We are halfway through the2020s, meaning it has been long enough for certainfilmsreleased since 2020 to get sequels. Some of these films wrapped up neatly, leaving little room for confusion or continuation, to the point that a follow-up might even interfere with their greatness. Others, however, beg for a sequel. And while some of them already have one in development or at least confirmed, many do not have such promising news. Still,it is interesting to imagine what certain sequels would look like, even if the original movie didn’t seem like the start of a franchise.
Whether through unresolved puzzles, in-depth world-building, or intriguing hints at other stories concerning secondary characters, certainsuccessful films from the 2020shave paved the way for a sequel in one way or the other. Agood movie sequeldoes not simply need to continue the original story but can also expand the surrounding universe and reinvent the original idea, not to mention how some could even get a spiritual successor that isn’t necessarily an official sequel.
10Soul
Released In 2020
One of Pixar’s latest movies,Soul, isa poignant story about the meaning of life, identity, and finding a sense of purpose. In the first movie, the main character is a struggling musician who, right when his dreams are about to come true, falls to his death. Refusing to give up, his life forms an alliance with a lost soul (literally) in a pre-existing limbo who, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with living.
Soul
Cast
Pixar’s Soul follows Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a pianist, who is killed in an accident just before his big opportunity to finally succeed in the world of jazz music. Joe’s soul gets stuck in the “Great Before”, a purgatory which gives him the idea of reuniting his body and soul. Alongside Foxx, Soul features the voices of Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, and Angela Bassett.
Soul, perhaps more than anyDisney Pixar movie, touches upon existential themes of belonging. It offers a philosophical commentary on people’s obsession with finding a unique path that would grant them value and meaning. It proved that children’s cartoons can deliver in-depth exploration of more serious topics without losing their playful appeal.A sequel could expand on this, perhaps telling where 22, the originally lost soul, is and how they are currently dealing with the life they once feared. It would also be nice for the two main characters to reunite.
9Last Night in Soho
Released In 2021
Last Night in Sohoisa brilliant thriller that subverted the genre’s classical tropesand featured Thomasin Mckenzie as the young and sensitive Eloise and Anya Taylor-Joy as the mysterious Sandie. The story alternates between modern-time London, exploring Eloise’s life as a newly-arrived student at UAL, and the 1960s British Capital through the former’s dream about Sandie, an aspiring singer trying to make it in the big city. Slowly, the story builds up to the unexpected, final plot twist while also revealing the psychic ability of the protagonist.
Last Night in Soho
In the acclaimed director Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller, Last Night in Soho, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. However, the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.
It isthe gift of Eloise in Last Night in Soho that sets up a sequel. The young student, now equipped with an ability that she is able to control and recognize, can explore beyond Sandie’s past and uncover new secrets. As a consequence,a further film could take advantage of thisby delving into a different and equally exciting period in the history of London, while also introducing new fascinating characters and thrilling mysteries.
8Tenet
Although Christopher Nolan’s 2020 movieTenetdivided critics, there are several fans everywhere who would definitely enjoy a continuation of the mind-blowing and confusing story. The film director chose to delve into one of his favorite subjects: time.
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The film is a sci-fi, action thriller portraying a former CIA agent who joins a covert organization to investigate time-reversing objects and their link to an attack from the future on the present. Despite the mixed opinions it received,Tenetis a very interesting addition toNolan’s filmography.The story, incredibly complex and detailed, could easily be brought to new heightsand explored further in a sequel.
Tenet
Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a nameless Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.
There are somany twists and possible mysteries to uncover, to the point a sequel could actually be a prequel and vice versa. Unfortunately, Christopher Nolan has never done a sequel outside theDark Knighttrilogy, and it seems highly unlikely that he will ever do so for movies likeInceptionorTenet.
7Encanto
Disney’sEncantoenchanted the audience and critics alike, delivering a heartfelt musical fantasy that follows Mirabel Madrigal, a fifteen-year-old girl who finds out she is the only one in her family without a magical gift, and she embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery behind her family’s fading powers. The magical realism, exploration of themes like generational pressure, and melodic music made the cartoon instantly a cult, with songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” becoming a phenomenon.
Encanto
Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charming (and enchanted) place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might be her exceptional family’s last hope. Mirabel will seek out her missing cousin, Bruno, to discover the truth that Abuela has buried away for all of their lives.
Given its success, anEncantosequelseems like a no-brainer for Disney but has yet to be confirmed.A follow-up could expand the story while introducing new family membersor magical communities, without losing track of the more delicate themes analyzed in the first movie, such as transgenerational trauma and the impact of societal and family expectations on mental health.
6Underwater
Underwaterpremiered in 2020 as a sci-fi action horror featuring Norah (interpreted by Kirsten Stewart) and a group of workers attempting to survive against terrifying marine monsters after the drilling facility at the bottom of the ocean where they operate is destroyed by an earthquake.
Underwater’s ending set up a sequel by suggesting that Tian Industries might have had more knowledge than expected about what lurked at the bottom of the Marianna Trench.
The movie manipulates humans' haunting terror of the unknown deep sea while simultaneously playing with the surrounding catastrophic atmosphere. Although it received mixed reviews, it delivered an interesting twist thatteased a more complex storytaking place behind the events portrayed.
Underwater
After a massive earthquake damages an oceanic research company’s station, the crew must travel across the ocean floor to the safety of another base. The only catch is that the unknown waters are home to dangerous aquatic monsters. Underwater stars Kristen Stewart in the lead role alongside Vincent Cassel, Mamoudou Athie, and TJ Miller.
Underwater’s ending set up a sequelby suggesting that Tian Industries might have had more knowledge than expected about what lurked at the bottom of the Marianna Trench, while also seemingly revealing thatNorah’s final choice might not have put an end to the creatures. It would be worth, therefore, delving into a new story with either the remaining characters of the previous films or new additions.
5The Creator
Released In 2023
The Creatoris a sci-fi action film set in a future where humanity has waged a war against advanced AI after the latter activated a nuclear detonation in Los Angeles. The movie is a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence and morality. The main character, Joshua (John David Washington), isa soldier sent to eliminate a powerful AI child, Alphie, only to question his own belief system.
The Creator
The Creator is a sci-fi action film from Rogue One director Gareth Edwards. Edwards wrote and directed the movie, which centers on the human race’s war against AI. In the post-apocalyptic world, Joshua (John David Washington) is tasked with finding and killing the architect of the dangerous AI and the mysterious weapon they are developing.
Although the movie did not have much success at the box office and the plot might have had some shortcomings, the incredible world-building and detailed characterization hint at the possibility of many more stories to deliver that would delve into the fascinating background portrayed.The Creator 2could enrich the philosophical ponderingalready done by the first on an even bigger scale. Edwards’ world-building is rich with untapped potential, making a sequel an exciting opportunity to expand this original IP.
4Don’t Worry Darling
Released In 2022
Don’t worry, Darlingmight have stirred some behind-the-scenes controversy and mixed reviews, butthe movie’s take on the thriller and romance genres could be revisited, either in a proper sequel or with new characters. The surrealist psychological thriller features Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, and Harry Styles as the main characters in an idyllic town where a sinister secret seems to be lurking under a 1950s picture-perfect facade. The film explores themes of possession, illusion, and gender roles.
Don’t Worry Darling
In Don’t Worry Darling, a young married couple are lucky enough to live in Victory, an experimental town created to house the workers and families of the top-secret Victory Project. Life is perfect, with every resident’s needs met by the company. All they ask in return is an unquestioning commitment to the Victory cause. But soon, cracks in their idyllic life appear, exposing flashes of something much more sinister lurking beneath the attractive façade.
Despite having a somewhat satisfying (albeit bittersweet) conclusion for the protagonist,the viewer is left with some questionsabout the more general story taking place behind the scenes and the fate of the characters involved.Don’t Worry Darling 2’s ending leaves room for a sequel. A follow-up could investigate the Victory Project more deeply, and explore what happened in that specific reality and to the other people trapped there. The focus could shift to another woman seeking to break free.
3Bullet Train
With fun characters, biting humor, and the various connections between seemingly unrelated events,Bullet Traincould have easily started a franchise. The movie features Ladybug (Brad Pitt), a reluctant assassin who is entrusted with covering for his colleague Carter and retrieving a briefcase on a speeding train filled with hitmen and criminals, each of their conflicting plans.
Bullet Train
Bullet Train: Released in 2022, Bullet Train follows unlucky assassin Ladybug as he seeks a peaceful mission amidst a web of globally connected and conflicting adversaries on the world’s fastest train. The film explores themes of fate and interconnected objectives, creating a tension-filled narrative in a high-speed setting.
Characters like Ladybug, Lemon, Tangerine, and The Father and The Elder are effortlessly charming presences, with an intriguing appeal rooted in the mystery that, despite their respectful screentime, still surrounds them. As much as we might have seen of them, we know, based on their interactions, thatthere is room for more to see. And although, unfortunately, not all of them will be able to come back, the remaining ones deserve another occasion to shine.
2Barbarian
Barbariantook the horror genre by storm with its shocking twists and chilling atmosphere. The story follows Tess (Georgina Campbell), who unknowingly rents a house that has been double-booked by a man, unaware of the horrific secrets beneath the place’s foundation. The film builds to a brutal and completely unexpected climax but alsoleaves the audience haunted by unanswered questions.
Barbarian
Barbarian follows a young woman who discovers her Airbnb has been double-booked with a stranger already present. Despite initial hesitation, she decides to stay, only to uncover disturbing secrets within the unsettling rental. The film, released in 2022, explores themes of trust and unease in unexpected encounters.
Instead of a prequel on the origins of Frank, the twisted man responsible for the house’s dark legacy, a sequel could continue the story of The Mother, who, despite her apparent end, could have easily survived the shots. Zach Cregger, the director, joked about the possibility of the character integrating into modern society (viaThe Hollywood Reporter). With its innovative approach to the horror genre and unexpected storytelling,Barbarian 2could expand the terror in bold new ways.
1Renfield
Renfieldoffered a new perspective on the myth surrounding Dracula, combining horror, action, and dark comedy. The film features Renfield, a servant ofCount Draculawho tries to break free from his toxic relationship with the feared vampire. Although the movie offers a satisfying conclusion, it also leaves room for more to come.
Renfield
In this horror comedy, Renfield, the lackey of Count Dracula, aids the famous vampire on his journey to the new world. Unfortunately, the long-suffering servant is committed to an insane asylum after being framed for the murder of several ship crew members on arrival. When given a second chance at life, he falls for a quirky and aggressive traffic cop named Rebecca Quincy.
After all, throughout the whole film,it is constantly hinted at a much bigger universe of mysterious and dark creatures and vampire hunters. The sequel could introduce new threats, relive old legends, or even reveal more about the fate of Dracula, which despite the appearances, might not be as definitive.Renfield 2could expand on its horror-comedy roots while continuing to reinvent the legend of Dracula and his surrounding universe. Director Chris McKay also suggestedthe possibility of a sequel to the 2020s movie.
