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Horror enthusiasts are as dedicated to their fandom as any other genre followers, displaying unwavering loyalty to their favorite franchises. In the world of horror, there’s a fervent appreciation for any content, be it sequels, reboots, or remakes, as long as it continues to explore beloved characters and narratives. The anticipation for such releases is high, with fans eagerly embracing new material.
The allure of horror prequels lies in their ability to unveil the origins of iconic stories and characters, adding depth to the overarching narrative. Crafting a successful horror prequel requires skill, as filmmakers must effectively portray the genesis of a larger, often terrifying, narrative. Fans not only seek insight into the beginnings of their favorite tales and villains but also desire a captivating standalone story.
When executed well, horror prequels can stand out as some of the finest films within a franchise. These films not only satisfy the curiosity of fans but also contribute significantly to the overall cinematic experience. Here, we explore some of the most exceptional horror prequels ever created.
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The 10 Best Horror Prequels of All Time
Pearl (2022)
In the prequel to Ti West’s X, titled Pearl, the narrative takes us back to the early years of the slasher killer who was once a repressed young girl named Pearl. Living on a farm with abusive parents while her husband was away at war, Pearl’s sole aspiration was to become a movie star. The circumstances she faced pushed her to embark on a murder spree, targeting adult film stars who ventured onto her farm.
What makes this prequel noteworthy is Mia Goth’s exceptional portrayal of Pearl, marking it as one of the standout character developments in the history of horror. The audience is deeply moved by Pearl’s story, a sentiment not commonly associated with horror characters. The compelling narrative effectively communicates the harrowing events depicted in the film, where Pearl takes the lives of adult film stars who intrude on her farm to shoot their latest movie.
Prey (2022)
Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey delves into the Predator universe, unfolding centuries before the events of the franchise. The story follows Naru, a Comanche teenager, as she confronts the extraterrestrial threat plaguing her village. Naru’s quest to hunt down the mysterious humanoid unfolds as a challenging and intense journey. What sets Prey apart is its ability to stand alone as a compelling action horror film, surpassing the quality of many previous franchise entries. The film excels in special effects, creature design, and notably features Amber Midthunder’s outstanding performance as Naru. Midthunder’s portrayal raises the question of whether she can be considered a budding horror icon.
Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
Paranormal Activity 3, a standout installment in the franchise, takes viewers nearly two decades back before the original movie’s events. Unveiling VHS tapes stolen in the second film, it exposes childhood footage of Katie and Kristi. The narrative delves into Kristi’s imaginary friend and the sinister entity haunting the family. What makes this prequel exceptional is its effective utilization of the “analog” found-footage style, providing a heightened sense of creepiness compared to digital media. The third act is particularly compelling, and the ending contributes valuable insights into the franchise’s overarching concept. Undoubtedly, some of the most chilling moments in the Paranormal Activity series stem from this prequel.
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
Annabelle: Creation, a prequel to the 2014 film Annabelle within The Conjuring universe, narrates the haunting tale of a dollmaker and his wife who open their home to a group of orphans. The couple, scarred by a tragic past, grapple with ghostly occurrences in their residence, manifesting through a sinister porcelain doll crafted by the artist. This prequel, skillfully directed by horror expert David F. Sandberg, marks a notable departure within the Conjuring-verse. It incorporates well-executed jump scares that avoid being cheap or excessive, coupled with compelling performances that lend an unexpected authenticity to the film. Additionally, it introduces the origin of a modern horror icon through the creation of the disturbing porcelain doll.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
One of Mike Flanagan’s most underrated horror films is “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” a prequel to the 2014 movie “Ouija.” The story follows the Zander family, led by the mother Alice, who runs a medium business by deceiving people. When Alice introduces a Ouija board into her practice, it unwittingly invites malevolent spirits that possess one of her daughters. The family faces a daunting challenge in trying to rid themselves of the entity.
What sets this prequel apart is Flanagan’s exceptional storytelling, making it feel like a standalone film in an otherwise lackluster franchise. Flanagan employs his distinctive visual language and brings in familiar faces from his other works. The young horror talent, Lulu Wilson, delivers a standout performance that remains unmatched by her subsequent roles. The effects depicting Doris’ possession are truly chilling.
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Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, despite facing inexplicable hatred from many, stands out as the director’s endeavor to reintroduce a familiar concept to modern audiences while adhering to the rules established in his 1979 classic, Alien. The film unfolds as a space horror narrative, exploring humanity’s relentless pursuit of power as they encounter a vastly superior species.
What makes this prequel noteworthy are the moments of revelation that seamlessly connect with a movie over 30 years old. Ridley Scott goes beyond mere fan service, delivering a compelling and well-crafted film associated with the iconic concept he originated. Notably, the “self-extraction” scene emerges as Noomi Rapace’s career highlight and one of the standout moments in the Alien franchise.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Contrary to expectations, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me doesn’t simplify matters for those who found the TV show cryptic. Serving as a prequel to Twin Peaks, the film delves into the town’s murder mystery and explores Laura Palmer’s final days. Despite its initial box-office failure, it has since gained recognition as one of David Lynch’s finest works.
What sets Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me apart is its departure from the TV-friendly tone, delving into Laura’s tragic backstory with emotional intensity. Lynch effectively utilizes the film format to expand on the show’s story and concepts. While some view it as unnecessary, the movie stands on its own as an exceptional piece of cinema.
Orphan: First Kill (2022)
Orphan: First Kill showcases impressive cinematic elements, particularly in its mesmerizing special effects. Isabelle Fuhrman, who portrayed Esther over a decade ago, successfully takes on the challenge of playing a younger version of the character without relying on CGI. The film serves as a daring prequel to the 2009 Orphan, featuring a gripping storyline where a psychiatric patient named Leena, who suffers from hypopituitarism, escapes and manipulates the situation by convincing authorities that she is a missing American girl named Esther. The movie effectively combines solid horror elements with a risky and ambitious filmmaking approach.
Final Destination 5 (2011)
Final Destination 5, despite initially appearing as a standard sequel, stands out for its clever twist. In this installment, protagonist Sam prevents a disaster on a suspension bridge, only to find that fate is inescapable. The film cleverly connects to the series’ first installment through the infamous flight, revealing that the survivors from Final Destination 5 are on the same doomed flight from the original film.
What makes this a compelling prequel is its positive reception in 2011, offering a fitting conclusion to a franchise in need of a break. The film boasts impressive effects, creative death scenes, and a standout sequence on the collapsing bridge, even with some cheesy 3D elements. The twist at the end, bringing the narrative full circle, adds an extra layer of excellence to its prequel status.
Saw X (2023)
“Saw X marked the return of John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, to his gruesome activities despite being in the last stages of brain cancer. In the film, Kramer, desperate for a revolutionary treatment in Mexico, falls victim to a clever scam by a group. Fueled by fury, he expends his remaining energy to set up a warehouse of traps, targeting each perpetrator to deliver a deadly lesson.
The prequel was a refreshing addition to the franchise, bringing Jigsaw back in a compelling way. While it didn’t necessarily chart new narrative territories, Saw X served as a solid return for the series, showcasing Jigsaw’s potentially final appearance in the Saw universe—though, as always, the door remains open for his unexpected return, a trademark of the franchise’s unpredictability.”
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