10 Must-See Thrillers in Need of a Sequel

Warning! This article may contain spoilers!

Thriller films captivate audiences in profound ways, often leaving them clamoring for sequels. These films masterfully keep viewers engaged with suspenseful narratives, unexpected twists, and gripping reveals. The best thrillers skillfully weave intricate backstories and immersive world-building, creating a rich lore that enhances the action and drama on screen.

The fate of a sequel hinges on various factors, including audience reception, box office performance, actor availability, and the storyteller’s vision. Nevertheless, numerous acclaimed thriller films possess the potential for sequels to delve deeper into their unique settings and character arcs. Here, we highlight some beloved thrillers that have yet to receive a follow-up.

10 Green Room (2015)

Directed By Jeremy Saulnier

Green Room is a harrowing horror thriller centered around a band that becomes entrapped in a nightmare after witnessing a murder in a remote venue, where they’re relentlessly pursued by a gang of neo-Nazis. Although the film stands strong on its own, it hints at a broader universe filled with untold stories exploring similar sociopolitical themes.

The film’s intense ending, which sees most of the band members perish, leaves ample opportunity for a sequel to utilize its gripping atmosphere while introducing new narratives without directly continuing the original plot.

9 High Life (2018)

Directed By Claire Denis

High Life is a compelling science-fiction horror film that tells the story of outlaws sent on a perilous mission toward a black hole, where they confront existential themes of isolation and morality. The character Dibs (Juliette Binoche) carries out chilling experiments on the crew, injecting elements of body horror into the narrative.

The unresolved fates of Monte (Robert Pattinson) and Willow (Jessie Ross) create a fertile ground for a sequel. This follow-up could delve into the complexities of familial relationships and the evolution of humanity amidst overwhelming isolation.

8 Dredd (2012)

Directed By Pete Travis

Dredd transforms the iconic comic character into a gritty action thriller set in a post-apocalyptic Mega-City One. Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) operates as a law unto himself amidst rampant crime and chaos. Despite its initial underwhelming box office results, Dredd has garnered a cult following thanks to its exhilarating action and narrative depth.

The universe created in Dredd teems with potential for additional stories. A sequel could continue to explore Dredd alongside Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), as they tackle corruption and lawlessness in their dystopian setting.

7 Blink Twice (2024)

Directed By Zoë Kravitz

Blink Twice offers a psychological thriller storyline wherein guests are lured to a billionaire’s private island under the guise of a luxurious getaway. However, the seemingly idyllic environment devolves into chaos, with the protagonist, Frida (Naomi Ackie), questioning her grasp on reality and relationships.

The film’s plot twist leaves an imprint, showcasing significant themes that deserve further exploration. A sequel could expand on these concepts by examining issues of power dynamics and societal oppressions, offering a fresh perspective on psychological tensions.

6 The Invitation (2022)

Directed By Jessica M. Thompson

The Invitation is a horror thriller that uniquely adapts the Dracula mythos, telling the story of Evie Jackson (Nathalie Emmanuel) who discovers her family’s dark secrets in the UK. Her gripping journey pits her against vampires eager to maintain their veil of secrecy.

Following the film’s riveting conclusion where Evie claims victory over her nemeses, a sequel could follow her and her ally Grace (Courtney Taylor) as they embrace their new reality as vampire hunters, exploring deeper into vampire lore while seeking justice against the predators that haunt humanity.

5 Minority Report (2002)

Directed By Steven Spielberg

Minority Report is a groundbreaking tech noir film highlighting a future where precognitive humans help combat crime. The story follows Chief John Anderton (Tom Cruise) as he fights against a preordained fate predicted by the precogs.

Despite a connected television adaptation, a film sequel has yet to materialize. Given the film’s examination of surveillance and ethics, a follow-up could delve into the evolving implications of AI and its interplay with society, making it timely and thought-provoking.

4 The Belko Experiment (2016)

Directed By Greg McLean

The Belko Experiment presents a chilling narrative where a group of employees find themselves in a deadly game, forced to eliminate each other. The shocking conclusion reveals that the survival was only the beginning of a much larger and sinister experiment.

This unexpected twist sets the stage for numerous sequel possibilities. Further installments could unravel the conspiracy behind such experiments or follow Mike Milch (John Gallagher Jr.) as he navigates the consequences of surviving the ordeal.

3 Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Directed By Doug Liman

Edge of Tomorrow depicts a thrilling battle against alien forces in a time-loop scenario where Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) must relive his demise to alter his fate. This unique premise lays the groundwork for an array of action-packed sequels.

A sequel could build on the original’s winning formula, exploring new dimensions of the time loop concept and character development to create another engaging narrative.

2 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Directed By David Fincher

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, directed by David Fincher, is an adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s suspenseful novel that uncovers dark family secrets through the investigation conducted by journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and tech-savvy hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). The powerful chemistry between the leads leaves much to explore in future narratives.

While the subsequent film, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, did not resonate with audiences, revisiting the original characters with fresh storylines could revitalize interest in this cinematic universe. Additional adaptations of Larsson’s work could delve deeper into political intrigue and corruption, encompassing contemporary issues while retaining Fincher’s artistic vision.

1 Ex Machina (2014)

Directed By Alex Garland

Ten years after its release, Ex Machina remains a profound exploration of artificial intelligence and ethical dilemmas. Following Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), who assesses whether the AI humanoid Ava (Alicia Vikander) possesses consciousness, the film’s jarring conclusion presents Ava’s escape into society.

As AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the timing is ripe for a sequel that explores how Ava integrates into human society and the ensuing ramifications. A follow-up could probe the potential chaos instigated by AI’s interaction with humanity, and how we confront our creations.

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