10 Movie Franchises That Should Die With Their Stars

The Before trilogy is not what most people think of when they think of a franchise. Usually more explosions and car chases are present while the long monologues and romantic subtleties are absent. That said, few couples have the chemistry stars/writers Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy do, and even fewer sagas have the scope and authenticity of the 18-year span.

Richard Linklater has directed all three films with Before Sunrise (’95) showcasing a young couples singular romantic evening; Before Sunset (’04) reunites them nine years later as they’re lives have become their own; and Before Midnight (’12) is a lesson in what it takes to make a marriage work and more importantly, enjoy it.

The reason Hawke and Delpy are credited as writers (and consequentially nominated for the Adapted Screenplay Oscars) is because much of the film is improvised. There’s an arc to be shown, but how the characters get there and what they say on the journey is up to Hawke and Delpy’s own discretion. Without the two leads, the last three films and any future entries would be wholly different. We would never have had Jesse and Céline.

Which franchises do you think should die with their stars? Let us know in the comments!