The summer of recent years has been one of the most disappointing seasons for Hollywood, particularly with the release of sequels that few anticipated. From “Alice Through the Looking Glass” to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows”, filmmakers seem to understand that a previous success is not a guarantee of future triumph.
However, the truth is that the failure of sequels in 2016 is not a new phenomenon in Hollywood. Over the decades, we have witnessed many sequels that have been released and have disappointed countless fans.
Here’s a list of the 15 most disappointing sequels in modern history:
(Note: Not every film in this list is considered bad and unwatchable, but when compared to their predecessors, they certainly fall short.)
15. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
The late 1980s was a very intriguing period, as the United States was just recovering from the “Cold War” and seeking peace. So why not produce a Superman film directed at addressing global issues? The idea sounded appealing but quickly devolved into a poorly received film with abysmal special effects and lackluster action sequences.
14. The Godfather: Part III
After successfully producing two films considered among the greatest in cinematic history, it was inevitable that the studio would invest in a third installment. This is precisely what happened with director Francis Ford Coppola.
Despite having produced two classic films, Coppola struggled to pull off a “hat trick”. Although “The Godfather: Part III” is not a bad film, it can’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.
13. The Matrix Reloaded/The Matrix Revolutions
After “The Matrix” became a phenomenon and won four Academy Awards, it was clear that sequels would be on the way. Almost every viewer who adored Neo’s journey to becoming “The One” found the two sequels, “Reloaded” and “Revolutions,” disappointing.
12. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Some sequels seem to fall flat, and this was the case for director Oliver Stone’s return to the Wall Street world. “Gordon Gekko” attempts to navigate the chaos of the 2000s after spending time in prison, but it was not nearly as compelling as the original. The financial crisis of the 2000s simply wasn’t as captivating as the 1980s financial boom.
11. Spider-Man 3
In the third installment of the Spider-Man franchise directed by Sam Raimi, the “chemistry” between the director and lead actors Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst seems to have faded. The film lacks the vibrancy of the first two films, and the character Venom failed to capture the audience’s attention, leading to a disappointing conclusion.
10. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
While recognized as a clever romantic comedy, the 2004 sequel took an unexpected turn when Bridget Jones found herself in a Thai prison after cocaine was discovered in a gift she received from a stranger. This plot twist is so ludicrous that it’s hard to ignore.
9. The Hangover Part II
It’s rare for a comedy sequel to achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, and “The Hangover Part II” serves as a perfect example. Almost everything about the original film was reused, but instead of Las Vegas, our characters ended up in Thailand for their wild adventures. Unfortunately, it couldn’t capture the same magic as the first installment, making it a forgettable sequel.
8. Grease 2
If you thought the original film was a classic, you might be disappointed with the sequel, which lacks a coherent storyline and feels more chaotic. Although the songs and dance sequences are enjoyable, they are not enough to elevate “Grease 2” to the iconic status of its predecessor.
According to Business Insider
