Table of Contents
Horror movies have a rich tradition of producing follow-up films. It appears that audiences have an insatiable appetite for compelling monsters, and most horror enthusiasts can readily mention some of the standout sequels. Films like Evil Dead II, Aliens, Nightmare on Elm Street 3, Scream 2, and others have managed to enhance or even surpass the original, creating an extensive and impressive list of successful follow-ups. Moreover, since the late 1970s, slasher films have been a constant presence in mainstream cinema, and, as with any film genre, successful movies naturally lead to sequels.
However, not all sequels meet the same level of success. It’s worth noting that several well-known horror franchises now have eight or nine installments, or even more, and not all of these sequels can be considered winners. While there are certainly some truly awful follow-up films, it’s important to remember that not all of them deserve the same negative label, even if they are often criticized as such.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
19 Underrated Horror Sequels That Deserve More Respect
Jaws 2 (1978)
Roy Scheider reluctantly returned for Jaws 2 due to a contractual obligation, which turned out to be a fortunate decision. While the third and fourth installments are not essential for the average moviegoer, the first two films are must-see classics. Jaws, in particular, could be argued as one of the greatest movies of all time. Jaws 2 successfully carries forward many elements that made the original work so well.
In Jaws 2, the shark is more visible, though admittedly, it looks less convincing, although the burn effect is a nice addition. The film still focuses on building tension, and everything related to Brody, such as his encounter with a school of fish and the subsequent developments, is as entertaining as the intense climax with the shark. Given that the audience had already seen the shark in the first film, Jaws 2 faced the challenge of being equally terrifying, but it does put in the effort, as seen in scenes like the one with the dead orca.
Damien: Omen II (1978)
While Damien: Omen II has a notably higher death toll, it can sometimes come across as a more simplistic follow-up compared to the intellectually engaging original. It must be conceded that it is indeed a step down in certain aspects.
Nonetheless, when it comes to creating a sequel for a film that arguably doesn’t necessitate one, Damien stands out. The team behind Damien: Omen II demonstrated creativity, especially in its depictions of violence, and it benefitted from the talents of William Holden and Lee Grant. The decision-making process leading up to the sequel’s release was commendable, even though it falls short of the brilliance, depth, and surprises of the original film.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Halloween III: Season of the Witch is often considered a lesser-known horror classic, and it’s only connected to the Halloween franchise through the holiday in its title, as well as a meta-reference in the form of a televised ad for the original film. However, it’s still a valuable part of the Halloween intellectual property (IP) that deserves more recognition.
While Season of the Witch has started to gain more attention in recent years, it hasn’t received the recognition it truly deserves. Tommy Lee Wallace’s film is a creative and occasionally genuinely frightening outlier in the franchise, exuding a unique charm. Additionally, it is worth noting that it features what many consider to be Tom Atkins’ finest performance.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)
Following Wes Craven’s groundbreaking A Nightmare on Elm Street, the slasher subgenre faced the challenge of building on its inventive concept. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge took a unique approach by pushing the boundaries of the film’s internal logic, introducing some memorable scenes like the dream pool party, using the film as a gay allegory, and giving Freddy Krueger more personality. While it may not be the most terrifying entry in the franchise, Freddy’s Revenge possesses that distinct ’80s slasher allure and kicks off with a truly impressive opening sequence.
Creepshow 2 (1987)
The original Creepshow was a perfect blend of director George A. Romero and author Stephen King’s styles. Its five stories are all excellent, albeit to varying degrees.
Creepshow 2, on the other hand, has a noticeably smaller budget and only features three stories, making it a bit of a step down. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile addition because it allows viewers to follow it directly after the original. To its credit, Creepshow 2 maintains a similar vibe to the original, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same level of creativity. However, each of its three stories has their own merits, with “The Raft” standing out in particular.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
In 1988, “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” is often considered one of the franchise’s better entries. However, its underwhelming box office performance suggested that, at that time, Freddy Krueger had captured more audience interest than Michael Myers. So, when “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” was released, it faced a much smaller and less enthusiastic audience. Despite its shortcomings compared to its immediate predecessor, there are some redeeming qualities to appreciate in “Halloween 5.” It maintains the distinctive autumn atmosphere of the series, provides more screen time for Danielle Harris as Jamie Lloyd, and welcomes back Doctor Loomis.
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
Rob Hedden’s “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan” initially had grand aspirations, but due to various cuts during production, it ended up being widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. However, it also has a certain charm and is considered one of the best choices for a late-night, alcohol-fueled movie viewing experience.
This film was the eighth installment in a franchise that originated from the audience’s simple desire for gruesome killings. Despite its lengthy journey, including an entry where Jason essentially faces off against a character reminiscent of Stephen King’s Carrie, it mainly involved repeating established formulas.
The Fly II (1989)
David Cronenberg’s remake of “The Fly” was a complete and self-contained story with a perfectly fitting ending for all its characters. Consequently, there was no real need for a sequel. However, when it comes to unnecessary sequels, “The Fly II” manages to deliver a sufficiently creepy and slimy experience, with the third act benefiting from impressive practical creature effects. Plus, before the monstrous elements take over, viewers can enjoy the chemistry between Eric Stoltz and Daphne Zuniga, which keeps them entertained.
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
Despite having an enticing teaser trailer, Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III underperformed at the box office compared to previous films in the Texas Chainsaw series. This could be attributed to New Line Cinema’s struggles with the MPAA to avoid an X rating, even though the movie isn’t excessively gruesome. It’s also possible that audiences were becoming disinterested in slasher films. Despite being released in 1,107 theaters, Leatherface failed to leave a significant impact.
Nevertheless, the movie has a strong atmosphere, good pacing, and features a young Viggo Mortensen in a prominent role as a member of the Sawyer family. While it may not be considered a masterpiece, it’s worth noting that the Texas Chainsaw franchise has seen worse entries than Leatherface.
List your film and sell it on Shortfundly’s OTT Platform with price range of your choice. Click here to know more.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The original Gremlins had a mix of classic Spielberg elements and a distinct horror atmosphere. In contrast, Gremlins 2: The New Batch mostly abandons the horror aspect in favor of a more comedic, Looney Tunes-style approach. Referring to Gremlins 2 as a horror film would be inaccurate; it’s essentially an absurdist comedy. This significant shift in tone might have contributed to its initial struggles at the box office. However, as time has passed, the sequel has gained a more favorable reputation. In a landscape where numerous routine sequels to popular franchises are produced, Gremlins 2: The New Batch’s daring and unconventional approach becomes increasingly valuable and noteworthy to fans.
The Exorcist III (1990)
The author of “The Exorcist” and the screenwriter of William Friedkin’s classic movie took on the task of adapting “Legion” himself. There are two versions of “The Exorcist III,” and both are nearly as terrifying as the original film.
“The Exorcist III” primarily follows the format of a typical police procedural, in contrast to the original film. The central mystery revolves around a patient escaping from a mental health institution to commit gruesome murders, which adds an intriguing element to the procedural aspect. With exceptional performances from George C. Scott and Brad Dourif, particularly in the director’s cut where Dourif’s character shines, “The Exorcist III” stands out as one of the finest horror films from the early ’90s.
Predator 2 (1990)
Stephen Hopkins’ Predator 2, the often overlooked horror sequel from 1990, can be seen as a unique blend of genres, much like John McTiernan’s original classic. While Hopkins had previously directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, which received its share of criticism, Predator 2 offers a distinct departure from its predecessor.
In comparison to Predator, Hopkins’ film is undeniably not as strong, but it was a challenge to recreate the jungle setting without it feeling repetitive. Placing the Yautja in the midst of a gangland conflict was a fascinating and unconventional alternative. The level of fear may be somewhat diminished due to the creature’s presence in a densely populated area, but it’s important to remember that Predator is as much about action as it is about horror. Despite a lackluster performance by Adam Baldwin, Predator 2 manages to work effectively.
Child’s Play 3 (1991)
Child’s Play 3 might not have the most logical storyline, as it begins with an unusual setting in the Good Guy head office. However, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience. Following the success of Child’s Play and Child’s Play 2, with the latter arguably surpassing the first installment, it was clear that the Chucky and Andy Barclay dynamic was a strong element. The challenge was how to freshen up the formula.
Child’s Play 3 decided to shake things up by placing Chucky in a military academy. While this choice raises various questions, such as the presence of live ammunition in an academy, it introduces an intriguing change of location to the series.
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
After “Hellraiser” and “Hellbound: Hellraiser II,” the franchise needed a change. These two films felt very interconnected, particularly due to their emphasis on Ashley Laurence’s character Kirsty Cotton. “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth” departs from Kirsty (though Laurence makes a brief cameo in a news segment) and instead focuses on a reporter, a morally questionable nightclub owner, and delves deeper into the character of Pinhead. This installment also delves into Pinhead’s origins, when he was more human than demon.
Alien³ (1992)
While Alien³ may have left director David Fincher disillusioned with Hollywood early in his career, there are several aspects of the film that are noteworthy, particularly in its Assembly Cut version. While it may not reach the extraordinary levels of excellence seen in the first two installments, Alien and Aliens, it certainly doesn’t qualify as a weak or “bad” film. On the other hand, Alien: Resurrection is often criticized for its lack of soul and the way it mishandles the character of Ellen Ripley.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
The 1993 film “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday” marked the return of Jason Voorhees after a brief hiatus, but it performed even worse at the box office compared to “Jason Takes Manhattan.” To be fair, Adam Marcus’ movie took a very unusual approach to reviving the franchise.
This installment stands out from all the other “Friday the 13th” films, as it introduces concepts like body-swapping and the importance of the Voorhees bloodline, which were never hinted at before in the series. However, visually, “Jason Goes to Hell” maintains a connection to the earlier Paramount-produced films. So, does it really work as a “Friday the 13th” film? Not entirely, but if you view it as its own unique addition to the existing universe, “Jason Goes to Hell” can be an odd and entertaining experience, featuring moments like Jason hamburgers and a character discussing suggestive actions with a donut.
Scream 3 (2000)
Due to the public’s reaction to the tragic Columbine school shooting, Scream 3 ended up having a more comedic tone than originally planned when it was released in theaters. In comparison to the first two films, fans had valid reasons to feel let down.
Even today, Scream 3 remains somewhat disappointing, though Scream 4 and the 2022 revival of the franchise have helped alleviate some of that disappointment. It’s widely accepted that Scream 3 is the weakest entry in its trilogy, and its lack of a script by Kevin Williamson puts it at a significant disadvantage. However, Courtney Cox and David Arquette have their moments to shine, and Parker Posey’s character, Jennifer Jolie, is considered one of the franchise’s standout characters. The most significant problem with Scream 3 is that it lacks the sharpness and edge that made the earlier films so engaging, but being the weakest installment in the Scream series doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a terrible movie.
Land of the Dead (2005)
George A. Romero directed six Dead movies before his passing, with the first four being considered the most worthwhile. Land of the Dead, the fourth film, is appreciated by fans as it revitalized the franchise, which had seemed stagnant after Day of the Dead.
Despite the franchise’s declining content, Land of the Dead injects new life into it. The film offers exciting developments and engaging plot twists for actors like John Leguizamo, who seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself, Asia Argento, Simon Baker, Robert Joy, who delivers an excellent performance, and Dennis Hopper. While it may not reach the same level of quality as the original trilogy, for those who prefer it over Day of the Dead, there’s a valid argument to be made.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Unfortunately, Mike Flanagan’s “Doctor Sleep” did not have the same impact on the resurgence of interest in Stephen King adaptations as “The Shining.” It came and went from theaters relatively quickly. However, when it comes to adapting the work of the Master of Horror, “Doctor Sleep” is considered even better than “The Shining.”
While it may not be as compelling or terrifying as “The Shining,” “Doctor Sleep” is still an impressive film. The performances of Ewan McGregor, Cliff Curtis, and Rebecca Ferguson are exceptional, and the movie benefits from strong writing and expert cinematography.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
