MOVIES 26 – 31
Inferno (1980), which is considered a thematic sequel to “Susperia.” Gothic and sublime, “Inferno” contributed to director Dario Argento’s reputation for crafting surreal supernatural horror with striking cinematography and intimate human struggle. For what the 1980 follow-up might lack in adherence to its focal narrative, it makes up for in lavish visual flair and a deeply ambitious mythology.
*Full review here; buy it here.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985), which takes place five years after the original. Robert Englund, who returns as the disfigured villain, defines the series. He’s chatty and charming and complex in ways that’s simultaneously shockingly repulsive and oddly intriguing. Despite breaking many of the rules set forth in the original, “Freddy’s Revenge” is a fun, often overlooked entry in the series.
*Full review here; buy it here.
28 Weeks Later (2007), which chronicles a second outbreak of the “Rage Virus” in post-apocalyptic Britain. “28 Weeks Later” should be the standard for all horror sequels. Its plot contributes to the overarching post-apocalyptic universe established in the first film, without relying too much on its success. “28 Weeks Later” contains the same emotional depth and dread-inducing horror as the original with enough originality to exist entirely detached from it.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Aliens (1986), which might be my favorite sequel ever. “Aliens” doesn’t have the quiet magnitude of the original. But it raised the bar for science fiction, horror and war movies alike and inspired today’s great filmmakers to craft resonant narratives with thrilling action. Ripley’s sophomore outing brilliantly takes everything great about the original and adds Jame Cameron’s uncanny knack for visceral excitement.
*Full review here; buy it here.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005), Rob Zombie’s brutal sequel to 2003’s “House of 1000 Corpses.” “Rejects” doesn’t feel like an entertaining, but mindlessly grisly hour-and-a-half ride through a haunted museum attraction like the original. With a trio of some of the most enthralling horror villains ever conceived, “The Devil’s Rejects” is proof that splatter flicks still have a place in modern horror cinema, given that they’re driven by fine acting and thoughtful scripting.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Halloween II (1981), which picks up one minute after the original left off. There’s a lot that director Rick Rosenthal gets right and even a few ideas that improve on the original. The backstory is deeper– but doesn’t give away too much of the mystery that makes Michael so compelling. It may not contain the Hitchcockian titillation of the original, but “Halloween II” is a natural and chilling follow-up to a horror movie masterpiece.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Thanks so much for checking out this list. Pleas be sure to leave your comments in the section below. What’s your favorite horror movie sequel?