It is not uncommon for animated movies to get sequels, especially if the first film is a smashing success. Sometimes sequels are a good thing, expanding on character arcs, addressing unanswered questions, and introducing new characters that bring a lot of charm to the series.
Other times, these sequels can be repetitive, fail to represent what their predecessors stood for, or the creators of the films simply do not know when to stop. Some of the worst series start off great but end up with 10 or more sequels that few people actually watch. Sequels need to have the same love and care put into them as the first film, otherwise, they are not worth making.
10 Too Many: Toy Story Had A Good Conclusion With Its Third Movie
The Toy Story films took things a film too far. The third installment had a satisfying conclusion. So satisfying, that the final scene is the part of the movie that fans remember most. This touching moment of both Andy and Woody moving on, with Andy's favorite toys in Bonnie's care, is actually ruined by the fourth film.
Not only does Bonnie lose all interest in him, but many of Woody's friends get sidelined to the point where most of them do not play any sort of essential role in the film. When watching the third film, no one wanted to see Woody become so miserable for most of the fourth one.
9 Needs More: Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse Has A Lot Of Characters That Still Need Development
After a sequel to the first installment was announced, fans were excited. Many hailed the film as one of the best Spider-Man movies to ever hit theaters, as it brought something new to the character. Not only was the main Spider-Man Miles Morales, but Peter Parker became a mentor and other Spiders were introduced.
The main flaw of the first film is that many of the Spiders did not get much character development, nor did they get enough time to really bond with Miles. Sequels would be perfect for fleshing out these characters or even introducing other Spiders that fans would like to see.
8 Too Many: Shrek Needed To Stop After Happily Ever After
The first two Shrek films are easily the best of the series. The characters were vastly entertaining, making this spin on classic fairy tales memorable. Some even consider the second film to surpass the first, given its spectacular musical number in the climax as well as the mere concept of a princess introducing her parents to the ogre she married.
The third and fourth installations were weaker, even unnecessary additions to the film given that the main dilemma of both movies was Shrek's desire to avoid the responsibilities he had been shouldered with.
7 Needs More: There Is A Lot Another Incredibles Movie Could Explore
Incredibles 2 was highly anticipated, but the characters and story seemed to take more steps backward than forwards. Jack-Jack's powers were revealed a second time, Supers were still not accepted by society, and one parent went off to do hero work. The parents even insisted that the kids were not ready to do the same, despite fighting by their side before.
What fans adored about the first film was the focus on what family life was like for people with superpowers. Families encounter a variety of problems and struggles, so this franchise could tell another great story without any of the rehashing.
6 Too Many: The Cars Films Feel Disjointed
The Cars films feel completely disjointed, as the second decided to move away from the racing genre to become a spy film instead. While the first and third films know when to slow down and to take things seriously, the second did not. Additionally, the transition of Lightning McQueen from being a newbie racer to an older one struggling to keep up felt so sudden, especially since the second film didn't put enough focus on his character.
The third film is at least a perfect way to end his story, as he becomes a mentor to Cruz Ramirez the same way Doc Hudson was to him.
5 Needs More: A Goofy Movie Shows The Struggle Of How Difficult It Can Be For A Parent & Child To Connect
In both films of this series, Goofy struggles to connect with his son Max. The two are like night and day in terms of personalities, hobbies, and interests. Although Goofy can seem overbearing or invasive at times, he wants nothing more than to bond with his son. It is hilarious to see Goofy attend college with his son and take him on a vacation.
It would be interesting to see a film where Max becomes the father and receives guidance from Goofy, or for him to at least see where his father was coming from. There are more phases of life than just being a teen and going to college, giving any possible sequels a lot of room to make something unique.
4 Too Many: Hotel Transylvania's Tone & Lack Of Real Character Development Has Hurt The Sequels
The first Hotel Transylvania film is far different from the sequels. Dracula is much more fearsome, and his desire to protect his daughter stems from a tragic event that happened years before. Unfortunately, he becomes goofy and impossible to take seriously in the sequels.
Not only this, but so many characters were introduced that it is impossible for the films to focus on them all. This robs them of much-needed development, and even the fourth film is already being criticized for its premise, where Johnny doesn't feel accepted by Drac despite the fact that the vampire chased him down in the scorching sunlight.
3 Needs More: Kung Fu Panda's Sequels Are All An Enjoyable Watch
The Kung Fu Panda films are all powerful movies, which expand on Po's backstory with each installment. The characters are likable and consistent, and every film perfectly balances the serious and comedic elements, all while teaching valuable lessons.
The sequels focused more on Po's past, and although the slow and deliberate reveal of his tragic past and his family roots made him grow as a character, there are still plenty of things he could learn while looking towards the future. Even the Furious Five deserve more time in the spotlight.
2 Too Many: The Swan Princess Film Series Has Ten Installments
Many people who have seen the original The Swan Princess movie would be surprised to discover that it received sequels. Even more people would be shocked to find that the series has a total of 10 films. While the second and third films aren't awful, the quality of the sequels quickly went downhill.
The 3D CGI animation implemented made the characters unpleasant to look at. The most painful of these sequels is The Swan Princess: Christmas, in which Rothbart's ghost returns with an evil plan... to destroy Christmas.
1 Needs More: Hoodwinked! Offers A Delightful Twist On Classic Fairy Tales
Hoodwinked is very similar to Shrek in that it takes fairy tale characters and portrays them in a new light. The film follows many of the same story beats as the classic Red Riding Hood Story but changes up the character motivations. Although the villain may seem like a twist villain at first, the stories told by the main characters seamlessly fit together and provide subtle clues in regards to their identity.
The second film has a lot of charm too, with its own unique twist on Hansel and Gretel. This series could tell more stories this way, as this is still a very entertaining way to retell stories.