3 Netflix Sci-fi Movies That Should Have Started Franchises (And #1 Still Could)

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Netflix offers a diverse range of films, and its science fiction selections are often particularly strong and imaginative. However, the platform has a frustrating habit of not expanding on promising sci-fi concepts. While not every film needs a sequel, Netflix has repeatedly created movies with clear potential for more, but then left those stories unfinished. Sometimes the ideas are epic in scope, deserving of a larger exploration, and other times the endings strongly hint at further adventures. Ultimately, Netflix boasts a collection of good sci-fi films, but many viewers are left feeling like these stories deserved to be fully realized.

Here are three original sci-fi movies from Netflix that had all the potential to launch successful franchises, but currently appear to be one-time films. However, there’s still a chance for at least one of them to become more.

3) I Am Mother

Netflix often plays it safe with its movies, and I Am Mother is a perfect example. The film was a hit, and fans really wanted a sequel, but it quickly faded away. It’s a tense, thought-provoking sci-fi story about a girl raised in a bunker by a robot designed to repopulate Earth, until an outsider arrives and complicates everything. Though simple in its setup, the film explores fascinating ideas and the relationship between the robot ‘Mother’ and the girl, leaving viewers with plenty of unanswered questions about the fate of the world.

The biggest disappointment with I Am Mother is that it ends right when things were getting truly interesting. It’s a smart science fiction film that doesn’t need special effects to be captivating – the core idea is strong enough to support multiple movies. It would be great to see what else exists in this world, how other artificial intelligences function, and what’s become of humanity. While there was talk of a sequel previously, nothing official has been announced. Though the film works well on its own, the story had so much potential for further development and expansion, and it really felt like it deserved it.

2) They Cloned Tyrone

Some movies just feel like the beginning of something bigger, and They Cloned Tyrone is definitely one of those. The film centers on Fontaine, Yo-Yo, and Slick Charles as they uncover a secret cloning operation that’s controlling whole neighborhoods. It’s a really compelling sci-fi idea, and the ending raises a lot of questions – which is probably why audiences enjoyed it so much. It practically begs for a follow-up! The movie expertly mixes conspiracy theories with clever humor, creating a world that feels ripe for further exploration.

Honestly, after seeing They Cloned Tyrone, I’m a little frustrated to hear the director hasn’t considered a sequel. This movie has way more potential than a lot of the ongoing series Netflix keeps throwing money at. The world they’ve built is so flexible, the social issues it tackles are still incredibly relevant, and even with a completely new cast, there are tons of directions they could take the story. Think investigations in different cities, variations on the conspiracy, or even a deep dive into who is running this cloning operation. It feels like a real sci-fi treasure trove just waiting to be discovered, and I’m hoping someone realizes that.

1) Space Sweepers

Unlike the other two films, Space Sweepers has real potential for a larger franchise, and it deserves it. This South Korean movie was one of Netflix’s first big sci-fi successes internationally. The story takes place in 2092 and follows a team of space junk collectors who discover an android that could determine the future of humankind. It’s a compelling idea, blending action, comedy, emotional depth, and impressive visual effects – everything you’d expect from a blockbuster. The film’s universe is rich with possibilities, hinting at galactic conflicts, influential companies, rebel groups, and advanced technology. It was a hit around the world, reaching number one on Netflix’s charts in many countries.

What’s really exciting is the potential for more movies – the executive producer has hinted that sequels are very likely. Unlike many Netflix originals, Space Sweepers creates a world you genuinely want to revisit. A sequel could build on the story, introduce new characters, or show how the android impacts the future. It would be fantastic to see Netflix invest in a story with real substance and the potential to become a truly great franchise, rather than just something visually impressive.

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2025-11-02 23:13