11 Horror Sequels That Were Actually Better Than The Original

The original Friday the 13th is a solid slasher flick that nevertheless hasn't aged massively well and has been outshone by many of its sequels, especially this first sequel, in which Jason Voorhees made his debut.

In many ways, Part 2 is a typical Friday the 13th film through and through: it's trashy yet irresistibly charming horror movie fun with some great death scenes, but it's also more refined in a couple of ways.

Firstly, it's better-written than it's ever given credit for and it not only draws up a likable group of characters but also creates a realistic, relaxed atmosphere at the camp, so this one at least does have characters you care for at least a tiny bit. Secondly, it's maybe the only Friday the 13th film that was genuinely scary and has several highly effective jump scares.

Frightening, consistently entertaining and lighthearted without ever being disposable, this sequel is a very efficient slasher film and frankly it's a shame more movies from this most inconsistent of sub-genres weren't this good.

As well as surpassing its predecessor, this is also the best of the franchise. Installments four, five (which is criminally underrated), six and the 2009 remake are also worthwhile viewing.