive alien mothership heading toward Earth. Once more. But this time, humanity is ready.
How long since the last film? 20 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? It does not. Mostly forgettable (I genuinely can’t recall a single detail), it earned about half the revenue of the original, which was silly yet entertaining.
Where to stream: FXNow
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Ryan Gosling stars as Officer K, embarking on a mission to find Harrison Ford, creating the foundation for a cross-generational Blade Runner buddy adventure.
How long since the previous film? 35 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? It famously underperformed at the box office (much like the original), largely due to its high production costs—it grossed $260 million globally but cost up to $185 million to produce. However, it’s likely to be appreciated more over time, and its quality convinced Warner Bros. to invest heavily in director Denis Villeneuve for Dune.
Where to stream: HBO Max
XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
Xander Cage recruits a fresh team to thwart the threat of Pandora’s Box.
How long since the last installment? 12 years since XXX: State of the Union, which notably didn’t feature Vin Diesel; 15 years since the original.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? While Vin Diesel consistently delivers, there wasn’t much demand for a new Xander Cage movie in 2017, nor did this film change that.
Where to stream: HBO Max
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
Ewan McGregor’s Mark Renton returns home.
How long since the last film? 21 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it work? It’s a thoughtful and emotional follow-up, though it doesn’t quite match the original’s cultural impact. Consider it a well-crafted epilogue.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Super Troopers 2 (2018)
The Super Troopers return, hilariously patrolling the US-Canada border.
How long since the previous film? 17 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? It has its moments of silly humor, but overall, it falls short. Still, it performed reasonably well at the box office.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Incredibles 2 (2018)
While Elastigirl is out saving the world and improving superhero PR, Mr. Incredible faces his toughest challenge yet: parenting.
How long since the last installment? 14 years.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? Pixar excels at sequels, and this one is no exception. It’s nearly as good as the outstanding original and grossed over a billion dollars.
Where to stream: Disney+
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
With their lives at a turning point, adult Jane and Michael Banks receive a timely visit from their sharp-tongued and remarkably ageless nanny.
How long since the previous film? 54 years.
Reboot or sequel? Mostly a sequel.
Does it succeed? A tentative yes. Emily Blunt shines as a Mary Poppins closer to the slightly intimidating book version, and the film captures much of the original’s charm. However, while some songs stand out, many are forgettable, and it’s unlikely to replace the original in anyone’s affections.
Where to stream: Disney+
Halloween (2018)
It turns out all those other sequels were just a dream: Michael has been imprisoned since that fateful night 40 years ago when Laurie Strode pushed him out a window. He’s been brooding ever since—and so has she.
How long since the last installment? Nine years since Rob Zombie’s Halloween II.
Reboot or sequel? Both? This film reboots the series by disregarding the previous nine movies—including the fact that Laurie is Michael’s sister—but serves as a direct follow-up to the 1978 original.
Does it deliver? Jamie Lee Curtis is outstanding, and the dynamic among the three generations of Strode women is compelling. However, the more conventional slasher elements feel out of place. Overall, though, it works. Its success has led to two more sequels: this year’s Halloween Kills and next year’s Halloween Ends.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Glass (2019)
The hero from Unbreakable and the villain from Split are on a collision course, with Samuel L. Jackson (and his best-ever hairstyle) orchestrating events.
How long since the last film? 19 years since Unbreakable, but only three since Split. It depends on which you consider.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it work? M. Night Shyamalan is always intriguing, but his films vary widely in quality. Following the unexpected success of the somewhat problematic Split, this one is the weakest of the impromptu trilogy.
Where to stream: FXNow
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
Rambo returns! Once more. And he’s seeking revenge! Again.
How long since the previous film? 11 years since Rambo.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? Sure, if you’re into an excessively violent power fantasy about Mexican criminals and the perils of a laughably insecure border... otherwise, you should’ve stopped watching four movies ago. This one performed decently but not exceptionally.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
It turns out Sarah Conner didn’t retire after T2—she’s been tracking Terminators ever since, and a cryptic message from the future leads her to protect Dani Ramos, a factory worker in Mexico City.
How long since the last installment? Four years (or 18 since Terminator 2).
Reboot or sequel? Both: Similar to Halloween 2018, it’s a direct follow-up to T2 that disregards everything that came after.
Does it deliver? Partly. Linda Hamilton remains the emotional core of the franchise, and she’s joined by some impressive new faces. It’s a thrilling action film and the only entry since 1991 to feel necessary. However, it flopped financially, making it a failed attempt to revive the series—one of several (this being the third try at launching a new Terminator trilogy).
Where to stream: Hulu, Paramount+
Bad Boys for Life (2020)
The hilarious cops you adored years ago are making a comeback.
How long since the previous film? 17 years since Bad Boys II.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? Absolutely. It’s arguably the best entry in the series and earned more than enough to greenlight a fourth installment.
Where to stream: Starz
Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Instead of composing the song destined to save the universe, Bill & Ted opt to steal it from their younger selves.
How long since the last installment? 19 years since Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it deliver? It flawlessly captures the essence of the originals while providing a satisfying conclusion to their story. However, its release during the pandemic makes its financial performance hard to assess.
Where to stream: Hulu, Paramount+
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
Detective Chris Rock becomes ensnared in the schemes of a new Jigsaw killer.
How long since the last film? Four years since Jigsaw, the last attempt to reboot the series.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it work? It’s passable. With a strong cast, it fulfills its purpose but doesn’t offer the fresh take the franchise needs. Still, it performed well enough to spark discussions about another sequel.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Candyman (2021)
How long since the previous film? 22 years since Candyman: Day of the Dead.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Does it succeed? Yes. If anything, it feels too brief for the themes it explores, but director Nia DaCosta has crafted a sharp and unsettling film that performed well, especially considering its pandemic-era release.
Where to stream: TBD
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (Upcoming — 2021)
How long since the last installment? Five years since the reboot, or 31 since Ghostbusters II.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel. (Or a reboot that reboots the reboot.)
Will it work? The trailer is promising, and fans who skipped the 2016 film have no excuse to miss this one, so it’s likely to perform well. However, the footage so far treats the original—a silly comedy featuring a ghost giving Dan Aykroyd a blowjob—with undue reverence.
Top Gun: Maverick (Upcoming — 2022)
How long since the previous film? 36 years (or more by its release—it was initially set for 2020).
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Will it succeed? Why not? Tom Cruise remains a dependable action star, and nostalgia for the 80s never fades.
Scream (Upcoming — 2022)
How long since the last installment? 11 years since Scream 4.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Will it work? Hard to predict. The series has maintained a surprisingly consistent quality, and its avoidance of a full reboot sets it apart from other slasher franchises. However, without Wes Craven (RIP) directing or original writer Kevin Williamson involved, this one’s a gamble. Still, new directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for the clever horror-comedy Ready or Not, bring promise.
Indiana Jones 5 (Upcoming — 2022)
How long since the last film? 14 years since Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Will it succeed? The fourth Indiana Jones was a low point for the franchise (bringing its success rate to 50%, depending on your view of Temple of Doom), but director James Mangold (Logan, Ford v Ferrari) is highly capable. I’d love to see the series end on a strong note, so I’ll say yes. It will be fantastic. Hopefully.
Hocus Pocus 2 (Upcoming — 2022)
A solitary teen is poised to bring back the witchy Sanderson sisters for a fresh round of Halloween-themed antics.
How long since the previous film? 29 years since Hocus Pocus.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Will it succeed? The original has such a massive cult following that it’s bound to do well, as long as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. (And why would it?)
Avatar 2 (Upcoming — 2022)
How long since the last installment? 13 years since Avatar.
Reboot or sequel? Sequel.
Will it work? Hard to predict. No one requested James Cameron to dedicate his career to Avatar sequels, yet here we are. Despite the backlash, the original earned nearly $3 billion, so don’t underestimate Cameron.
