Many films leave a lasting impression on audiences, but only a select few are so memorable that audiences crave more. Unfortunately, not all films receive thesequeltreatment they deserve. Some of the most beloved movies have beenleft without a follow-updue to a lack of interest from studios, creators moving on to other projects, or actors not wanting to return. The fact that these films stand-alone only adds to their legacy, leaving audiences longing and wondering about what could have been.
Update August 20, 2025: This article has been updated with more sequels audiences would love to see, as well as additional information on if any entry does have a follow-up in the works.
For as obsessed as Hollywood appears to be with sequels, not everything generates a sequel, even if fans want it. While some people might just assume action movies are the ones that deserved sequels, there are also plenty of comedies, romances, and dramas that audiences would like to see follow-up films for. Here we list some of the best movies that missed the boat of sequel treatment and continue to capture the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.
13Jumper (2008)
Jumper, directed by Doug Liman, is a science fiction film based on Steven Gould’s 1992 novel of the same name. The movie follows a young man named David Rice (Hayden Christensen), who discovers he has the power to teleport and uses this power to evade those hunting him while also trying to uncover the truth about his past. The film grossed $222.5 million worldwide despite receiving mixed reviews.
Before the film’s release, the lead actors pondered the likelihood of sequels. The director Doug Liman also spoke of his ideas for a sequel, mentioning that Jumpers could reach other planets and even be time travelers. He also stated that Millie Harris (Rachel Bilson) would learn how to jump. Steven Gould, the author of the novel, also published a sequel in 2004 called “Reflex” and two more novels in the series were published in 2014. There has been no official announcement of a sequel for the movie to date. There was, however, a spin-off TV series released on YouTube Premium in 2018 titledImpulse that ran from2018 to 2019.
12The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015)
The Man from U.N.C.L.Eis a thrilling spy film directed by Guy Ritchie and is a modern take on the 1964 television series of the same name. The movie follows CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) forced to put aside their differences and work together on a joint mission to take down a dangerous criminal organization seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.
While initially seen as a disappointment at the time in terms of box office and critical reaction, the movie has grown a cult following over the years. The movie is a perfect blend of style and substance, with Ritchie’s signature direction and a witty, sharp script that showcases the charming performances of the three lead actors. The film leaves the audience yearning for more with an open ending that needs a sequel to explore the next chapter of the agents' adventure. If a sequel were to materialize, they would need to recastArmie Hammer after sexual misconduct and abuse allegationswere leveled against the actor.
11Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Huntingwas a breakout hit in 1997. Directed by Gus Van Sant, the movie truly launched the careers of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and won both Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and won Best Supporting Actor for the great Robin Williams. Good Will Hunting ended on a nice note, but also one that theoretically could have been explored in a sequel of what Will Hunting’s life was like now.
Yet a sequel was never made, and with the passing of Robin Williams likely never would. Damon and Affleck have continued to collaborate together, most recently with the hit Amazon Prime film Air, but this is a one-and-done story for them. The closest thing to a sequel is a parody scene inJay and Silent Bob Strike Backthat showsGood Will Hunting 2: Hunting Seasonas an action movie.
10District 9 (2009)
District 9is a thought-provoking science fiction film directed by Neill Blomkamp that explores themes of segregation, racism, and xenophobia. The story follows Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a South African bureaucrat tasked with relocating a group of alien refugees, known as “prawns,” to a new internment camp called District 9. As Wikus becomes increasingly involved with the alien community, he begins to question the government’s treatment of them and ultimately joins forces with the prawns to fight against their oppression.
Related:How District 9’s Ending Leaves It Open for District 10
The film was widely praised for its innovative storytelling, powerful performances, and stunning visual effects. It was a commercial success and garnered critical acclaim, earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film ends on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences wondering about the fate of the characters and the alien community. Despite initial talks about a sequel,District 10has yet to materialize, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to this thought-provoking and powerful film.
9How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Romantic comedies usually have a satisfying ending and don’t leave their audience craving a sequel. However, when the movie is as good asHow To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, it’s different. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, who play the lead characters, have such amazing and addictive on-screen chemistry, especially in this movie. They play the role of two people dating but at the same time hiding a secret agenda and plotting for their partner’s downfall. They spend almost the whole movie covering up their schemes and wearing a mask that would make it interesting to watch a sequel about their actual romance.
Something along the same line as theMeet The Parentstrilogy would definitely satisfy our Rom-Com fans. IfThe Hangovermovies can get a trilogy, and those just repeat the exact same movie, then there is nothing to say thatHow To Lose a Guy in 10 Dayscould not support at least one follow-up.
8True Lies (1994)
True Liesis a thrilling and action-packed spy comedy directed and written by James Cameron. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker, a secret agent who leads a double life as a seemingly dull salesman to his family. But when Harry discovers his wife’s extramarital affair, his world is turned upside down, and he must navigate the challenges of saving his marriage and the world from a dangerous terrorist organization. The film seamlessly blends action, adventure, and comedy elements, with a standout performance from Schwarzenegger and expertly crafted suspenseful moments.
The film was a huge commercial success, grossing over $378 million at the box office, and was widely praised by critics. The film’s ending left viewers on a cliffhanger, with the potential for Harry and his wife to work together in the future. A sequel was in active development in the 90s, but the 9/11 attacks made the notion of urban terrorism in an action-comedy appear insensitive, and the sequel was ultimately ruled out. Despite this, the film remains a beloved classic in the action-comedy genre.
7Step Brothers (2008)
Step Brothersis a 2008 American comedy classic directed by Adam McKay and starring John C. Reillyand Will Ferrell. They play the roles of two adult stepbrothers still living in their parent’s house. They move in together when their parents get married and start bonding over their shared interests. The movie gets even more hilarious when their parents try to push them into adulthood by sending them to job interviews they are not prepared for.
The brothers' immature personalities and the parallel world (bubble) that they created make watching their eccentric connection all the more entertaining. And it is probably why this movie is one of the most re-watched comedies of all time. But it takes watching it only once to know it deserves a sequel.
6World War Z (2013)
World War Zis an action-packed horror film directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former UN investigator. The film follows Lane as he races against time to stop azombie pandemicfrom engulfing the world. The film’s epic scale and spectacular action set pieces create a pulse-pounding experience for audiences. Its global scope is particularly noteworthy, as it shows the entire world in chaos instead of just focusing on a single country. The movie’s ominous ending leaves the door open for a sequel, leaving audiences wanting more and wondering about the fate of the remaining non-infected population.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $540 million on a $190 million budget, and quickly gained a cult following. Despite plans for a sequel being announced shortly after its release, they were ultimately canceled in 2019 due to budget issues. David Fincher was even attached at one point to direct the sequel.
5Wanted (2008)
Wantedis an American action thriller film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and starring James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, a frustrated office worker who discovers that his long-lost father was a professional assassin and joins his father’ssecret organization of assassinsafter his father’s murder. The film boasts a unique plot twist and impressive acting, editing, and action scenes.
It was a box office success, opening to $50 million in the US and grossing over $341 million worldwide. Its critical and commercial success led to plans for a sequel, with the director announcing plans for one before the film’s release and McAvoy expressing interest in returning. However, over a decade has passed despite initial plans, and a sequel has yet to materialize.
4Up (2009)
Upis a 2009 animated movie directed by Pete Docter, starring the voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, and Bob Peterson. While Pixar broke out with original hits, they also have made many follow-ups to their beloved films.Toy StoryandCarshave multiple sequels,The IncrediblesandFinding Nemogot long-awaited sequels, andInside Out 2is set for release in 2015. YetUp, one of the studio’s most beloved properties and a Best Picture nominee did not get one.
The idea of anUpsequel was even mocked in the Warner Bros. seriesHarley Quinn, where Bane wants them to make a sequel, but Lex Luthor points out the story was resolved. The closest thing anyone will get to an Up sequel is thePixar shortCarl’s Date, which plays beforeElemental. This likely is the final time audiences will be able to see a new entry in theUpfranchise, as Ed Asner passed away in 2021.
