Science fiction is one of Hollywood’s biggest markets, with many sci-fi films branching into sequels and franchises. However, many great sci-fi movies deserved sequels and never got them for one reason or another. The sci-fi genre encompasses various material, from space operas like Dune and Star Wars to dystopian franchises like The Hunger Games to space adventure movies like Interstellar or 2001: A Space Odyssey. These films take the viewer into worlds that are fantastical but also seem like possible future realities.
Many of the best sci-fi movies of all time are franchise films with sequels made of them, expanding into prolonged stories for better or worse. In other cases, great sci-fi movies stopped after only one due to either not making enough money, being poorly received at first, or a lack of interest from the filmmakers. Just because a movie was good enough to merit a sequel doesn’t mean it should necessarily have one. Still, with sci-fi, it’s particularly easy to imagine ideas being expanded into multi-film sagas.
9 District 9
Directed by Neill Blomkamp (2009)
Director Neill Blomkamp was overwhelmingly successful with the film District 9, which was critically acclaimed and exceeded expectations at the box office, raking in over $200 million on a $30 million budget. The film explores complex themes of segregation and discrimination through the lens of a group of alien refugees. It was widely successful for its unique story and social commentary, resulting in a desire for a sequel. District 10 could still be in the works, but Blomkamp’s subsequent films kept him busy for years after District 9.
8 Elysium
Directed by Neill Blomkamp (2013)
Neill Blomkamp’s follow-up to District 9 was the 2013 film Elysium, which starred Matt Damon. Despite being another box office success, Elysium wasn’t as acclaimed as District 9, telling the story of a dystopian futuristic world where the wealthy have moved off Earth to live in a luxurious space station. Again, the film received praise for its social commentary. Elysium also had intense action sequences and outstanding visual effects. Blomkamp has expressed interest in Elysium 2, but like District 10, it hasn’t happened yet.
7 The Fifth Element
Directed by Luc Besson (1997)
The Fifth Element is considered a sci-fi classic of the 1990s, putting it in the company of movies like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, both of which had sequels. Given its impressive box office run, it’s surprising that the 1997 movie never branched out. In a 2011 interview with Moviefone, director Luc Besson explained that he never had plans for a sequel, saying, “You know, I love it, but it was two years of my life. And if I do another sci-fi one day, which I would love, I will do a complete new thing. You know, it’s much more interesting to go on to new stuff than go back there.”
6 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy
Directed by Garth Jennings (2005)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy offers a rare blend of sci-fi and comedy, starring a fantastic ensemble of Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, Bill Nighy, and more. It’s a comedic, whimsical approach to the genre filled with witty, satirical humor that made for a beloved adaptation of Douglas Adams’ novel. The film wasn’t a huge box office success, but it’s earned enough acclaim over time to merit another installment. With more books in the series, anything is possible.
5 Edge Of Tomorrow
Directed by Doug Liman (2014)
The 2014 sci-fi movie Edge of Tomorrow utilizes the infinite day loop premise, showing a world where Tom Cruise must defend Earth from an alien invasion but keeps dying. Each time, he’s able to respawn at the start of the day and try again, with Emily Blunt’s Rita Vrataski training him to get closer to defeating the aliens each time. The Doug Liman film was a box office hit, grossing $370 million while earning critical and audience acclaim. Edge of Tomorrow 2 is still possible, but the latest news from Emily Blunt suggested that Cruise’s schedule was the reason for the hold-up.
4 Spaceballs
Directed by Mel Brooks (1987)
Spaceballs is a Mel Brooks classic, arriving in 1987 as a hilarious spoof on Star Wars and the sci-fi genre. It’s an excellent parody with snarky humor, clever references, and hilarious performances, making it a classic sci-fi movie. In an interview, actor Rick Moranis stated that Mel Brooks was interested in making a sequel but a deal couldn’t be reached, saying, “Mel wanted to do a sequel after it became a cult video hit. It wasn’t a box office hit. It was a cult video hit, and MGM wanted to do a sequel.” (via Heeb) Mel Brooks has continued to toss around the idea of a Spaceballs reboot.
3 2010: The Year We Made Contact
Directed by Peter Hyams (1984)
2001: A Space Odyssey is widely considered one of the best movies of all time, with a story written by Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. The latter would continue to explore the story with sequels, including 2010: Odyssey Two, which was adapted into the film 2010: The Year We Made Contact. While it isn’t as powerful as the original, it does see Keir Dullea and Douglas Rain return along with actors John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, and Roy Scheider. The sequel film wasn’t particularly profitable, which is likely why the subsequent 2061 and 3001 novels weren’t adapted into films.
2 Inception
Directed by Christopher Nolan (2010)
Aside from The Dark Knight trilogy, Christopher Nolan doesn’t seem interested in doing sequels, but Inception is certainly a world that deserves further exploration. The original story is complete, and there’s no reason to return to Cobb or any of its characters, but the landmark concept of the film is so fascinating that a well-made spin-off could be exciting. The film was highly profitable, meaning the reason not to return to it has been a lack of interest from the artists involved.
1 Blade Runner 2049
Directed by Denis Villeneuve (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel, but the Blade Runner films are so beautiful that it would be a shame not to make more. 2049 famously bombed at the box office despite the star power of Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, under the expert direction of Denis Villeneuve. A Blade Runner TV series has been in development for years, but it’s such a cinematic series that it deserves another chance at life on the big screen.
Sources: Moviefone, Heeb
