Film sequels have been popular among audiences for many years now. From comedy to fantasy, adventures and romance, these movies have become a key part of pop culture in this age and have been a reliable source of entertainment for generations. The success of these sequels and franchises had become a lasting legacy that is still revered today, and this article will explore why these movies are so successful and their impact on the film industry.
1. Definition of a Film Sequel and Franchise
A film sequel is a follow-up to an already existing successful movie, using characters and stories from the original, but amplifying the overall plot. Sequels build on a popular story to create an entirely new narrative that audiences can connect with.
On the other hand, a film franchise is an even more expansive version of a sequel, usually involving multiple sequels, prequels and spin-offs across a wide variety of media platforms. Franchises tend to transect multiple different genres while keeping the main characters and storylines alive over years and even decades.
The success of films sequels and franchises is both immediate and long-lasting. box office numbers for sequels and franchise installments often exceed those of their original entries, and audiences remain engaged and fascinated with long-running series. Even more, the branding of an established franchise can itself become a marketing tool to spur additional sequels and spin-offs.
- Movie success and brand loyalty of sequels and franchises provide a few notable benefits:
- The ability to take on new themes and stories
- Carrying characters and story arcs over for years and even decades
- Ongoing marketing and brand loyalty
- Attracting new fans over time
- The ability to adapt to changing audiences
Film sequels and franchises remain popular to this day, with new takes on beloved properties and original series continuing to spark an interest among audiences. These beloved properties will likely leave a lasting legacy in the medium for years to come.
2. The Benefits of Popular Franchises
One of the main benefits of popular film franchises is the longevity they can bring to stories and characters. With sequels and spin-offs being made, the franchise can essentially become immortal. For instance, one can think of the Harry Potter, Fast and Furious, Spiderman and James Bond franchises, all offering viewers ongoing stories and characters to follow.
- Continuity – audiences take comfort in movie characters and stories they can continue to relate to.
- Brand Recognition– the success of the initial films can lead to a recognizable brand that carries over to sequels and spin-offs.
- Reduced Risk– sequels to successful films are usually granted much larger budgets than first time films, reducing financial risk.
- Increased Profitability– popular film franchises often attract strong merchandise sales, marketing deals and future investment.
In addition, a well-maintained franchise is generally more enjoyable to audiences. Creative projects that span years benefit from strong storylines, character development, and ever-evolving production values. Some franchises are even given a “fresh feel” with each new installment, creating immense anticipation for upcoming films and eventual box-office success. Consequently, film franchises can provide a great legacy, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and the film industry.
3. The Pitfalls of Too Many Sequels
As with any kind of popular entertainment, sequels and franchises are bound to arise. Whether you’re talking about films, video games, or books, it is ultimately a financial decision – producers want to make more money and attract an even bigger following to their property.
And while this strategy has certainly worked out for many franchises over the years, there are some drawbacks. After all, too many sequels can lead to movie fatigue and in worse case scenarios an overall decline in quality – something that moviegoers have to be wary of.
- Short Lifespans: sequels may initially lead to a resurgence of interest in a certain property, but this ‘bump’ generally doesn’t last very long. In some cases, too many sequels can quickly lead to a ‘burnout’ period in which people tire of the franchise.
- Differing Quality: consistency is important in any product, let alone an entire franchise. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for some sequels over the years, with remarkable differences between the various entries in a franchise.
- Misplaced Expectations: sequels can often be judged completely differently than regular films, with higher expectations placed on the ‘definitive’ installment of the original. While the quality is certainly important, this can lead to an unfair comparison in some cases.
Overall, movie sequels and franchises remain a popular choice among moviegoers. But it pays to be mindful of the potential pitfalls – the last thing everyone needs is for their favorite property to suffer a decline in quality due to an excess of sequels.
4. Lasting Impact of Film Franchises
The success of sequels and franchises in the film industry has had a lasting impact that has continued to shape how we experience entertainment today. From Marvel’s record-breaking success in film adaptations to beloved classic film series like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, these franchises have created a massive audience of devoted fans who continually come back for more. Here are some of the lasting impacts of these movies:
- Unparalleled Money-Making Potential: All-time U.S. domestic gross inflation-adjusted, film franchises have held on to the top five spots for some of the highest-grossing films of all time, and they’re only continuing to make more money as they release new installments. The sheer potential for long-term profitability with film franchises is unparalleled.
- Production Quality Increases: The amount of money that studios are willing to put into these franchises leads to massive budgets that didn’t necessarily exist in the past. As such, production value has gone up drastically, allowing movies to look, sound, and feel better than ever before.
- Re-Watchability: The audience-driven re-watchability of film franchises, such as the Marvel series, has become a staple in the industry. People are re-watching films over and over again, creating a passionate and loyal consumer base that will come back for more installments of the franchise.
- High-Concept Storytelling: Because sequels and franchises are designed to have long-term appeal and longevity, they tend to have higher-level concepts and story arcs that stretch over multiple films. This has allowed for filmmakers to create stories that go beyond the boundaries of a single film.
Overall, film franchises have become one of the most profitable ventures in entertainment, and have allowed filmmakers to take storytelling to a level that never would have been possible before. As a result, these franchises show no signs of slowing down, and will continue to provide a lasting legacy for years to come.
5. Harnessing the Power of Popular Franchises
Film franchises have been a source of entertainment for many decades due to their often thrilling storylines, iconic characters, and special effects. It has been easier for viewers to invest in them because there is a familiarity to the source material. It is highly likely that if you are a fan of a particular franchise, you are familiar with its past iterations, plot structures, and characters. Not all franchises are created equal, though, as some have been mastered and reached great successes. Here is what you need to know about .
- Great Storytelling: The foundation of all successful film franchises is great storytelling. Whether it is the epic adventures of Star Wars or the detective thrillers of Sherlock Holmes, every franchise must have an engaging story to keep fans coming back for more.
- Expanding the Universe: One of the most powerful elements of a successful movie franchise is its ability to create an imaginary universe that fans can escape into. While not every detail may be necessary for the story to progress, small world-building elements can create a more immersive experience.
- Iconic Characters: Fans of popular franchises are often drawn to its iconic characters and the unique nuances that make them so beloved. It is important for filmmakers to maintain the integrity of these characters to keep fans feeling connected and excited about the franchise.
- Continuing the Franchise: As noted, film franchises can span multiple sequels across many years. This allows viewers to watch the evolution of the franchise’s characters, stories, and themes over time while still feeling the familiar thread that ties them all together.
Film franchises and sequels have truly been a cultural sensation with fans worldwide. Through great storytelling, expansive universes, and iconic characters, these franchises will continue to be popular and cherished for years to come.
The film franchise and sequel model has proven to be hugely successful over the years, with some properties going on to become part of cinema’s rich and enduring legacy. Though much has changed since the dawn of the so-called “blockbuster” age, sequels and franchises remain powerfully popular phenomena that will likely persist for generations to come.