Top Trending Movies of 2024 Highlight Ongoing Problematic Trends in Hollywood

The movie landscape of 2024 is witnessing an intriguing trend that raises questions about Hollywood’s future direction. While numerous sequels have emerged this year, capturing the audience’s attention, there is a growing skepticism among viewers regarding this recurring Hollywood strategy. Although the practice of revisiting established franchises isn’t completely new – having been a hallmark of the industry for decades – the sheer volume of sequels dominating the box office may suggest a shift away from the innovative storytelling that Hollywood has historically celebrated.

The allure of familiar franchises is undeniable, as studios increasingly lean on these established properties for guaranteed profitability. Audiences find comfort in the nostalgia of beloved characters and worlds, creating substantial pre-release buzz even before the films hit theaters. However, this emphasis on sequels begs a critical question: does the trend toward cinematic nostalgia stifle new and original narratives? As 2025 approaches, the concerns about Hollywood’s reliance on old tales seem to grow more pronounced.

Sequel Overload in Hollywood: 2024’s Dominance by Sequels

Originality in Short Supply: A Look at 2024’s Trending Movies

This year, the trend is evident as only two movies in Google’s list of the top 10 trending films are original concepts. This statistic translates to a striking 80% of the most talked-about films being sequels, a significant decline in new storytelling from previous years. Among the films leading the pack are notable sequels such as Inside Out 2 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, each expected to draw significant audience interest, albeit with varying degrees of excitement. The success of Inside Out 2 reflects Pixar’s shift in approach to sequels, reviving enthusiasm based on the success of its predecessor.

Google’s Top 10 Trending Movies For 2024	Studio	No. of Previous Installments
1. Inside Out 2	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures	1
2. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice	Warner Bros. Pictures	1
3. It Ends With Us	Sony Pictures Releasing	N/A
4. Saltburn	Amazon MGM Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures	N/A
5. Dune: Part Two	Warner Bros. Pictures	1
6. Twisters	Universal Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures	1
7. Deadpool & Wolverine	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures	2
8. Despicable Me 4	Universal Pictures	3
9. Terrifier 3	Cineverse Corp./Iconic Events	2
10. Alien: Romulus	20th Century Studios	8

With the evident success of sequels, studios are now more inclined to pursue follow-ups, considering a wealth of stories ripe for continuation. While It Ends With Us fared well internationally, it fell short compared to its sequel counterparts. In contrast, Saltburn managed a modest $21 million globally. These figures reveal a clear preference among audiences for familiar characters rather than original narratives, particularly those with established legacies or long-awaited returns, such as Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. This pressing interest further accelerates Hollywood’s focus on entrenched franchises at the potential expense of novel storytelling.

Looking Ahead: Sequels Continue to Rule in 2025

Major Sequel Releases on the Horizon: Wicked and Avatar

The parade of sequels shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, as numerous high-profile releases are already on the calendar. This includes eagerly awaited films from popular franchises, ranging from Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible series to Universal’s Jurassic World: Rebirth. These sequels have become not just anticipated but seemingly guaranteed, enabling studios to plan their release schedules well in advance.

Furthermore, 2025 will see the revival of several intellectual properties that have remained dormant for years. The news of Now You See Me 3 and 28 Years Later has taken many fans by surprise, rekindling interest in franchises many thought had concluded. With the remarkable profitability associated with sequels, this trend appears poised for the long haul, suggesting audiences can continue to look forward to the adventures of their favorite cinematic characters. The resurgence of beloved properties such as Now You See Me alongside classics like The Devil Wears Prada demonstrates that Hollywood’s appetite for sequels will sustain far beyond 2025.

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