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Sequels are quite common in today’s generation. When a film (be it a live-action drama or animated movie) becomes a massive hit and grosses millions at the box office, the studios decide to expand that world by making more installments under the same franchise.
Popular franchises in the animated movie category, such asToy Story,Despicable Me,The Incredibles, and others, have released several installments that have become quite successful at the box office. But there are a few animated films that deserved a sequel but never got one. Even though the plot might seem perfect to pitch in for future installments, it got lost or forgotten on the way. So, in this article, we will take a look at the list of such 10 movies.
1Big Hero 6
Disney Animation debuted a Marvel character inBig Hero 6and even though the animated film differed a lot from its comic counterpart, the movie has its own fanbase. The storyline revolves around the relationship between Hiro and his robot Baymax and shows a different origin of the superhero that has an emotional perspective.
It was released back in 2014. Since then,Big Hero 6has branched into television with a three-season animated series but it never got a theatrical release again. Even though many have shown interest in making another installment, it never happened. In fact, after the origin story of Baymax, there could be more angles and dynamics to create a superhero story or explore more of the unique world of San Fransokyo.
It can be streamed on Disney and it is available to rent on Apple TV.
2Monsters vs. Aliens
Monsters vs. Aliensis one of the best productions of DreamWorks. The movie featuresReese Witherspoon, Seth Rogan, and other popular Hollywood actors as voice artists. The storyline follows the protagonist Susan Murphy, who after getting hit by a meteor transforms into a giant. Trapped inside a top-secret facility, Susan bonds with other monsters and plans out how to stop an alien invasion.
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The movie had a huge fanbase and despite having all the elements (action-packed sequences, emotional scenes, teasing end) for a sequel, it never got one. However, the closest thing that happened to the film was a short-lived TV series on Nickelodeon.
Rent it on Apple TV or watch it on The ROKU Channel.
3Rise of the Guardians
Rise of the Guardiansis another DreamWorks project that was made with an innovative concept. The movie features legendary and well-known figures, including Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and others who come together to save the children who believe in them. However, the storyline takes a turn when Pitch Black arrives. The Guardians recruit Jack Frost to fight back.
The movie was beautifully crafted and the animation was done with utmost perfection. With actors likeChris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, and Hugh Jackman, lending voice for the characters, it made even more special. Despite all of these,Rise of the Guardianswas not successful at the box office. Maybe, this is the reason why it never got a follow-up film.
Stream it on Peacock or rent it on Apple TV.
4The Adventures of Tintin
Stephen Spielberg’s directorialThe Adventures of Tintinis based on the Belgian comic strip. The movie revolves around the protagonist Tintin who falls into a difficult position after buying a model of an old ship. With his dog Snowy and sea captain Haddock’s help, he digs deep into finding an ancient treasure.
While motion-capture animation movies tend to have ups and downs this one is a rare case. It beautifully blurred out the line between animated movies and live-action films. It featured a stellar star cast, including Andy Serkis,Daniel Craig, and others, along with a well-crafted action sequence, yet it never got a sequel.
It can be streamed on Hoopla, otherwise it is also available to rent on Apple TV or FLIXFLING.
5The Lego Batman Movie
The Lego Batman Movieis a spin-off ofThe Lego Movieafter it achieved massive success among the audience and at the box office. The creators thought of revolving the storyline around Lego Batman.
In this movie, the superhero tries to stop the Joker from implementing more of his tricks. With the help of Robin, his butler Alfred, and new commissioner Barbara Gordon, the Lego Batman learns how to work with a team.
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The film is filled with many Easter eggs and pop culture references which makes it even more interesting to watch. It even gave Batman a humanized character arc, yet the film never got a follow-up. However, originally there was supposed to be a sequel but it got canceled, as perCBR.
Watch this animated movie on Max or rent it on Apple TV.
The viewers would have missed out on a beautiful project likeNimonaif Netflix didn’t get involved after Blue Sky Studios closed. This animated movie smoothly blends medieval elements with modern technology. The story revolves around a monster and a framed knight who come together to prove the latter’s innocence.
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A compelling storyline, great animation, and beautiful character dynamics made the movie amazing, and the audience was glad that it didn’t get shelved. While people have been wanting to see Nimona and Ballister Boldheart again, there has been no confirmation about its sequel yet.
Stream it on Netflix.
7ParaNorman
Laika has crafted a bunch of good movies, among whichParaNormandeserves special mention. The storyline follows a young boy named Norman who has the ability to see ghosts. The film had a lot of potential to have another follow-up theatrical release to show the different arcs of the characters.
The movie was filled with funny gags, emotional quotient and a beautiful plot that got wasted without the sequel. Kodi Smit-McPhee once in an interview withComic Bookdeclared that there’s no hope forParaNorman‘s sequel. He said,
I’m not sure if we’ll ever see ParaNorman again. I think he will be kept in the beautiful little story it was, but we will continue to see amazing stories from the commitment of LAIKA to their craft.
Well, if you want to watch it, stream it on Amazon Prime Video or rent it on Apple TV.
8The Grinch
Well, to be honest, we have seen many variations of the Grinch in movies but when 2018’sThe Grinchwas released in an animated version, it won millions of hearts. This film dives into an in-depth take on the classic Dr. Sleuss’ tale. And, who can forgetBenedict Cumberbatch‘s voice as the Grinch?
There are a few Grinch specials floating around based on the Christmas theme but fans could have seen him celebrating a different holiday ifHalloween Is Grinch Nightwas made as its sequel. But, nothing happened in the animated category.
If you have never watchedRango, watch it forJohnny Depp. Over the years, the actor proved his versatility but inRango, he flaunted his animated side. Depp plays the main character Rango, a chameleon whose life takes a sharp turn when he gets stranded in a desert. However, as he enters the town of Dirt, he surprisingly becomes the sheriff and gets on a mission to get their water back.
Depp’s voice made the character even more iconic. The beautiful storytelling shows the journey of a cowardly protagonist to become a courageous hero. It was one of those rare non-Disney animated movies that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. There were many rumors about the movie getting a sequel but later, it got shelved. There could have been more to the main character and its adventures.
Stream it on Paramount+ Pictures or rent it on Apple TV.
10The Mitchells vs. the Machines
The 2021 movie – The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a beautifully portrayed dysfunctional family drama. The Sony and Netflix collaboration follows the protagonist Katie Mitchell who is all set to go to her film school. But before that, the family decided to go on a road trip. However, when the machines start to rebel against the humans, it is up to the Mitchells to save the world.
The animated movie has a lot of emotional quotient, quirky humor, and suspenseful sequences to make it watch-worthy. But even then, neither a sequel was made nor there have been any reports about it.
Ankita Mukherjee
Articles Published :61
Ankita Mukherjee is a movie buff and a K-drama lover. After being in the entertainment genre for more than 3 years, her knack for digging up breaking news and writing featurish articles about her favorite celebs have become her most preferred job and now she is working as an author in FandomWire. But, when it comes to MCU, you might find her go a little nuts.
