8 Movie Franchises That Should Have Quit While They Were Ahead

When It Should Have Quit: The Godfather: Part II

Imagine a world where The Godfather is just a duology. The first two films are rightly regarded classics and the trilogy isn't lacking of plaudits, but standing alone they could be without compare, telling a complete story and showing in one fell swoop how to make effective, enlarging follow-on.

The point of all this is that The Godfather: Part III has no real reason to exist, forced into existence not by Francis Ford Coppola feeling he needed to provide ultimate finality to Michael Corleone's story, but because it was a smart career move; the 80s hadn't been as kind as the previous decade and he finally gave into constant studio request for a Part III. And it shows in the story.

Despite not being conceived with the original, Part II feels like an essential companion, rather than just progression; themes are carried over, arcs you didn't realise were hanging resolved and obviously the Vito flashbacks double as backstory and parallels. Part III doesn't have any of that and thus sullies the series as a trilogy. Of course, the set is still well regarded and that's because the final act isn't totally deplorable, but things could have been so much stronger without it.

Agree with this list? What other franchises do you think should have ended a few movies earlier? Share your picks down in the comments.