Sequels are a touchy subject around our horror community. While some are worthy of following the often brilliant original, most are worse than five-day-old Chinese food. Honestly, I’d say only 20 to 30 percent of sequels are decent or better.
That said, there are many great ones. Chuck Russell’s Dream Warriors is amazing, for example. See Rick Rosenthal’s Halloween II for a further example. So it is possible for a film to be a stellar sequel.
But this list isn’t about the classics. While those are astonishing, this is about the underrated sequels in the horror world. Those that seemingly fall through the creepy cracks.
Welcome to five of the most underrated sequels in horror history.
“Enjoy the horror-thon, doctor… and don’t forget to watch the big giveaway afterwards.” – Conal Cochran
Now, you fright fans just knew this was going to be on the list, right? Trick ‘r treating on our list at number 5 is Tommy Lee Wallace’s Halloween III: Season of the Witch.
After the success of Rick Rosenthal’s Halloween II, the series producers are at a standstill. John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the original film’s creators, want to change the franchise’s course so Halloween III: Season of the Witch is born.
While abandoning the Myers storyline, Halloween III changes its villain from crazed citizen to corrupt conglomerate. After Dr. Challis comes into contact with a man telling a mysterious story and holding a mask, he sets off with the man’s daughter on a journey for the truth behind the terror. While finding Silver Shamrock Novelties and its desire for world domination, the two must try to stop it before it’s too late.
Packed with great ideas and amazing atmosphere, Halloween III: Season of the Witch is an understated gem in the horror genre. Sure, it’s not the delicious terror of Michael Myers, but it’s a damn fine tale from a different world. So get in front of your TV, sing that song, and get ready to be tricked and treated.
“Your suffering will be legendary, even in hell!” – Pinhead (Doug Bradley)
Rising from hell at number 4 on our list is Hellbound: Hellraiser II. Debuting only a year after Clive Barker’s 1987 classic, Tony Randel’s Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a prime example of a stellar sequel going mostly unnoticed.
OK, so I wouldn’t say completely unnoticed, but it still doesn’t get the love it deserves. Picking up after the events of Hellraiser, Kirsty is admitted to a psychiatric hospital after having trouble with her past. After it’s revealed Dr. Chanard is hunting the infamous puzzle box from the previous film, Kirsty and newcomer Tiffany must do what it takes to stop the Cenobites for good.
One of the things that makes Hellbound so good is its adherence to the first film. Much like 1981’s Halloween II, the sequel wants to play in the world of the original. Its insistence on drawing from the film that started it all gives it a leg up. Then, the second film becomes its own thing and knocks it out of the park.
Featuring a great villain in Dr. Chanard, Hellraiser II is greatly plotted and highly satisfying. With great turns by Doug Bradley (Pinhead), Ashley Laurence (Kirsty), and Clare Higgins (Julia), Hellbound is a film any sequel can look to for inspiration.
“You shouldn’t have buried me. I’m not dead.” – Freddy Krueger
Dreaming up the list at number 3 is A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master.
In the ’80s there wasn’t much in culture as popular as Freddy Krueger. As Freddymania moves on, so do the sequels. Starting with the ’84s original, the late ’80s belongs to the nightmares on Elm Street.
Enter The Dream Master. After the success of 1987’s Dream Warriors, the thirst for Freddy is never higher. Thus, The Dream Master is released a year after.
Directed by Renny Harlin, The Dream Master is underrated in many ways. For starters, the fourth Nightmare features one of horror’s strongest protagonists. Period. Lisa Wilcox’s Alice Johnson and her journey in the film are what make The Dream Master truly work.
Also, it is one of the best directed sequels in all of film history. While featuring unconventionally likable characters, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master is a few nightmares above the average horror sequel.
“Showgirls. Absolutely frightening. What’s yours?” – Randy
Calling everyone with its number blocked on the list at number 2 is Scream 2.
After the surprising smash success of 1996’s Scream, the Weinsteins and Disney wanted to progress the adventures of Sydney, Ghostface, and creepy company.
Enter Scream 2. With writing again by Kevin Williamson and direction from Wes Craven, Scream 2 should be the standard of horror sequel filmmaking. I get that most of you are calling me crazy, but hear me out.
Picking up after the events of Scream, Scream 2 logically continues the emotional states of the core characters. Rightfully taking in the Scream happenings as Scream 2′s exposition, the characters of Scream 2 feel wholly real. Moreover, the film moves fast, properly builds to its third act, and has an amazing end reveal.
It’s the original Scream, just not as good, but close. Sorry, I just call them like I see them… kind of like ole Ghostface.
“You have one choice, boy: sex or the saw. Sex is, well… nobody knows. But the saw… the saw is family.” – Drayton Sawyer
Sawing its way to number 1 on our list is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2.
Twelve years after the original classic, 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the stage is set for a return of Mr. Leatherface along with Grandpa, Grandma, The Cook, and Chop-Top. The cannibal crew set their sights on radio DJ “Stretch.” With “Lefty,” uncle of the original’s Franklin and Sally, as her protector, the two must fight the forces of Texas evil.
Originally hating the film when I was 10 years old, I’ve come to adore Hooper’s second Chainsaw. Funny to the bone, when it’s not sawing it off, Chainsaw 2 was way ahead of its time.
Some of the best moments include, but are certainly not limited to: When L.G spits while being beaten to a pulp with a hammer, when Leatherface uses the saw like its his member, and who can forget Drayton Sawyer’s (The Cook) classic line “What’s that? Some new health food bunch?”
Any way you slice it, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 is a sequel worth buzzing about!
So, fright fans, what are some of your ideas for most underrated sequels? Don’t forget to sound off in the comments section below.