While no one loves the idea of bringing back IPs from their well-deserved retirement, that doesn’t mean that all requels are terrible. Some of them are quite great, actually. Here are 10 requels that caught everyone by surprise – not only because they were unexpected, but also because they were awesome.
What Is a Requel? Why Hollywood Keeps Reviving Old Franchises
The ongoing trend of remaking old movies or producing “requels” that bring an old IP into the modern age is one of Hollywood’s oldest tricks when it comes to playing it safe with a blockbuster release. Why risk creating a new story that might not do well with moviegoers when you can just rehash a once-successful film for the umpteenth time?
As technology advances, movies are becoming increasingly more costly to make. At the same time, this has made films “too big to fail,” meaning that most studios focus their efforts on making their productions as profitable as possible—and, most of the time, that means playing by the same rules every time.
Granted, this is certainly not a new trend that has just now become the norm in blockbusters. Some of the most iconic films from the 80s and later would also be remakes that eclipsed their original versions’ popularity – effectively replacing the original films as the de facto versions of the movie. Perhaps one of the most fitting examples of this phenomenon might be how no one remembers the 1932 version of Scarface. Still, almost everyone is familiar with Robert De Niro’s take on Tony Montana from the ’80s.
Still, spending a ton of money on some niche director’s passion project only to see a minuscule return of inversion for the studios just won’t cut it anymore in modern Hollywood. At the cost of originality, Tinseltown has been on a roll recently, remaking and rebooting all sorts of franchises at every step of the way.
In 2026, the trend remains alive and well. While there are some notable exceptions to the norm, the remake and sequel fad is in full force this year.
What makes this year even more unoriginal than some others in recent memory might not seem like much at first glance. Still, once you start looking deeply into 2026’s film release schedule, you might notice some worrying trends that could potentially sour the entire movie history for years to come.
Is the MCU Running Out of Original Ideas? Marvel’s Sequel Problem Explained
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become almost synonymous with Hollywood these days. The comic book film franchise is one of the top sellers in film and TV, amassing a monolithic multimedia empire unlike anything Hollywood has ever seen. However, even the impressive MCU might be in trouble in 2022 in terms of originality.
The first Marvel film of the year, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is a sequel to 2016’s first Doctor Strange flick. While this might not sound all that, well, strange for the MCU, it’s a bit more worrisome when we consider that the cinematic universe is just getting started with a new chapter in its overarching plot – and they do so with a series of sequels rather than introducing new concepts into the mix.
Next, we have Thor: Love and Thunder, which is also a sequel (or requel) to the Thor movies and could potentially become a reboot for the character, just as Ragnarok kind of was. Following this trend, we can only imagine that November’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—which is also a sequel—will follow a similar trend of treading water for the MCU.
Why does it seem like even something as colourful as the MCU is losing originality? The answer might be found in last year’s film release schedule. This year, we might only see the release of sequels in the MCU, but last year, we got two new solo films, and both of them received a lukewarm reception from moviegoers and Marvel fans alike. Why should Marvel risk making another film like Eternals when they can just release yet another Thor movie full of quips and the trademark Taika Waititi brand of Marvel humour?
Sure, movies might be looking more formulaic now than ever, but this might also have something to do with the way we consume them. There’s a demand for traditional films—you know, the ones without superheroes attached. This might be the reason why sequels or reboots of old franchises are also in vogue these days.
Legacy Sequels Done Right: How Old Franchises Are Making a Comeback
Perhaps in an effort to restore some of the glory days of old-school Hollywood, some studios have begun releasing some very unexpected sequels to franchises that most people considered dead years ago.
Surprisingly enough, even if a remake of an old film might not sound like the most original idea, it can also provide some pretty unexpected—and awesome—results. Just take a look at Top Gun: Maverick.
Maverick proves that a sequel or requel of an 80s franchise doesn’t have to rely on needless nostalgia to shine. All that’s needed is a solid plot, great actors, a competent director, and just the right amount of Tom Cruise to make audiences fall in love all over again with Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone.
Some other sequels might not come from classic 80s franchises but rather from generation-defining MTV products of the early 2000s. When we heard that there was going to be a new Jackass film, with most of the original cast included, no less, it was certainly something that almost no one could have predicted. Still, Jackass Forever was yet another unexpected sequel that had an impressively successful release, pleasing fans old and new with the antics of the Jackass group – who were now even more prone to injury, given their age.
There’s also Beavis & Butt-Head Do the Universe, the sequel or requel to the Beavis and Butt-Head film that also heralded a revival for the series. Surprisingly enough, the movie proved that the characters remain as funny and relatable as ever.
Still, even if these sequels might not sound like the most original ever churned by Hollywood, there’s no denying that they were successful for a reason: they broke up with the monotony of unending remakes and eternal franchises that seem to have been plaguing cinemas for a while.
Requels Explained: The Hollywood Trend Blending Reboots and Sequels
Remaking and rebooting movies has become so prevalent in Hollywood that some critics have come up with the term “requel” to describe sequels that also act as reboots for a franchise. This is a trend that’s become increasingly common these days, providing the best of both old and new for many film franchises.
2022 began strong with a requel that came out of nowhere: a new take on the Scream series. Even though the new Scream effectively acts as the entry point for a new saga, it remains a direct sequel to Scream 4, which makes it the perfect example of what a requel is.
Some other notable requels of 2022 include Texas Chainsaw Massacre and, to some extent, Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers. That last one might also be an interesting case for Disney, as it radically changed the tone and themes of the original Chip ‘n’ Dale films.
As the trend of reboots, remakes, sequels, and requels moves onward, we can’t help but notice that originality has become something of a cardinal sin for modern Hollywood. It’s a shame that what used to be the norm in the biz has become a dime a dozen these days. That said, the scarcity of new and original films only makes finding them all the more exciting for us movie fans. It might just be that creativity and uniqueness are about to make a triumphant return to cinemas in the coming years.
10. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
After the catastrophic event that was Ghostbusters 2016, fans were justifiably wary of any new film wearing the iconic Ghostbusters title. Luckily for them, 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife is just what every legacy sequel should strive to be: a heartfelt tribute to the original that captures what made them so beloved in the first place.
With an amazing cast that blended the classics with fresh faces, Afterlife immediately became a fan-favorite. It’s a shame that Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which came out a few years later, couldn’t quite live up to its predecessor – but that’s a Ghostbusters sequel for you.
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Look, I know Star Wars fans are split down the middle when it comes to the Sequel Trilogy, but back in 2015, everyone was aboard the Sequel train. The Force Awakens felt a bit like a rehash of A New Hope, that’s true. However, for Star Wars fans who had grown weary of the Prequels’ political intrigue, that was truly a breath of fresh air. And, as long as we completely ignore The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, the trilogy wasn’t so bad.
8. Candyman (2021)
Instead of coming up with a direct remake or a reboot, 2021’s Candyman took the gutsy route and went for a legacy sequel instead. The result? A movie that still has the edge and social commentary of the original Candyman, now updated for an entirely new generation. The movie also featured the long-awaited return of Tony Todd as Daniel Robitaille, culminating his Candyman legacy with a bang.
7. 28 Years Later (2025)
After years submerged in a deep slumber, the 28 franchise has returned. 28 Years Later continues the classic’s guerrilla filmmaking tradition, with a movie that feels equal parts brutal and beautiful. Featuring killer performances by Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Alfie Williams, this is the sort of zombie flick that elevates the entire horror genre.
Primarily shot using iPhone 15 Pro Max phones, the movie has a unique raw look – just like 2003’s 28 Days Later. Surprisingly enough, its sequel, 28 Years: The Bone Temple, is, in many aspects, even better than its predecessor.
6. Jurassic World (2015)
As amazing as the original Jurassic Park was, the franchise had a rough time recapturing the magic with its sequels. Jurassic World might not be as deep as its precursor, but it delivered enough thrills and Chris Pratt moments to become a beloved summer blockbuster.
Featuring bigger and deadlier dinos than ever before, Jurassic World upped the ante in all the right ways. It didn’t try to surpass Jurassic Park; it was content with evolving into its own thing. Also, the less we talk about its sequels, the better.
5. Scream (2022)
Knowing just how meta the original Scream was, it wasn’t exactly a surprise when the franchise came up with its own requel. In true Scream fashion, the characters even flat-out tell the audience what a requel is. The movie spawned a couple of successful sequels, with the most recent, Scream 7, released just a few weeks ago.
2022’s Scream is all about toxic fandoms surrounding horror requels. Despite its focus on metafiction, this requel manages to be a solid slasher flick in its own right. I mean, who doesn’t love some Ghostface and Matthew Lillard?
4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
How do you make a sequel to a perfectly well-rounded film like Blade Runner? I believe Denis Villeneuve is the only person who can answer that question. Hauntingly beautiful and undeniably cool, Blade Runner 2049 is the perfect thematic follow-up to the original 1982 sci-fi classic.
Starring Ryan Gosling at his best, this is exactly how you make a legacy sequel. This is Blade Runner that evolved with the times, visually and narratively. The best part is that it respects the ambiguity of the original film, instead of going all “Oh, by the way, Deckard was totally a Replicant.”
3. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Speaking of requels that might even surpass their predecessors, Top Gun: Maverick proved that Hollywood’s rehash machine could strike gold from time to time. It’s like that saying about broken clocks, only that we’re dealing with Super Hornets and F-14s here. Maverick blends the old with the new, and does so in a surprisingly touching way.
The movie offers a stellar sendoff to Val Kilmer, who reprises the role that redefined his entire acting career. Also returning is Tom Cruise – who might be a vampire –, joined by Miles Teller and Glen Powell. All in all, Maverick is two hours of pure, undiluted fun.
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
For many, Mad Max: Fury Road is the requel. A movie that improves over its predecessors in virtually every single way, Fury Road remains George Miller’s magnum opus. Filled to the brim with action, memorable characters, outstanding cinematography, and some of the most explosive action sequences ever filmed, this is what Mad Max should have always been.
While Road Warrior and the original film have their moments, Fury Road is like watching a constant reel of amazing scenes that just keep getting better. The franchise’s loose continuity offers the perfect segue for a requel, even if bringing Mel Gibson back should have definitely been an option.
1. Creed (2015)
Written and directed by the Oscar-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler and starring the newly Oscar-winning Michael B. Jordan, Creed retains all the excitement and fighting spirit of the classic Rocky movies. Coogler came up with a “passing of the torch” story that feels wholly earned – something increasingly rare in requels.
The story respects Rocky lore and never feels as if it’s relying on nostalgia to earn its fans. It also features one of the best boxing scenes ever filmed, and that’s saying a lot in a franchise that thrives on its legendary bouts.
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What amazon did with lotr bothers me the most. The world-building and lore of the original works are lost to something less thought out than a 15 minute youtube fan video, Very depressing to me when they don’t pay attention to those details that made the world so interesting, that people discussed for decades, all reduced to either a sentence or just re-written poorly. Dates, locations, etc changed. Even the games got that right.