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When tackling “The Hills Have Eyes” series, there’s no necessity for a convoluted viewing sequence. Simply follow the release order as presented here:
- “The Hills Have Eyes” by Wes Craven (1977)
- “The Hills Have Eyes Part II” by Wes Craven (1985)
- “Mind Ripper,” directed by Joe Gayton (1995)
- “The Hills Have Eyes” remake by Alexandre Aja (2006)
- “The Hills Have Eyes 2” by Martin Weisz (2007)
Wes Craven revisited the franchise in 1985 due to a desire to capitalize on the success of his original movie, aiming to develop a slasher series emulating the fame of “Halloween” or “Friday the 13th.” Around the same period, a similar transformation was underway with his film “A Nightmare on Elm Street” from 1984.
While Craven penned the script for a third installment, initially with a space-themed concept, the project altered course significantly. Eventually titled “Mind Ripper,” the film, produced by Craven and co-written with his son Jonathan and Phil Mittleman, removed all ties to the second part, morphing into a standalone work. However, those who seek to fully experience the franchise should include this movie in their watchlist.
The 2006 remake by Alexandre Aja offers a gritty, explicit reimagining of Craven’s narrative, highlighting the origins of the mutated hill-dwellers as victims of nearby nuclear tests, turning them into resilient and savage creatures. The film’s initial NC-17 cut was dialed back to an R rating to meet release standards.
The sequel of the 2006 remake released in 2007 adds a military angle to the story, pitting soldiers against the mutants. Despite a patently outlandish plot, it continues the story arc. To date, no other films have followed in the “The Hills Have Eyes” lineage.
FAQs About The Hills Have Eyes Franchise
- Should I watch The Hills Have Eyes movies in chronological order?
- It’s best to view the movies in the order of their release, as listed above, to understand the progression of the story and its remakes.
- Can I skip “Mind Ripper” since it’s only loosely connected to the series?
- While “Mind Ripper” stands apart from the main storyline, it is still recommended for franchise completionists to include in their viewing experience.
- Is the original “The Hills Have Eyes” significantly different from the 2006 remake?
- Yes, the 2006 remake by Alexandre Aja introduces a more explicit background for the mutants and takes a darker, more intense approach to the horror.
- Has there been any continuation of The Hills Have Eyes series after 2007?
- No new installments have been added to the franchise since “The Hills Have Eyes 2” in 2007.