5 Iconic Sequels That Bombed Both Commercially and Creatively
It's best to know when to quit.
Sequels to iconic films often come with a lot of anticipation and high expectations from both fans and the movie industry, but not all of the follow-ups are able to deliver the same success as their predecessors.
Here are 5 iconic movie sequels that ruined the original's bittersweet taste.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
After its initial blockbuster success, the franchise's return in 2008 with the third installment was poorly received. Earning an impressive $403.40 million, but against a $145 million budget, the movie was still considered a disappointing return.
Despite a strong cast, including Brendan Fraser and Jet Li, the film also received negative reviews from fans due to its plot and the absence of Rachel Weisz, who played a key role in the first two films.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Despite its iconic status, the most recent Indiana Jones film has struggled to live up to critics' expectations. Even though it grossed around $400 million, it needed to make twice as much to be profitable and be considered a success.
Although fans of the franchise loved the new sequel compared to the most hated, The Crystal Skull, mixed reviews from critics and competition from other major releases such as Barbenheimer added to the film's challenges.
Son of the Mask (2005)
The original Mask benefited from Jim Carrey 's comic brilliance, but the sequel obviously suffered without him. Jamie Kennedy took Carrey's place, but the film's attempt to shift the focus while maintaining the style of the original led to disaster.
Budgeted at nearly $100 million, it only managed to gross $59.9 million, cementing itself as a major cinematic disappointment.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
The much-loved cyberpunk story seemed destined to succeed, but bombed at the box office. Despite the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, fans were disappointed with the unexpected twist of what had been an iconic story.
Poor box office and low reviews led to a lawsuit filed by Village Roadshow, claiming that releasing the film on HBO Max damaged the franchise.
The Godfather Part III (1990)
The Godfather trilogy has been hailed as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema, as Al Pacino's role as Michael Corleone in the first two films cemented his position as a cinematic legend.
However, the third installment proved to be a costly endeavor for both Al Pacino's reputation and the franchise's legacy, receiving lukewarm reviews compared to its predecessors. The movie only grossed $136.8 million worldwide compared to its predecessors, which collectively grossed over $800 million.