Ever since their vibrant birth, animated sci-fi films have always been tons of fun for audiences, blending the imagination of the genre with a medium that can live up to it. They possess a unique knack for building captivating worlds, especially ones that are vastly rich and immersive, often resulting in belovedanimated movies with robot protagonists. A good animated science fiction film will leave audiences hungry for more,warranting a second production that sometimes does even better than the first. However, not every cinematic gem gets the follow-up it deserves.
From visually impressive epics likeWALL-Etonon-Disney 2D animated masterpieces,plenty of animated sci-fi films are not only cool to look at but exist as canon events in the lives of many.People either grew up with many of these films or, arguably even better, got to experience them for the first time as adults. Out of all the animated sci-fi films out there, it ironically seems like the best ones are always unfortunate enough to not get the continuation they deserve when there is still more that the story can offer.
8The Iron Giant (1999)
Brad Bird’sThe Iron Giantis a timeless masterpiece of storytelling from before he became famous for helmingThe Incredibles. It somehow blends Cold War paranoia and a heartfelt tale of friendship in a way that isn’t cheesy at all. The genius setup of Hogarth befriending a giant robot with a mysterious origin left so much untapped potential that it hurts that much more considering how good the movie was in the first place. As much as there will almost definitely never be a sequel,there’s always something new that can be found from rewatchingThe Iron Giant, 25 years later.
Vin Diesel provided the voice for the Iron Giant.
Theindefinite conclusion ofThe Iron Giantleaves many different questions for audiences to digest: “Where did the Giant come from? What happened after he reassembled himself?” There are still many fresh ideas for a sequel that could be explored regarding these past mysteries or tales of the future, which, once again, is frustrating for fans to think about. It’sbeen approximately a quarter of a century since this cinematic achievement dropped andthe closest thing we have gotten to anIron Giantsequel isBumblebee.
7Titan A.E. (2000)
Directed By Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, & Art Vitello
Titan A.E.came from a trio of famous creatives yet was a box office flop but has since gained a strong cult following. Set in a post-apocalyptic universe where Earth has been destroyed, the film follows Cale Tucker as he discovers a spaceship capable of creating a new planet. Regardless of everything else, the world-building inTitan A.E.is phenomenal. Plotlines and characters absolutely could have been explored more in a potential sequel, highlighting lots of missed opportunities for a continuation ofTitan A.E.
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With the insane number of movies that come out every year, it was inevitable that a few would have the unfortunate luck of being box office bombs.
A sequel could have also delved deeper into the struggles of rebuilding humanity while exploring more of the universe’s mysteries.With its mix of high-stakes action and stunning visuals,Titan A.E.was the kind of movie that begged for a second chapter,especially considering its cult classic resurgence. Some sort of momentum could have been capitalized on during the film’s extended-release appreciation, which is absolutely something to consider when discussing the general scope of animated sci-fi films that deserve a sequel.
69 (2009)
Directed by Shane Acker
Tim Burton’s9is a slightly weird but mostly fascinating post-apocalyptic world in which small, sentient ragdolls enter tumultuous combat, bravely fending off violent machines. Originally created as a 2005 animated science fiction short film at the UCLA Animation Workshop,9retains much of the original DIY charm of the source material it was based on. The film ends on an ambiguous note, literally gearing things up for the perfect sequel. Leaving the future of the surviving characters and their desolate world open to interpretation,9had some serious growth potential.
A sequel to9could have explored remnants of humanity in a plethora of ways. The origins of the machines that destroyed life could be analyzed, and multiple better films could stem from the blueprint of the original production. The cute characters have longevity in their design,almost resembling prototype Minions (who later went on to carry the torch as America’s most squeezable soldiers). Regardless, the sentient ragdolls have the potential to be just as huge in pop culture as their neon yellow cousins (with the right storytelling, of course).
5Robots (2005)
Directed By Chris Wedge
In terms of movies that are something special,Blue Sky Studios’Robotsis an absolute package of endearment, charm, nostalgia, and futurism.These contradicting aspects shouldn’t work together in the way premised, but they do. The lush chemistry this film possesses is a miracle on its own, giving fans perhaps one of the most pleasant experiences animation can offer, especially 20 years ago. The animations are slightly retro yet blissfully unforgettable and fun to watch. Meanwhile, the dialogue in this film is priceless, with gut-busting jokes and stellar voice acting.
Robotsintroduces a world full of quirky characters and steampunk aesthetics. Rodney Copperbottom’s journey to become an inventor and save the robot community from corporate greed is a fun ride, but there is so much more to explore in this metallic metropolis. A sequel could have expanded on Rodney’s adventures and budding career, introduced new robotic landscapes, or even tackled larger themes like evolution. Overall, with the perfect setup, the society ofRobotswould take a lot more than one film to get old. With its all-star cast and clever humor,Robotshad the foundation for an exciting franchise that, unfortunately, never materialized.
4WALL-E (2008)
Directed By Andrew Stanton
Pixar’sWALL-Eis a near-perfect, intensely beautiful film, but that doesn’t mean fans wouldn’t have eaten up ahypotheticalWALL-E 2. The story of a humble trash-compacting robot falling in love with his shiny polar opposite soulmate all while on the quest to save humanity is as heartwarming as it was visually stunning. The film ends with humanity returning to Earth, with numerous different questions firing off from every angle about how they will survive and the beloved robot’s place in this narrative.
The sounds of WALL-E’s movements and emotions were crafted by the same sound designer behindStar Wars’R2-D2.
A sequel could have absolutely explored the excitement of rebuilding a new civilization or followed WALL-E and EVE on another outrageously cute yet meaningful adventure. There are so many feats of animated art packed into this film that it’s a shame audiences won’t be able to revisit it. The visual designs of WALL-E and his fellow robots are absolutely unforgettable in science fiction culture, and it would be incredible to see more fromWALL-E’s animators. With its stark environmental message etched into a captivating storyline,WALL-Eleft audiences with a world worth returning to.
3Treasure Planet (2002)
Directed By John Musker & Ron Clements
Disney’sTreasure PlanettakesTreasure Islandand gives it a unique, sci-fi twist, blending traditional animation with CGI to ultimately create a visually unique universe. Jim Hawkins' journey through space with the deeply layered Long John Silver is packed with adventure and heart, and the film’s overall approach is fun and creative.Treasure Planetcould have taken the wow factor into consideration a little more,as many moments feel a little slow, lacking the necessary tension that could be readily available in a second attachment.
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A sequel could have sent Jim on a new treasure hunt, delving deeper into the galaxy’s lore, giving the film’s innovative visuals and memorable characters a second chance to dazzle audiences. Its underwhelming box office performance only makesTreasure Planeta prime candidate for further exploration, highlighting the potential heights it could have achieved with minor cinematic tweaks and a better release environment. Its cult status has heightened over the years, signifying at least some interest in a sequel.
2Meet The Robinsons (2007)
Directed By Stephen Anderson
This futuristic time-travel adventure from Disney follows young inventor Lewis as he meets the eccentric Robinson family.Meet the Robinsons’take on time travel doesn’t get too complicated with the logic of it, but nails its themes with what one thinks they want to know about what happened before and what they want next. While all the mysteries about Lewis' past and future are unraveled by the ending, the film’s whimsical gadgets and quirky characters are brimming with potential for plot continuation, generating the need for a sequel since the movie’s initial release in 2007.
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A second film could have delved into Lewis’s life as an adult inventor, exploring other time-travel shenanigans, possibilities, and potential conflicts. The film’s overarching messages about perseverance and family resonated deeply with audiences, signifying that more plot lines could derive from these instances.Meet the Robinsonspossesses the solid foundation for a follow-up that sadly never came,as the first film is still underappreciated.
1Big Hero 6 (2014)
Directed By Don Hall & Chris Williams
WhileBig Hero 6spawned an entire TV show in the aftermath of its Oscar win, the proper sequel has yet to grace movie theaters. Set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, the film follows robotics prodigy Hiro and his inflatable companion Baymax as they form a highly-loved superhero team. The cuteness of these characters combined with the sheer coolness of Baymax’s design will never get old —Big Hero 6is the ultimate rewatch.
A sequel toBig Hero 6could have introduced new villains, expanded the team, or explored the dynamic between Hiro and Baymax in years to come. The film possesses many heartfelt, high-energy moments, making it impossible not to want more, and once again, the character design is utterly impressive. Overall,Big Hero 6will forever remain a fan favorite deserving of a big-screen return.Over a decade old, the probability of aBig Herosequel is low, but it’s incredible to think about the possibilities it would possess.
