Horror Movies That Deserve a Sequel

Horror Movies That Deserve a Sequel

As a horror enthusiast with a penchant for unconventional storytelling, these three films have left quite an impression on me. Each offers a unique blend of terror, humor, and heart that sets them apart from their peers.


As a movie buff delving into the chilling realm of horror films, I can attest that a sequel to a classic like ‘Dawn of the Dead’ or ‘Saw X’ doesn’t always disappoint. Sometimes, these follow-ups even surpass the brilliance of their predecessors. Unfortunately, not every horror movie worthy of a sequel gets one due to budgetary limitations, casting difficulties, or simply a lack of enthusiasm from producers and writers for continuing the story. Crafting a compelling continuation of a terrifying tale can be a daunting task indeed.

With time, a revived enthusiasm and funding have prompted some franchises to produce late sequels. For example, Doctor Sleep, a continuation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 movie The Shining, was released about four decades later. Let’s hope this trend continues for horror films, as those on the list seem eager to rise from their graves once more.

10 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show” captivates fans of horror, humor, and musical performances alike. Featuring Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, and Susan Sarandon in lead roles, the film narrates the tale of engaged couple Brad and Janet whose car malfunctions near a castle. Inside the castle, they meet an assortment of peculiar characters, including the transvestite scientist Frank N. Furter, who is later disclosed as an extraterrestrial being. Throughout the movie, there are several memorable tunes, complex romantic relationships, and a fair share of violence, culminating in Frank N. Furter’s staff staging a rebellion against him before departing for their home planet.

Rocky Horror Fans Demand More

Despite having a lackluster start at the box office, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has since amassed a dedicated fanbase. The film is ripe for a sequel, and numerous efforts have been made to produce one. Regrettably, the only spin-off movie that was released was “Shock Treatment” in 1981, which stands alone as a separate film. There remains hope that, with a few Time Warps under our belt, a sequel might materialize in the future, potentially taking the form of a stage play, as initially proposed by writer Richard O’Brien back in 2001.

Horror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a Sequel

9 The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s iconic movie, “The Thing,” is widely cherished, and it certainly deserves its status. Drawing inspiration from the novella “Who Goes There?” and the 1951 film “The Thing from Another World,” the story revolves around a team of explorers who embark on an expedition to Antarctica, where they stumble upon an extraterrestrial entity known as “the Thing.” This cunning being has the ability to perfectly mimic other living beings. As the Thing starts eliminating the researchers one by one, paranoia sets in, leaving only two survivors who are left questioning each other’s identity – friend or foe.

The Thing Could Become a Global Threat

Despite having a prequel and comics based on it, the film “The Thing” has yet to receive a cinematic sequel. John Carpenter views this movie as the initial installment in his Apocalypse series, but the subsequent films do not revolve around the monster from The Thing. Fervently, there’s hope for a follow-up, given the numerous unexplored aspects. Questions like who among the surviving researchers is actually the Thing and whether it could spread to densely populated areas causing chaos as people struggle to discern their loved ones’ true identities remain intriguing possibilities.

8 Audition (1999)

The Japanese film “Audition” is a movie that’s hard to forget once seen. Typically classified as an early pioneer in the “torture porn” genre, “Audition” follows the story of widower Shigeharu Aoyama as he starts auditioning women to be his wife. As time passes, he becomes smitten with the mysterious and scarred Asami. After proposing to her, he delves into her past, discovering that she’s not who she appears to be, and both he and his son Shigehiko may be in peril.

Why Audition Deserves a Follow-up Performance

The final scene of the movie “Audition” is notorious for its graphic nature, leading to allegations of excessive violence. In this scene, Asami meets her demise, yet she manages to express joy about reuniting with Aoyama beforehand. If a horror spin-off were to bring Asami back to life, it would undoubtedly captivate audiences, offering them a more profound exploration of Asami’s history or depicting how she overcomes future deception.

7 I Am Legend (2008)

In the post-apocalyptic movie “I Am Legend,” it’s Robert Neville, played by Will Smith, who takes center stage alongside his canine companion Sam. The world has been devastated by creatures resembling vampires known as Darkseekers. Throughout the film, Neville struggles to endure and find a way to survive in this desolate landscape. He seizes a female Darkseeker and strives to develop an antidote but fails. As the story unfolds, he encounters another human named Anna, faces pursuit by more Darkseekers, and starts contemplating his part in reshaping this terrifying new world.

I Am Legend Prepares for a Legendary Sequel

It’s heartening to note that unlike many other films on this list, the long-awaited sequel for this movie seems to be moving forward. Pre-production is underway, with a tentative release year set for 2025. However, the production process hasn’t been smooth sailing; there have been hurdles such as Will Smith initially declining to reprise his role and an unclear vision for the next film. These issues may potentially lead to further delays, which could dishearten enthusiastic fans like myself.

Significantly, the film “I Am Legend” features two distinct conclusions that could shape very diverse follow-ups (a factor contributing to its production complications). In one scenario, Neville perishes, becoming a legendary figure for the surviving humans. Alternatively, he discovers his transformation into a kind of “dark legend” for the Darkseekers, whom he’s imprisoned and studied. The upcoming sequel seems to be adopting the latter ending, offering an intriguing examination of the impact of trauma, sorrow, and remorse.

Horror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a Sequel

6 The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Occasionally, a terrifying film is so outstanding that it compels a follow-up, even when its narrative has reached its conclusion. “The Cabin in the Woods,” directed by Joss Whedon and featuring Kristen Connolly and Fran Kranz, falls into this category. This movie revolves around five companions who venture to a forest cabin, only to discover they’re unwittingly starring in a real-life horror production. Without their knowledge, they have been selected for a ritual, and they must each play their assigned part to thwart the impending apocalypse.

The Cabin in the Woods Leaves its Mark

The “Cabin in the Woods” film significantly influenced the horror genre by both honoring and questioning its traditional elements. Its climactic scene leaves audiences pondering if a follow-up could exist, given the global monster infestation. Nonetheless, a potential sequel might delve into how characters cope with an unending apocalypse. It may also introduce fresh rituals intended to reset normalcy, mirroring the original’s manipulation of “cabin-in-the-woods” motifs. Given its impact on horror enthusiasts, a sequel seems highly anticipated. Characters like Merman, Dragonbats, and Deadites from “The Evil Dead” are among the numerous creatures that could take center stage in the next installment.

5 Circle (2015)

Under the guidance of directors Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione, the chilling psychological horror movie titled “Circle” starts off like a disturbing nightmare. Fifty individuals mysteriously find themselves in a pitch-black room with no clue about their arrival. As the minutes tick by, a deadly beam of light begins to eliminate the strangers sequentially. With each passing moment, they are compelled to cast votes for the next person the laser will target, until only one survivor remains.

Circle Has So Much Left to Explore

The idea of this film is captivating, sparking curiosity about the creators of the ruthless game. Furthermore, the plot leaves room for speculation: the supposed victor is whisked away to a city filled with other implied winners. It gets more intriguing as alien spaceships encircle them, hinting that their ordeal might just be the opening act. A follow-up could delve into the destiny of these winners, investigate the aliens’ culture, or present an entirely new game tailored to the aliens’ sinister intentions.

4 The Belko Experiment (2016)

As a cinephile, it’s hard not to notice that The Belko Experiment, penned by James Gunn, hasn’t received a sequel – it feels like an overlooked gem. In this gripping tale, I found myself identifying with John Gallagher Jr.’s character, Mike Milch, an ordinary worker at Belko Industries. The day started off routine, but soon turned into a nightmare when we were ordered to eliminate two of our coworkers or face dire consequences.

The Belko Experiment’s Sequel is Long Awaited

The movie Circle, The Belko Experiment seems to foreshadow additional fatalities. Remarkably, the film concludes with Mike being the lone survivor in his building, but subsequently, survivors from other buildings appear. A voice then announces that Stage One has ended and introduces Stage Two, implying that Mike and the other survivors are on the verge of being subjected to another lethal experiment. This potential sequel could be thrilling, as it would flesh out Mike’s character further while offering viewers more of the original’s psychological violence.

3 Cargo (2017)

The Australian film titled “Cargo” blends elements of horror with heart-wrenching moments. The story revolves around the character Andy, portrayed by Martin Freeman, who navigates a world overrun by a virus that turns people into zombies. Early in the movie, his wife Kay gets bitten and eventually dies from the infection, leaving Andy infected as well. With limited time left, he must urgently find a safe haven for his baby daughter, Rosie.

Cargo 2 Could Be a Cultural Revolution

As a cinephile captivated by the cinematic tapestry, I can’t help but harbor a secret longing for a follow-up to this masterpiece. The climax, though poignantly bittersweet, appears conclusive on first glance, yet beneath that veneer lies an intriguing universe yearning to be explored further. This movie breathed life into the Australian cultural ethos and infused fresh perspectives into the seemingly tired zombie genre. In a sequel, we could delve deeper into the lives of Rosie and Thoomi, the girl who takes care of her, while also savoring more encounters with the movie’s undead creatures. Simultaneously, the narrative could continue to underscore the darker aspects of humanity, as the human characters in this film proved themselves to be far more monstrous than their undead counterparts.

Horror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a SequelHorror Movies That Deserve a Sequel

2 Psycho Goreman (2020)

The movie “Psycho Goreman” could hardly be given a more fitting title, and its titular monster, Psycho Goreman (or simply PG), is no exception. This film revolves around the extraterrestrial creature named PG who is held captive on Earth by an alliance of aliens. The story unfolds as Mimi and Luke, two siblings, stumble upon PG, leading to a situation where he is compelled into a protective, familial role that he yearns to escape. As various battles and adventures transpire, PG ultimately faces the decision of whether love and friendship are worthwhile pursuits.

Psycho Goreman’s Potential Gory Sequel

A summary of Psycho Goreman cannot do it justice. The film includes some legitimately shocking moments while still managing to be hilarious. The movie has already done so much to revitalize horror cinema by combining it with the ET-esque alien-friend genre. Although the movie ends with the big bad (at least, relatively speaking) being defeated, PG’s past is filled with pain and violence, and it seems likely that a new, old enemy is just waiting around the corner. In a sequel, PG could confront this enemy in the gory, violent manner he excels at and give him a warrior’s death. Additionally, the movie ends with PG deciding to destroy the world (sans his new friends) through the power of love. It would be interesting to see whether he’ll succeed, and if so, what that would mean for Luke and Mimi.

1 The Conference (2023)

In a nutshell, the Swedish horror film titled “The Conference” commences with an appearance of innocence: a team of colleagues are participating in a retreat for a conference. However, it quickly unfolds that their company has recently acquired land for a new shopping mall, but not all the land was lawfully obtained. As the storyline progresses, the employees meet untimely deaths at the hands of someone disguised as the camp’s mascot. By the end of the movie, Lina, one of the main characters, must uncover the culprit behind the attacks and decipher their motive, all while battling for her survival.

The Conference’s Sequel Could Introduce New Enemies

The film titled “The Conference” brings an exciting blend of humor and terror to the conventional office comedy. Still relatively new, there’s a strong chance that we might see a sequel for this movie in the future. Given that most characters meet their demise in the original, fresh talent would be needed for the cast. However, a corporation as ruthless as the one depicted in “The Conference” likely has more secrets to uncover. A potential sequel could focus on Lina, who is tasked with exposing additional heinous acts committed by this company, while simultaneously defending herself against a new wave of adversaries. These adversaries could include vengeful farmers, the renegade employee Frans, or even representatives from the rival firm Backman-Kroon.

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2024-09-29 06:32