5 Animated Movies That Deserved a Sequel (But Never Got One)!

Everyone has experienced that bittersweet moment when an amazing animated movie ended, leaving us craving for more. Some animated movies spawn successful franchises, while others remain standalone masterpieces. It forever leaves fans wondering “what if?”

As such, studios have denied many animated movies the sequel treatment they deserve. Let’s explore five incredible animated movies that absolutely deserved sequels but never got them. These films captured our hearts, showcased groundbreaking animation, and left storylines that could have easily continued into new adventures.

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5. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017): A Brick-Built Adventure Cut Short

When it comes to spin-offs done right, The Lego Batman Movie stands tall among animated movies. Will Arnett’s portrayal of the blocky Batman created a unique version of Gotham’s hero that deserved further exploration. The film’s clever writing and amazing animation style proved that animated movies could successfully parody while still telling meaningful stories.

With an endless supply of DC characters to play with and the established dynamic between Batman and his adopted son Robin, a sequel could have expanded this plastic brick universe in countless entertaining directions.

4. The Adventure of Tintin (2011): Marvel’s Motion-Capture

Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the beloved Belgian comic strip brought something special to animated movies with The Adventure of Tintin. The motion-capture animation created a unique visual style that perfectly captured the spirit of the original comics. It bridged the gap between animation and live-action. Despite plans for a sequel, the continued adventures of the young reporter and his faithful dog Snowy never materialized.

The film’s ending perfectly sets up future globe-trotting mysteries, making its standalone status even more frustrating for fans. With countless original Tintin stories to adapt, a sequel could have built upon the amazing foundation laid by this underappreciated gem.

3. Rise of the Guardians (2012): Legendary Icons Unite

Rise of the Guardians has managed to reimagine our childhood icons as brilliantly as possible. The film brought together Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost in a stunning visual spectacle. Another masterpiece of DreamWorks Animations.

The gorgeous animation and compelling character dynamics offered endless possibilities for new stories. With so many other childhood legends and myths to explore, a sequel could have introduced fresh characters while deepening the existing world.

[Also Read: Disney Confirms Sequels: Frozen, Zootopia, Toy Story, Incredibles]

2. Big Hero 6 (2014): San Fransokyo’s Lost Future

Despite generating an animated series, this Disney Marvel film never received the proper theatrical sequel it deserved. Big Hero 6 combined superhero action and technological wonder into one of the most innovative animated movies. The animation looks stunning due to the advanced technology used.

Baymax became an instant icon, and the team’s dynamic offered countless other opportunities. A theatrical sequel could have expanded the universe while maintaining the original’s perfect balance of heart, humor, and heroics.

1. WALL-E (2008): Unfinished Story of a Robot

Pixar’s masterpiece WALL-E depicts a lonely robot cleaning up Earth and falling in love with another robot female. It has themes of environmental awareness, human connection, and the power of love, leaving viewers with hope for humanity’s future. The film’s ending, showing Earth’s gradual restoration, opened up countless possibilities for continuing the story. Best animated movie ever made.

A sequel could have explored the challenges of rebuilding civilization, WALL-E and EVE’s evolving relationship, or even the fate of other robots left on Earth. It’s better than most romance stories and it’s about robots that don’t talk. It’s smart with a clever message and can be enjoyed by kids and adults.

These animated films that transit into TV series or other forms of media often bring a perspective. However, there’s a charm to a genuine cinematic sequel that just cannot be imitated adequately elsewhere. Yet, fans need not lose hope. Considering Top Gun managed to get a sequel after 36 years; there’s potential for these animated classics to also make a comeback, on the silver screen, and carry on their enchanting tales.