20 Horror Sequels That Would Make Great Standalone Movies

You don’t always have to watch horror movie sequels in order. Some installments tell complete stories on their own, introducing new characters and conflicts you can easily follow without needing to know what happened in previous films. These are often prequels or side stories that expand on the franchise’s history without requiring prior knowledge. Here’s a list of twenty sequels you can jump right into and still enjoy.

‘Aliens’ (1986)

James Cameron revisits the story of Ellen Ripley, now a civilian advisor who joins a team of colonial marines on a rescue mission to LV 426 after communications are lost. The movie reveals details about the alien danger, the involvement of a corporation, and what’s at risk through Ripley’s explanation of events and the marines’ briefings. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, and Carrie Henn, the film relies heavily on impressive practical effects and models to create its large-scale action sequences. The original theatrical release lasts around two hours and twenty minutes and was a huge commercial success globally.

‘Evil Dead II’ (1987)

The film begins with a quick refresher on Ash Williams and the haunted cabin, then dives right into a new wave of demonic trouble. The story follows a fresh group of characters, the search for pages from the Necronomicon, and Ash getting his famous chainsaw hand. Bruce Campbell is the star, supported by a small cast, and the movie relies on creative practical effects like makeup and stop motion. Clocking in at just over eighty minutes, it’s a fast-paced film that both retells the original story and continues it.

‘The Exorcist III’ (1990)

Years after the events of the original film, writer and director William Peter Blatty revisits the world of ‘Legion’ with a detective story set in Georgetown. George C. Scott stars as Lieutenant Kinderman, who investigates a series of murders that seem to be connected to a famous killer. Brad Dourif plays a crucial role in several intense interrogation scenes. The film explores its complex themes and unravels the mystery through dialogue and scenes set in a hospital. It’s a standalone thriller with a satisfying beginning, middle, and end.

‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982)

This installment takes a different route, leaving Michael Myers out of the story and instead centering on a mask-making company and a creepy Halloween television broadcast. Actors Tom Atkins and Stacey Nelkin investigate a series of clues, starting at a factory in a small town, which lead them to a conspiracy involving both ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. The film clearly explains its own unique backstory as it unfolds, culminating in a frantic, last-minute showdown. Its use of California filming locations and an electronic musical score help it stand out from the previous movies in the series.

‘Annabelle: Creation’ (2017)

Director David F. Sandberg’s film explores the backstory of the haunted doll from ‘Annabelle’, showing what happened years before the original story. The film centers around a dollmaker and his wife who take in orphaned girls and a nun, and the frightening events that follow. It reveals how a demonic spirit latches onto the doll and establishes its connection to future events, even if you haven’t seen the other films. The movie stars Talitha Bateman, Lulu Wilson, and Stephanie Sigman, and proved to be a box office success worldwide.

‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ (2016)

Mike Flanagan’s new series is a spooky origin story set in 1960s Los Angeles. It follows a mother and her daughters who begin holding fake séances, but accidentally contact a real spirit when they use a new Ouija board. As the family learns how possession works, they uncover the board’s hidden dangers. The series stars Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, and Lulu Wilson, and features a visually authentic style that captures the look and feel of the era. This installment tells a complete story on its own, revealing everything you need to know about the board’s power and risks.

‘The Purge: Anarchy’ (2014)

This follow-up film centers around a diverse group of strangers fighting to survive a single, chaotic night in Los Angeles where all crime is temporarily legal. Frank Grillo leads the story as a determined man who ends up protecting others along the way. The movie quickly explains the situation through news reports and what the characters experience, making it easy to understand. The story unfolds like a tense, contained survival thriller, taking place over the course of one night.

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie, and it really got under my skin. It starts with a woman waking up in this cramped underground bunker with two guys who tell her the world outside is basically gone. It’s a really focused story – almost all of it happens inside that bunker, and the director, Dan Trachtenberg, does an amazing job building tension with things like limited supplies and how they plan to get out. Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman are fantastic, and the movie slowly reveals what happened to the world through little bits of information they share. Honestly, it feels like a complete story unfolds within the bunker, and then the ending finally addresses the bigger picture of what’s going on outside. It’s a really gripping watch!

‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019)

Haunted by his past and battling addiction, Dan Torrance uses his psychic abilities to shield a young girl from a dangerous group who prey on people with similar gifts. Director Mike Flanagan brings Stephen King’s story to life, carefully explaining the characters’ powers and the rules of this world through scenes of guidance and otherworldly battles. Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson star in this expansive film, which features striking visuals and takes place in atmospheric motels and towns. The movie is over two and a half hours long and works as a complete, standalone story.

‘Final Destination 5’ (2011)

A group of people narrowly avoids a deadly bridge collapse thanks to a strange premonition, but then a mysterious force starts taking them one by one. The story reveals the rules behind these events and how the survivors attempt to change their destinies, potentially with unforeseen consequences. Starring Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell, and Tony Todd, the film features impressive practical effects and a series of spectacular chain reactions. Originally released in 3D, it unfolds like a complete loop, culminating in a striking and unforgettable finale.

‘Insidious: Chapter 3’ (2015)

This movie is a prequel that tells the story of how Elise Rainier became the medium she is known as in other films. Directed by Leigh Whannell, it shows Elise facing her own fears and learning the boundaries of the spirit world, known as the Further. The film also features a family drama with Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott, and Lin Shaye’s character is central to the plot. It clearly establishes the rules of its supernatural universe and works as a standalone story, without requiring knowledge of previous films.

‘Child’s Play 2’ (1990)

In this installment, a doll is fixed up, unintentionally bringing the murderous Chucky back to life and sending him after Andy, who’s now living with a new foster family. The movie revisits Andy, introduces his new guardians, and takes place across various locations – schools, homes, and ultimately, a toy factory. Brad Dourif once again provides the voice of Chucky, with Alex Vincent and Christine Elise reprising their roles. The film is fast-paced and easy to understand, even if you haven’t seen the original.

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

Okay, so “Friday the 13th Part 2” starts with a seriously unsettling accident – Tommy Jarvis, still reeling from the first film, unintentionally brings Jason Voorhees back to life! This time, the action shifts to a camp called Forest Green, and we spend a good chunk of the movie getting to know the new counselors and the local sheriff’s family. It’s a classic setup, with plenty of suspenseful patrols and chases around the lake. Thom Mathews and Jennifer Cooke are solid leads, and the whole thing builds to a pretty clever plan to finally stop Jason…underwater. Honestly, it feels like a complete story arc, wrapping things up nicely at the lake. It’s a satisfying conclusion, at least for a while!

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors’ (1987)

In this film, a group of teenage patients at a psychiatric hospital discover they can control their dreams – and use those powers to fight the terrifying Freddy Krueger. Guided by Nancy Thompson, a survivor of his attacks, they undergo therapy and training to learn how to battle him within the dream world. Featuring Patricia Arquette, Heather Langenkamp, and Robert Englund, the movie boasts creative special effects and striking visuals. The story skillfully builds the premise, develops the characters’ abilities, and delivers a satisfying conclusion all within a single, well-structured narrative.

‘Predator 2’ (1990)

Set in a sweltering, futuristic Los Angeles, this film follows a detective, played by Danny Glover, as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths. His pursuit leads him through dangerous streets controlled by rival gangs and a federal investigation, uncovering clues about an alien creature and its advanced technology. The story unfolds like a complete investigation, from the first discovery to a final, explosive confrontation in an abandoned building and spaceship.

‘New Nightmare’ (1994)

This follow-up film blurs the line between reality and the Nightmare on Elm Street world. Heather Langenkamp stars as herself, facing unsettling events while a new movie is being made. Through scenes of the film’s production, interviews, and phone conversations, the story reveals the origins of the Freddy Krueger persona – an ancient being taking on that form. Wes Craven also appears as himself, establishing the rules for stopping the threat. The movie starts with a series of mysterious accidents and concludes with a neatly resolved, storybook-like ending.

‘The Devil’s Rejects’ (2005)

Rob Zombie’s film follows the Firefly family as they go on the run after a run-in with the police, leading to a brutal journey across the countryside. We meet the family members through police records, quick stops at motels, and the constant pursuit of a determined sheriff. Starring Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, and Sheri Moon Zombie, the movie is set in the 1970s, influencing its music and style. Ultimately, it’s a dark and intense chase film that culminates in a final, desperate showdown.

‘Paranormal Activity 3’ (2011)

This movie, a prequel set in 1988, uses home video footage and creative effects to show unsettling events happening to two sisters. It reveals the background of the haunting, including the rules of the house, nightly rituals, and the beginnings of a pact that will be important in future films. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, it features Katie Featherston and Sprague Grayden in scenes that bookend the main story. The film introduces the source of the haunting and concludes with a key moment that brings this particular story to a close.

‘Jigsaw’ (2017)

Following the supposed death of John Kramer, a new wave of murders begins, mirroring his signature style and accompanied by unsettling recordings. Investigators trace the crimes through various locations – from farms to laboratories and a hidden game site – uncovering new traps and rules along the way. The film stars Matt Passmore, Callum Keith Rennie, and Tobin Bell, and is directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. The story unfolds with a clear beginning, middle, and a surprising twist that ultimately ties everything together.

‘Hellraiser: Inferno’ (2000)

A detective haunted by corruption uncovers a strange puzzle box while working a case, leading him down a path of disturbing visions and forcing him to confront his own ethics. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film is a dark, noir-style story where the Cenobites represent the consequences of the detective’s decisions. Starring Craig Sheffer and Doug Bradley, the movie uses fluid, dreamlike sequences to follow the investigation. It’s a standalone story with a satisfying, conclusive ending.

‘The Conjuring 2’ (2016)

Following reports of a haunting, Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to London to help a family plagued by paranormal activity centered around their young daughter. The movie begins by showing a previous case the Warrens investigated, then introduces the family, their neighborhood, and the local church. Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, alongside Madison Wolfe and Frances O’Connor, the film depicts the Warrens’ investigation, which unfolds with its own unique methods, evidence gathering, and culminates in a dramatic confrontation within the house.

Share the horror sequel you think plays best on its own in the comments.

2025-10-28 19:47