Top 6 Iconic Franchises And Their One Movie That Ruined It All

Sometimes even the most honored films can stumble and deliver sequels that leave fans and critics disappointed.

Here are 6 iconic franchises and the worst movie in the series that we wish would pay more attention to its predecessors.

Jaws // Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

While Steven Spielberg 's original Jaws remains a masterpiece of suspense and horror, its relative’s popularity is widely considered the franchise's low point. One of the most notable and widely derided aspects of the film is the concept of a "vengeful" shark that seems to hold a grudge against the Brody family.

A far-fetched and implausible plot, questionable special effects, and a lack of the suspense and tension that characterized the original were among the many criticisms lodged against the film.

The Godfather // The Godfather Part III (1990)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1990, The Godfather Part III is the third (duh) and final installment of the Godfather trilogy. Despite its critical acclaim and several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film is often compared unfavorably to its predecessors, both of which are considered to be cinematic masterpieces.

Halloween // Halloween Ends (2022)

Halloween Ends concludes the never-ending battle between Laurie Strode and her brother Michael Myers. While the movie lacks the expected body count for a slasher, it does devote considerable time to the romantic life of Laurie's granddaughter, Allyson.

Halloween fans have mixed feelings about the movie, as it could have been a good testament to a long-running story if it hadn't tried to fit into the Halloween mold.

X-Men // X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Upon its release, the film, which was meant to be a prominent conclusion to the long-running X-Men film series, received mixed to negative reviews from both critics and fans. While some praised the cast's performances, especially Sophie Turner's portrayal of Jean Grey, other characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to invest in their struggles and conflicts.

Viewers found fault with the pacing of the movie, the storytelling, and the handling of the popular comic book storyline.

Star Wars // Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

While George Lucas’ epic story of Luke Skywalker's quest to become a Jedi is globally acclaimed and praised for its enduring plot and iconic characters, The Rise of Skywalker stands out as one of the most disappointments in the series.

Though the movie brought back beloved characters and introduced prominent new ones, shifting focus on Palpatine instead of character arcs made the movie lack emotional depth and cinematic clarity, solidifying it as a missed opportunity for a satisfying conclusion to the saga.

Men in Black // Men in Black: International (2019)

Without the original cast and writers, the spinoff initially felt like a breath of fresh air for the beloved story of the secret organization. However, despite the seven-year gap, the new installment, starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, didn't introduce any fresh ideas.

Though Hemsworth and Thompson delivered great performances, the story couldn't save it, as the film rehashed MIB elements, lacked humor, and had a predictable plot twist.