The horror genre thrives on chills and scares, but sometimes the most frightening prospect is revisiting a world we already know. Can a sequel recapture the magic of the original? Here’s a glimpse at 10 horror sequels released in the last five years, ranked based on a combination of critical reception, fan response, and innovation within the established franchise
10. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
This reunion with the dysfunctional Columbus, Wichita, Little Rock, and Tallahassee was a gory blast from the past. However, the comedic elements felt familiar, and the overall experience lacked the surprise factor of the original.
9. Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
This clever sequel took the time loop concept from the first film and cranked it up a notch. We see Tree Gelbman explore the multiverse of her death day, encountering new versions of herself and the people around her. The humor is sharp, and the character development adds depth to the story.
8. It Chapter Two (2019)
This ambitious adaptation of Stephen King’s epic sequel attempted to capture the sprawling narrative of the novel. While visually impressive, the film might not resonate with fans who loved the more intimate feel of the first chapter set in the small town of Derry.
7. A Promising Scream (Scream 6 – Hypothetical 2023)
The return of the original cast, including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, has horror fans buzzing. This upcoming sequel (set for release in 2023) has the potential to be a satisfying follow-up, breathing new life into the franchise with fresh scares and clever meta-commentary.
6. A Legacy of Traps (Saw X – Hypothetical 2023)
The Saw franchise is known for its elaborate and gruesome death traps. This hypothetical sequel (coming in 2023) could offer a fresh take on the legacy of John Kramer (aka Jigsaw) with new characters facing even more demented contraptions.
5. Terrifier 2 (2022)
This independent slasher sequel isn’t for the faint of heart. Art the Clown returns with a vengeance, delivering a brutal and terrifying performance. While the kills are undeniably creative, the extreme violence might be a turn-off for some viewers.
4. Fear Street: Summer of Slashings (Fear Street: Part Two – 1978)
The second chapter in the Fear Street trilogy throws viewers back to a classic summer camp slasher setting. But beneath the familiar tropes lies a sharp social commentary on the cycle of violence and the legacy of racism in Shadyside.
3. A Modern Legend (Candyman 2021)
This stylish reimagining of the original Candyman film is more than just a slasher sequel. It uses the urban legend to explore themes of gentrification, racial violence, and the power of collective memory. The film is thought-provoking and visually stunning.
2. The Silence Continues (A Quiet Place Part II – 2021)
John Krasinski expands the world he meticulously built in the first A Quiet Place. This sequel raises the stakes for the Abbott family as they face the dangers of the outside world while struggling to survive without their sound-sensitive patriarch. The film delivers genuine suspense and emotional gut punches.
1. The Haunting of Torrance (Doctor Sleep – 2019)
Director Mike Flanagan delivers a chilling and emotional sequel to The Shining. Following the traumatized survivor of the Overlook Hotel, Danny Torrance, Doctor Sleep explores the complexities of addiction and the enduring legacy of childhood trauma. It’s a worthy successor to a horror masterpiece.