Sequels have the difficult job of not only meeting the expectations of the original film but expanding the premise's scope to new levels. Horror sequels seem to be harder to pull off than most, having to increase the scares and surprises while remaining true to the premise. However, there are some truly fantastic horror sequels and this list is a sampling of just that. Here are eight horror movie sequels perfect for your spooky season viewing.
Aliens
While the original Alien film is more of a straight horror movie and its sequel Aliens leans more into the action category, make no mistake, Aliens is fraught with body horror, atmosphere and genuine scares. After surviving the events of the first film, Ellen Ripley joins a troop of Colonial Marines to investigate a lost colony ravished by the same species she encountered on the Nostromo. By adding more of an action element, the sequel manages to bring a new perspective to the original Alien movie without sacrificing any of the stakes or scares of the basic premise. If these creatures can rip through the very best trained in combat, what hope is there for the rest of us? This concept is terrifying, and that feeling of helplessness only adds to the horror of Aliens, making it a near-perfect horror sequel.
Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn
While technically a sequel, Evil Dead II does have the ability to stand on its own. The original film, The Evil Dead is somewhat recapped at the beginning of the sequel, meaning that audiences can enjoy the film without first seeking out the oft-overlooked original. The film is a black horror-comedy about the battle between regular people and the forces of evil unleashed from the Book of the Dead at a remote cabin in the woods. The movie uses stunning practical effects to create a spectacle of body horror, comedy and fright. Not necessarily for the faint of heart, the film stands up to modern audiences thanks to its bold choices and memorable imagery.
28 Weeks Later
The original film 28 Days Later took place 28 days after the outbreak of what is referred to as the "Rage Virus" in England. The sequel follows the same pattern and picks up 28 weeks after the initial outbreak. 28 Weeks Later focuses on entirely new characters who don't appear in the original film. The story is about the reintroduction of the Rage Virus to a NATO-established safe zone in London. Featuring Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Jeremy Renner and Idris Elba, the movie is full of action and gore and earned generally favorable reviews from critics, making it a worthy successor to the original.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
The third installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street fantasy horror film franchise, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, is not only one of the best in the franchise but one of the greatest horror film sequels ever. Now working as an intern therapist at a psychiatric hospital, Nancy Thompson, the final girl from the original film, works with a group of patients to take the fight to Freddy Krueger in the Dream World. This installment really leans into the dream elements of the original premise and elevates the original concept to new heights.
A Quiet Place Part II
A Quiet Place Part II had a lot to live up to after the surprise hit of the original. With such a strong shadow cast by the first movie, it's truly an accomplishment that the sequel was able to expand the scope of the premise while also retaining the original's spirit and voice. After a flashback to when the aliens first arrived on Earth, the film picks up right where the first left off, with the Abbott family mourning the loss of their patriarch and in search of a new safe haven.
Saw II
The Saw movies may not be everyone's kind of films, but there's no denying their cultural impact on the horror genre, ushering in a new age of gore and exploitation films. The franchise has a bit of a reputation for its over-the-top nature, which leads Saw II to be surprisingly underrated as a result. When Jigsaw traps a group of ex-convicts and a police officer's son in a house of traps, the police are forced to stand by and watch as the horror unfolds and Jigsaw's background is further revealed. The film not only delivers the gore expected of the franchise but its thriller elements shouldn't be ignored, as they effectively drive up the tension throughout the story.
The Exorcist III
After the disappointment that was The Exorcist II: The Heretic, some may be reluctant to continue with the franchise and check out The Exorcist III. However, skipping this installment is a mistake. The Exorcist III was written and directed by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the original novel The Exorcist was based on. Part detective story akin to Zodiac and part demonic possession, the film connects to the original movie and (rightfully) ignores the first sequel. A police detective connects the death of Father Karras to recent murders that resemble that of a serial killer known as the "Gemini Killer," who was sentenced to death 15 years earlier. The film is full of mystery and scares and it makes for an excellent addition to any spooky season lineup.
Scooby-Doo II: Monsters Unleashed
While at first glance, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed may seem a bit of an unorthodox choice for a list of great horror sequels, it actually makes for a fun balance among the other selections. It fits the criteria of expanding the scope of its predecessor while maintaining all the definitive traits that made the original great. The Mystery Gang goes up against a series of their old foes and their damaged reputation in Coolsville in this sequel written by James Gunn. The film at the time was a bit of a disappointment, but it has earned continuous support from fans over the years and is worth a revisit.