Top 10 Movie Franchises That Should NEVER Get A Reboot

Top 10 Movie Franchises That Should Never Get a Reboot

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Movie Franchises That Should Never Get A Reboot.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most beloved series of films we really hope Hollywood doesn’t try to bring back.

Which film franchise do you hope never gets the reboot treatment? Let us know in the comments.

#10: “Fast & Furious” franchise (2001-)

This street racing-turned-heist film series is one of the most profitable franchises around, having grossed over $6.5 billion as of September 2022. 2023’s “Fast X” is set to be the start of the final chapter. So we hope Universal doesn’t look at those profits and try to retread old ground in the future. Audiences have loved venturing into the world of fast cars, high stakes stunts, and, say it with us, family. But after over 20 years, it’s time to put that story to rest. We’d hate to get a proper send-off only to see it cheapened by a reboot. If the studio wants to make more spin-offs in the vein of “Hobbs & Shaw?” Well, that’s a different story.

#9: “The Hunger Games” franchise (2012-)

“The Hunger Games” came at the perfect time, amid a widespread boom of young adult adaptations. Just like Suzanne Collins’ book series, it stood out in the crowd thanks to a killer story with strong political themes. It did what all great dystopian sci-fi does: paralleled our own world with elements that don’t seem too far off. But it also blended in teen tropes to attract a wider audience, which it undoubtedly did. The story was already told extremely well and was bolstered by Jennifer Lawrence’s powerful performance. We're excited to see the prequel, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” We just hope it doesn’t give Lionsgate any bad ideas.

#8: “John Wick” franchise (2014-)

The “John Wick” series constantly amazes us, delivering some of the sleekest action sequences ever seen on film. Honestly, we could watch Wick mop the floor with his rivals forever and never grow tired of it. However, a big part of the series’ draw, and why it does so well, is Keanu Reeves’ performance. The first served as a sort of comeback vehicle for the actor, who is adored by the public. But who knows how long Reeves will play Wick? Trying to start over with another actor if and when he moves on, no matter how much time has passed, would be a bad decision on Lionsgate’s part.

#7: “Dirty Harry” franchise (1971-88)

Clint Eastwood has portrayed a lot of iconic characters throughout his career, with one of the most famous being Harry Callahan. The movies followed Callahan across different cases, where he’d use whatever merciless methods he could think of against dangerous, often deadly criminals. Eastwood played the character in five films throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. While it seems the type of crime thriller Hollywood would’ve tried rebooting already, we’re very glad it hasn’t. It would be weird to see someone else in the role Eastwood defined so well. Like many franchises, it also ran out of steam by the final entry; 1988’s “The Dead Pool” barely made its budget back. Plus, we probably don’t need to see this type of cop story brought back.

#6: “Mission: Impossible” franchise (1996-)

“Mission: Impossible” is one of the greatest action franchises ever created. With dastardly villains, incredible tech, and supremely suspenseful stunts, it has everything you could want from a spy series. At its heart is Tom Cruise and the whole crew, who’ve worked with several action directors to bring IMF Agent Ethan Hunt’s escapades to life. Somehow, each entry’s set pieces manage to top those that came before it. It’s one of Paramount’s most celebrated IPs, but like everything else, it deserves an ending. Some have speculated that the upcoming two-part “Dead Reckoning” will be the end, at least for Cruise. Regardless, it’s hard to imagine a reboot featuring the same level of dedication we’ve already seen.

#5: “Indiana Jones” franchise (1981-)

It doesn’t get much more ‘classic adventure’ than the “Indiana Jones” series. The original trilogy was one of the defining franchises of the ‘80s. And 2008’s “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” definitely wasn’t without its charm. A big thanks for that has to go to Harrison Ford, who embodies Dr. Jones. If the film series were to be rebooted with another actor, it would feel like a disservice to the character’s legacy. A fifth film is set to release in 2023, which may actually be Ford’s last. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has stated they won’t create more entries without him. We hope that stays true.

#4: “The Godfather” franchise (1972-90)

We’d think that Hollywood wouldn’t remake films as revered as “The Godfather,” but stranger things have happened. Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo’s groundbreaking saga chronicles the adventures of a powerful mafia family, the Corleones. It features astounding performances from dramatic actors at the top of their game like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, Diane Keaton, and many others. While it didn’t end on the highest of notes, it’s still highly respected. “The Godfather” and its sequels will likely be studied and discussed for years to come. So we really hope Paramount never gets desperate enough to try and retell the Corleone family’s story.

#3: “The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-03)

Make as many prequels and spin-offs as you want, as long as the original trilogy stays untouched. Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s magnum opus is rightfully one of the most cherished in cinema history. It was a fantasy epic unlike anything we’d seen before with career-defining portrayals, wonderful effects and make-up, and truly stunning battles. Altogether, the movies snagged not ten, not twelve, but seventeen Oscars. It really couldn’t have been better, so why would anyone try to rival that? We’re happy to explore other periods of Middle-earth’s history through TV, video games, or other films. But when it comes to the tale of Frodo and the One Ring? It’s best to leave well enough alone.

#2: “Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)

“Harry Potter” defines a crucial moment in time and pop culture. But that time is over now, and that’s okay! The Wizarding World pulled in fans of magic, regardless of age, whisking us to a school we wished with all our might we could attend. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were pitch-perfect casting choices. But each installment also included a parade of veteran British actors, terrific effects, and a story that was easily accessible, yet thrilling and enchanting. While including every detail from the books was impossible, the films did the best they could. The story itself came to a natural, satisfying end, so it’s time to bid farewell to the Boy Who Lived. Any reboot would just feel forced and inauthentic.

#1: “Back to the Future” franchise (1985-90)

Who knew that a snarky teen and a wacky scientist would turn out to be one of cinema’s all time greatest friendships? Marty and Doc’s adventures through time provide some of the most genuine fun we’ve ever had watching movies. Whether it’s a journey to the ‘50s, their interpretation of 2015, or the Old West, each installment feels like a gift from the Film Gods. The trilogy is pure movie magic with endlessly quotable lines, stellar set pieces, and a sense of imagination that can’t be replicated. To top it all off, the chemistry between Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd is so phenomenal, we’d believe they’d been friends for years. “Back to the Future” is a once-in-a-lifetime series and it should stay that way.