Sequels can be a difficult gamble in Hollywood. While there are franchises that naturally give way to sequels due to extensive source material or cliffhangers, not every sequel is so easily justifiable. Even so, a sequel doesn’t have to be necessary to be intriguing. There are certain franchises that, regardless of how much we may gripe about not needing a tenth film installment or decades-late sequel, we already know we’re going to show up for.
Use our guide to find the 10 movie sequels that’ll most likely be released on Disney+ and Prime Video, amongst others, in 2026 and 2027, with movies hailing from franchises with such an enduring appeal that we’re secretly dying to watch them even though we don’t need them.
Scream 7 (2026)
Scream 7 is just around the corner, marking the third Scream movie since the franchise’s revival in 2022 and the seventh installment overall. Now, practically no franchise needs seven installments, but Scream has avoided franchise fatigue pretty well. For one, the revitalization of the franchise after an 11-year hiatus has ensured viewers don’t feel like they’re being overwhelmed with seven sequels on top of each other. Not only that, but Scream is also one of the best and most consistent horror franchises.
Since the first Scream (1996), the movies have stood out for avoiding horror tropes, embracing self-awareness, and remaining grounded and a little more realistic than typical slasher fare. In addition, the modern Scream films have nostalgia on their side. With the returns of Matthew Lillard and Neve Campbell for Scream 7 and the promise of another grounded, witty horror film, you know we will show up for that seventh installment.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026)
Ready or Not (2019) is the kind of movie where it doesn’t really seem possible to continue the story, but we’re getting Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, nonetheless. A lot of fans are probably hesitant about this sequel because Ready or Not already had the perfect ending. The satirical horror comedy delivered on its final note of absurdity and dark humor, and it was satisfying.
However, the sequel still piques my interest, especially considering it tapped the talent of three scream queens by casting Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kathryn Newton alongside the returning Samara Weaving. On top of that, it’s hard to say “no” to a sequel that’s likely to continue expanding on an absolutely bonkers, bloody premise. While Ready or Not was perfect on its own, I’m not going to miss out on what promises to be a wildly good time with Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)
The Devil Wears Prada is another excellent film that doesn’t need a sequel. The original is truly iconic, with its phenomenal performances and deep dive into the fashion scene. It’s endlessly quotable and relatable to anyone who has had a dismal work experience. Now, after 20 years, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is happening, featuring much of the original cast, including Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
For a film as iconic and satisfying as The Devil Wears Prada, the natural question is, where does a sequel possibly go from there? The Devil Wears Prada 2 has a clear direction, though, exploring how the fashion and publishing scenes have changed in the digital age. It also seems the roles will reverse, as Streep’s Miranda Priestly finds her career declining while Hathaway’s Andy Sachs adapts to the times. The premise is just intriguing enough to make you consider that maybe the story isn’t over yet.
Toy Story 5 (2026)
Did anyone ask for Toy Story 5? Probably not. Are we still going to be sat for it? Yes. Toy Story is one of those franchises that never seems to run out of steam. With breathtaking animation and heartfelt stories of friendship and the bond children have with toys, the franchise offers an enduring appeal. Toy Story 3 (2010) seemed to have the perfect, satisfying ending to the franchise, but then Toy Story 4 (2019) did, too.
Now, Toy Story 5 is happening, and I’m actually quite confident that it will be Toy Story’s third perfect ending because the franchise is just so good at hitting viewers in the feels no matter how much time and how many movies go by. We’re so bonded to those toys by now that, even while doubting whether Toy Story 5 has anything left to cover, we’re still showing up for it.
Camp Rock 3 (2026)
After 16 years, Camp Rock 3 is happening with the Jonas Brothers set to return. As adults, most of us recognize that Camp Rock (2008) and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) were kind of cringeworthy. In fact, the movies have made a comeback on TikTok, with users sharing the most unrealistic, cringey, melodramatic moments from them. Still, most ‘90s kids would be lying if they said Camp Rock wasn’t their childhood.
Camp Rock made me want to attend a musical sleepaway camp and reaffirmed my childhood belief that the Jonas Brothers were the pinnacle of musical talent. Nostalgia alone will be enough to drive most of us to Camp Rock 3. Also, I have to admit, the Jonas brothers’ comeback, from their music to their Christmas special, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025), has been pretty great, so I’m curious what they’ll do with Camp Rock 3.
Minions & Monsters (2026)
The Despicable Me franchise just keeps on giving, offering the third sequel to its Minions prequel series and seventh installment overall with Minions & Monsters. The franchise is pretty unique on this list, as not only does it not need another installment, but Despicable Me (2010) didn’t even need a prequel series to begin with. However, the Minions became a cultural phenomenon and went on to get their own prequel film series and moment in the sun.
Not much happens in Minions (2015) or Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). They can best be described as movies about Minions being Minions, but it was more than enough to make the movies box-office hits. Now, Minions & Monsters can also be expected to break the box office because we all love them so much. They’re cute, funny, and chaotic, and that’s all the excuse we need to show up for every Despicable Me and Minions movie.
Violent Night 2 (2026)
Violent Night (2022) was a surprise hit, offering an unexpectedly delightful mix of action, comedy, and Christmas lore. Although it had a pretty good ending and the premise is so absurd it’s hard to imagine how to continue the story, Violent Night 2 is set for December 2026 with David Harbour returning as Santa Claus. It may not be the most necessary sequel, but Violent Night 2 already holds some appeal.
For one, the movie promises something new by introducing Mrs. Klaus (Kristen Bell) and delivering more of the lore hinted at in the original. Additionally, Violent Night 2 is a lot like Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, where, regardless of whether it can top the original or is necessary, it's almost guaranteed to be a good time if it keeps up the well-choreographed action and dark humor.
Spaceballs 2 (2027)
Considering we made it 40 years without a Spaceballs (1987) sequel, it’s pretty safe to say Spaceballs 2 isn’t really necessary, but it’s happening. After all these years, Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, George Wyner, and Daphne Zuniga have all signed on to reprise their roles for the long-awaited sequel. Plot details remain under wraps, though Brooks has described it as a “Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.”
It will be another parody of Star Wars, though it’s unclear how much it will relate to the plot of Spaceballs. Since the story wrapped up quite nicely in the original, it’s understandable that Spaceballs 2 may have some reboot elements. Spaceballs 2 isn’t necessary, but considering Spaceballs is one of the most quotable movies ever, and Moranis will be appearing in his first major role in 30 years, it’s going to be a must-see for most.
Shrek 5 (2027)
Although DreamWorks marketed Shrek Forever After (2010) as the final film in the franchise, Shrek 5 is happening 17 years later. Like Toy Story, Shrek has had more than one possible, satisfying ending. Shrek the Third wasn’t the best Shrek movie, but its ending worked quite well. Then, Shrek Forever After offered an even better and more definitive ending for the franchise.
However, as with Toy Story, fans likely suspected that DreamWorks wouldn’t entirely close the door on one of its most successful franchises. A fifth Shrek movie does make sense considering the critical and commercial success of the spinoff Puss in Boots series. Viewers still have an appetite for Shrek, and so long as Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz return, so will audiences for Shrek 5.
Frozen 3 (2027)
Frozen (2013) was one of those films so good that I worried a sequel would ruin it. However, Frozen 2 (2019) happened anyway, and although it was a little unnecessary and certainly didn’t eclipse the original, it was a good expansion of the story and a fun adventure. Given the already fairly unnecessary first sequel, a third movie naturally feels even more needless.
Even so, I think Frozen 3 could actually be good for the franchise. Audience opinions on Frozen 2’s ending vary greatly, but I personally didn’t like it. It felt wrong to separate Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) and end the film without Elsa on the throne. Disney can’t just erase Frozen 2, but, if done correctly, Frozen 3 could offer a happier ending. Additionally, so long as Olaf (Josh Gad) returns and the music continues to be on point, most fans will show up for any Frozen sequel.
