The Longest Gaps Between Movie Sequels
Hollywood loves sequels, but sometimes, they take far longer than expected to arrive. Whether due to creative delays, financial struggles, or shifting audience interest, some franchises take decades to return to the big screen. Here’s a countdown of the longest gaps between movie sequels, with some taking over half a century to materialize!
#5: Blade Runner (1982) → Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – 35 Years
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made, but for decades, a sequel seemed unlikely. That finally changed in 2017 with Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve.
The film continued the philosophical exploration of artificial intelligence and humanity, bringing back Harrison Ford’s Deckard while introducing Ryan Gosling as a new protagonist. Though Blade Runner 2049 wasn’t a massive box office success, it received widespread critical acclaim and solidified its place as a worthy continuation of the original.
#4: Top Gun (1986) → Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – 36 Years
When Top Gun hit theaters in 1986, it became a cultural phenomenon, launching Tom Cruise to superstardom and making audiences dream of taking to the skies. Despite its massive success, a sequel remained in limbo for decades.
After years of speculation and delays, Top Gun: Maverick finally arrived in 2022, 36 years later. The sequel saw an older but still rebellious Maverick training a new generation of elite pilots, including Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of his late best friend, Goose. More than just a nostalgia trip, Top Gun: Maverick became a global box office juggernaut, earning over $1.4 billion and proving that some long-awaited sequels are worth the wait.
#3: The Shining (1980) → Doctor Sleep (2019) – 39 Years
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time, but it took nearly 40 years for a sequel to reach theaters. In 2019, Doctor Sleep, based on Stephen King’s novel, picked up the story of Danny Torrance as an adult, still haunted by the trauma of the Overlook Hotel.
Starring Ewan McGregor as Danny, Doctor Sleep blended horror, supernatural elements, and psychological drama. Though it didn’t match The Shining’s legendary status, it was praised for staying true to King’s vision while carving out its own eerie identity.
#2: Mary Poppins (1964) → Mary Poppins Returns (2018) – 54 Years
Few films are as beloved as Disney’s Mary Poppins, but despite its popularity, a sequel didn’t arrive until Mary Poppins Returns in 2018—54 years later!
Starring Emily Blunt as the iconic nanny, the film followed a grown-up Michael and Jane Banks as they struggled through difficult times, only for Mary Poppins to re-enter their lives with her magical charm. While it didn’t quite capture the timeless magic of the original, it was a visually stunning and heartwarming follow-up that introduced Mary Poppins to a new generation.
#1: Bambi (1942) → Bambi II (2006) – 64 Years
Holding the record for the longest wait between a film and its sequel, Bambi II arrived a whopping 64 years after the original Bambi.
Unlike most sequels, Bambi II isn’t a continuation but a “midquel,” filling in events between key moments in the original film. The straight-to-video release followed young Bambi as he bonded with his father, the Great Prince of the Forest. While it lacked the impact of the original, Bambi II still holds a unique place in Disney history for the sheer length of time between installments.
Final Thoughts
These films prove that Hollywood never truly lets a franchise die, no matter how much time passes. While some long-delayed sequels (Top Gun: Maverick, Blade Runner 2049) lived up to expectations, others (Mary Poppins Returns, Bambi II) struggled to capture the magic of their predecessors.
With upcoming sequels like Tron: Ares, it’s clear that long gaps between movies aren’t going away anytime soon. What long-overdue sequel would you love to see next?