Standalone film

Standalone film – is a film that doesn't have any relation with other films. Prior to 2000s, it was typical to create standalone films with no plans for sequels. Term "standalone film" appeared when sequels, spin-offs, and franchises become usual.

In a canonical meaning, standalone film is the film that is not part of any franchise. The Sixth Sense, The Shawshank Redemption, Inception are examples of standalone films.

When a film is set in either the same universe or one very similar to that of its predecessors, yet has very little if any narrative connection to its predecessors and can be appreciated on its own without a thorough understanding of the backstory, then the work can be referred to as a standalone sequel. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a good example of a stand-alone sequel.

Standalone spin-off is a film that expands some fictional Universe. A Star Wars Antology series is an example of Standalone spin-offs. Also standalone spin-off may be centred on a minor character from an existing fictional Universe. It's usual for Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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