Good evening, and welcome back to the show…

One constant and true aspect of the horror movie genre is that sequels are a natural part of the program. Once the first installment is released, a low-budget film can spin off into a full-blown franchise seemingly overnight. Look at the movies we’ve had spin-off into many sequels: for example, in the 1980s we had films such as Ghoulies (sorry Derek), Critters, and The Howling. One of those examples was a damn good film that was overshadowed by the ‘other’ werewolf flick released that year (I’m looking at you An American Werewolf in London), and the other two we would’ve survived with the singular film.

But what about the few flicks that don’t have a sequel? Why didn’t some phenomenal horror films remain singular? Sometimes, the sequels are planned but fall through for one reason or another. Sometimes, who the hell knows. I’m listing the movies I wish had and deserve a sequel. In the comments, be sure to add what films you’d like to see sequels to.

I’m starting with what I feel is most criminal for not having a sequel, Trick ‘R Treat. This 2007 Halloween-themed anthology flick has become a classic, and it does not have a sequel, which seems like a lost opportunity to explore the season and Sam in more detail. The movie’s theme, which deals with disrespecting Halloween traditions, can be expanded upon. The overlapping stories made for a great Halloween ride that we’ve been robbed of taking a new spin through. I’ll watch the original until I die, but man, a new set of stories and seeing Sam again would be a treat for genre fans. The closest to an actual sequel is a 10th anniversary comic omnibus that adapts the film and adds four new stories. There have been attempts to produce a film sequel, but nothing has come to fruition. Our loss…

Second is one of my favorite mixed-genre movies, Event Horizon. The 1997 movie superbly combines sci-fi and horror. It is comparable to Hellraiser in space. I often wonder if the Event Horizon visited a dimension akin to where the Cenobites hail from. The ending is open to interpretation, and could’ve had a sequel. On the expanding the story front, I have recently been made aware that there is a comic series on the horizon. The sequel series is being published by IDW, and the first issue of Event Horizon: Dark Descent will be on sale in August. I will take this five-issue series as the sequel I never got on film, and like it. Check with your local comic shops to support this series.

I will end my list today with only three picks. This last one, I think, has the potential to finally get a sequel soon. I’m going with Cujo. Cujo is one of the books I read early on that affected me deeply. The book ending can definitely change a kid compared to the movie ending. We are getting a Netflix remake later this year, but it needs the proper sequel. I thought we’d never have the chance for a sequel until Stephen King released his, You Like It Darker story collection in 2024. One of the stories was a sequel to Cujo titled Rattlesnakes. The story was a brilliant and poignant look at loss, grief, and how it changes people and relationships. It follows Vic Trenton as he goes through his life years after the tragic events in Cujo with a supernatural twist. I was skeptical about a sequel finally being written, but I was blown away by it. I suggest reading the entire book because it has some of the best material King has written in years.

I must get back to the work piling up all over my desk before it swallows me whole. Please post your favorite horror movies that need sequels in the comments, and we can have a good discussion about the subject.

Later ghouls,

Brent