10 TERRIFYING Horror Movie Openings (That Led To Disappointing Movies)

10. Sinister 2

Writing partners Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill have a track record of diminishing returns with sequels, as both The Black Phone 2 and Sinister 2 fell short of the superb originals. That said, there’s a bigger gap in quality between the Sinister duo, with the second entry feeling like a pale imitation of what preceded it.

That’s quite unfortunate since it kicks off with a premonition that’s as alarming as most of the infamous home movie snuff films shown in 2012’s Sinister.

Simply put, nine-year-old Dylan Collins has a vision of three people who’re bound like scarecrows in a cornfield being set ablaze by an unknown figure. Granted, it’s not very graphic or prolonged, but the notion of being burned alive – coupled with the haunting ambient soundtrack – nonetheless results in an extremely upsetting scene.

Sadly, the bulk of Sinister 2 – which was directed by Ciarán Foy instead of Derrickson – comes across as a shoddier and sillier imitation of its predecessor, with the same blueprint being used alongside traces of Children of the Corn and Goodnight Mommy.

Its twist – that Dylan’s possessed twin sibling, Zach, eventually brings Dylan’s dream to life – is particularly stupid and predictable, and despite admirable performances from leads Shannyn Sossamon and the late James Ransone (may he rest in peace), Sinister 2 is universally underwhelming.