17 Exhausted Film Franchises With Only One Good Movie in the Bunch

1. Jaws 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 669230, ID: 0073195
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Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ is a masterclass in suspense and horror, setting the bar high for shark movies. The tension builds perfectly, making it a timeless classic. Unfortunately, the sequels failed to capture the same magic, making ‘Jaws’ the only truly great film in the franchise.
2. The Hangover 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 855715, ID: 1119646
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‘The Hangover’ is a hilarious and clever comedy that stands out for its unique premise and memorable characters. The sequels, however, fell flat, relying too much on gross-out humor and losing the charm of the original. This makes ‘The Hangover’ the only standout in the franchise.
3. Predator 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 460490, ID: 0093773
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Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Predator’ is a thrilling blend of action and sci-fi, with a suspenseful plot and iconic creature design. The sequels never matched the original’s intensity and creativity, making ‘Predator’ the only truly great film in the series.
4. Meet the Parents 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 358442, ID: 0212338
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‘Meet the Parents’ is a comedy gem, with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro delivering unforgettable performances. The humor and relatable situations make it a classic. The sequels, however, couldn’t replicate the same charm, making the original the only truly great film in the franchise.
5. The Fast and the Furious 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 423891, ID: 0232500
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‘The Fast and the Furious’ is an adrenaline-pumping action film that introduced us to the world of street racing. While the franchise has expanded, the original remains the best, with its raw energy and thrilling races. The sequels, though entertaining, never quite captured the same magic.
6. Saw 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 472262, ID: 0387564
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Saw (2004) is a gruesome thriller that stands out in the horror genre for its innovative plot and shocking twists. The film’s clever narrative and intense atmosphere make it a standout, but the subsequent sequels failed to capture the same magic, turning into mere torture porn. The original Saw remains a chilling masterpiece that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but the franchise quickly exhausted its creative potential.
7. Darkman 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 70507, ID: 0099365
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Darkman (1990) is a unique blend of superhero and horror genres, directed by Sam Raimi. The film’s dark and campy tone, combined with Liam Neeson’s compelling performance, makes it a memorable watch. However, the sequels failed to live up to the original’s charm and creativity, making Darkman the only truly good movie in the franchise.
8. Jurassic Park 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1080012, ID: 0107290
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Jurassic Park (1993) is a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the use of CGI in cinema. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film’s awe-inspiring visuals and thrilling storyline captivated audiences worldwide. Unfortunately, the sequels never quite matched the original’s brilliance, making Jurassic Park the standout film in an otherwise exhausted franchise.
9. From Dusk Till Dawn 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 344082, ID: 0116367
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From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) is a wild ride that starts as a crime thriller and morphs into a vampire horror. The film’s genre-bending narrative and memorable performances by George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino make it a cult classic. However, the sequels and spin-offs failed to capture the original’s unique charm, leaving From Dusk Till Dawn as the only truly good movie in the franchise.
10. Highlander 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 148995, ID: 0091203
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Highlander (1986) is a cult classic that combines fantasy, action, and historical drama. The film’s unique premise, memorable characters, and epic soundtrack by Queen make it a standout. Unfortunately, the sequels and spin-offs failed to live up to the original’s legacy, making Highlander the only truly good movie in the franchise.
11. The Matrix 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 2076960, ID: 0133093
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The Matrix is a visually stunning cyber-adventure that redefined the sci-fi genre with its groundbreaking special effects and philosophical undertones. However, the franchise’s subsequent films failed to capture the same magic, making the original the only truly remarkable entry. The film’s exploration of reality and illusion, combined with its iconic action sequences, make it a timeless classic. Despite its flaws, The Matrix remains a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.
12. The Exorcist 1973，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 460284, ID: 0070047
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The Exorcist is a horror masterpiece that continues to terrify audiences with its chilling portrayal of demonic possession. The film’s intense atmosphere, powerful performances, and groundbreaking special effects set a high standard for the genre. Unfortunately, the franchise’s sequels and prequels never lived up to the original’s impact, making it the only truly exceptional film in the series. The Exorcist remains a must-see for horror fans.
13. The Mummy 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 466430, ID: 0120616
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The Mummy is a delightful blend of action, adventure, and humor, with Brendan Fraser’s charismatic performance leading the way. The film’s thrilling set pieces and charming characters make it an enjoyable ride. However, the franchise’s subsequent entries failed to recapture the same spirit, leaving the original as the standout film. The Mummy is a fun and entertaining watch for fans of adventure films.
14. The Terminator 1984，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 933940, ID: 0088247
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The Terminator is a sci-fi classic that introduced audiences to the relentless cyborg assassin and the dystopian future of Skynet. James Cameron’s tight direction and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic performance make it a standout film in the genre. While the franchise has had its ups and downs, the original remains the most impactful and memorable entry. The Terminator is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan.
15. Speed 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 396175, ID: 0111257
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Speed is a high-octane thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its relentless pace and inventive action sequences. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock deliver engaging performances, making the film a standout in the action genre. Despite the franchise’s lackluster sequel, the original Speed remains a thrilling and entertaining ride. It’s a must-watch for action movie enthusiasts.
16. The Purge 2013，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 242371, ID: 2184339
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The Purge presents a chilling dystopian concept where all crime is legal for one night, but it ultimately falls short in execution. While the original film introduces an intriguing premise, its sequels devolve into repetitive and uninspired narratives, making the first movie the only notable entry in the franchise.
17. Men in Black 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 619923, ID: 0119654
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Men in Black is a delightful mix of sci-fi and comedy, featuring stellar performances from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The film’s witty script and imaginative alien designs make it a classic. However, the subsequent sequels lack the same spark, making the original the only truly great movie in the series.