Okay, okay, we all know that most horror movie sequels aren’t as good (or even close) to the originals.
But trust me, as a lifelong horror fanatic, I’m here to tell you that there are PLENTY of scary movie sequels that are worth watching.
So grab the popcorn, dim the lights, lock the doors, and check out these quality sequels during this Halloween season. Add your own favorite horror sequels in the comments!
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Let’s be honest: the original Nightmare is a classic, the second one is…not very good. But the franchise made a nice comeback in 1987 with Dream Warriors (and features a killer metal song by Dokken). Freddy lives!
2. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Everyone talks about how Halloween II, released in 1981, is the best sequel in this classic series, but I have to disagree. Part 4 is atmospheric, creepy, and a return to form for Michael Myers.
3. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
How on Earth could George A. Romero follow up his classic Night of the Living Dead? His 1968 film changed the face of horror forever. Well, 10 years later Dawn of the Dead was released, and it is still regarded as the best zombie film of all time. I agree wholeheartedly.
4. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
I actually think Part 2 is a much better movie than the original Friday the 13th. Don’t get me wrong, I like the first one just fine, but I think the second entry in the series is stronger. Jason is on the loose (he doesn’t have a hockey mask yet), killing counselors near Camp Crystal Lake. The body count continues!
5. Evil Dead II (1987)
Sam Raimi shocked the horror world in 1981 with his low-budget gorefest The Evil Dead. In 1987, Evil Dead II smacked audiences right in the face with an even more over-the-top dose of blood, guts, and comedy. A great, slapstick performance by the legendary Bruce Campbell makes this one a true horror classic.
6. The Exorcist III (1990)
The second sequel to the legendary shocker The Exorcist has gained a cult following since its release in 1990. The man who wrote the original book, William Peter Blatty, directed this film starring George C. Scott as an investigator hot on the trail of a (possibly deceased) Satanic serial killer. I remember seeing this in the theater as a young kid and there are some legitimate scares in this one.
7. Final Destination 2 (2003)
The first Final Destination film was a whole lot of film, but the second in the franchise upped the gore and the scares. The opening sequence on a rain-slicked highway is one of the most gruesome scenes I’ve ever seen. Thumbs up!
8. Creepshow 2 (1987)
Stephen King and George A. Romero, two horror legends, created the original Creepshow in 1982. An homage to the horror comics of the 1950s and 1960s, this anthology of short horror films is a lot of fun. Beware of the blob in the lake!
9. Aliens (1986)
The original Alien from 1979 is a masterpiece of science-fiction and horror. Aliens arrived 7 years later and is a classic in its own right. James Cameron directed this action-thriller-horror tale with Sigourney Weaver starring as the iconic Ripley.
10. 28 Weeks Later (2007)
The follow-up to 28 Days Later is pretty frightening as well. The opening scene in a farmhouse is especially memorable. Some people even argue that 28 Weeks Later is better than the original.
Happy horror viewing!
