In recent decades, Hollywood’s biggest money makers often have been sequels, and the power of the sequel is undeniable. From the Marvel movies to the Star Wars franchise, sequels have not only dominated the box office, but they have driven box office revenues to new heights. But what is it about the sequel that has made them so successful? One of the primary reasons for the success of the sequel is the ability to capitalize on the original film. Audiences who enjoyed the first installment of a franchise are more likely to watch the sequel. Characters and storylines that audiences have grown to love appear in the sequel, and this familiarity is often a driving factor in its success. By continuing the story of a beloved character or series, filmmakers are able to get audiences excited for the next installment in the franchise. Another factor in the success of sequels is the ability for studios to build off of the success of the first film to create a bigger and better production. With sequels, studios can pour more resources into their films, allowing for bigger budgets and larger production values. This has helped create some of the most visually stunning films in recent memory. Finally, sequels are often able to benefit from wide-reaching marketing campaigns. Studios are able to use the popularity of the first film to draw in audiences and create a larger sense of anticipation for the sequel. With established characters and storylines, marketing teams are able to create campaigns that draw in more viewers than the first film. When it comes to Hollywood’s biggest money makers, the power of the sequel is undeniable. Sequels have allowed studios to capitalize on the success of the first film, build upon the production values, and take advantage of wide-reaching marketing campaigns. As long as audiences remain interested in continuing the stories of their favorite characters, sequels are likely to remain a driving force in the film industry.