Since the emergence of film as an industry, many film series have continued to be explored through sequels or prequels. If you liked the first installment, there’s a good chance you’ll want to see the second part, especially if the sequel is even better than the original. However, it is quite rare for sequels to surpass the impact of the original film and they often fall into obscurity, sometimes even damaging the original’s legacy in the minds of die-hard fans.
Below are five titles from the top ten outstanding films that should only have been explored once:
5. The Exorcist
“The Exorcist” is consistently regarded as one of the most outstanding horror films of all time. Upon its release, its intense horror shocked audiences and set the stage for countless horror films to follow in its wake.
Linda Blair starred in the central role as a young girl possessed by a demon, and the story follows her mother’s desperate attempts to save her. “The Exorcist” made a significant impact on viewers and critics alike, leading to two sequels and two prequels being produced.
One common point among its sequels is that they simply… did not measure up. One could even argue that these later entries did not add anything substantial to the original’s legacy, often resulting in a diluted narrative or excessive simplification, alongside a cast of increasingly forgettable characters.
4. The Matrix
It’s hard to find a science fiction film from the 90s that can match “The Matrix,” even if its narrative isn’t “pure” as some would argue; the excellence is undeniable. In the film, Keanu Reeves plays “Neo,” a hacker who discovers the truth about the world he lives in and works to free humanity from the machines’ oppression. A captivating plot combined with groundbreaking special effects has made the film a monumental success.
Due to its immense success, the studio decided to produce two follow-up films, which unfortunately did not meet expectations. The sequels became convoluted, overloaded with excessive detail, and philosophical musings that pushed the boundaries of comprehension in the two subsequent films.
While the sequels introduced intriguing concepts, they ultimately fell short of execution, leading many to recognize that the original film had retained its essence. It must be acknowledged that if “The Matrix” were to stand alone, it would… undoubtedly be far superior.
3. Psycho
While it faced numerous negative criticisms upon its release, “Psycho” quickly became a success both commercially and critically. It is beloved for its incredibly unique storytelling, outstanding cinematography, and one of the most iconic “shower scene” details in horror film history.
However, it is unfortunate that after the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock passed away, the studio transformed his masterpiece into a series of sequels that, by rule, only got worse each time. “Psycho II” is a remake that could not have been more disappointing when released in 1998.
Subsequent films have been reduced to mere gore, senseless violence, and have failed to recapture the chilling essence that defined Hitchcock’s original. Fortunately, it seems that most viewers have forgotten the existence of these lesser sequels.
2. Jurassic Park
“Jurassic Park” is often regarded as the best summer blockbuster in the career of legendary director Steven Spielberg. The film received high praise for its innovative use of CGI, a fresh storyline, memorable characters, and impressive effects.
The film captivated audiences worldwide, achieving massive commercial success. Consequently, the studio decided to turn it into a franchise, producing two additional sequels.
Creating a sequel to a successful film is… undoubtedly not an easy task. In fact, both sequels failed to impress, focusing less on character development and plot, and more on external spectacle. Nonetheless, even the visual effects that were groundbreaking at the time have become outdated.
Even the recent “Jurassic World” adaptation has yet to be able to match… the original, which was a significant success in terms of box office, still leaves many issues unresolved, like character depth, excessive narrative shortcuts, and CGI effects that don’t hold up compared to a work produced over 20 years ago!
1. Jaws
And the top spot on our list goes to “Jaws,” as the sequels did not merely tarnish the original film’s image but also harmed the entire genre of shark films.
“Jaws” was a groundbreaking film in terms of shark portrayal, creating a chilling atmosphere surrounding the existence of this species. It left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike, generating a staggering revenue of $260 million (just from the US), especially when compared to its budget of only $8-$9 million. At the same time, it also became the trailblazer for the summer blockbuster phenomenon in Hollywood.
In the subsequent years, three sequels were produced, all of which failed to reach the original’s quality. “Jaws 2” lost much of its suspense, while “Jaws 3-D” and “Jaws: The Revenge” sank deeper into absurdity, introducing one-dimensional characters and incoherent plots…
All three sequels have been lambasted by critics, with “Jaws: The Revenge” being honored as one of the films with a… 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And after the original’s legacy, no one wants to remember these unfortunate sequels.
According to Tasteofcinema
