5 Long-Dormant Movie Franchises Finally Returning in 2027)

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For over a century, Hollywood has relied on bringing back familiar stories – through reboots, remakes, sequels, and revivals – and this trend shows no signs of stopping. This year has already proven how successful that strategy can be. The latest Scream movie became the highest-earning film in the 30-year franchise, and a Devil Wears Prada sequel, after 20 years, is expected to earn twice as much as the original. And there’s more to come, with new installments of Street Fighter and Meet the Parents still on the way.

2027 will likely see the continuation of current movie trends, with a third Godzilla x Kong film, a third Spider-Verse movie, a prequel to The Conjuring series, and a fourth Sonic the Hedgehog movie already planned. Several sequels scheduled for next year aren’t just typical continuations—they’re reviving franchises that have been dormant for varying lengths of time, from a few years to decades.

5) Paranormal Activity

Time since last movie: Six years (2021’s Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin)

The Paranormal Activity franchise seemed to be over when the last film went straight to streaming and received little attention from audiences or the filmmakers themselves – producer Jason Blum even called it “terrible” and suggested the series had run its course. However, like many horror franchises, it’s making a comeback. Ian Tuason is directing a new installment – the eighth in the series – with Jason Blum, James Wan, and original creator Oren Peli all producing. Paramount is also hoping to revive the series with a theatrical release.

Current Release Date: May 21, 2027

4) Ice Age

Time since last movie: 11 years (2016’s Ice Age: Collision Course)

After Disney bought 20th Century Fox in 2019, they began revisiting Fox’s popular franchises, either reviving them for their streaming service, Disney+, or releasing new movies in theaters. The Ice Age series, a former Fox staple, hadn’t received much attention until now. While Disney+ did get a spin-off movie and a TV series, it’s been over ten years since an Ice Age film was in cinemas. That changes next year with Ice Age: Boiling Point, the sixth installment, which will feature the return of original voice actors Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg, and Queen Latifah. The plot is still unknown, but the title suggests the story might involve the ice melting.

Current Release Date: February 5, 2027

3) The Simpsons

Time since last movie: 20 Years (2007’s The Simpsons Movie)

Disney recently announced a surprising new project: a second Simpsons movie! It’s been twenty years since the first film, and fans will be excited to hear it’s scheduled for release in the summer of 2027. However, the release date was later moved to September due to a scheduling conflict with the new Minecraft movie. While details about the sequel are still scarce – even the title could change – one thing is certain: The Simpsons are making a comeback to the big screen after two decades.

Current Release Date: September 3, 2027

2) Gremlins

Time since last movie: 37 years (1990’s Gremlins 2: The New Batch)

After years of delays, a new Gremlins movie is finally in the works! The series went on hold after Gremlins 2 didn’t perform well, but several attempts to bring it back have been made over the last decade. Now, it looks like they’ve found the right team to make it happen. Original creator Christopher Columbus has written the script and is set to direct, alongside filmmakers Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, known for Final Destination Bloodlines. The film is planned for release during the holiday season, suggesting a return to the Christmas themes of the first movie.

Current Release Date: November 19, 2027

1) Spaceballs

Time since last movie: 40 Years (1987’s Spaceballs)

Mel Brooks is known for constantly changing his targets and styles, rather than making sequels. His 1987 parody, Spaceballs, even joked about needing a sequel – one that would, of course, continue to mock its original subject. Now, a new Spaceballs movie, titled Spaceballs: The New One, is coming out in 2027. It won’t be about making more money, but it will be just as silly. Mel Brooks himself is returning, along with original cast members Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, George Wyner, and Rick Moranis. The film promises to poke fun at not only the many Star Wars movies released since the original Spaceballs, but also our current trend of making sequels to old favorites.

Current Release Date: April 23, 2027

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2026-05-25 21:40