Last week, I noticed a startling trend among upcoming films: Nearly all of the movies were based on preexisting material. Even the film I was waiting to watch is an onscreen adaptation of a book. Hollywood, an industry that prides itself on innovation and creativity, seems to divert its resources into sequels, remakes and adaptations.
Between 2020 and 2024, only 12% of new series and films were based on preexisting material, so non-original products are not the majority of films produced. Yet, the sequels, remakes and adaptations have a stronghold on audiences and, more importantly, the box office.
Of the top 66 movies to earn at least $100 million domestically from 2022 to 2025, 47 were part of an established franchise. That makes up 71% of films in that span.
More revealing are the domestic box office leaders of the past two years. In 2024, all 10 of the highest-grossing films were based on preexisting material. In 2025, only one original film, “Sinners,” appeared among the 10 highest-grossing films. When an original film succeeds, it creates opportunities for more original movies. When a non-original movie succeeds, it pushes studios to create more films based on preexisting materials.
“A Minecraft Movie” was the top domestic box office earner in 2025. Warner Bros. has already greenlit a sequel to the video game-based film. The film itself is best described as an enjoyable disaster. Based on quality alone, it should have flopped. But Warner Bros. knows a sequel will deliver incredible box office results, which makes pursuing a sequel an easy decision for them.
While it may be simple to write off the failure of original films and capitalization on source material to Hollywood’s greed, the blame is just as easily shared by the audience. We control the box office.
Moviegoers are choosing familiarity. The average person will choose to spend their money on a film they recognize, whether it be from prior films, video games, novels or television series.
Ultimately, this trend needs to change. Audiences will get bored with the same formula of sequels, remakes and adaptations of source material. While recent films such as “Sinners” and “Marty Supreme” succeeded as original, standalone films, their success will likely be overshadowed by the nonoriginal movies that follow.
This is not to say that you should avoid watching nonoriginal films. Even though “Toy Story 5,” “A Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Scream 7” may not be necessary, I still want to watch them. After all, sequels are enjoyable. While sequels, remakes and adaptations are entertaining, we as audiences need to support original films to encourage their production.