10 Horror Movie Sequels That DITCHED The Horror

4. The Mummy Returns

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Universal

Though 1999's The Mummy reboot is absolutely inspired by the action-adventure vibes of the Indiana Jones franchise, it still retains enough of that classic Universal Monsters flavour that you can plausibly call it a horror film.

There's a shudder-worthy emphasis on body horror in numerous sequences - especially those involving scarabs - ensuring that The Mummy is far more than just another sub-Indy globetrotting actioner.

The film was a colossal box office success, though for 2001's sequel The Mummy Returns the decision was made to seriously dial back the gnarly horror aspect.

Instead this follow-up leaned far more into fantastical action and buddy comedy - a tone which was also upheld by the third and final movie, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, though the less said about that one the better.

The Mummy Returns is still a solid enough sequel, though disappointingly light on horror elements compared to its predecessor - except for that eyesore-inducing Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) CGI, of course.

 
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.