7 Incredible Recent Movies That Should Have Launched Franchises

by

As a movie lover, I’ve noticed a trend lately where studios seem more focused on building franchises than telling great stories. It feels like everything is planned out for ten movies down the line *before* the first one even hits theaters, thanks to the success of things like Marvel and Star Wars. That’s why I really appreciate films that come along and just tell *one* complete story, beautifully and satisfyingly. There’s something special about a movie that fully captures your imagination, leaves you wanting just a little bit more, but then gracefully ends – it avoids that temptation to endlessly expand and exploit an idea. It’s a refreshing change, honestly, and it taps into a desire for something complete and well-crafted instead of just fueling the hunger for more content.

Some stories need a definite conclusion, while others can simply end. However, recent films have been so good – offering unique experiences audiences crave – that it’s hard not to wish they weren’t just one-time events. While it makes sense they weren’t continued, imagining them becoming long-running favorites is a tempting thought.

7) Bad Trip

At first glance, a film featuring Eric Andre intentionally making a spectacle of himself – think sticking his hand in a blender or having his clothes pulled off by a powerful vacuum – seems like a guaranteed hit, and *Bad Trip* delivers on that promise. But what truly makes the movie special, and could lead to future installments, is its surprisingly touching story about friendship and the generosity of people you meet. Despite Andre constantly putting himself in embarrassing and outrageous situations, someone is always willing to help him out.

Making a movie like *Bad Trip* was incredibly complex and expensive, which explains why it didn’t lead to a series of sequels. The whole concept relied on surprising real people with unexpected and funny situations while filming. Despite the challenges, it would be great to see at least one or two more movies like it!

6) Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar

I absolutely loved Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s movie! Barb and Star are just the best – they’re hilarious best friends who are *always* chatting, and it’s so infectious. Honestly, getting even *one* movie with these two was amazing, but their chemistry and the overall comedy felt like the start of something huge. We *need* a whole franchise! I think the hardest part won’t be writing funny stuff for them, it’ll be finding cool places to send them – maybe somewhere that rhymes with ‘Star,’ like Qatar or Zanzibar? Seriously, send them anywhere – even outer space! – just give us more Barb and Star!

5) Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Marcell’s appeal stems from his innate curiosity. While his personal journey reaches a satisfying conclusion in the movie, the ending suggests many more adventures are possible. Marcell is captivated by everything he discovers, ensuring endless new questions and experiences. Fortunately, the film builds upon a series of beloved short films, meaning there’s a wealth of Marcell’s story beyond just the feature-length movie.

4) The Mitchells vs the Machines

Released during the pandemic on streaming platforms, *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* is a remarkably touching and personal animated film – one of the best of the last ten years. It has a fresh, modern style and humor that avoids relying on old or quickly outdated jokes. With its distinctive animation and universally appealing comedy, the film paved the way for its creators to explore new projects.

Since the movie came out, generative AI has become a huge topic of debate for artists and creators, sparking arguments about whether it’s ethical. This feels like a natural setting for the characters from The Mitchells, and just like their story, they’d likely thrive and succeed.

3) Nimona

We’re just glad the movie *Nimona* exists, especially considering it almost didn’t happen with the Fox and Disney merger. Like other animated films on this list, *Nimona* has a unique and beautiful art style, and it’s funny enough for everyone to enjoy. The movie tells a complete story, staying true to the original comic, but also hints at more adventures to come for the character. We’re grateful this film was made, and we can’t help but wonder what else could have been!

2) The Pope’s Exorcist

Most exorcism movies follow a familiar formula, and *The Pope’s Exorcist* doesn’t break much new ground. However, Russell Crowe is a standout. The film delivers standard tension and scares, but Crowe’s performance is what truly captivates. He fully embodies a quirky, almost cartoonish character—a role that could have easily been career-defining for another actor. At times, it feels like he’s performing in a completely different movie than everyone else, as if a voice actor like Mel Blanc suddenly appeared in a serious horror film.

It’s common for horror movies to hint at a continuation at the end, but this one feels like it’s setting up almost twenty! That’s a really bold move, and deserves recognition. Hopefully, though, they’ll only actually make one follow-up.

1) Rebel Ridge

Jeremy Saulnier’s 2024 thriller, starring a standout performance by Aaron Pierre, is truly exceptional. *Rebel Ridge* expertly blends dark humor with a perfectly crafted script – it’s one of the strongest original films Netflix has produced. It’s the kind of unique movie audiences say they’re looking for. While the success of *Knives Out* led to a series of Benoit Blanc mysteries, *Rebel Ridge* deserves the same treatment – a journey across the American South, uncovering secrets in quirky towns and exposing the corruption within them.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/10-best-horror-movies-streaming-on-netflix-for-halloween-2025/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-08 16:12