It is an observation but it seems that movies today have more remakes of originals, but fewer sequels/prequels. There is more likely to be a new release that is a remake of an older movie, but fewer movies that have numerous prequels and sequels than in the 80s or 90s.
Is this actually borne out by statistics, or is this just the way it seems? Are there more remakes now than 20 years ago?
Great topic.
So, basically, if you count them yourself, you would be able to tell us yourself. Here, I’ll try to google some info. to start.
Now, can someone find a list of sequels and then Wesley can count, compare, and tell us the answer? 
It is possible to reply w/o being condescending or rude. If you can’t pull that off, don’t even bother.
This is sort of a random way to make a comparison, but maybe it’s worth something. Here are the top ten U.S. movies in terms of box office gross from 2005-09, 1995-99, and 1985-89. I’ve listed the number of sequels and remakes and adaptations, although I can’t promise it’s perfect.
2009
Four sequels: Transformers, Harry Potter, Twilight, Alvin and the Chipmunks
Two remakes/reboots: Star Trek and Sherlock Holmes
2008
Four sequels: The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones, Madagascar, Quantum of Solace
One comics adaptation: Iron Man
One book adaptation: Twilight
2007
Six sequels: Spider-Man, Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Bourne, National Treasure
Two TV adaptations: Transformers, Alvin and the Chipmunks
One comic book adaptation: 300
Depending on your definition I Am Legend could be considered a remake.
2006
Three sequels: Pirates of the Caribbean, X-Men, Ice Age
Two remakes/reboots: Superman Returns, Casino Royale
Two book adaptations: The Da Vinci Code, The Pursuit of Happyness
2005
Two sequels: Star Wars, Harry Potter
Three remakes: War of the Worlds, King Kong, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
One reboot: Batman Begins
One book adaptation: Chronicles of Narnia
1999
Three sequels: Star Wars, Toy Story, Austin Powers
One remake: The Mummy
1998
No sequels [Lethal Weapon 4 was #11]
Two remakes: Dr. Doolittle, Godzilla
1997
Two sequels: Jurassic Park, Tomorrow Never Dies
One rerelease: Star Wars special edition
1996
No sequels
Two remakes: 101 Dalmatians, The Nutty Professor
One TV adaptation: Mission: Impossible
One adapted play: The Birdcage
1995
Four sequels: Ace Ventura, GoldenEye, Die Hard, Batman
One TV adaptation: Casper
1989
Four sequels: Indiana Jones, Lethal Weapon, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters
One comic book adaptation: Batman
1988
One sequel: Crocodile Dundee
One TV adaptation (sorta): The Naked Gun
One book adaptation: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
1987
One sequel: Beverly Hills Cop II
One book adaptation: The Witches of Eastwick
One TV adaptation: The Untouchables
1986
Two sequels: Karate Kid, Star Trek
1985
Two sequels: Rambo, Rocky
Two book adaptations: The Color Purple, Out of Africa
To add up my totals:
2005-'09: 19 top-ten sequels (at least two sequels in the top ten every year), and eight remakes or reboots.
'95-'99: nine sequels, five remakes.
'85-'89: 10 ranked sequels, no remakes (at least not that I know of).
So that would show an increase in both remakes and sequels. Anecdotally that backs up my view on this, which is that movies are so expensive and it’s so hard to create a big franchise that studios prefer to either remake, reboot or adapt an older story so they know there is a built-in audience.
That’s only the top-grossing movies though. Always (1989) was a remake of A Guy Named Joe.
I know, it’s not any kind of a random sampling. But I figured it would be one way to get a little data without reading through a huge list.
Sorry, I didn’t realize it sounded condescending or rude, but I do see that when I read it now.
(quotes George Bluth, Sr.)
“Apologies all around!”
