5 80s Movies with Awful Sequels That Should Have Never Been Made

The ’80s brought some great movies, but for every hit, there were sequels that missed the mark completely. These follow-ups tried to cash in on the original films’ popularity, but instead left fans disappointed and wishing they’d never been made. Here are five classic ’80s films with sequels that fell flat.

1. Grease 2 (1982)

The original Grease charmed audiences with its catchy songs and high school romance, but Grease 2 couldn’t recapture the magic. While the sequel aimed to bring new energy, its plot was thin, and the songs failed to impress. New characters didn’t connect, making fans miss the original cast.

Instead of building on the fun of the original, Grease 2 felt like a forced attempt to repeat the formula. The lack of chemistry and memorable moments made it clear this sequel wasn’t in the same league as its predecessor.

2. Caddyshack II (1988)

Caddyshack was a comedy hit with its quirky characters and iconic golf course antics. The sequel, however, lacked the original’s charm, with key cast members missing and a script that didn’t have the same bite. Audiences noticed the drop in humor, as the jokes fell flat throughout.

While the first movie became a comedy classic, Caddyshack II felt like a poor imitation. Fans of the original were left wondering why it was even made, as it brought nothing fresh or funny to the table.

3. The Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

The Jaws franchise should have quit while it was ahead, but Jaws: The Revenge took things to another level of absurdity. The fourth installment pushed the idea of a vengeful shark a bit too far, with a plot that seemed more laughable than scary. Fans couldn’t believe the direction it took.

Instead of reigniting fear, this sequel was more of an unintentional comedy. Critics and audiences alike found it difficult to take seriously, and it didn’t come close to matching the terror of the original Jaws.

4. Poltergeist III (1988)

The first Poltergeist was a groundbreaking horror film, but by the time the third installment arrived, it had lost its edge. Relocating the haunted happenings to a high-rise building didn’t help, and the movie relied on weak scares and a confusing plot. The original cast was also mostly absent.

Lacking the heart and horror of the first, Poltergeist III struggled to keep audiences interested. Rather than delivering genuine chills, it left fans feeling like the series had run out of steam.

5. Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988)

Arthur (1981) told the charming story of a lovable millionaire, but the follow-up, Arthur 2: On the Rocks, lost the wit and warmth of the first film. Fans didn’t connect with Arthur’s struggles in the sequel, and the movie quickly faded from public memory.

This unnecessary addition to Arthur’s story only served to remind audiences how much they preferred the original film. Without the humor and cleverness of the first Arthur, the sequel struggled to find an audience.