It’s rare for a horror movie prequel to be as good as the original that launched the series. For example, Tremors 4: The Legend Begins doesn’t live up to Tremors, Hannibal Rising isn’t as strong as Silence of the Lambs, Leatherface pales in comparison to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Psycho IV: The Beginning simply shouldn’t have been made. However, occasionally a horror prequel genuinely rivals the quality of the original. This isn’t limited to horror, either – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, portions of The Godfather Part II, and X-Men: First Class are all successful prequels.
Let’s now discuss the horror prequels that rival the original movie. Some people even believe these later films are better than the first one, even though they take place after it in the timeline.
10) Amityville II: The Possession
More than 60 Amityville films exist, but surprisingly, only 10 of them belong to the official Amityville Horror series. The remaining movies were made separately. Despite the difference, most of these films – both official and unofficial – aren’t very well-made. However, the initial two installments are considered somewhat worthwhile.
The main difference between The Amityville Horror and Amityville II: The Possession is that the second film takes much bigger risks. Some of these risks result in a movie that feels like a less expensive, but similarly spooky, version of The Exorcist, which works well enough. However, other risks involve an inappropriate romantic relationship between a brother and sister, which isn’t very effective. Despite this, some viewers believe The Possession is technically a better-made film than the first one, even though the first film has a stronger flow and rhythm.
Stream Amityville II: The Possession on Peacock.
9) Paranormal Activity 3
It’s true that all of the Paranormal Activity films can start to feel very similar. Because of this, especially with the first three – generally considered the strongest – it’s hard to pick a clear favorite.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to either Paranormal Activity or Paranormal Activity 3. The original film is notable for how it became a major event despite its extremely low budget. Plus, when it expanded to more theaters, the scares felt genuinely surprising and exciting. Those same scares were later used again, including in the third installment. However, Paranormal Activity 3 works well because it centers on two children, who seem especially defenseless, which increases the tension. There’s also a clever connection: one of these children eventually becomes the main character in the first film. Paranormal Activity 3 provided a satisfying conclusion, and without the drive for profit, it could have been the perfect way to end the series.
Stream Paranormal Activity 3 on Paramount+.
8) Alien: Romulus
Let’s put Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Alien: Covenant aside – Alien: Romulus is the prequel this series needed. However, it’s a prequel specifically to Aliens, not the original Alien. That makes it an “interquel” – a story that fits *between* existing installments. But since Aliens is just as highly regarded as Alien, we’ll definitely take it!
Romulus skillfully blends together all the elements that have made the franchise successful over the years, including even the more debated installments like the two Scott prequels. The film also benefits from four key strengths. Fede Álvarez’s direction is focused and clearly demonstrates his passion for the series, Cailee Spaeny consistently delivers outstanding performances, the frequent use of real, practical effects is a welcome sight, and the movie returns to the thrilling haunted house in space formula that made the original film so effective. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Alien or Aliens, it’s difficult to argue that any other film could be considered the saga’s third best.
Stream Alien: Romulus on Hulu.
7) Final Destination 5
Definitely one of the strongest Final Destination movies, Final Destination 5 was cleverly not advertised as a prequel. Actually, viewers who saw it in cinemas before any spoilers appeared online were genuinely shocked by the reveal in the film’s final scene.
Following the disappointing entries of Final Destination 3 and The Final Destination, the franchise appeared to be losing steam. However, Final Destination 5 (and later Final Destination: Bloodlines) proved that revisiting this timeline could be successful. It also highlighted the importance of casting actors who are both talented and appealing in roles that audiences can connect with.
Stream Final Destination 5 on HBO Max.
6) Saw X
Although it’s disappointing that we won’t be getting a direct follow-up to Saw X, perhaps that’s actually a good thing. If there was an ideal way to conclude Tobin Bell’s time with the character, it was likely with this prequel that really focused on his story.
Saw X is effective because it doesn’t focus on being more shocking than previous films. For a long time (especially in Saw III and Saw IV), the series seemed to prioritize gross-out moments, which ended up feeling like overly graphic CSI episodes. X aims to show how John Kramer became Jigsaw, and it handles that backstory better than any other Saw movie. While Saw and Saw II are still stronger films, the fact that the tenth installment can be considered the third best speaks volumes about the franchise’s lasting potential.
Stream Saw X with a STARZ Apple TV+ channel subscription.
5) Pearl
Many people think Pearl, the second film in Ti West’s X trilogy, is the strongest of the three. What’s really remarkable about the trilogy, though, is how the films are all linked while still feeling very different in terms of mood and style.
The differences in tone between these films make a direct comparison challenging. While most consider MaXXXine to be the least strong of the three, it’s still a well-made movie. So, what makes Pearl stand out? It showcases, without question, Mia Goth’s strongest performance, whether as Pearl or Maxine. It could easily be considered her best work overall.
Stream Pearl on HBO Max.
4) Prey
Often, the movie we anticipate turns out to be exactly what we needed. A great example is Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey, a film set in the past that prioritizes its characters so much that you don’t even mind the moments without action from the Yautja.
The movie delivers plenty of exciting moments with the Yautja, successfully hitting the key mark for any Prey installment. Because the human characters don’t have powerful weapons, this is the first time since the original film that the Yautja truly feels dominant – we’re kept in the dark just like the soldiers with their grenade launchers and miniguns. Add to that a fantastic performance by Amber Midthunder, and you have a Predator sequel that genuinely rivals John McTiernan’s classic.
Stream Prey on Hulu.
3) The First Omen
Featuring well-developed characters, strong performances, and a chilling atmosphere, The First Omen unexpectedly received positive reviews from critics. Since it came out, many have called it one of the greatest horror prequels ever made. However, it would be ranked even higher if the original film wasn’t still considered better. Nevertheless, The First Omen can be seen as the only other truly outstanding film in the series (although, while not a masterpiece, Damien – Omen II remains unfairly overlooked).
Sadly, The First Omen earned the least amount of money of all five films in the United States and Canada, even before considering inflation. Let’s hope this film’s poor performance doesn’t stop Hollywood from approving thought-provoking horror prequels in the future.
Stream The First Omen on Prime Video.
2) Ouija: Origin of Evil
Here we are. We’ve definitely entered the realm of horror prequels that are actually better than the original movies they set up. Ouija: Origin of Evil falls into this category because Ouija was so bland, predictable, and frankly, not scary. But Origin of Evil really shines thanks to the talents of two incredibly skilled people. Put those two things together, and this prequel is a massive improvement over the movie it precedes.
The film features two incredibly gifted people: Lulu Wilson, who also leads our next pick, and director Mike Flanagan. Wilson would later work with Flanagan on The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher. The movie’s strong effect is also thanks to its atmosphere, a clear strength of Flanagan’s skill.
1) Annabelle: Creation
Technically, Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to another prequel. While Creation isn’t as good as The Conjuring, it’s much better than the dull, unremarkable, and overly dramatic Annabelle from 2014. Overall, it’s actually one of the better movies in the series.
Many elements contribute to the success of Creation. The remote farmhouse setting effectively establishes a sense of despair, which is ideal for horror films. Lulu Wilson and Talitha Bateman share strong on-screen chemistry as the central characters, and the film features several well-timed jump scares-a hallmark of the Conjuring series that it typically handles well. One particularly striking scare occurs when the demon disguises itself as Sister Charlotte and violently pushes Janice (Bateman), who is in a wheelchair, into a shed.
Stream Annabelle: Creation on HBO Max.
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2025-10-03 01:16