Worst Spin-Offs of Great Movies

Some iconic films inspired their own side stories, but not every offshoot captured the spark that made the originals beloved. Below are spin-offs tied to hit franchises and classics, with key details on what they covered, who starred in them, and how they connect back to the main events or characters. Use this to see where each one fits in its larger universe, who made it, and what audiences got in terms of plot, production, and reception.

‘Son of the Mask’ (2005)

This follow-up to ‘The Mask’ shifts the focus to a cartoonist whose infant becomes the new wearer of Loki’s mask. Jamie Kennedy stars alongside Alan Cumming, with Lawrence Guterman directing from a screenplay by Lance Khazei. New Line Cinema produced the film without Jim Carrey or the original creative team’s return. The movie leans into CGI-heavy slapstick, and it received broadly negative reviews and several Razzie nominations.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

Spun off from the broader Batman brand, this film centers on Patience Phillips rather than Selina Kyle, positioning the character outside mainline Gotham continuity. Halle Berry leads, with Sharon Stone and Benjamin Bratt co-starring, under the direction of Pitof. Warner Bros. released it as a standalone action-fantasy with a cosmetics-industry conspiracy as the core plot. The film was critically panned on release and is frequently cited for its departure from established Batman canon.

‘Supergirl’ (1984)

Building on the success of ‘Superman’ (1978), this entry follows Kara Zor-El’s journey to Earth to recover the Omegahedron. Helen Slater stars, with Faye Dunaway and Peter O’Toole in supporting roles, and Jeannot Szwarc directing. Produced by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, it attempted to expand the Kryptonian mythos independently of Superman’s on-screen presence. The film underperformed at the box office and drew mixed-to-negative reviews, leading to a hiatus for the character in theaters.

‘U.S. Marshals’ (1998)

A spin-off of ‘The Fugitive’, this thriller shifts the spotlight to Tommy Lee Jones’s Samuel Gerard and his team. Wesley Snipes and Robert Downey Jr. join the cast, with Stuart Baird directing for Warner Bros. The plot tracks a new chase involving a high-stakes prisoner and an international conspiracy angle. Despite strong cast continuity, the film earned more muted critical responses than its predecessor.

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ (2009)

Branching off from ‘X-Men’, this prequel focuses on Logan’s early life and the Weapon X program. Hugh Jackman headlines, with Liev Schreiber and Danny Huston in key roles, directed by Gavin Hood. The story introduces multiple mutants and attempts to set up character backstories that feed into later timelines. Reviews highlighted uneven visual effects and continuity issues within the franchise.

‘The Scorpion King’ (2002)

Spinning out of ‘The Mummy Returns’, this sword-and-sorcery adventure traces the rise of Mathayus. Dwayne Johnson takes the lead in one of his earliest starring roles, with Chuck Russell directing. Universal positioned it as a franchise launch, later spawning numerous direct-to-video follow-ups. While commercially successful, it moved away from the horror-adventure blend that defined ‘The Mummy’, and reception was mixed.

‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’ (2017)

Following the breakout of ‘The Lego Movie’, this entry adapts the ‘Ninjago’ brand with a separate continuity. Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, and Olivia Munn lead the voice cast under directors Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, and Bob Logan. The plot centers on a secret-identity rift between a ninja hero and his warlord father. It underperformed relative to prior Lego releases and drew notices for franchise fatigue.

‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)

This ‘Fast & Furious’ spin-off teams Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw on a globetrotting mission against a cyber-enhanced antagonist. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham star, with Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby joining, and David Leitch directing. Universal framed it as an action-comedy offshoot emphasizing banter and set-piece spectacle. It posted strong worldwide grosses but drew mixed critical notes on tone and pacing.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ (2018)

Part of the ‘Harry Potter’ wizarding world, this sequel continues Newt Scamander’s story while expanding on Gellert Grindelwald’s rise. Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp star, with David Yates directing and Warner Bros. distributing. The narrative weaves lore-heavy revelations and Paris-set investigations into broader series mythology. Critics flagged plotting complexity and character focus as recurring issues.

‘The King’s Man’ (2021)

Serving as a prequel to ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’, the film traces the formation of the independent spy agency during World War I. Ralph Fiennes leads an ensemble that includes Gemma Arterton, Djimon Hounsou, and Rhys Ifans, directed by Matthew Vaughn. The story blends historical figures with series hallmarks like bespoke gear and covert operations. Reception was mixed, and the release was impacted by shifting pandemic-era schedules.

‘Lightyear’ (2022)

Positioned as the in-universe movie that inspired the ‘Toy Story’ character, this sci-fi adventure follows Buzz on a time-dilation mission. Chris Evans voices Buzz, with Uzo Aduba, Keke Palmer, and Taika Waititi in supporting roles; Angus MacLane directs for Pixar. The film explores themes of leadership, regret, and teamwork within a standalone narrative. Despite strong animation craft, it saw softer domestic box office than prior franchise entries.

‘American Pie Presents: Band Camp’ (2005)

This direct-to-video spin-off extends the ‘American Pie’ universe by following Matt Stifler at a summer music program. Tad Hilgenbrink stars, with Eugene Levy providing connective tissue as Jim’s dad; Steve Rash directs. The production ushered in a run of ‘American Pie Presents’ titles released outside the main theatrical series. Critical reception was generally negative, though the film proved viable in the home-entertainment market.

‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ (2016)

Expanding on ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’, this prequel-sequel follows the Huntsman amid rival sorceress sisters. Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, and Jessica Chastain head the cast, with Cedric Nicolas-Troyan directing. Universal emphasized fantasy warfare and court intrigue while minimizing Snow White’s role. Reviews cited story and tonal shifts, and the film earned less than the prior installment worldwide.

‘Elektra’ (2005)

Spun off from ‘Daredevil’, this standalone centers on the resurrected assassin hired to protect a father and daughter from a mystical syndicate. Jennifer Garner reprises the title role, with Goran Višnjić and Terence Stamp co-starring under director Rob Bowman. The plot emphasizes the Hand and martial-arts fantasy elements from Marvel comics. The film drew poor reviews and stalled plans for a larger connected series at the time.

‘Morbius’ (2022)

Set in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, this spin-off follows Dr. Michael Morbius as an experimental cure leaves him with vampiric abilities. Jared Leto leads, with Matt Smith and Adria Arjona in supporting roles; Daniel Espinosa directs. The story intersects lightly with Spider-Man-adjacent elements through credits stingers and universe references. The film received negative critical notices and became known for its underwhelming box office performance.

‘AVP: Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

Merging two major sci-fi franchises, this spin-off relocates the conflict to a pyramid buried beneath Antarctic ice. Sanaa Lathan stars, with Paul W. S. Anderson directing and 20th Century Fox producing. The mythology reframes Predators as hunters using Xenomorphs in ritual trials, tying human history to extraterrestrial visits. Reviews were mixed-to-negative, but the crossover concept drew franchise curiosity and solid theatrical turnout.

‘Aliens vs Predator: Requiem’ (2007)

Continuing the crossover, this entry drops the battle into a small Colorado town after a Predator ship crashes. Steven Pasquale and Reiko Aylesworth headline, with the Brothers Strause directing. The narrative introduces a hybrid “Predalien” while focusing on local evacuations and military response. The film was criticized for muddy visuals and received poor reviews compared to prior franchise entries.

‘Annabelle’ (2014)

A spin-off from ‘The Conjuring’, this prequel explores the origins of the haunted doll linked to the Warrens’ cases. Annabelle Wallis and Ward Horton star, with John R. Leonetti directing for New Line. The plot tracks a cult intrusion and a series of supernatural events centered on a young couple. The film performed well financially and launched its own sub-series despite mixed-to-negative critical reception.

‘The Nun’ (2018)

Another ‘The Conjuring’ offshoot, this story investigates a demonic presence manifesting as a nun in a Romanian abbey. Taissa Farmiga and Demián Bichir star under the direction of Corin Hardy. It expands the franchise’s timeline by delving into the Vatican’s involvement and relic lore. Reviews skewed negative while box office returns were strong, prompting a direct sequel.

‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018)

This ‘Star Wars’ spin-off chronicles Han Solo’s early years, including his first meeting with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. Alden Ehrenreich leads, with Donald Glover and Emilia Clarke co-starring; Ron Howard directed after mid-production changes. The film outlines the Kessel Run, the origin of the Millennium Falcon’s ownership, and ties to the criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn. It posted lower-than-expected grosses for the franchise and drew mixed notices.

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008)

Serving as a theatrical launch for the later TV series, this animated feature bridges ‘Attack of the Clones’ and ‘Revenge of the Sith’. Voices include Matt Lanter and Ashley Eckstein, with Dave Filoni directing. The plot introduces Ahsoka Tano as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan and centers on a Hutt-related kidnapping. The film’s reception was weak compared to the series it preceded, which later gained acclaim.

‘The Ewok Adventure’ (1984)

Set between ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’, this television film follows siblings stranded on Endor who join Ewoks to rescue their parents. Eric Walker and Warwick Davis star, with John Korty directing and George Lucas executive producing. The production expands Endor’s fauna and magic-like elements outside the main saga’s focus. It aired on ABC and later released on home video, with modest critical response.

‘Ewoks: The Battle for Endor’ (1985)

A direct follow-up to the prior Ewok film, this special continues the adventures of Cindel while introducing a marauder threat. Warwick Davis returns, with Wilford Brimley co-starring; Jim and Ken Wheat direct. The story blends science-fantasy gadgetry with Endor’s tribal setting and emphasizes small-scale conflicts. Reception remained limited to TV audiences and niche home-video circles.

‘The Bourne Legacy’ (2012)

Branching from the Jason Bourne saga, this entry centers on operative Aaron Cross as fallout from Treadstone and Blackbriar affects a parallel program. Jeremy Renner stars, with Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton, directed by Tony Gilroy. It overlaps timeline events from ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ to anchor continuity. Box office was solid, though critical reaction noted a reduced focus on the franchise’s central character.

‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ (2018)

Functioning as an offshoot of ‘Sicario’, the sequel shifts attention to Alejandro and Matt Graver amid shifting cartel dynamics. Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin lead, with Stefano Sollima directing. The plot explores covert operations and escalations along the U.S.–Mexico border without the first film’s central protagonist. Reviews were mixed, and discussion centered on tonal changes and narrative scope.

‘Army of Thieves’ (2021)

This prequel to ‘Army of the Dead’ follows safecracker Ludwig Dieter on a European heist circuit before the Las Vegas outbreak. Matthias Schweighöfer stars and directs, with Nathalie Emmanuel co-starring. The narrative introduces the “Ring Cycle” vaults and sets up character beats that pay off in the later timeline. The film released on streaming as a heist-focused side story with lighter genre elements.

‘Ocean’s Eight’ (2018)

An offshoot of the ‘Ocean’s’ trilogy, this caper assembles a new crew to lift a Cartier necklace during the Met Gala. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett lead an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway and Rihanna, directed by Gary Ross. The film references Danny Ocean and uses the same sleek-con mechanics within a new social milieu. It drew midrange critical responses and performed well financially.

‘Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights’ (2004)

This spin-off reimagines the brand in late-1950s Cuba, pairing a sheltered American teenager with a local dancer. Diego Luna and Romola Garai star, with Guy Ferland directing. The film repurposes the class-and-romance framework in a pre-revolution Havana setting and incorporates period music. It earned weak reviews and modest box office compared to the original.

‘Legally Blondes’ (2009)

Extending the ‘Legally Blonde’ universe, this direct-to-video entry follows Elle Woods’s British twin cousins at an American prep school. Milly and Becky Rosso star, with Savage Steve Holland directing and Reese Witherspoon credited as an executive producer. The plot centers on an honor-code frame-up resolved through a student tribunal. It targeted family audiences on home media and received largely negative feedback.

‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ (2018)

Positioned as an anthology-style expansion of the ‘Cloverfield’ universe, this installment depicts a space-station experiment that fractures realities. Gugu Mbatha-Raw leads an ensemble directed by Julius Onah. The production was acquired and surprise-released on streaming immediately after a major sports broadcast. Reviews were largely negative, citing story cohesion issues, though the release strategy drew significant attention.

‘Hannibal Rising’ (2007)

A prequel to ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ lineage, this film traces Hannibal Lecter’s youth and the trauma that shapes his later persona. Gaspard Ulliel stars, with Peter Webber directing from a screenplay by Thomas Harris adapting his own novel. The story moves from war-torn Eastern Europe to medical studies in France, establishing signature motifs. Reception was poor, and the film concluded the character’s prequel cycle in theaters.

Share the spin-offs you think belong here and why in the comments!