7 Underrated Sci-Fi Films That Deserve a Franchise Revival!

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There’s a noticeable trend in Hollywood: they have a strong affinity for movie franchises. As time goes by, an increasing number of films being produced are either sequels, prequels, or revamps of previously established properties, particularly in the science fiction genre. Franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, with their futuristic technology, space exploration, and alien life forms, are often exploited for content by movie studios. Interestingly, there are numerous standalone sci-fi movies that, despite their potential for further storytelling or intriguing premises, failed to spawn any sequels or continuations. These films offer captivating worlds ripe for further exploration or even just fresh ideas that would make for enjoyable revisits.

Instead of discussing blockbuster hits such as “The Fifth Element” and “Galaxy Quest,” where fans have been eagerly anticipating a follow-up for years, we’re focusing on underappreciated or overlooked science fiction properties that have slipped through the cracks. These hidden treasures are ripe for discovery and potential exploitation by Hollywood’s franchise machine. Previously, we’ve delved into this topic, but today we’re revisiting it with seven more underrated sci-fi films that warranted more attention than they received – as well as possibly a sequel or two.

1) Turbo Kid

Turbo Kid is essentially a blend of nostalgia for Saturday mornings with the quirky style of Troma productions. It’s set in an alternate 1997, post-apocalyptic world. This movie is a tribute to BMX bikes, classic Nintendo games, and ’80s movies such as “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” and “Solarbabies.” The protagonist, known simply as “The Kid,” navigates the wasteland in search of valuable items to barter and manages to dodge the clutches of the wicked Zeus (played by Michael Ironside) and his minions.

When The Kid accidentally discovers a gauntlet that appears eerily similar to the Nintendo Power Glove, he decides to employ it for turning his foes into liquid and saving his abducted android companion Apple. The film Turbo Kid is filled with campy humor, graphic violence, and is certainly deserving of another viewing. Although a sequel was officially announced years ago, the last significant update was in 2021. We’re eagerly awaiting news on a Turbo Kid 2 before the original actor starts resembling a real-life Turbo man.

2) Masters of the Universe

Ah, I see you’re familiar with the Masters of the Universe franchise. Just to clarify, we’re talking about the 1987 movie “Masters of the Universe” starring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella, not the current live-action film or the entire Masters of the Universe IP. Interestingly, this movie was inspired more by Jack Kirby’s “New Gods,” along with some elements from Doctor Doom and Thor.

The film had less magic than the He-Man animated series and focused more on the science fiction element of the source material. Regrettably, most of its duration was spent on Earth because Cannon Pictures opted for a thrifty method in movie production. If given an adequate budget, a Master of the Universe sequel set entirely on the barren Eternia from the initial film could turn into an extraordinary space opera reminiscent of Shakespearean proportions, similar to what’s found outside the Star Wars series.

3) The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

In simpler terms, the storyline of “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” is complex, much like its title suggests, yet it’s not the most captivating aspect of the film. The character of Buckaroo Banzai (played by Peter Weller) resembles a potential American version of Doctor Who. He is a physicist, neurosurgeon, test pilot, and rock star, possessing an “expert-at-anything” vibe similar to The Doctor. His intriguing backstory is merely suggested in his sole cinematic appearance.

For quite some time now, numerous attempts have been undertaken to launch a follow-up to “Buckaroo Banzai,” with ideas spanning TV shows, comic books, films, and ultimately, a novel. However, while the book sequel Buckaroo Banzai Against the World Crime League, Et Al: A Compendium of Evils is satisfactory as sequels in literature go, the true desire among fans lies in a cinematic follow-up that mirrors the outlandish sci-fi elements and creative absurdity found in “The Further Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

4) Dredd

2012 brought an unexpected delight to Judge Dredd enthusiasts: a low-budget sci-fi action flick that overshadowed the ’90s Sylvester Stallone flop in people’s minds. Known as Dredd, this film corrected the mistakes of its predecessor, one of which was maintaining Judge Dredd’s helmet throughout the entire movie. Set primarily within a single towering tenement building, Dredd offered just a glimpse into the world of Judge Dredd, leaving fans eager for more exploration of Mega-City One.

As a devoted fan of Dredd, I’ve been eagerly waiting for over a decade now, hoping that the creators and cast will bring us a sequel. Whether it’s a new series on a streaming platform or another big-screen adventure, I can’t help but yearn for more Dredd while Karl Urban is still in top form to reprise his role.

5) Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Despite being 37 years old, the cult favorite movie “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” known for its abundance of Spirit Halloween merchandise and having a Triple-A video game, hasn’t seen a sequel yet. This classic 1988 sci-fi/horror film offers ample opportunity for growth, as the alien clown race or “Klowns” seems eager to create more mischief during Halloween season.

For quite some time, the Chiodo Brothers endeavored to produce a theatrical follow-up, but legal complications thwarted their attempts at every juncture. Later, they attempted television projects with similar results. At present, a reboot helmed by Ryan Gosling is in the planning stages; however, if I’m being candid, a budget-friendly sequel to the original by the Chiodos remains our top choice.

6) Krull

Among the Star Wars clone films that emerged in the early 1980s, it was “Krull” that came the nearest to embodying George Lucas’s blockbuster’s essence and immersive universe feel. This movie is set on the planet Krull, inhabited by various races such as humans, Cyclops, and extraordinary horses known as Fire Mares, which can run so swiftly they leave a fiery trail in their wake. When an ominous overlord called “The Beast” lays siege to Krull with his Slayer army, the burden of saving the day falls upon a band of unlikely heroes, headed by Prince Collwyn. (I personally found myself captivated by this movie’s unique blend of fantasy and heroism.)

In 1983, the action-adventure film “Krull” was poised to be the blockbuster of the summer season, boasting an arcade game, an unrelated Atari 2600 game, a board game, frisbees, and even a Marvel Comics adaptation. Unfortunately, it didn’t recoup its production costs, effectively ending any prospects for a “Krull” sequel. However, over the past nearly four decades, the film has gained a dedicated following. Given the slight dip in popularity of the original Star Wars, now could be the perfect moment to revive “Krull” through a reboot or continuation series.

7) The Last Starfighter

Absolutely, “The Last Starfighter” was destined to appear on this list. This 1984 film, which pushed the boundaries of computer graphics, made Luke Skywalker from Star Wars seem more familiar by transforming him into a teenager from an Earthly trailer park. The character Alex Rogan (played by Lance Guest) got to realize every ’80s kid’s dream of becoming a genuine starfighter pilot, engaging in a cosmic war that was light-years away from our planet Earth. Essentially, the film serves as an extended origin story, offering glimpses of the universe beyond Earth and laying the groundwork for future adventures for Alex, which unfortunately never came to fruition.

Just like many other movies on this list, multiple attempts have been made over time to create a sequel for The Last Starfighter, but none have been successful so far. What’s surprising is that unlike those other films, The Last Starfighter managed to make money at the box office, which makes its lack of a sequel all the more puzzling.

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2025-06-29 06:11