10 Horror Movie Sequels That Are Just As Good As The Original
A Nightmare On Elm Street 3 might just be the best in the whole series.
All horror fans will admit that the genre is inundated with unnecessary franchises, with even the most well-respected films spawning a slew of lackluster sequels, prequels, and even paralequels. With the ninth instalment of the Saw series set to hit cinemas early next year, and the production of Scream 5 recently drawing to a close, it seems that this trend will continue into the 2020s.
Often poorly received by critics and audiences alike, these horror franchise sequels are usually as underwhelming as they are inevitable. However, for every Jaws: The Revenge (1987), there’s an Evil Dead II (1987), and for every sequel which ruins a series, there’s one which completely rejuvenates the franchise.
Whether its due to a killer twist, excellent special effects, or innovative storytelling, some sequels still manage to scare, spook, and shock just like their predecessors.
So, grab your popcorn and hide behind your sofa, because here are ten horror sequels which are actually pretty great.
10. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
Although John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) rejuvenated the slasher genre and remains one of the best horror films ever, most of its sequels (and remakes) constitute lackluster and redundant attempts to revive the chilling spirit of the original.
Halloween H20, however, offers a surprisingly innovative entry to the franchise, once more starring Jamie Lee Curtis as the indefatigable Laurie Strode. The film is set at an elite boarding school where Laurie, now a stern headmistress, lives as a recluse, still traumatized by the events of Michael Myers’ original massacre.
Also starring Josh Hartnett, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michelle Williams in early roles, the film charts Michael’s (unsurprisingly unsuccessful) attempts to finally kill Laurie.
Much like the original, this sequel once again demonstrates Laurie’s sheer resilience and badassery. The final fight between the two siblings is a high-octane, bloody extravaganza which ultimately cements Strode's position as one of horror’s most iconic final girls.