Sorry Halloween and Scream, Final Destination Is the Best Horror Franchise

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Bloodlines, which will be released on May 16th.

Initially conceived as an episode for “The X-Files” by Jeffrey Reddick, the idea was later developed into a full-length film when he recognized its potential. The fundamental concept is intriguing: imagine if your gut feeling about a potentially dangerous event turned out to be deadly accurate, even if you managed to alter your plans; death seemed determined. Reddick teamed up with directors James Wong and Glen Morgan to bring “Final Destination” to the big screen in 2001. The first movie depicted characters who escaped a plane destined to explode, only to meet grisly deaths in a series of Rube Goldberg-style incidents. Later films expanded this theme to encompass traffic accidents, roller coasters, and bridge construction.

One significant advantage of this series lies in its ability to tap into a fundamental aspect of human nature that has contributed to our survival as a species for thousands of years – fear. This fear can manifest in various forms, such as potentially hazardous situations like those depicted in the opening scenes of films like ‘Final Destination’, or seemingly ordinary encounters, like a stranger approaching you on the street. These apprehensive sensations are experiences that everyone can identify with, regardless of whether they’re based on reality or not. What makes it even more chilling is how frequently we suppress these uneasy feelings due to fear of violating social norms; if everyone who felt uneasy demanded to leave a plane before takeoff or warned others about the risks of extreme rides at theme parks, there would likely be many more delayed flights and closed attractions.

The appeal found in movies such as “Final Destination” isn’t exclusive to it alone; franchises like “Halloween,” “Scream,” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” also tap into universal fears. These include the dread of potential killers lurking in suburban areas, the concept that injuries sustained in a nightmare could affect you in reality, and the fear of unknown, otherworldly terrors. Not everyone can identify with being threatened by a murderous doll or becoming a target of demonic entities like those in “Child’s Play” and “Hellraiser,” respectively, or the terror of the unknown supernatural elements depicted in various series that focus on the paranormal.

One distinctive factor that sets “Final Destination” apart from similar films is its unique blend of elements, as it doesn’t strictly adhere to any one subgenre. However, if we had to categorize it, it would fall within the realm of the slasher genre. Unlike traditional slasher franchises, which typically revolve around recurring killers and predictable narratives, “Final Destination” takes a different approach by making death itself the relentless antagonist.

In essence, “Final Destination” could be seen as the polar opposite of a typical slasher film, where instead of a physical killer, it’s an abstract concept – death – that persists throughout the series. Studios have often tried to create iconic characters or mascots for their horror properties, aiming to maintain consistency across installments and market these figures for added profit. However, “Final Destination” stands out by focusing on compelling storylines rather than relying on a single, marketable character.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself increasingly drawn to the dark and twisted creations that have emerged from the minds of today’s filmmakers, such as The Grabber in “The Black Phone” and Art the Clown in “Terrifier.” However, it seems that these creators are often more concerned with crafting a fresh icon than weaving a compelling narrative.

In stark contrast to this trend, “Final Destination” stands out as a straightforward portrayal of an unavoidable force that transcends our understanding – death itself. It offers a no-nonsense, unadorned perspective on the ultimate equalizer, making it a unique and captivating experience in a sea of similar horror productions.

It’s important to mention that not every horror icon is crafted, and not all were initially conceived with a strong emphasis on visual appeal rather than narrative integration. Characters like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface, as well as Chucky, Pinhead, and Ghostface, have solidified their terror reign over time. A significant portion of their enduring popularity can be attributed to their long history and numerous adaptations, which unfortunately have also contributed to many of their eventual decline.

Resurrection, Super Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, or Jason going to space in Jason X. Each fan must decide which film is the worst in a series, although they may still find merit in them. Over five films, opinions vary about which Final Destination movies are best, but all deliver on their premises consistently, making it the most consistent long-running franchise. Unlike A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween, Final Destination has never felt compelled to reinvent itself.

The Final Destination series stands out among many horror franchises due to its consistent creativity, even though it often follows a similar pattern – characters narrowly avoid death, only to face strange accidents that lead to their ultimate demise. However, each film offers fresh twists and inventive ways of depicting death, from a car engine crushing someone in a drive-thru to a gymnast’s dismount causing a body to fold in half, or LASIK surgery resulting in someone leaping out of a high-rise window. This series keeps both filmmakers and audiences enthralled by the unpredictable ways death can occur.

Even if you’re more into stories about a masked murderer or supernatural hauntings, and even if certain chapters of popular series are considered genre classics, the _Final Destination_ franchise stands out as the most impactful in horror, consistently delivering on audience expectations while also throwing in unexpected twists. Here’s hoping that the next installment, _Final Destination: Bloodlines_, can maintain its reign of terror.

Final Destination Bloodlines lands in theaters on May 16th.

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2025-03-29 00:43