The 20 Best Horror Sequels of All Time
Just when you thought sequels sucked, here is a list of some of the best follow-ups in horror history.
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- DirectorTod WilliamsStarsKatie FeatherstonMicah SloatMolly EphraimAfter experiencing what they think are a series of "break-ins", a family sets up security cameras around their home, only to realize that the events unfolding before them are more sinister than they seem.More cameras + more tension + a likable family= one of the best horror follow-ups ever made.
- DirectorHenry JoostAriel SchulmanStarsChloe CsengeryJessica Tyler BrownChristopher Nicholas SmithIn 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity called Toby, who resides in their home.Even more cameras + even more tension + another very likable family + a heart-stopping ending= the best movie in the series.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsHeather LangenkampRobert EnglundJf DavisA demonic force has chosen Freddy Krueger as its portal to the real world. Can Heather Langenkamp play the part of Nancy one last time and trap the evil trying to enter our world?Wes Craven's "movie within a movie" return to the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise is a welcome and immensely entertaining sequel, if not THE best sequel, in the series. Thanks to some great performances from Heather Langenkamp, Miko Hughes, and the always terrifying Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, and a super-smart story, this is what "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" should have been.
- DirectorJuan Carlos FresnadilloStarsJeremy RennerRose ByrneRobert CarlyleSix months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes according to plan."28 Days Later" is zombie apocalypse heaven. How does "28 Weeks Later," the sequel to Danny Boyle's groundbreaking film, work? We're still in that zombie apocalypse heaven, thanks to more zombie violence, great scares, a good cast, a bigger story, and characters we care about.
- DirectorTony RandelStarsDoug BradleyAshley LaurenceClare HigginsKirsty is brought to an institution after the horrible events of Hellraiser (1987), where the occult-obsessive head doctor resurrects Julia and unleashes the Cenobites and their demonic underworld.Clive Barker's 1987 adaptation of his novel "The Hellbound Heart" is a sick, twisted, gruesomemasterpiece. The Cenobites return for the only worthwhile follow-up in the "Hellraiser" series, with a meaner Pinhead, more disturbing and nightmarish imagery, and a good performance from Ashley Laurence as Kirsty.
- DirectorRick RosenthalStarsJamie Lee CurtisDonald PleasenceCharles CyphersWhile Dr. Loomis hunts for Michael Myers, a traumatized Laurie is rushed to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, and The Shape is not far behind her.Being a sequel released in the middle of the 80's slasher boom, you'd think "Halloween II" would have been terrible. But it stays quite true to the original's spirit, with a scarier and more violent Michael Myers, a strong atmosphere, simplistic but gory kills, sympathetic characters, good performances from returning cast members Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence, a nifty boob shot, and a twist that will shock any viewer the first time they watch the film.
- DirectorJoseph ZitoStarsErich AndersonJudie AronsonPeter BartonAfter being announced dead and taken to a morgue, Jason Voorhees spontaneously revives, escapes from the hospital, and stalks a group of friends renting a house in the countryside near Crystal Lake.Before machete-wielding mama's boy Jason Voorhees returned with a bang in the 2009 reanimation of "Friday the 13th," the supposed "Final Chapter" is, in my opinion, the best sequel in the series. Another group of drug-induced, sexed-up teenagers take a vacation out near Camp Crystal Lake and meet Jason's murderous ways. Jason is the most vicious, fast, and creative in this fourth film, and is helped by some good performances(no matter who's getting naked or drunk), awesome effects by genre vet Tom Savini, and some nice makeup.
- DirectorChuck RussellStarsHeather LangenkampRobert EnglundCraig WassonA psychiatrist familiar with knife-wielding dream demon Freddy Krueger helps teens at a mental hospital battle the killer who is invading their dreams.Freddy is back in "Dream Warriors," the third film in the "Elm Street" franchise that is host to several stars in their early career(including Patricia Arquette and Laurence Fischburne), startling special effects, a funny, yet still scary, performance from Robert Englund as Freddy, and original dream sequences.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid ArquetteTwo years after the first series of murders, as Sidney acclimates to college life, someone donning the Ghostface costume begins a new string of killings.And you thought the first film was clever. Wes Craven and original "Scream" screenwriter Kevin Williamson return for a sequel to the horror smash, which places Sydney in college with new friends for Ghostface to pick off. The body count is higher, there's more gore, more stars, a bigger twist, and like the first one, it is very intelligent. Not just about horror in general, but in particular, sequels.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.The original "Alien" has everything a sci-fi horror film should have: a terrifying monster, a tremendous sense of dread, and a smart and feisty heroine. Directed by James Cameron this time around, "Aliens" catches up with Ripley 57 years into the future after the incident on the NOSTROMO. After hearing of a village built near the alien ship LV-426, Ripley and a team of soldiers return to space to fix the issue. Despite finding one survivor, a little girl named Newt, the major problem here is that it's not just one alien attacking. The creatures are everywhere. "Aliens" is less of the minimalist approach that Ridley Scott took for his film, but Cameron promises a fantastic roller-coaster ride, with intense tension, scenes packed with action, and another flawless performance from Sigourney Weaver as Ripley.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid ArquetteTen years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.After the disappointment that was "Scream 3," this sequel was a long time coming, but completely worth it. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson once again take a stab at the series that revitalized the horror genre. After almost fifteen years, Sydney has written a book and returned to Woodsboro to face her fear. With Dewey as the head of the police department and Gale on writer's block, more bodies hit the floor, and Ghostface targets Sydney once again. Instead of focusing on a franchise, "Scream 4" studies the fascination with horror remakes. Another cast of teen stars light up the screen and support the wonderful performances of Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courtney Cox. More gore, a bigger and reasonable twist, some great jump scares, and another intelligent and witty script make "Scream 4" a winner!
- DirectorRob ZombieStarsSid HaigSheri Moon ZombieBill MoseleyThe murderous, backwoods Firefly family take to the road to escape the vengeful Sheriff Wydell, who is not afraid of being as ruthless as his target.After seeing the creative and original remake of "Halloween," I have gotten used to Rob Zombie's style of horror. "House of 1000 Corpses" had a wonderfully 70's feel to it, and it was funny at times, but still very shocking. "The Devil's Rejects," a sequel to Zombie's "House," takes a more "giallo Western" approach and looks into the disgusting and ruthless minds of the Butterfly family, who are still killing people as they make their escape. Sicker and more twisted than the original, Zombie never holds back and manages to get some excellent performances out of his cast, especially from his wife Sheri Moon Zombie and Bill Moseley. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you think you can take it, I encourage all grindhouse maniacs to check it out.
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffElsa LanchesterColin CliveMary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Baron Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.Better than the original. Darker. A sad message. Nifty performances from the cast. This sequel to the 1931 monster classic is equally as big a masterpiece as its creator.
- DirectorDon TaylorMike HodgesStarsWilliam HoldenLee GrantJonathan Scott-TaylorDamien the Antichrist, now about to turn thirteen years old, finally learns of his destiny under the guidance of an unholy disciple of Satan. Meanwhile dark forces begin to eliminate all those who suspect the child's true identity.Damien is now a pre-teen, living with his father's brother, Richard Thorn, and his family, and attending military school. Soon, he will found not who he is, but WHAT he is, and he will take complete control. Thanks to some still very gruesome kills, a frightening story, and great performances from Gregory Peck and Lee Remick, "The Omen" is a classic. "Damien: Omen II" stays true to the original and offers new things. Great performances from William Holden, Lee Grant, and Jonathan Scott Taylor as Damien, more disturbing kills, and good suspense. Fans of the original should find no reason not to like it.
- DirectorRichard FranklinStarsAnthony PerkinsVera MilesMeg TillyAfter twenty-two years of psychiatric care, Norman Bates attempts to return to a life of solitude, but the specters of his crimes - and his mother - continue to haunt him.
- DirectorDarren Lynn BousmanStarsDonnie WahlbergBeverley MitchellFranky GA detective and his team must rescue 8 people trapped in a factory by the twisted serial killer known as Jigsaw.
- DirectorAnthony PerkinsStarsAnthony PerkinsDiana ScarwidJeff FaheyNorman Bates falls in love with a fallen nun who stays at the Bates Motel alongside a drifter and a curious reporter. Meanwhile, "Mother" is still watching.
- DirectorDwight H. LittleStarsDonald PleasenceEllie CornellDanielle HarrisTen years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece. Can Dr. Loomis stop him?
- DirectorSteve MinerStarsJamie Lee CurtisJosh HartnettAdam ArkinLaurie Strode, now the dean of a Northern California private school with an assumed name, must battle the Shape one last time, as the life of her own son hangs in the balance.
- DirectorSteve MinerStarsBetsy PalmerAmy SteelJohn FureyFive years after the events of the first film, a summer camp next to the infamous Camp Crystal Lake is preparing to open, but the legend of Jason is weighing heavy on the proceedings.