Remember that feeling when the credits rolled on an amazing animated film, and you just knew there was more story to tell? That feeling of wanting to dive back into the world, reconnect with the characters, and see where their adventures would take them next? We’ve all been there, yearning for a sequel that, for whatever reason, never materialized.

It's frustrating when a film captivates our imaginations, introduces us to vibrant characters, and builds a rich, intriguing world, only to leave us hanging with unanswered questions and unresolved storylines. We invest our time and emotions, becoming deeply attached to these animated worlds, and then... silence. The potential for further exploration, character development, and world-building feels wasted, leaving a void that only a sequel could fill. It's a shared sentiment amongst animation enthusiasts, a collective longing for the continuation of stories we've come to cherish.

Today, we're diving into the realm of animated films that left us wanting more. We'll be exploring five fantastic animated movies that, in our opinion, deserve a sequel. We'll discuss why they resonated with audiences, what potential storylines could be explored, and why a return to these worlds would be a welcome treat for animation fans everywhere.

This article explored five animated films that deserve sequels: "Titan A.E.," "Treasure Planet," "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," "The Iron Giant," and Klaus.These films boast unique visual styles, compelling characters, and intriguing worlds ripe for further exploration. A sequel could delve deeper into their themes, expand their lore, and revisit beloved characters. The animation community hopes these films one day return to the screen.

Titan A.E.: Rebuilding Earth

“Titan A.E.” holds a special place in my heart. I remember seeing it in theaters as a kid and being blown away by its blend of traditional animation and CGI. The post-apocalyptic setting, the cool spaceship designs, and the rebellious spirit of the characters – it all felt so fresh and exciting. But what really stuck with me was the underlying theme of hope and the idea of rebuilding civilization from scratch. It showed us the determination of humanity to start over and the importance of finding a new home. This movie really deserves a sequel because there's so much potential to explore the challenges of rebuilding Earth after its destruction. We could see how humans and Drej interact, the difficulties of establishing a new society, and the ongoing struggle for survival in a harsh, unforgiving universe. The original's themes of hope, resilience, and the search for a place to belong would be even more relevant in a sequel, making it a story worth telling.

Treasure Planet: Beyond the Solar System

"Treasure Planet" is a re-imagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic "Treasure Island," set in a steampunk-inspired outer space. This unique blend of swashbuckling adventure and futuristic technology is what makes it so special. The film follows Jim Hawkins, a rebellious teenager, as he embarks on a thrilling quest to find the legendary Treasure Planet, guided by the cyborg pirate John Silver. The film boasts stunning visuals, with detailed spaceships, alien landscapes, and a vibrant color palette that brings the world to life. It tackles themes of redemption, trust, and the importance of finding one's purpose in life, all wrapped up in a thrilling sci-fi adventure. The film's unique premise and unresolved plot points make it a perfect candidate for a sequel. A sequel could explore the vastness of the solar system, introduce new characters and civilizations, and delve deeper into the relationship between Jim and Silver. The possibilities are endless, and fans would love to see Jim embark on new adventures, facing even greater challenges and discovering new wonders in the depths of space.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Exploring Other Lost Civilizations

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” released in 2001, embraced a distinct visual style heavily influenced by Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy. This choice immediately set it apart from other Disney animated features, giving it a darker, more graphic novel-esque feel. The story, inspired by Jules Verne novels, follows Milo Thatch, a linguist and cartographer, as he leads an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis. The film is steeped in history and mythology, drawing inspiration from various cultures and legends. It explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures. This movie deserves a sequel because it could explore other lost civilizations or delve deeper into the mysteries of Atlantean technology. The original film opened the door to a vast and fascinating world, and a sequel could expand upon this foundation, offering new adventures, challenges, and discoveries for Milo and his crew.

The Iron Giant: What Happened on Krypton?

“The Iron Giant” is a heartwarming tale about a boy named Hogarth Hughes who befriends a giant robot from outer space. Set during the Cold War, the film explores themes of fear, prejudice, and the power of choice. The Iron Giant is initially programmed as a weapon but learns to choose his own destiny thanks to Hogarth's friendship and guidance. Its emotional depth and poignant message have resonated with audiences for years. A sequel could explore the Iron Giant's origins, delving into the history of his creators and their motivations. We could learn more about his home planet and the events that led to him being sent to Earth. Alternatively, a sequel could focus on Hogarth's journey as he grows up, perhaps dealing with the challenges of protecting the Iron Giant's secret or helping other alien visitors in need. There are so many possibilities to continue the original film's themes of peace, understanding, and the importance of choosing one's own path.

Klaus: Spreading the Spirit

Klaus isn’t just a Christmas movie; it's an origin story that beautifully reimagines the legend of Santa Claus. Sergio Pablos's unique animation style, combining traditional techniques with digital tools, gives the film a distinct look that sets it apart from other animated features. The story follows Jesper, a lazy postman, who is sent to a remote island above the Arctic Circle. There, he meets Klaus, a reclusive toymaker, and together they bring joy and generosity to a town mired in a generations-long feud. It’s a heartwarming tale about kindness, forgiveness, and the transformative power of giving. The sequel could focus on Jesper and Klaus spreading the spirit of Christmas to other towns and communities, encountering new challenges and bringing joy to those who need it most. Or, the sequel could explore the origins of other holiday traditions, weaving them into the existing Klaus universe and creating a richer, more expansive world. The possibilities are endless, and fans would love to see more of Jesper and Klaus's heartwarming adventures.

The Shared Thread: Why These Films Deserve More

Each of these films shares a common thread: they all possess a unique blend of compelling characters, engaging storylines, and visually stunning worlds that have captivated audiences and left them wanting more. They also tackle universal themes that resonate with viewers of all ages, from the importance of hope and resilience to the power of friendship and the search for one's place in the world. A sequel to any of these films wouldn't just be a continuation of the story; it would be an opportunity to delve deeper into these themes, explore new facets of the characters, and expand upon the already rich and fascinating worlds that have been created. This is what makes these films so deserving of a sequel.

Tips for Pitching a Sequel

So, you're passionate about one of these films and have a brilliant idea for a sequel? Here are a few tips for pitching it. First, understand the original film’s strengths and weaknesses. What resonated with audiences? What could have been improved? Secondly, build upon what made the original film special. Don't try to completely reinvent the wheel. Instead, expand upon the established world, characters, and themes. Lastly, have a clear vision for the sequel's story, characters, and visual style. Be prepared to answer questions about your creative choices and demonstrate your passion for the project. These tips will increase your chances of getting noticed.

Fan Campaigns: Making Your Voice Heard

If you're not a filmmaker but still passionate about seeing a sequel to one of these films, there are still ways to make your voice heard. Start or join fan campaigns. Use social media to spread awareness and rally support for your cause. Write letters to the studios responsible for the original films. If enough people express their interest, it can make a difference. Fan support has played a crucial role in getting sequels greenlit in the past, and it can do so again. These campaigns can make a difference and get noticed.

Fun Facts About These Films

Did you know that “Titan A.E.” was one of the most expensive traditionally animated films ever made? Or that "Treasure Planet" was a passion project for directors Ron Clements and John Musker, who had been developing the idea for over a decade? “Atlantis: The Lost Empire’s” unique visual style was directly inspired by the work of comic book artist Mike Mignola. "The Iron Giant" was directed by Brad Bird, who later went on to direct "The Incredibles" and Ratatouille."Klaus" took over four years to make and employed a team of over 400 artists. These films each have their own unique stories and legacies, making them even more special in the eyes of their fans.

How to Support Animated Film

Supporting animated films is crucial for the industry’s continued growth and creativity. Watch animated movies in theaters and on streaming platforms to show studios that there’s a demand for this type of content. Buy merchandise, such as toys, posters, and soundtracks, to support the artists and creators behind the films. Share your love for animated films with friends and family to introduce them to new and exciting worlds. By supporting these films, you’re helping to ensure that more animated stories are told and that the industry continues to thrive.

What if Sequels Are Never Made?

Even if sequels are never made, the original films will still hold a special place in our hearts. They will continue to inspire us with their stories, characters, and themes. We can always revisit these films and rediscover the magic that made them so special. Fan fiction, artwork, and online communities can also help keep the spirit of these films alive. The absence of sequels doesn't diminish the impact of the original films; it simply allows us to cherish them even more.

Listicle of Deserving Sequels

Here's a quick list of the animated films we discussed:

"Titan A.E." - A post-apocalyptic adventure with a message of hope.
"Treasure Planet" - A steampunk-inspired reimagining of a classic tale.
"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" - A visually stunning exploration of a lost civilization.
"The Iron Giant" - A heartwarming story about friendship and choice.
"Klaus" - A beautifully animated origin story of Santa Claus.
These films all deserve sequels that would expand upon their rich worlds and compelling characters.
Question and Answer
Here are some common questions about animated sequels:
Q: Why are some animated sequels never made?
A: There are many reasons why a sequel might not be made, including financial considerations, creative differences, and the availability of the original filmmakers. Sometimes, the studio might not see enough potential profit in a sequel, or the original creators might not be interested in returning to the project.
Q: What makes a good animated sequel?
A: A good animated sequel builds upon the strengths of the original film while also introducing new and exciting elements. It should stay true to the characters and themes that resonated with audiences while also exploring new storylines and ideas.
Q: Can fan campaigns influence the creation of a sequel?
A: Yes, fan campaigns can definitely influence the creation of a sequel. If enough people express their interest in seeing a continuation of a story, it can demonstrate to studios that there’s a demand for the project. This can increase the chances of a sequel being greenlit.
Q: What are the risks of making a sequel to a beloved animated film?
A: One of the biggest risks is disappointing fans by not living up to the expectations set by the original film. It's important to capture the same magic and heart while also offering something new and exciting. There's also the risk of tarnishing the legacy of the original film if the sequel isn't well-received.
Conclusion of 5 Animated Films That Deserve a Sequel
While there's no guarantee that any of these films will ever receive the sequels they deserve, we can continue to celebrate and support them. By keeping their stories alive, we hope that one day, these worlds will be revisited and their characters will embark on new and exciting adventures. Until then, we can always dream and imagine what could be.