Hollywood has long had a fascination with movie sequels, so much so, it has become a staple of successful franchises. From animated favorites to beloved action films, numerous sequels have not only met but exceeded the box office performance of their original counterparts, signaling audiences' desire for continued stories of favorite characters. With impressive earnings, films like Inside Out 2, Top Gun: Maverick, and Blade Runner 2049 exemplify this trend, showcasing how the right follow-up can captivate audiences and bring significant profits for studios.
Since its debut, Inside Out 2 has proven to be exceptionally lucrative, earning over $1 billion worldwide, following the original's impressive $850 million, as declared by IMDb's Box Office Mojo. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, expressed enthusiasm about the franchise's future, stating he would 'love' to see more installments come to life. The strong audience reception of the sequel affirms the integral role it can play within Pixar's revered catalog.
Similarly, Blade Runner 2049, released more than three decades after the iconic original, grossed over $276 million. This resurgence, attributed to director Denis Villeneuve's vision, was met with positive responses from audiences eager for cinematic depth. It's clear, thanks to standout performances by stars like Ryan Gosling, the sequel maintained resonance, invigorated by nostalgia yet driven by modern storytelling.
Animation also saw its share of successes, particularly with The Lion King (2019) reinventing the beloved classic. The groundbreaking remake was not just popular; it brought in over $1.6 billion worldwide, well above the original animated film's $981 million. While not strictly a sequel, it capitalizes on the same characters and storylines, proving Disney's timeless allure.
When it came to sequels raising the bar, Top Gun: Maverick certainly flew high, raking in over $1.4 billion globally. Fans of the original were thrilled to see Tom Cruise reprising his role decades later, reinvigorated by remarkable aerial stunts and heartfelt character development. This sequel proves itself as more than just another installment; it epitomizes what audiences crave from these continuations.
Even comedies managed to thrive, as seen with the success of 22 Jump Street, which outperformed its predecessor by over $100 million. Featuring comedic favorites like Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, it's no surprise the sequel was met with high expectations, leading to discussions of yet another follow-up set for 2024.
The Jumanji franchise also saw this successful formula, as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle took the box office by storm with its $962 million earnings, compared to the first film's $262.8 million. It has reinvigorated the series for both new viewers and nostalgic fans alike, merging action with comedy and character-driven storytelling.
Such impressive figures aren’t just confined to animated features; classics like Fast & Furious and Pirates of the Caribbean have shown strength across installments. For example, Furious 7 grossed a staggering $1.5 billion, marking it as the height of the franchise.
A franchise's strength is often bolstered by the characters built over time, such as those featured in the Harry Potter series. The franchise culminated with the last film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, making over $1.34 billion—a fitting conclusion for such beloved characters.
Finally, horror sequels often posit interesting dynamics within their franchises. While many struggle to capture the success of their predecessors, films like The Conjuring 2 and A Quiet Place Part II were able to successfully combine the thrills of horror with deep character arcs and remarkable narratives.
With such historical precedence of sequels performing well at the box office, the industry continues its pursuit of follow-ups, with the knowledge they bring not just profits but also the joy of returning to stories audiences love. Whether or not they will continue to outperform their originals remains to be seen, but for now, theaters are filled with eager fans, ready for more.
