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X and 3 other best horror trilogies that deserve your attention

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X and 3 other best horror trilogies that deserve your attention

As a lifelong aficionado of the chilling and macabre, I find myself deeply entrenched in the rich tapestry of horror cinema, having traversed the darkened realms of countless films that have left me shivering long after the credits have rolled. Among these cinematic terrors, there are some trilogies that stand head and shoulders above the rest, and two such series that have left an indelible mark on my soul are the Halloween and Evil Dead franchises.

Horror movies, similar to comic book and James Bond action-spy films, are often characterized by multiple sequels. Generally speaking, as more movies are added to a franchise, the quality tends to decline. However, there are always exceptions. In 2024, filmmaker Ti West wrapped up his X trilogy with the movie MaXXXine, featuring Mia Goth. This trilogy is notable for its unique aesthetic and style, with Goth’s captivating performances serving as the series’ backbone.

As someone who grew up watching classic slasher movies from the ’70s and ’80s, I must say that the X trilogy has managed to capture the essence of those films while still feeling fresh and modern. The first film follows a familiar template, but it’s executed so well that it feels like a love letter to the genre. Pearl is a standout for me, as it delves deep into one character’s psyche in a way that few horror movies do. And with its larger cast and Los Angeles setting, MaXXXine brings a unique flavor to the trilogy, drawing inspiration from the work of Brian De Palma and Italian Giallo films. Overall, the X trilogy is shaping up to be a significant contribution to horror history, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

In the coming years, we can expect additional chapters for several film franchises, including “Terrifier 3” soon and “28 Years Later” next year. Notably, the third installment of the “Collector” franchise, titled “The Collected,” has finally been announced. Fingers crossed that all three will match up to the quality of “MaXXXine’s” final film, ensuring a fulfilling ending for fans.

As a horror enthusiast, I’ve noticed that many terrifying franchises span multiple movies, but those concluding with just three are rare gems. For instance, the chilling series’ like ‘Maniac Cop’, ‘Cube’, ‘Demons’, and ‘Basket Case’ all wrapped up in three films. We’ll be diving into these trilogies that tell one cohesive story. Sometimes, a fourth or fifth film was added later, serving as a reboot or veering the series off into uncharted territory. However, if the narrative remains complete, it falls under the definition of a trilogy, no matter how many more films might come afterwards.

Here are some of the better trilogies in horror history thus far.

1. Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

A delightful shock for aficionados of horror arrived during the summer of 2021 with Netflix unveiling the Fear Street trilogy. This television series was adapted from R.L. Stine’s well-known books of the same name, and in the 1990s, these books and Stine’s other horror-themed series, Goosebumps, were extremely popular.

Nestled in the imaginary town of Shadyside, the narrative unfolds around a curse cast by a witch named Sarah Fier, causing certain residents to transform into serial murderers across generations. The first movie takes place in 1994, the second in 1978, while the final installment is set in 1666. Each film follows a slasher format, incorporating supernatural aspects, as they progressively reveal more about Sarah Fier’s story and the longstanding rivalry between Shadyside and Sunnyvale.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the X trilogy’s unique vibe, and it’s hard to pick a favorite among the three. What truly stands out in these films is the shocking scene where a main character meets an untimely end with a bread slicer – definitely a moment that lingers in memory. On top of everything, this trilogy serves as a link between ’90s kids who devoured Fear Street and Goosebumps books, and new horror fans discovering the series for themselves.

2. Halloween (2018-2022)

The iconic “Halloween” film series, comprising a total of 13 movies now, has transformed into a choose-your-adventure tale for the horror genre. With multiple timelines intertwined, there are actually more than one trilogies within this franchise. Some might prefer the infamous ‘Thorn trilogy’ (Halloween 4-6), while others might enjoy the first two installments of Laurie Strode’s redemption arc (Halloween 1-2 and Halloween: H20). However, the most consistent trilogy, though often debated, is its latest and potentially most contentious.

David Gordon Green’s sequel trilogy for Halloween, starting with the 2018 film, picks up right where John Carpenter’s original 1978 movie left off. Carpenter himself returned to compose the music, and Jamie Lee Curtis once again took on the role of Laurie Strode. The first installment in this new series was fairly traditional, but it effectively revitalized Michael Myers as a terrifying horror figure. This revamp paid off big time, with the film raking in over $250 million against a budget of just $10 million, sparking renewed interest in the chilling story of the silent slasher.

As a die-hard horror game enthusiast, let me tell you, the follow-ups, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, have sparked quite a debate among fans. Halloween Kills certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to delivering gory scenes that would make any bloodthirsty fanatic like myself grin from ear to ear. The creators seemed to be dabbling with the idea of turning Myers into a modern-day Jason Voorhees, and I must admit, I found that intriguing, if not a bit over-the-top.

In an unexpected move, the final installment, “Halloween Ends,” takes center stage with a fresh character. Unlike its predecessors, it steers clear of awkwardly timed humor and excessive narrative style. Yet, by minimizing Michael Myers and altering the plotline, it left some viewers feeling disconnected.

The passage of time has been particularly favorable to the horror genre, as films such as “The Thing” and “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”, which were initially met with criticism or disregard, are now widely recognized as classics or top-tier installments in their respective series. Green’s trilogy may not be without flaws, but it undeniably showcases a filmmaker and team deeply devoted to a revered horror figure.

3. Evil Dead (1981-1992)

A well-known horror trilogy that many consider iconic is the original Evil Dead series directed by Sam Raimi. The first film, released in 1981 as The Evil Dead, gained a cult following due to its innovative camera work, which was born out of financial constraints. The cabin in the woods setting from this movie has become a common trope in horror films. Bruce Campbell’s portrayal of Ash Williams across all three movies showcases his versatility, blending physical comedy reminiscent of the Three Stooges with a powerful action hero persona, earning him enduring love among horror fans.

Every movie from the series has the chance to become a beloved choice among fans, based on which installment you were introduced to during your childhood. “The Evil Dead” primarily offers chilling terror with some humorous scenes sprinkled in. On the other hand, “Evil Dead II” is considered one of the first horror reboots because it revisits the original storyline while boasting a larger budget, resulting in additional comical and mind-bending elements. Lastly, “Army of Darkness,” released in 1992, combines action, humor, and terror within a medieval setting, moving away from the woods that were featured in previous films.

Among the Evil Dead movies, it’s Evil Dead II that receives the most acclaim from critics. It masterfully blends all the distinctive elements that set the franchise apart, and Sam Raimi’s cinematography might have reached its peak in this film. What truly makes the Evil Dead series a must-see for horror enthusiasts is the uniqueness of each installment.

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2024-08-03 20:25

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