10 Movies That Almost Killed Successful Franchises

by

There’s a unique pleasure in returning to cherished series, providing both enjoyment and familiarity. Yet, maintaining the freshness of these established franchises can be challenging for production studios. All too often, driven by the desire for quick profits, they prioritize quantity over quality, hastily releasing sequels, spin-offs, and reboots, neglecting the importance of script refinement in the process.

We’re examining films that faced such devastating outcomes – be it poor reviews, flopping at the box office, or a combination of both – that they appeared to deal fatal blows to their film series, seemingly ending them for all time. Remarkably, against all odds, they have somehow reemerged and regained popularity, finding their footing once more in the public eye.

Here are 10 movies that almost killed successful movie franchises.

10
‘The Matrix Revolutions’ (2003)

The groundbreaking film “The Matrix” significantly changed our understanding of reality, reshaping the science fiction genre through its innovative special effects and intricate plotline. For more than two decades, it has remained a significant part of popular culture, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Given its popularity, sequels were inevitable, and in 2003, we received two installments: “The Matrix Reloaded” in May and “The Matrix Revolutions” in November.

‘Matrix Revolutions’ Was Anti-Climactic

Reloaded” carried on from where “The Matrix” ended, maintaining its predecessor’s style of action sequences and deep, thought-provoking themes. Although it didn’t match the original’s impact, it was generally well-received with a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Advertised as the final chapter in the “Matrix” series, “Revolutions,” unfortunately, left a sour taste for many viewers due to its confusing, seemingly unresolved ending and lackluster final fight, reflected in its poor 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The initial “Matrix” movie continues to be a captivating evergreen masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark and enduring prestige that prevented the series from vanishing. This timeless appeal rekindled curiosity and ultimately led to a resurrection of the franchise in 2021 with “The Matrix Resurrections.” This sequel aimed to tackle some lingering mysteries from the original trilogy, although opinions on how effectively it achieved this vary significantly among viewers.

9
‘Terminator Salvation’ (2009)

1984 saw the arrival on screen of “The Terminator,” a film masterfully directed by James Cameron. This movie effortlessly combines science fiction with high-octane action, resulting in a storyline that continues to captivate audiences even today. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unforgettable performance as the ruthless and nearly indestructible Terminator left an indelible mark on cinema.

After achieving significant success, a more seasoned Cameron was granted increased creative control and a larger budget. This led to the creation of one of the most visually stunning, action-filled, intellectually stimulating science fiction films ever produced – Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Driven by elements from horror and action movies, this genre-blending tour de force solidified Cameron as a groundbreaking director in the industry and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the top action actor. Schwarzenegger reprised his role in the 2003 release Rise of the Machines, although it may not have equaled the first two films, it still showcased a commendable performance.

The Series Suffered Following the Departure of Its Star Actor

Sadly, the 2009 film “Terminator Salvation” opted to change the series’ direction drastically – a risk that didn’t seem to pay off. Unlike its predecessors, Arnold Schwarzenegger was not featured, instead replaced by Christian Bale. Though Bale gave an acceptable performance, the narrative, which primarily took place in a post-apocalyptic future and diverted focus from the time travel aspect crucial to earlier films, didn’t strike a chord with viewers or critics. Consequently, it has the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score among all movies in the series at only 33%.

There’s been a resurgence of excitement around the franchise, as Schwarzenegger re-joins the team, and the latest installment, “Terminator: Dark Fate,” is praised for getting back to its roots, earning a 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

8
‘Planet of the Apes’ (2001)

The initial trilogy of “Planet of the Apes” movies, featuring conflicts between humans and intelligent apes vying for power, are legendary in the realm of science fiction films. In the year 2001, Tim Burton endeavored to revive the series, but his effort—which included substantial alterations to the existing “Planet of the Apes” universe, like redefining the social hierarchy and world construction—displeased many dedicated fans. Consequently, it fell short of recapturing that original magic, and the negative feedback halted any plans for subsequent films.

Fortunately, the Franchise Has Since Been Revived

Due to the 2011 reboot and its subsequent sequels, the Planet of the Apes series has regained its status as a top-notch franchise in Hollywood. It offers not only exhilarating action sequences, but also profound character development and intriguing philosophical discussions for viewers to ponder upon.

7
‘Jurassic Park 3’ (2001)

30 years ago, the iconic movie “Jurassic Park,” directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill in its cast, was released. Initially, it shattered box office records, a feat it maintained until 1997 when “Titanic” came along. The science fiction tale of dinosaur chaos was both captivating and compelling, the acting was exceptional, and the effects were mind-blowingly innovative and revolutionary.

The Franchise Faced Extinction Following the Critical Failure of ‘Jurassic Park III’

In a sense, the sequel titled “The Lost World” didn’t quite manage to rekindle the charm of the first; however, by the third installment, there seemed to be a significant shortage of fresh ideas. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just unoriginal but also lacked compelling characters that resonated with audiences. Critics were particularly harsh, giving it the most unfavorable reviews in the series. After this, the franchise appeared to have been left untouched for a span of 15 years.

The franchise was revived in 2015 through the release of “Jurassic World”, one of the biggest box office hits ever made. This film prevented the franchise’s demise and led to the production of two more highly successful sequels.

The dinosaur-themed franchise was brought back to life in 2015 with the launch of “Jurassic World”, a movie that became one of the highest-earning films ever made. Thanks to this film’s success, the franchise avoided extinction and went on to produce two more blockbuster sequels.

6
‘Ghostbusters’ (2016)

In the realm of cinematic delights, I’ve had the pleasure of revisiting Ivan Reitman’s masterpiece, “Ghostbusters.” This film is a unique blend of chilling supernatural suspense and side-splitting humor that creates an unforgettable experience. The story follows a quirky band of ghost hunters who become the city’s unexpected defenders against the otherworldly. “Ghostbusters” and its sequel have undeniably earned their spots as timeless comedy classics, proving they’ve passed the test of time with flying colors.

Many Weren’t Open to Change

In 2016, a fresh adaptation of Ghostbusters featuring an all-female team was launched. This new version aimed to bring a refreshing perspective on the popular idea, but it didn’t quite live up to its expectations among audiences, stirring up a lot of debate. The change in direction became a highly contentious issue in Hollywood, sparking discussions about gender equality in the industry and online harassment targeted at the cast members. This movie is now known as one of the most divisive films in Hollywood’s history.

Although it had some success at the box office, the negative reactions seemed to put an end to any more plans for the franchise—that is, until fans were delighted with a continuation in the form of the acclaimed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and its follow-up, “Frozen Empire.

5
‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life’ (2003)

Derived from one of the most successful and adored video game series ever made, the initial Tomb Raider films premiered in cinemas in 2001, featuring Angelina Jolie portraying Lara Croft in her signature cargo shorts, utility belt, and ponytail. Despite unfavorable reviews from critics, a follow-up titled Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life was released in 2003 and received even harsher criticism from the film industry.

‘Cradle of Life’ Suffered from Its Style-Over-Substance, Action Approach

The original film faced criticism due to an overemphasis on action scenes and visual effects instead of focusing on character depth and an engaging plot. However, the 2018 reboot managed to steer clear of most of these issues. Now, enthusiasts of this well-known franchise are holding their breath in anticipation as information about the production of a potential movie, series, and game gradually surfaces.

4
‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)

Batman, one of DC Comics’ most well-known and long-lasting superheroes due to his popularity, has been featured on screen numerous times. The first major live-action adaptation emerged as the critically praised blockbuster Batman, directed by Tim Burton in 1989. This film presented a more somber and intense version of Batman, departing from the lighthearted 60’s series. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman and Jack Nicholson’s Joker character helped reshape superhero films by combining style, grit, and psychological complexity. Burton continued to delve deeper into darkness with Batman Returns in 1992, which also received positive reviews from critics and was successful at the box office.

Joel Schumacher Brought an Unwanted Layer of Lightness to Batman’s Dark Knight Persona

The turning point occurred when Joel Schumacher took over the series, starting with the more lighthearted film Batman Forever. However, it was Batman & Robin that appeared to seal its fate. This movie essentially reversed everything that Tim Burton had contributed to the franchise and is often listed as one of the worst superhero films ever produced. The movie suffered from a tonal inconsistency bordering on parody, with weak humor attempts, over-the-top action scenes, and special effects that were questionable even with a substantial budget.

10 long years had passed since the franchise took a backseat, but it was Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy that breathed new life into it. This period, often hailed as the pinnacle of the franchise, is not only cherished by fans for its storytelling brilliance, but also for its unprecedented box office success.

3
‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002)

Originally unveiled in 1978, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” stands as a cherished and emblematic horror film, essentially sketching the roadmap for the slasher genre and casting a long shadow over numerous subsequent productions. Regrettably, most films that emerged within its franchise were primarily weak echoes of the initial groundbreaking work. However, it’s worth noting that the series built up a dedicated following among horror enthusiasts, with one film in particular garnering significant praise from these fans.

The film titled “Halloween H20” was widely acclaimed as a rejuvenation of the series, receiving much appreciation for Jamie Lee Curtis’s intense and realistic portrayal and its innovative and gruesome deaths.

‘Resurrection’ Was a Disappointing Sequel to the Best Halloween Entry in Years

Following another intriguing installment that excited the fanbase, it was even more disheartening when they encountered such a poor sequel. Resurrection takes on a tacky, overly dramatic approach, incorporating an ill-fitting reality TV show concept, which clashes with the overall tone of the series. It’s not surprising that fans were saddened by the early demise of Laurie Strode in the movie, as it seemed to undermine the beloved character and her significant development within the franchise.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that it took the series of Halloween quite some time to regain its former glory following the less-than-stellar response to the installment named Resurrection. In an attempt to revive the franchise in 2007, Rob Zombie stepped up to the plate, but many purists of the original were left disenchanted by his fresh take on the series. Nonetheless, he did revisit the director’s chair for a sequel, yet it fell flat both critically and financially, leaving the franchise in a state of uncertainty once more. It wasn’t until 2018 that the long-awaited legacy sequel, Halloween, finally managed to breathe new life into this classic horror series.

2
‘Godzilla’ (1998)

The Godzilla franchise, well-known and iconic with more than 20 Japanese movies, found itself in Hollywood’s grasp as early as 1998. With a massive budget of approximately $140 million, the anticipation for this adaptation was immense. However, what resulted was not the triumphant roar we had expected but rather an overwhelming failure instead.

‘Godzilla’ Holds the Record for the Longest Continuously Running Film Series

The film was a confusing jumble, filled with dubious performances and puzzling character choices. Beyond its illogical storyline and excessive use of special effects, the movie committed two crucial errors.

Initially, in contrast to many Japanese portrayals, my take on Godzilla lacked any distinct character or individuality. Unlike the usual interpretation where Godzilla serves as both an antagonist and protector, this version was simply a colossal lizard. However, in the traditional narratives, it’s not just its immense size that resonates with audiences; it’s the personality that Godzilla possesses, providing a deeper connection for viewers.

Additionally, rather than revealing the characters’ backstories at the beginning of the film (as is common), it opted to delay this until halfway through – a strategy that left viewers forming initial judgments based on first impressions alone. Consequently, it became challenging to change these opinions about the characters later in the story.

The film received widespread negative criticism, leading to the termination of a proposed three-part sequel. However, luckily, the franchise has seen a resurgence in popularity due to contemporary American reinterpretations that steered clear of previous mistakes and stayed truer to the original storyline.

1
‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’

Originally, the films Alien and Predator, renowned as classics, have given rise to a mix of hit and miss follow-ups. Combining two legendary and fearsome creatures from the silver screen – feeding off years of speculation and creative possibilities – promised an experience that would be hard to forget.

A Crossover Was a Great Idea on Paper

The initial encounter between these two franchises occurred in the 2004 film “Alien vs. Predator”, but instead of the intense, dramatic clash that fans anticipated, it opted for a PG-13 rating and appeared rather tame and diluted, wasting immense potential. Believing things couldn’t get any more disappointing, “Alien vs. Predator – Requiem” followed suit by removing the grand, alien atmosphere from both “Alien” and “Predator”. Rather than delving into the intricate lore or escalating the tension, it delivered a dull, ordinary small-town action horror lacking any depth or character.

Perhaps one day we’ll experience the eagerly anticipated blend of these two popular series, but for now, each franchise has been working tirelessly to repair the harm inflicted on their reputations following the events of “Requiem“. The recent releases of “Predator: Prey” and the upcoming “Alien: Romulus” offer promising signs that these intellectual properties might still have a viable future.

Read More

2025-04-15 04:04