Photo credit: movieweb.com
While the allure of original stories and new intellectual properties remains strong, there is a certain comfort in returning to familiar franchises. However, studios often struggle to maintain that fresh feeling, balancing the desire for profit with the quality of storytelling. In the quest for rapid returns, many have rushed out sequels, reboots, and spin-offs without carefully considering the scripts or the essence of the original series. Conversely, some franchises have taken a step back, lying dormant until a stellar script emerges, sometimes years or even decades later, that can breathe new life into the brand.
Occasionally, a singular film manages to rekindle interest in a franchise, effectively combining innovation with the core elements that made the original noteworthy. This article features films that revitalized struggling franchises, demonstrating that success requires more than just nostalgia; it demands evolution in storytelling, fresh perspectives, and an ability to connect with contemporary audiences while reminding them of the franchise’s original impact.
10 ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
The original Mad Max film, featuring a then-unknown Mel Gibson, skyrocketed to success. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland and produced with a modest budget, it grossed over $100 million, significantly boosting interest in Australian cinema on a global scale. Following two sequels in the early ’80s, the franchise seemed to wane, with both films being respected but not as commercially successful.
‘Fury Road’ Is One of the Greatest Action Movies of the 21st Century
After a three-decade hiatus, Mad Max: Fury Road emerged and reinvigorated the franchise with high-octane action that captivated audiences. With a budget of approximately $170 million, this film moved beyond the grittiness of its predecessor to create a high-energy spectacle filled with stunning visuals and innovative effects. Both critical and commercial reception was overwhelmingly positive.
The success of Fury Road led to the creation of a prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which, despite sharing a similar approach, did not achieve the same accolades, leaving the franchise’s future uncertain once more.
9 ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)
Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg and featuring stars like Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill, Jurassic Park celebrated its 30th anniversary with a reputation as a groundbreaking film. It dominated the box office upon its release, maintaining the title of the highest-grossing film until 1997. However, its sequels in the ’90s struggled to recreate the original’s magic, leading to a long period of dormancy for the franchise.
‘Jurassic World’ Saved the Franchise from Extinction
Nearly 15 years later, Jurassic World was unleashed, following a familiar formula but greatly amplifying every element. The park, the dinosaurs, and the box office success all reached new heights. With a cast that included Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the film shattered box office records, reinforcing the Jurassic Park series as one of the most lucrative franchises in history.
8 ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ (2011)
The original Planet of the Apes trilogy remains iconic within the sci-fi genre, yet a 2001 Tim Burton reboot failed to capture its essence, leading to a halt in any continuation plans. In 2011, Rupert Wyatt aimed to transform the franchise with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which garnered acclaim for its depth, storytelling, and Andy Serkis’ portrayal of Caesar.
A New Direction
This film successfully redirected the series and established its place as a thought-provoking contender within Hollywood. It combined action with rich character development and philosophical musings, making it a standout entry of the decade. Subsequent films, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, continued its success, enhancing the franchise’s legacy.
7 ‘Creed’ (2015)
The Rocky saga holds a cherished place in sports cinema, but after nearly 30 years and six films, it seemed the story of Rocky Balboa had reached its conclusion with 2006’s Rocky Balboa.
There Was Still Fight in the Franchise Yet
Following a near decade of inactivity, Creed emerged, proving there was still potential in the franchise. This spin-off centers on Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, who seeks guidance from Rocky Balboa. The film was met with critical acclaim, earning a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, exceeding even the original’s ratings. Audiences praised Michael B. Jordan’s performance and the film’s emotional depth, paving the way for Creed II and Creed III—both of which maintained favorable reviews.
6 ‘Halloween’ (2018)
Originally released in 1978, John Carpenter’s Halloween is a foundational piece of horror that shaped the slasher genre. Unfortunately, its sequels failed to resonate and were often criticized for their lack of originality and coherence.
‘Halloween’ Serves as a Legacy Sequel to the Original
In an effort to redeem the franchise, the 2018 iteration positioned itself as a soft reboot, disregarding all sequels. Set four decades after the original, Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her role as Laurie Strode, the only survivor of the original attack. This new chapter was raw, intense, and suspenseful, leading to its acclaim as the highest-grossing slasher film, prompting further sequels: Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends.
5 ‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
The Batman character has been adapted numerous times for the screen, with various takes shaping his legacy. Tim Burton’s vision introduced a darker tone, but the franchise faced a lull after the less-received films from Joel Schumacher in the late ’90s.
‘The Dark Knight’ Trilogy Is Considered the Franchise’s Finest Era
After a decade of silence, Christopher Nolan revitalized the Batman franchise with Batman Begins, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s origins in a deeply emotional and gritty narrative. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to the critically acclaimed sequels and cementing this trilogy as a defining moment in superhero cinema.
4 ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021)
Directed by Ivan Reitman, the original Ghostbusters has become a culturally significant film, combining comedy with supernatural elements. Despite a less well-received 2016 reboot, fans were pleased with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which served as a fitting continuation of the story.
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Blends Loving Nostalgia With Fresh Ideas
Taking place 32 years after Ghostbusters II, this film introduces a new generation while honoring the legacy of the original characters. Following a family that inherits the farm of original Ghostbuster Egon Spengler, the story bridges nostalgia and new experiences seamlessly, igniting renewed interest in the franchise and leading to a sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
3 ‘The Mummy’ (1999)
The Mummy franchise began in 1932 with a classic horror film, evolving through various iterations and styles. The 1999 remake diverged from traditional horror into the action-adventure realm.
‘The Mummy’ Took the Franchise in an Entirely New Direction
More akin to Indiana Jones than horror, this remake starred Brendan Fraser as the charismatic Rick O’Connell, capturing audiences with humor and adventure. Its sequel, The Mummy Returns, continued the story but the third installment faltered due to poor execution. However, the initial film remains a classic in the adventure genre.
2 ‘Scream’ (2022)
Wes Craven’s original Scream film merged horror and humor with a unique self-awareness, reshaping the slasher genre through its clever commentary.
The Scream Franchise Is Back in Full Force
Although subsequent films saw dwindling interest and mixed reviews, the latest Scream installment revitalized the franchise, drawing on what made the original successful while introducing new characters. This resurgence has led to a renewed appreciation and excitement for more sequels in the pipeline.
1 ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)
The original Star Wars trilogy remains one of the most iconic film series, with massive cultural and financial impacts. However, previous attempts to revisit the saga in the prequel trilogy received mixed reactions.
‘The Force Awakens’ Blasted the Franchise Into the Stratosphere
After Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, The Force Awakens managed to successfully marry nostalgia with new, compelling characters. It resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers, achieving remarkable box office success and reinvigorating the franchise for a new generation.
Source
movieweb.com