Horror movie sequels are a unique form of entertainment that have been around for decades. From the classic slashers of the 1980s to the modern horror franchises of today, these films have captivated audiences and kept them coming back for more. This article will provide an overview of the 10 best horror movie sequels, along with a brief plot summary and reception for each one.
What is
A horror movie sequel is defined as a film that continues the story of a previously released horror movie. This can include direct sequels (a sequel to the original film) or spin-offs (films that use characters and settings from the original film, but are not direct sequels).
Ranking Methodology
The films included in this list have been ranked based on critical reception, box office success, and overall impact on the horror genre. All of the films have been released in the last 40 years and are widely considered to be some of the best horror movie sequels ever made.
Overview of the Top 10
The following list contains the 10 best horror movie sequels, ranked from 10 to 1. Each film will be accompanied by a brief plot summary and reception.
Plot Summary
Scream 2 is the 1997 sequel to the 1996 slasher classic Scream. The film follows the survivors of the original as they face a new killer known as the “Ghostface Killer”. The film is notable for its self-referential humor and meta-commentary on the horror genre.
Reception
Scream 2 was a critical and commercial success, earning $172 million at the box office and a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was praised for its sharp wit and clever writing, and it is widely considered to be one of the best horror movie sequels of all time.
Plot Summary
The Exorcist II: The Heretic is the 1977 sequel to the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist. The film follows the original’s protagonist, Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), as she is haunted by visions of a demonic presence and enlists the help of an exorcist priest to help her battle the forces of evil.
Reception
The Exorcist II: The Heretic was a commercial failure, earning only $39 million at the box office. However, it has since gained a cult following due to its bizarre and unique plot. The film has a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot Summary
Bride of Chucky is the 1998 sequel to the 1988 slasher classic Child’s Play. The film follows the original’s villain, Chucky, as he teams up with his bride, Tiffany, to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting citizens of a small town.
Reception
Bride of Chucky was a commercial success, earning $50 million at the box office. The film was praised for its dark humor and campy tone, and it has since become a cult classic in the horror genre. The film has a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot Summary
Dawn of the Dead is the 1978 sequel to the 1968 zombie classic Night of the Living Dead. The film follows a group of survivors as they battle an onslaught of relentless zombies in an abandoned shopping mall.
Reception
Dawn of the Dead was a critical and commercial success, earning $55 million at the box office and a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is widely considered to be one of the best horror movies of all time, and it has since become a classic in the zombie genre.
Plot Summary
Hellbound: Hellraiser II is the 1988 sequel to the 1987 horror classic Hellraiser. The film follows a young woman as she is drawn into a nightmarish realm populated by sadistic demons who are determined to reclaim her soul.
Reception
Hellbound: Hellraiser II was a critical and commercial success, earning $14 million at the box office and a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was praised for its vivid visuals and imaginative set pieces, and it has become a cult classic in the horror genre.
Plot Summary
Aliens is the 1986 sequel to the 1979 sci-fi classic Alien. The film follows a group of space marines as they battle a relentless alien species on a remote planet.
Reception
Aliens was a critical and commercial success, earning $180 million at the box office and a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is widely considered to be one of the best sequels of all time, and it has since become a classic in the sci-fi horror genre.
Plot Summary
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is the 1986 sequel to the 1974 slasher classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film follows a former Texas Ranger as he battles a family of murderous cannibals.
Reception
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 was a commercial success, earning $8 million at the box office. The film was praised for its over-the-top violence and dark humor, and it has since become a cult classic in the horror genre. The film has a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot Summary
Evil Dead II is the 1987 sequel to the 1981 horror classic The Evil Dead. The film follows the original’s protagonist, Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), as he battles a relentless horde of demonic forces in a remote cabin in the woods.
Reception
Evil Dead II was a critical and commercial success, earning $5 million at the box office and a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was praised for its over-the-top action and comedic elements, and it has since become a cult classic in the horror genre.
Plot Summary
The Silence of the Lambs is the 1991 sequel to the 1988 thriller Manhunter. The film follows an FBI agent as she enlists the help of a notorious serial killer to track down another serial killer who is targeting young women.
Reception
The Silence of the Lambs was a critical and commercial success, earning $272 million at the box office and a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was praised for its gripping story and strong performances, and it has since become a classic in the horror genre.
Plot Summary
The Godfather Part II is the 1974 sequel to the 1972 crime drama The Godfather. The film follows the Corleone family as they battle rival mobsters in 1940s New York City.
Reception
The Godfather Part II was a critical and commercial success, earning $57 million at the box office and a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is widely considered to be one of the best sequels ever made, and it has since become a classic in the crime drama genre.
Reflection on the Top 10
This list of the top 10 horror movie sequels reflects the evolution of the genre over the last 40 years. From the classic slashers of the 1980s to the modern horror franchises of today, these films have captivated audiences and kept them coming back for more.
Future of Horror Movie Sequels
The future of horror movie sequels looks bright, with a number of highly anticipated films on the horizon. With the continued success of franchises like The Conjuring and Get Out, it is safe to say that horror movie sequels will remain popular for years to come.
References
- Rotten Tomatoes, https://www.rottentomatoes.com/
- Box Office Mojo, https://www.boxofficemojo.com/
