Discovering Hidden Connections in Non-Sequel Movies

Did you know that certain movies may share common themes, styles, or even be part of a fictional universe, without being actual sequels? In this article, we explore the fascinating relationships between movies that go together but don't have direct narrative connections. Whether it's through shared directors, locations, or even just the same cinematic universe, these films tell self-contained stories that blend together in intriguing, often unexpected ways.

Non-Sequel Movies that Go Together

The Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End - Written and directed by Edgar Wright, these movies feature actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, yet they are not direct sequels. Each film tells its own unique story, with different plots and characters. These films are also part of the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, named after the recurring Cornetto ice cream appearance in the movies.

The Three Colors Trilogy: Three Colors: Blue, Three Colors: White, Three Colors: Red - Directed by Krzysztof Kielowski, this trilogy is thematically linked but each film has its own separate plot and different characters. While the films share common themes and styles, they are not direct narrative sequels.

The Dollars Trilogy: A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - These classic Spaghetti Westerns, starring Clint Eastwood, are often considered a trilogy despite lacking direct narrative connections. Each movie tells a standalone story within the same fictional universe, creating a cohesive whole without being direct sequels.

The Kapoor Trilogy: Awaara, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker - Directed by Raj Kapoor and featuring the Kapoor family, these three Hindi films have overlapping themes and actors. However, they are not direct sequels, each telling its own unique story. They share a similar creative team, but are not part of a continuous narrative.

Hidden Connections in Non-Sequel Movies

Sometimes, movies share deeper connections beyond their characters or styles. Here are a few examples:

Outland (1981) and Aliens (1986): Directed by Peter Hyams, Outland is set in a near-future space mining colony, much like the alien infested world of Aliens. Jerry Goldsmith composed the score for both films, and James Cameron (who later directed Aliens) reused some suit designs for the salvage team in Aliens. Additionally, Capricorn One has some connections to both films, being directed by the same producer.

Blade Runner (1982) and Alien: Both directed by Ridley Scott, Blade Runner is often seen as taking place in the same universe as Alien. Some data about the Nostromo crew revealed in the extended cut of Aliens and a few aspects of Alien Covenant indicate that there might be a connection to Blade Runner.

Red Sonja (1985) and Conan: The character of Red Sonja is from the same fantasy universe as Conan, the hero of a series of novels by Robert E. Howard. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger did not play Conan due to rights issues. The film itself is a standalone story set in the same late Roman era timeframe as Conan.

Leviathan (1989), Alien, and The Thing: This film follows the same premise as Alien and The Thing but is set underwater. A genetic mutation discovered on a derelict Soviet vessel is used by the Russian military. Jerry Goldsmith again composes the score, and Stan Winston creates the monster effects, linking the films in a similar way to the Alien series.

X the Unknown (1957): This obscure British sci-fi and horror film shares some similar elements with the Quatermass series, which influenced the style of Alien. Although it was not in the Quatermass series, it has the feel of a Quatermass flick, particularly the 2nd one, and could have served as a support to the Alien universe had rights been acquired.

Contamination (1980): An Italian ripoff of Alien, this film was controversial and placed on the Video Nasties list in the UK. It attempts to evoke the old 50s sci-fi films that Alien was influenced by, and has a Quatermass-like feel, particularly the 2nd one. It's one of the closest things we have to a Quatermass vs Alien scenario.

The Fury (1978): Directed by Brian De Palma after Carrie, this film explores telekinesis in a conspiracy involving a gifted son and a kidnapper. While not as famous as other De Palma films, it shares thematic similarities with Scanners, a more infamous film within his canon.