10 Horror Movie Sequels That Are Just As Good As The Original

Written and directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the original Exorcist novel, this sequel to the 1973 horror hit is likely most famous for its midpoint jump scare, wherein a young nurse is unexpectedly killed by an unknown, scissor-wielding assailant.

Beyond this genuinely terrifying and well-crafted scene, The Exorcist III is a solid entry into the possession-themed franchise, featuring an excellent cast including George C. Scott. Primarily set in a psychiatric ward, the film traces the efforts of Lt. William F. Kinderman (Scott) to track down a potential serial killer.

However, due to it being in this franchise, its certainly not a run-of-the-mill slasher or murder mystery. Throughout the sequel, there are suggestions that the killer may not be of this world, and the film maintains the haunting atmosphere of its predecessor as Kinderman experiences various unexplained happenings. Indeed, once-dead characters appear to come back to life, inmates are seemingly possessed, and a crop of gruesome deaths confuses investigators.

Although the film received mixed reviews upon initial release, The Exorcist III is now widely considered something of an underrated classic. Perhaps due to Blatty's involvement, this surprisingly smart and chilling sequel successfully manages to honor the spirit of The Exorcist, while simultaneously providing a new perspective on the phenomenon of demonic possession.