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When it comes to horror sequels, they often get a bad reputation. Many are rushed cash-grabs, lacking the originality and impact of their predecessors. However, some sequels manage to rise above these expectations, delivering stories that expand on the original while offering their own unique thrills. These forgotten horror sequels might not have garnered the same attention as the first installments, but they’re surprisingly good and deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Here’s a list of horror sequels that are better than you’d expect, each bringing something fresh and memorable to the genre.
1. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
The Premise
Ouija: Origin of Evil serves as a prequel to the lackluster 2014 film Ouija. Directed by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep), this film is set in 1967 and follows a widowed mother and her two daughters who run a fraudulent séance business. When they incorporate a Ouija board into their act, they unknowingly invite a malevolent spirit into their home, leading to a series of horrifying events.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
Mike Flanagan completely reimagines the Ouija franchise, turning a mediocre concept into a genuinely unsettling and emotionally resonant story. The period setting adds a layer of atmosphere, with meticulous attention to detail in costumes, set design, and cinematography. The scares are expertly crafted, relying on tension and eerie visuals rather than cheap jump scares. Additionally, the strong performances, particularly from Lulu Wilson as the possessed daughter, elevate the film beyond its franchise origins.
If you skipped Ouija: Origin of Evil because of the first film, it’s time to give this hidden gem a chance. Flanagan’s touch transforms it into a standout horror movie.
2. Psycho II (1983)
The Premise
Arriving 23 years after Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary Psycho, Psycho II picks up with Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) being released from a mental institution. Determined to rebuild his life, Norman returns to the Bates Motel, only to find himself haunted by his past and drawn back into a web of murder and madness.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
Psycho II had an almost impossible task: follow up one of the most iconic films in cinematic history. Against all odds, it succeeds by taking a different approach. Instead of replicating Hitchcock’s style, director Richard Franklin delivers a psychological thriller with layers of mystery and moral ambiguity. Anthony Perkins gives a nuanced performance, portraying Norman as both sympathetic and terrifying. The film explores themes of redemption, manipulation, and the cyclical nature of trauma, making it much more than a standard slasher sequel.
With clever twists and a respectful nod to its predecessor, Psycho II stands on its own as a gripping and intelligent continuation of the story.
3. The Exorcist III (1990)
The Premise
After the disappointment of Exorcist II: The Heretic, The Exorcist III brings the franchise back to its roots. Written and directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the original Exorcist novel, this film focuses on Lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) as he investigates a series of gruesome murders linked to a deceased serial killer and an unsettling connection to the original possession.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
The Exorcist III is a deeply atmospheric and cerebral horror film that relies on psychological tension rather than shock value. Blatty’s screenplay is filled with philosophical musings on faith, evil, and mortality, elevating it beyond a typical horror sequel. The infamous hospital corridor scene remains one of the most effective jump scares in horror history, showcasing Blatty’s mastery of suspense. George C. Scott’s commanding performance anchors the film, adding gravitas to its eerie, slow-burn narrative.
Often overlooked due to its association with Exorcist II, this film deserves recognition as a chilling and thought-provoking addition to the franchise.
4. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
The Premise
The seventh installment in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, is a meta-horror masterpiece. The film blurs the line between fiction and reality, following Heather Langenkamp, the actress who played Nancy in the original film, as she’s haunted by a real-life version of Freddy Krueger.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
Years before Scream, Wes Craven reinvented the horror genre with this meta take on the Elm Street franchise. By bringing Freddy into the real world, Craven explores themes of fear, storytelling, and the power of imagination. The film is a love letter to the horror genre, filled with clever nods to the original while introducing a darker, more sinister version of Freddy. Heather Langenkamp’s performance is both self-aware and compelling, making the audience root for her all over again.
New Nightmare is a fresh and innovative take on the series, showcasing Craven’s ability to push boundaries and redefine horror.
5. Final Destination 5 (2011)
The Premise
Final Destination 5 begins like its predecessors, with a group of people narrowly escaping death thanks to a premonition. However, Death’s design is relentless, and one by one, the survivors meet gruesome ends. What sets this installment apart is its clever twists and shocking connections to the original film.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
After several formulaic sequels, Final Destination 5 injects new life into the franchise by focusing on character development and creative kills that feel integral to the plot. The bridge collapse opening sequence is one of the most harrowing and visually stunning set pieces in the series. Additionally, the film’s unexpected twist ending ties it directly to the first movie, giving fans a satisfying sense of closure.
With its sharp writing, inventive deaths, and respect for the series’ roots, Final Destination 5 is a surprisingly strong entry in the franchise.
6. Curse of Chucky (2013)
The Premise
After veering into campy territory with Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky, the franchise returns to its horror roots with Curse of Chucky. The film follows Nica Pierce (Fiona Dourif), a wheelchair-bound woman who receives a mysterious package containing a Good Guy doll. As members of her family start dying, she discovers that Chucky is behind the murders.
Why It’s Surprisingly Good
Curse of Chucky revitalizes the series by balancing genuine scares with dark humor. Director Don Mancini returns to a more atmospheric style, using a gothic setting and slow-building tension to reintroduce Chucky as a legitimate threat. Fiona Dourif delivers a standout performance, and Brad Dourif’s voice work as Chucky is as chilling as ever.
With its blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, Curse of Chucky proves that even long-running franchises can deliver compelling horror when handled with care.
Conclusion
Horror sequels often face the uphill battle of living in the shadow of their predecessors, but these films prove that sequels can bring fresh ideas, compelling narratives, and even elevate their franchises. Whether they redefine the original (Psycho II), explore meta-storytelling (Wes Craven’s New Nightmare), or simply outshine expectations (Ouija: Origin of Evil), these forgotten gems deserve a second look.
Add these underrated sequels to your watchlist and discover how they defy the stigma of horror follow-ups, delivering chills, surprises, and some of the genre’s most memorable moments.