So we have always complained about how everything is a sequel. But is this trend really that new?
The graph clearly shows that people our age grew up in a strange lull of movie sequels. The graph starts in 1988 where there was just about 15 sequels for the next 3 years
Sure we are looking at 20 a year nowadays, but the independent boom of the 90s is over. Horror franchises returning is the biggest factor.
For the amount of films that get a wide theatrical release, I’d say that 20 sequels is almost to be expected. If anyone finds this interesting, I’ll go back further.
All data was counted by eye off of wikipedia’s theatrical release pages and probably incorrectly counted.
Interesting graph, I would be like to see what things were like before 1988. The mid 80s were such a big time for horror movie sequels what with the Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Friday the Thirteenth series. The biggest thing to change about sequels over time is really the quality, not the quantity. We live in the bizarre world where the fifth Fast and Furious movie is demonstrably the best of the series. The most interesting development moving forward will be the “shared universe” films of marvel, where the universe is more important than actors, directors, and to some extent writers, and more interesting the universe is even more important than any individual film franchise. The biggest argument against these huge franchises and uber franchises (marvel) is that they take away (development) money from original properties. Was I the only one who felt a breath of fresh air from Inception?
Inception was nice because there are few big budget original films. If your budget is over 100mil you need a built on fan base. Nolan has that. I think few directors could have gotten the cash for that film.
I’m going to do a remake graph and a based on books graph soon
The great thing about Inception was that it was a story that works best told as a film. The different dream levels made sense because of the editing and slow motion. When a property has to be able to work as a comic book and a video game as well as a film, you rob the filmmaker from being able to tell stories using the unique abilities of film. I mean hell, Transformers work better in the medium of a toy than they do in film.
That is sadly true. I find it way more interesting how the robot toys can fold into cars than the film ones
I liked Inception until I heard Nolan caved and said it wasn’t all a dream at the end. Now I hate the fucking film. Piece of shit. Nice graph, Pete.