Horror movie sequels are a controversial subject. Many fans regard them as a quick (and usually easy) cash-grabs. But this year, we wanted to celebrate the horror franchises that earned their sequels– movies that respected the originals while moving the narrative forward in a positive direction. So in no particular order, these are (in our opinion) the 31 best horror movie sequels of all time:
MOVIES 1 – 5
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), which abandoned the grisly low budget exploitation style of the original for demented, over-the-top absurdity. This horror comedy sequel is funny without really becoming self-parodying. And in the cinematography department, this entry is arguably superior to the original. Since its 1986 release, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” has become a cult classic among horror enthusiasts who don’t take the controversial slasher sequel too seriously.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Scream 2 (1997), the marvelously meta 1997 sequel, directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. Picking up two years after the events of the first film, the story continues to follow Sidney (Neve Campbell), now a college student with new friends, a charming new frat-pledge boyfriend, and a spot as the lead in the university’s latest theatrical production. “Scream 2” surpasses the flair of the original with bolder rules, more brutal killings, and insightful genre commentary.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Saw II (2005), which builds on the foundation of the “Saw” universe in a sadistically fascinating manner– despite some vapid dialog and overly-stylized, seizure-inducing cinematography. This torture-centric sequel further explores the “Jigsaw” origin story and sets up a universe for five additional sequels. There are creative ideas and narrative innovations that redeem this and some other “Saw” entries from the pitfalls associated with “torture porn” horror flicks. The “Saw” films are far from masterpieces, but there’s a lot to explore in the series’ many twists and turns– given that you’re able to stomach the gore.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Hatchet II (2010), a fun throwback that mashes together some of the most ludicrous pieces of the “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween,” and “Nightmare on Elm Street” movies all into one satisfying mess of a film. Even after the release of a third entry in the franchise, the series’ fanbase continues to regard “II” as the superior sequel with its improved acting, more creative kills and an overall better narrative. Although it fails to make any substantial contributions to the genre, “Hatchet II” offers a great deal of horror fun that might be appreciated primarily by horror enthusiasts.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Sinister 2 (2015), a worthwhile sequel that I suspect will eventually be regarded as a highly-effective, misunderstood horror classic. The haunting atmosphere of the original isn’t as abundant in the sequel. Rather than lurking in the shadows, the children Bughuul has possessed are in the foreground. But ultimately, “Sinister 2” is effective because it invests in its characters rather than just the scares. If you listen to the critics on “Sinister 2,” you might miss out on one of the best horror sequels this decade.
*Full review here; buy it here.