20 Great Movie Franchises That Became Unwatchable

4. Indiana Jones

Now, from one Lucasfilm goldmine to another, and from a space opera to the most legendary archaeologist to ever grace the screen. In the same way Harrison Ford made Han Solo as loveable and popular as he became, Indiana Jones also benefited greatly from a wonderful piece of casting magic.

Between 1981 and 1989, there were three Indiana Jones films released, two of which were truly outstanding, and one that, while not quite living up to the lofty heights of the previous two, was still an enjoyable enough outing - certainly nothing that would tarnish the memory and reputation of the franchise.

Unfortunately, that can’t be said for the next two entries in the series. As would likely be expected, coming after a 15-year hiatus, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull underwhelmed greatly, though it would arguably be looked upon rather fondly compared to 2023’s The Dial of Destiny.

With The Dial of Destiny, rarely has a sequel ever come across as such a husk of what once was. The fifth in the franchise was as tired as an aged Indiana Jones was, and even the ever-brilliant Mads Mikkelsen wasn’t able to bring anything good out of it.