As the film industry has shifted to incorporate an ever-growing number of franchises, more films than ever are seeing continuations in the form of sequels or movie universes. However, there are always those films that stand purely on their own, independent cinematic tales that capture the imaginations of their audience. In other words, there are many standalone movies that deserved to have started franchises.
Of course, it goes without saying that some movie franchises are overrated, but the simple fact that they expand upon their respective stories, characters, or world has obvious merit. Tying movies together using larger continuities is something that’s widely appreciated by moviegoers, as it offers the opportunity to further explore an established cinematic world. With that comes the expectation that excellent or imaginative movies will see sequels or spin-offs, but sadly that potential isn’t always realized.
8. Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dog Soldiers is one of those cult movies that the more you describe it, the better it sounds. Written, directed, and edited by Neil Marshall (The Descent), and starring Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, and Liam Cunningham, its continued popularity speaks for itself. It follows a group of soldiers fighting for survival when attacked by werewolves in the Scottish Highlands.
Dog Soldiers might sound niche, but the excellent execution of its premise puts it on par with beloved British horror like 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead. How exactly a film about soldiers fighting werewolves can achieve such popularity but remain a standalone feature is truly mystifying. In short, Dog Soldiers absolutely deserved further exploration.
A franchise could have followed a similar plot, with another group of individuals attacked by werewolves. It could have followed its surviving hero hunting the creatures in a new location. It could have simply kept Neil Marshall on the basic premise and undoubtedly would have turned up some enjoyable fare. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, even though Dog Soldiers is one of those standalone movies that should have started franchises.