Outstanding horror films transport audiences into gripping worlds filled with complex characters that linger long after the credits roll. When a horror movie offers a unique premise and introduces memorable villains or monsters, it often sets the stage for lucrative franchise opportunities. Classic examples include Universal’s iconic monster films from the 1920s and 1930s and numerous other timeless black-and-white horror productions that have left a lasting impact on filmmakers across generations. The characters and narratives from these films have permeated a variety of media including films, television series, literature, and video games.
A standout figure in the horror genre is Ghostface, a character who transformed the landscape of horror movies with the release of Scream in 1996. By that time, slasher legends like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees had firmly established their status. Their popularity encourages studios to produce sequels, prequels, and reboots in pursuit of financial gain. However, this trend can detrimentally affect storytelling quality and creativity, as the pressure to generate new narratives may compromise the original film’s artistry.
10 Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Directed By Joe Berlinger
The allure of producing a sequel to The Blair Witch Project is easy to comprehend, given that the original film revolutionized the found footage genre and garnered a robust cult following. Many viewers even speculated whether the movie was fictional due to its realistic shooting style.
Despite this potential, not every film merits a sequel. Haxan Films was initially reluctant to pursue one, while Artisan Entertainment sought to capitalize on the film’s newfound popularity. Consequently, the sequel fell flat with a poorly executed storyline lacking depth and engaging characters. Although the witch’s revenge is visually captivating, the film’s unfounded assertion that metal music and horror films contribute to youth violence raises significant concerns.
9 The Crow: City of Angels (1996)
Directed By Tim Pope
If you desire a dark yet cheesy film that embodies goth culture, then The Crow is a classic. However, The Crow: City of Angels fails to honor its predecessor, presenting a hollow imitation. The original film showcased a self-contained narrative; Eric Draven, the Crow, loses his powers and avenges his fiancée before finding peace.
Eric Draven’s striking persona influenced WWE wrestler Sting’s character, which explains the intense interest surrounding him. While the original’s appeal stemmed from its unique story and emotional weight, the sequel merely rehashes the basic premise with a new lead. Though the soundtrack remains compelling, and Mia Kirshner offers a commendable performance, the film’s attempt to exploit Brandon Lee’s legacy is ultimately unfulfilling.
8 American Psycho II: All American Girl (2002)
Directed By Morgan J. Freeman
While the character of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho provides an astute critique on capitalism and modernity, its sequel, American Psycho II: All American Girl, unfortunately, misses the mark. This follow-up lacks clarity and purpose, failing to capture the original’s sharp satire of Wall Street culture.
In this sequel, Mila Kunis portrays a deranged college student willing to murder her peers for a coveted teaching assistant position—an absurd and ludicrous premise that undermines credibility. The film’s efforts to distance itself from Bateman ultimately result in his legacy being unceremoniously dismissed, highlighted by constant mentions of his character in a failed attempt to maintain viewer engagement.
7 Jaws 2 (1978)
Directed By Jeannot Szwarc
Identifying the most pivotal Steven Spielberg film is a daunting task, but Jaws, which is set for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2025, is undeniably one of them. With a massive influence on the summer blockbuster genre, it wasn’t conceived as a franchise piece, yet the shark became so iconic that subsequent films materialized.
While Jaws 2 may hold its own compared to Jaws 3-D and Jaws: The Revenge, it does not live up to Spielberg’s legacy. Although it offers engaging action scenes and character development, it often feels like a series of questionable creative choices. Thus, while not a dreadful film, it does not capture the heights of the original.
6 Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers (1988)
Directed By Michael A. Simpson
The original Sleepaway Camp, directed by Robert Hiltzik, stands as a controversial slasher film that reveals deep-seated trauma within its narrative. Angela’s journey, stemming from a tragic boating accident, is often criticized for how it portrays transgender identities, but it also showcases the psychological impact of that trauma, making it a complex viewing experience.
| Letterboxd Ratings of the Sleepaway Camp Movies | |
|---|---|
| Sleepaway Camp | 3.21 |
| Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers | 2.76 |
| Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland | 2.48 |
| Return to Sleepaway Camp | 1.99 |
| Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor | 1.32 |
In the sequel, Angela appears to find a sense of normalcy as a camp counselor rather than merely a vengeful killer. Sadly, her character is depicted in a transphobic manner, punishing those who deviate from her stringent moral code. The film’s execution lacks thoughtfulness, signaling a decline into formulaic slasher tropes without the thematic depth of the original.
5 Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
Directed By John Boorman
The fallout between director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty over the original Exorcist led to a sequel devoid of key creative involvement. Warner Bros. commissioned a new script, resulting in a metaphysical thriller that struggled with coherence and direction due to a meager budget and last-minute revisions.
Despite Linda Blair’s committed performance as Regan, her character’s inconsistent narrative arc severely undermines the film’s impact. The celebrated tap-dancing scene remains infamous, illustrating how misguided attempts to follow up a horror classic can lead to a disconnect from the original’s power.
4 I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
Directed By Danny Cannon
Kevin Williamson emerged as a formidable voice in horror cinema through his works on Scream, which paved the way for I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997. Featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, the film introduced a memorable slasher narrative. However, the sequel, developed without Williamson’s guidance, failed to capture the same charm.
Years later, the third installment, I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, emerged, further tarnishing the franchise. Despite returning cast members, this sequel—which should never have existed—dilutes the original’s stand-alone narrative, offering a convoluted plot that distracts from slasher thrills.
3 The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
Directed By Katt Shea
Brian De Palma’s Carrie remains a landmark horror film, marking the start of numerous Stephen King adaptations. While it has undergone multiple remakes, The Rage: Carrie 2 stands out as the sole authentic sequel. Although it ventures into themes of feminism and social issues, it suffers from being overshadowed by its predecessor.
| Every Carrie Movie | |
|---|---|
| Movie | Year |
| Carrie | 1976 |
| The Rage: Carrie 2 | 1999 |
| Carrie | 2002 |
| Carrie | 2013 |
In this sequel, Rachel Lang utilizes her telekinetic abilities to avenge her friend’s tragic suicide resulting from school harassment. While it succeeds in highlighting female anger and societal issues, the constant references to the seminal 1970s film detract from its identity, blurring its narrative intent.
2 Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)
Directed By S.S. Wilson
Kevin Bacon’s Tremors, which debuted in 1990, stands as one of his most beloved horror films, introducing the terrifying underground dwelling graboids. Although initially not a box office hit, its success on home video inspired a sequel—the production of which was anticipated with high hopes.
Tremors 2: Aftershocks, however, diverges drastically from what fans expected. Many original cast members, such as Bacon and Reba McEntire, did not return, leading to significant changes in the film’s approach. A cut budget and diminished special effects resulted in a sequel that underwhelmed audiences and arguably marked the decline of the franchise, raising doubts about whether it should have continued at all.
1 Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Directed By Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Alien 3 marked David Fincher’s directorial debut but was largely regarded as a disappointing sequel to the beloved Alien and Aliens, which celebrated the iconic character of Ellen Ripley. Ripley’s cultural significance as a groundbreaking female action hero cannot be overstated, yet fans would endure a lengthy wait for what would turn out to be the franchise’s most problematic entry.
In Alien: Resurrection, scientists experiment with Ripley’s body, merging her DNA with that of a xenomorph, leading to a chaotic narrative that aims to dissect issues of female body autonomy. Despite offering an exploration of commodification, the resulting poor dialogue, jarring visual style, and muddled storytelling led to a scattered film that momentarily stalled the franchise’s momentum. Ultimately, this sequel failed to justify its existence within the esteemed Alien cinematic universe.