10 Horror Movie Sequels That Deserve A Second Chance

1979’s Phantasm is an immensely creepy and enigmatic cult horror gem that birthed one of the genre’s greatest third-tier villains (the Tall Man) and one of its greatest weapons (the Sentinel Sphere).

Despite its change in style, Don Coscarelli’s 1988 successor is – in its own ways – on par with his initial outing. It’s downright perplexing, then, that it still has a significantly lower critical score on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.

Basically, Phantasm II is to Phantasm what Aliens is to Alien: an adrenaline-fueled adventure that injects action and campy fun into its sci-fi/horror foundation.

Fan-favorite hero Reggie Bannister returns with double the free-spirited vibes and renegade attitude, cracking jokes as he takes down foes with many awesome tools (a chainsaw, a flamethrower, a quadruple shotgun, etc). Meanwhile, actor James LeGros turns main protagonist Mike Pearson into a more interesting and likeable character, which only strengthens his chemistry with Reggie. The film’s surreal popcorn horror charm applies to various scenes, too, with the Tall Man worm encounter being a highlight.

In general, Phantasm II is what might happen if you mixed the original Phantasm with the Evil Dead and Nightmare on Elm Street sequels - and it’s all the better for it.