A sequel is defined as a subsequent work based on the narrative of the previous one and which follows the chronology of events as represented by the original work. In movies, sequels are usually designated as Part II, Part III, and so on, usually with an added by-line or subtitles to provide a distinction from the others. Sequels are natural results of hit movies. By the law of supply and demand, a sequel is supplied when there is obvious demand for it as evidenced by box-office gross and continued interest.
Sequels are usually implied when movies have hanging endings. This is of course done to pique the interest of movie goers. In a way, the movie producers are already testing the waters if and when they decide to come up with sequels. There are several movies with sequels that easily make it to the Top List.
Star Wars
From the success of the first movie, it was quite evident that a sequel or sequels are coming our way. It couldn’t be helped as there was much pressure to do one. Apparently the original movie was only one story in a planned series of at least six consecutive stories. Some people are asking for more.
Alien
The film Alien has three sequels to its credit with another being rumored to be on the way. This science fiction horror film franchise is being sought to be returned to its original plot especially after the face-off between the Alien and the Predator.
Batman
Among the superheroes who ventured into films, it is the Batman character that appears to have the most sequels with different actors playing the lead at a given time. The Batman series is generally well-received by movie audiences and critics except for some specific installments but it cannot be denied that Batman movies continue to rake in moviegoers and profits.
Spider-Man
The first three Spider-Man movies starred in by Tobey Maguire grossed quite impressively at the box office with positive reviews to boot. The fourth film with a new director and lead star is a prequel rather than a sequel as it brings back Peter Parker’s high school days when he was just developing his abilities. This new beginning has already planned sequels in the drawing board.
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is an epic trilogy of the fantasy adventure genre. It is considered a huge financial success and has also been recognized through various nominations and awards. Its prequel, the Hobbit, is next in line and is expected to perform positively just as the first three movies.
There are many other movies with sequels that have performed commendably such as Toy Story, Harry Potter, Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course, James Bond. However, one movie sequel worth mentioning is Godfather II. It had the makings of a great sequel except that it wasn’t as commercially successful as the others.
About the guest author:
J. Rivera is a certified public accountant and a true-blooded movie aficionado. He enjoys watching movies online as much as watching them in movie theaters