10 More Horror Movie Sequels MASSIVELY Better Than The Original
5. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Cloverfield is a sturdily crafted kaiju horror flick that took advantage of the found-footage craze of the 2000s and 2010s to create a harrowing cinematic experience with something to say about how we engage with spectacle and the swift and overwhelming response to political threats.
This is why it was all the more surprising that 10 Cloverfield Lane managed to surpass the Matt Reeves-helmed franchise opener in nearly every category. While the two still share existential threats of an otherworldly kind, the 2016 spiritual successor explores said perils in a more small-scale, claustrophobic manner.
As a result, 10 Cloverfield Lane uses its limited character number and scope to explore themes of abuse, deception, and manufactured fears. While the latter turns out to be true, it does not invalidate the rest as seen in how Howard mistreats Michelle and Emmett for his own twisted gain. The outside alien threat, though real, was not the main driver of the elder man's nefarious goals to rebuild his lost family.
Coupled with stellar performances - especially from John Goodman as Howard - and taut directing, cinematography, and music, 10 Cloverfield Lane manages to exceed its predecessor in a smart and chillingly magnetic fashion.