19 Movies That Never Started Out as a Franchise
Some of the biggest movie franchises started out small, with no real intent to be franchises at all. Luckily, audiences just didn’t want to “Let It Go” and insisted on more “Frozen,” more “Fast and the Furious,” and more Pixar.
'Halloween' (1978)
John Carpenter's third feature film, in which a masked psycho terrorizes his home town, also happened to be one of the first slasher films. Michael Myers became an iconic (and unkillable) horror legend, with ten films, comic books, and a videogame. And it launched Jamie Lee Curtis' career as a Scream Queen.
'Alien' (1979)
Ridley Scott's brilliant sci-fi horror film was followed by James Cameron's action-packed sequel, "Aliens," and then David Fincher's much-hated "Alien 3." Now Scott is back at the helm and the xenomorph universe just keeps expanding, with "Alien: Covenant," the sixth film, opening May 19.
'Mad Max' (1979)
This gritty little post-apocalyptic Aussie movie helped catapult Mel Gibson to stardom. Two sequels followed, including "The Road Warrior," one of the greatest action films of all time. It's the rare franchise that's had the same director throughout: Visionary George Miller, who dazzled us with "Mad Max: Fury Road" and (hurrah!) plans to continue the series.
'The Evil Dead' (1981)
One of the most beloved cult horror films was shot for a mere $100k by a then 20-year-old Ash vs. Evil Dead."
'Predator' (1987)
A crowd-pleasing sci-fi actioner in which Arnold Schwarzenegger and crew battle an invisible alien hunter in the jungle. This fan-fave was followed by the Ah-nuld-less sequel in 1990, then "Predators" in 2010. 2018 brings "The Predator," directed by Shane Black -- who co-starred inthe original film. (And the faster you forget about those, "Alien vs. Predator" films, the better.)
'Die Hard' (1988)
Our love for the original "Die Hard" has not diminished, but sadly, the quality of the sequels has, not to mention star Bruce Willis' enthusiasm for them. After five films, the series is leaning towards a reboot with a younger John McClane. That'll do, Bruce, that'll do.
'The Fugitive' (1993)
Rather than have Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) wrongfully accused of another crime, the unlikely sequel, "U.S. Marshals," focused on Lt. Gerard, played once again by Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones. Because there are always more fugitives to catch. And Gerard still doesn't care if they're innocent or not.
'The Crow' (1994)
Tragically, Brandon Lee was killed during filming, but the series went on without him. Mark Dacascos took over the role in a short-lived TV series, but subsequent sequels featured different characters returning from the dead. A planned remake has cycled through several directors and potential stars: At last report, Jason Momoa will be the new Crow.
'Toy Story' (1995)
Once upon a time, all Disney sequels went straight-to-video. But Pixar's enterprising group of toys was just too damn popular and 1999's "Toy Story 2" did even bigger box office than the first film. It took ages, but we finally got "Toy Story 3" in 2010 and "Toy Story 4" is in the works for 2019.
'The Matrix' (1999)
Maybe it would have been better if the Wachowskis had just given us the first mind-blowing "Matrix" instead of disappointing us with two lame sequels. (The rave? Augh! The Architect? Nooooo!) Of course, there is also "The Animatrix" and comic books, and video games.
'The Fast and the Furious' (2001)
This little hot-rod movie turned into one of the biggest franchises ever, with no signs of stopping this century. (We're still missing Paul Walker, whose untimely death in 2013 meant that "Furious 7" was his last film.) The eighth film, "The Fate of the Furious," opens April 14.
'Monsters, Inc.' (2001)
Prequels with the same characters can be tricky (hello, Wolverine and Legolas), but with animation, it's a cinch! "Monsters University," the 2013 prequel to this hit Pixar movie, showed us how Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) first met. There are also two "Monsters" shorts: "Mike's New Car" and "Party Central."
'Ocean's 11' (2001)
Assembling this crack team of thieves proved so successful, the gang was back for two more fun-filled heists, all directed by Steven Soderbergh. The all-female spinoff "Ocean's Eight," starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett, is due in 2018.
'Finding Nemo' (2003)
It took over a decade, but the long-in-the-works sequel to this Oscar-winning Pixar film, "Finding Dory," finally swam into theaters in 2016. "Dory" didn't even get nominated for Best Animated (*sob*), but it did out-gross the first film.
'Underworld' (2003)
When the first film opened, we weren't used to seeing Kate Beckinsale in anything but corsets and period films. Now she's played death dealer Selene four times and it seems weird if she's not wearing leather and spandex. The standalone, "Rise of the Lycans," told the story of sexy werewolf Lucian (Michael Sheen).
'Frozen' (2013)
When a movie is this beloved and all the little girls are still dressing up like Elsa and singing "Let It Go," of course a sequel is inevitable. Tragically, we'll have to wait until 2019 for it.
'Magic Mike' (2012)
Turns out, people really like it when Channing Tatum and his sexy friends dance and strip. Auteur Steven Soderbergh didn't return for the sequel, "Magic Mike XXL," and it grossed about half of the original. It's currently being adapted for Broadway, where we expect it to win ALL the Tonys.
'John Wick' (2014)
Keanu Reeves + kickass action = franchise heaven! His badass assassin returned for "John Wick: Chapter 2" and Reeves himself is pitching ideas for "Chapter 3."
'Pitch Perfect' (2012)
The Barden Bellas sang their hearts out in two aca-mazing films so far, and the third go-round is out in 2018. Elizabeth Banks directed the second film; Trish Sie, of OK Go videos and "Step Up: All In" fame, takes over for "Pitch Perfect 3."
