Film series
Overview
A film series, or movie series, is a collection of related films that are released in succession over a period of time, often with the intention of creating a particular brand or franchise. These series can be based on a variety of foundations, such as a recurring character, a common theme or subject matter, a particular production company or studio, or a specific creative team. Film series can range from two films (known as a duology) to several dozen, and they can span a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romance, horror, science fiction, and more.
History
The concept of the film series has its roots in the early days of cinema. In the silent film era, it was common for films to be produced in series, often featuring recurring characters or themes. These early film series were typically short films, often no more than a few minutes in length, and they were often serialized, with each film ending on a cliffhanger to be resolved in the next installment. This format was popularized by such series as the Perils of Pauline and the Fantômas series.
In the sound era, the film series evolved into a more complex form. Studios began to produce series of feature-length films, often based on popular novels or comic strips. These series often featured recurring characters and ongoing storylines, and they were often marketed as a brand, with each new film in the series being heavily promoted and anticipated by audiences.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the film series became a major part of the Hollywood landscape. Franchises such as the James Bond series, the Star Wars series, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe have become some of the highest-grossing film series of all time, and they have had a major impact on popular culture.
Types of Film Series
There are several different types of film series, each with its own unique characteristics and conventions.
Sequels and Prequels
The most common type of film series is the sequel series, in which each new film continues the story of the previous film. This type of series is often characterized by a linear narrative, with each film building on the events of the previous film. Examples of sequel series include the Harry Potter series, the Lord of the Rings series, and the Fast & Furious series.
A related type of series is the prequel series, in which each new film takes place before the events of the previous film. This type of series often explores the backstory of characters or events from the original film, and it can provide a new perspective on the original story. Examples of prequel series include the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the Hobbit series.
Anthology Series
An anthology film series is a series of films that are connected by a theme or concept, rather than by a continuous narrative or recurring characters. Each film in an anthology series is typically a standalone story, although there may be thematic or stylistic connections between the films. Examples of anthology series include the Twilight Zone series and the American Horror Story series.
Remakes and Reboots
A remake series is a series of films that are new versions of a previous film or series. These films often update the original story for a new audience, and they can provide a fresh take on the original material. Examples of remake series include the Planet of the Apes series and the A Star Is Born series.
A reboot series is a series of films that restarts a previous series, often with a new cast and creative team. These films often aim to reinvigorate a franchise that has become stale or outdated, and they can provide a new direction for the series. Examples of reboot series include the Batman series and the Spider-Man series.
Impact on Cinema
Film series have had a significant impact on the cinema industry. They have become a major part of the business model of many film studios, as they provide a reliable source of revenue and a way to build a loyal audience. Film series can also have a major impact on popular culture, as they often inspire merchandise, spin-offs, and fan communities.
At the same time, film series can also be a source of controversy. Some critics argue that the focus on film series can lead to a lack of originality in cinema, as studios prioritize sequels and franchises over new and innovative ideas. Others argue that film series can be a form of artistic expression, allowing filmmakers to explore complex narratives and character arcs over multiple films.