10 horror sequels that took their franchises in new directions

horror movies has been one of the most prominent genres since the beginnings of cinema. While they may not have universal appeal, horror films explore the emotions of fear and tend to resonate on a very personal level. The genre certainly hasn't lost steam since its inception, considering that several horror films will be released in 2025, which include many promising titles. While horror is unique in many ways, these types of films tend to stand on their own in continuing their franchises.

Other series may end after the conclusion of a trilogy, but Horror films typically include drawn-out stories that feature a surprising number of sequences. This is mainly due to the nature of its release. If a franchise already has a dedicated fan base, it is assumed that subsequent projects will generate valuable profits, even if they have lower production values. For example, the beloved Final destination the horror series will receive its sixth installment with the 2025 release of Final destination: Bloodlines. Oftentimes, these sequels deviate from the source material and take the franchise in completely new directions.

10

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most iconic horror films of all time, and for good reason. The original film was absolutely chilling and set a high standard for subsequent releases in the franchise. This makes the series even scarier after learning The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was inspired by a true story. The sequel to the first film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2there was a strong change in content and, without a doubt, for the worse.

While the initial film seemed more plausible and genuinely scary, the second film got so crazy to the point of seeming ridiculous. From a conceptual point of view, the chosen plot makes sense, but lacks adequate execution. The same formula was used, but increased to the maximumwith more exaggerated scenes and over-the-top absurdities that make it feel like a parody of the original film.

9

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Halloween franchise

THE Halloween the series has come a long way since its debut in 1978. The collection consists of 13 films and is considered one of the best horror film franchises of all time. At the center of the saga is the infamous Michael Myers, a masked killer who is out for blood. Halloween III: Season of the Witch made the biggest change possible in light of the franchise by getting rid of Michael Myers completely.

While the new direction didn't follow through at all, with Myers briefly returning for the next issue, it was a respectable attempt at trying something new. Truth be told, it shouldn't even be labeled as a Halloween film, but the original plot presented ended up being a lot of fun. Part of the negative reception of this sequel revolved around the fact that it didn't make sense in the context of the other films, but when treated as a standalone project, Halloween III: Season of the Witch It's a quality horror cult classic.

8

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Friday the 13th Franchise

Friday the 13th really needs no introduction in the world of horror films. The simple yet frightening figure of Jason Voorhees proved to be a groundbreaking character in the years to come. Considering all 12 Friday the 13th films, The big initial change came in the second installment. In the original, the masked killer was Jason's mother, Pamela Voorhees (Betsy Palmer). The second film portrayed Jason as an adult playing the main antagonist.

After a long series of subsequent films that generally suffered from a lack of substance, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives made a return with full force. As Jason (CJ Graham) is resurrected from the dead, he is incarnated with a completely supernatural tone that only serves to benefit the plot. Although sometimes it's cheesy, it capitalizes on the qualities that made the previous films enjoyable but changed the dynamics. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of the reason it's one of the best episodes in the franchise.

7

Serra III (2006)

Serra Franchise

THE Mountain range The franchise represents an example of how horror series can be stretched to their fullest if they follow a similar format. The collection resurfaced in 2017 with the launch of Jigsaw and will continue its long run with the 11th installment, I saw XI, scheduled to come out in 2025. The original Mountain range It accomplished a lot with the resources it had and produced one of the most memorable horror films of all time.

Although each film follows the same basic concept, many of the subsequent films have attempted to explore new directions. The first major change was introduced in Saw IIwhich not only changed the dynamic by including more characters, but also established the broader motivations behind Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) actions. Saw III witnessed an even greater change of direction with Jigsaw's death, which gave the following installments an entirely different perspective. Moving forward, the films used the same formula, but Jigsaw's involvement was, for the most part, limited to flashbacks.

6

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring franchise

After its launch in 2013, The Conjuration set a new standard for horror films of the decade. It received a strong, positive reception from audiences and critics, which is a rare feat for most modern horror films. The franchise should continue with the launch of The Conjuration: Last Rites in 2025. Although The Conjuring 2 was undoubtedly a solid sequel, introduced a new aesthetic that affected the next installment and subsequent spin-offs.

While the first film focused on the supernatural in its generic form, the second installment formally introduced the character of the demon nun Valak (Bonnie Aarons), who was the main antagonist of the films to come. While the move was a breath of fresh air and necessary to keep the franchise fresh, the religious-themed horror seemed to continue in the third installment and was the spectacle of the prequels. The nature of faith wasn't completely foreign to the original film, but it was certainly more prominent in other films. Conjuring universe films.

5

Final Destination 3 (2006)

Final Destination Franchise

Final destination was the first horror film of its kind when it hit screens in 2000. It was the first franchise to present Death as an intangible force that seems to follow certain people. Each installment follows the same basic layout. A person has a vision of some imminent horrible accident and effectively avoids certain death along with a few other individuals.

There are several theories behind the origin Final Destination premonitions, but the working dynamics of Death are mentioned in the films. In most Final destination collection, the Grim Reaper takes his victims in the same way. In the manner of a Rube-Goldberg machine, people are usually killed due to a successive series of small consequences that end in fatal results. However, Final Destination 3 takes a new direction and additionally uses photographic clues to foreshadow how the characters will meet their end.

4

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

Prom Night Franchise

THE Prom night the franchise is typically more unknown in the cinematic horror genre. The Canadian horror series is relatively indie, but offers genuine, cult-classic horror. The sequel to the 1980 original Prom night arrived with Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II seven years later. There is practically no connection between the first and second installments, even if it is labeled as a sequel.

The only main similarity is that both plots take place in the same setting of the fictional Hamilton High School. While Prom night it was entirely a horror film, the sequel introduced the presence of supernatural forces in the form of the evil Mary Lou (Lisa Schrage). It's a wild ride filled with cheesy but fascinating horror. The new direction of spiritual influence consequently infiltrated the third and fourth films. As the third Halloween film, even though it is labeled as a sequel, is a singular ordeal.

3

Prey (2022)

Predator franchise

Regarding its location in Predator movie timeline, Prey is set in 1719 and follows the story of Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche warrior from the Northern Great Plains who marks the first human encounter with the ancient alien species. Prey takes a twist by presenting a prequel to the beloved franchise, although Alien vs. Predator sheds some light on the origin of bloodthirsty life forms.

Prey takes a new direction for the Predator series, but it also represents a significant step forward in cinematic representations of Native Americans. It presents indigenous populations at the forefront, with a launch intended for the general public. It's refreshing to watch a film that portrays Comanche protagonists without them needing to be a spectacle. It's an incredible new installment that capitalizes on all the enjoyable qualities of the films while delivering a refreshing story at the same time.

2

Doctor Sleep (2019)

The brilliant franchise

It seems like an impossible task to even attempt a cinematic representation of a sequel to The Shininggiven how legendary the film is in the horror genre. Still, Mike Flanagan took on this daunting challenge with the 2019 sequel: Doctor Sleep. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King which is also a continuation of The Shining history.

Although it is technically a sequel to the beloved film, It doesn’t unfold the way one might expect.which makes sense given the ending of the original film. Doctor Sleep follows Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), who is now an adult. Haunted by his past, he finds solace in meeting a child with powers similar to his own, shortly before realizing the extent of the Shine's reach over others. Although the film is partially set at the Overlook Hotel, Doctor Sleep imagine an entirely new outlet within The Shining universe.

1

Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)

Wrong Turn Franchise

THE Wrong turn The series demonstrates an interesting example of how horror franchises can maintain similar content while moving in entirely new representational directions. In the legendary horror series, each film follows the same basic layout. Some people get lost and trapped during a trip and end up being hunted by cannibal savages who live nearby. Curiously, Wrong turn is truly inspired by real events, which is frankly hard to believe given the story's premise.

Although Wrong Turn 2: Dead End essentially copy and paste the same premise, unfolding the plot with a different aesthetic. The original Wrong turn was more suspenseful and cinematic, while the sequel was an outright bloodfest. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End became more self-aware and didn't take the source material as seriously. Introduced a mix between comedy and horrorwhich worked well in the context of the franchise. Depending on personal preference, either film could be considered better, but the sequel is undoubtedly more entertaining.