Legacy sequels are always buzzworthy, withHalloween Endspromising a fight between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. While it was fantastic seeing Jamie Lee Curtis reprise this unforgettable role, there’s no denying that reception to the third film in the trilogy wasn’t completely warm. This begs the question of why certain horror films have been given legacy sequels and why others haven’t. While some are awesome, withScream (2022)pleasing audiences, others like the 2019 reboot ofChild’s Playleave a lot to be desired.
There are several horror franchises that would benefit from a legacy sequel, giving audiences the chance to revisit favorite characters who have become meaningful parts of cinematic history. Enough time has passed that the timing feels perfect.
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Jaws (1975-1987)
There are fourJawsmovies, with the classic film being released in 1975, the sequel in 1978, a third movie in 1983, and the fourth,Jaws: The Revenge, in 1987. The original is, of course, one of thebest shark moviesand it definitely needs a legacy sequel. It will always feel scary to watch characters trying not to get eaten by a shark.
SinceJawsis such a classic and understandable story, with many people terrified of finding sharks in the ocean when they go on vacation, it would make sense to tell a brand-new story with different characters. There would be a huge audience ready to see another version of this popular movie, which has been a favorite for so many decades.
Unfriended (2014-2018)
Unfriendedneeds a third entryor, even better, a legacy sequel. The 2014 movie explores the difficult friendships that the main characters have, and the 2018 sequel tells a different story about a found laptop and the evilness hidden inside. Legacy sequels often feature the same characters, which would be tricky in this case given what happens at the end of each film. But a new movie could revisit the world of the first movie and imagine a world where things go differently.
Blair Lilly’s (Shelley Henning) story could be part of a legacy sequel since she’s the heart of her friend group and a layered character. She feels terribly about hurting her old friend Laura Barnes but can’t help wanting to be popular. It would be interesting to see her in another movie, dealing with yet another technology-driven supernatural problem.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997-2006)
There are questions aboutwhat makes a great legacy sequeland the Amazon Prime Video adaptation ofI Know What You Did Last Summerdoesn’t count since it has flat characters and no fascinating, weighty mystery. Instead of living up to expectations, the show is a disappointment and doesn’t have a scary atmosphere or characters that fans can really get to know. The franchise’s third film from 2006,I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, doesn’t count either since it pales in comparison to what came before it.
Instead, the entertaining franchise needs a legacy sequel that serves as a reminder of what was so good about it in the first place. The original ’90s film is part dramatic teen story, part slasher. Ben Willis (Muse Watson) might not be quite as memorable as Ghostface. A new film could include a similar story of teenagers who accidentally kill someone but include fresh, intelligent characters worth watching.
Ginger Snaps (2000-2004)
Ginger Snapswas released in 2000 and there were two sequels released in 2004:Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashedand a prequel calledGinger Snaps Back: The Beginning.The originalGinger Snapsis a Canadian cult horror classicand solid teen movie. The tale of sisters Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins) who are darker than those around them is memorable, sad, and relatable.
While most people don’t experience their sibling being turned into a werewolf and changing their personality, everyone can understand feeling like a loved one has become a different person. A legacy sequel would give this underrated film the credit that it deserves as it still deserves to be seen and appreciated by more people.
The Ring (2002-2017)
The Ringis atimeless 2000s horror movieand the 2002 original film definitely needs a legacy sequel. Since it’s been over a decade since it was released, the timing feels perfect to revisit this terrifying story. The sequel from 2005 is better than the third movie,Rings, which came out in 2017, and a legacy sequel could feature new characters dealing with the same curse.
SinceThe Ringis about a videotape that curses people and then kills them seven days later, a new movie would have to update that technology. The legacy sequel could focus on cell phones or perhaps a video that people see online.
