The top trending movies of 2024 reveal one increasingly problematic trend that isn’t going to end anytime soon. While there have been a number of recent movie sequels that have exceeded all expectations, audiences are becoming increasingly skeptical about Hollywood’s latest direction. This isn’t a new phenomenon; Hollywood has embraced sequels for decades. However, the dominance of this genre in 2024 raises concerns about the creative spirit that once defined the industry.
Studios are eager to revisit established properties because it is a guaranteed formula for commercial success. The prospect of seeing cherished, household names back on the big screen appeals to both audiences and studios alike. There is an undeniable demand for returning to these universes, which challenges the need for new stories. The nostalgia these films evoke generates significant buzz leading up to their release. With upcoming movie sequels releasing in 2025, it is clear that Hollywood’s current trend is becoming even more concerning.
All But 2 Of 2024’s Top 10 Trending Movies On Google Are Sequels
The upsurge in sequel productions is evident in the films released in 2024. All but two of Google’s top 10 movies for this year are sequels, leaving only 20% of the trending releases as original works. This significant decline from previous years highlights the issues associated with Hollywood’s latest trend. Among the top spots are Inside Out 2 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, two sequels that showcase varying degrees of anticipation for their next installments. Inside Out 2 unequivocally reverses Pixar’s previous stance on sequels, as the film achieved massive commercial success, riding on the favorable reputation of its predecessor.
Google’s Top 10 Trending Movies For 2024
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Inside Out 2
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 1 -
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 1 -
It Ends With Us
Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing
No. Of Previous Installments: N/A -
Saltburn
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: N/A -
Dune: Part Two
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 1 -
Twisters
Studio: Universal Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 1 -
Deadpool & Wolverine
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 2 -
Despicable Me 4
Studio: Universal Pictures
No. Of Previous Installments: 3 -
Terrifier 3
Studio: Cineverse Corp./Iconic Events
No. Of Previous Installments: 2 - Alien: Romulus
Studio: 20th Century Studios
No. Of Previous Installments: 8
With this technique proving successful, studios are now more open to sequels and have no shortage of stories deserving continuation. While It Ends With Us performed well globally, it did not reach the performance levels of its sequel competitors. Additionally, Saltburn only grossed a modest $21 million worldwide. These figures indicate that audiences are more interested in returning characters than original ones, especially those with favorable reputations or an extended break—such as Burton’s Beetlejuice. This trend ultimately prioritizes established franchises over original works.
2025’s Upcoming Movies Prove The Sequel Trend Isn’t Ending Anytime Soon
A large proportion of 2025’s upcoming blockbuster movie releases are sequels. This includes projects across numerous established franchises, such as Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible and Jurassic World: Rebirth by Universal Pictures. These sequels have become expected, allowing studios to schedule them far beyond their official confirmation. Audiences have faith that many of these movies will deliver, regardless of critical acclaim, due to their ongoing legacy in Hollywood. Marvel’s annual calendar also contributes to considerable anticipation for works like Captain America: Brave New World, especially with the addition of Harrison Ford.
However, 2025 will also see the revival of several intellectual properties that have remained dormant for years. The announcement of Now You See Me 3 and 28 Years Later surprised fans who believed these franchises were completed. Given the profitability of sequels, it is evident that this Hollywood trend will persist, allowing audiences to eagerly anticipate the next chapter of their favorite characters. The revival of Now You See Me and The Devil Wears Prada sets a precedent that every franchise is susceptible to resurgence, ensuring that Hollywood will sustain this trend beyond 2025 for many years to come.
As the industry continues to prioritize sequels over original storytelling, the question remains: what will this mean for the future of cinema? Will audiences continue to embrace familiar narratives, or will the demand for fresh, innovative stories eventually rise to the surface? Only time will tell, but for now, the sequel trend shows no signs of slowing down.
