10 Iconic Horror Films That Beg for Prequels

Since the beginning of cinema, horror movies have always been a favorite genre among audiences. However, some of the greatest classic horror films may risk being forgotten if the characters are not further explored. These stories provide entertainment by evoking fear and suspense in a safe and controlled environment. What's interesting is that horror films can be produced with a relatively low budget compared to other genres, and with the right creativity, any concept can be turned into a chilling horror tale, as seen in recent adaptations of well-known children's stories.

One advantage of horror stories is their ability to be expanded, rebooted, and revitalized. Many successful horror franchises have released numerous sequels, each with varying levels of success, yet their loyal fan base continues to support them. By expanding on existing stories or creating prequels, filmmakers can delve deeper into the origins of the monsters or villains within these franchises. While some classic horror movies have not yet received prequels, this approach could be a great way to update them for a contemporary audience.

Nosferatu

1922

Count Orlok (Max Schreck) looming over his victim in the 1922 silent film Nosferatu

Nosferatu, known as one of the most famous vampires alongside Dracula, has never had a prequel made about his origins. The original movie, while not an official adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, remains one of the more faithful versions, portraying the vampire as repulsive and terrifying rather than charming. A prequel for Nosferatu could differentiate him from Dracula and give him the recognition he truly deserves in modern cinema.

Fright Night

1985

A Nightmare On Elm Street

Delving into the realm of horror movies, A Nightmare On Elm Street is a classic film that has terrified audiences for years. The story of Freddy Krueger haunting the dreams of teenagers in the fictional town of Springwood has become iconic in the horror genre. Despite numerous sequels and a remake, there is still potential for exploring the background of Freddy Krueger before he became the nightmare-inducing villain. Perhaps a prequel could shed light on his origin story and delve into the events that led to his transformation into the infamous dream stalker. With the success of prequels in other horror franchises, it is not far-fetched to imagine a prequel to A Nightmare On Elm Street being developed in the future.

The Origin of Freddy Krueger

Despite the success of the nine films in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, the story of how Freddy Krueger came to be has only been briefly mentioned in the sequels. Freddy's mother, a nun working in a asylum for the criminally insane, was tragically sexually assaulted over 100 times. Surprisingly, Freddy did not acquire his powers until after his death. This untold backstory has the potential to enhance the character of Freddy Krueger and could be a thrilling addition to the series.

The Thing

1982

Jeepers Creepers

In the 1980s, The Thing was released, directed by the horror legend John Carpenter. The movie follows a mysterious extraterrestrial shapeshifter that slowly takes over and causes mistrust among the explorers. The story begins with American explorers discovering malformed human remains in a Norwegian base. It raises questions about the monstrous being's initial arrival on Earth and whether the Norwegians were its first victims.

2001

"Jeepers Creepers" was a hit when it was released and helped launch Justin Long's career in horror films. However, the movie itself left much to be desired. The Creeper monster had a fascinating backstory, having killed numerous people and storing their bodies. Exploring more of this lore, such as the monster's origin or its first victims, could breathe new life into the series, especially since the sequels didn't perform as well.

Psycho

1960

Rosemary's Baby

"Rosemary's Baby" is a classic psychological horror movie that has stood the test of time. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, it is considered one of his best works. Despite having a sequel and a prequel TV show, the origin story of the movie has not been explored on the big screen. It would be fascinating to delve into the complex relationship between Norman and his mother, similar to what was done in the series "Bates Motel." This exploration could attract a whole new audience to the story. In the original movie, it was revealed that Norman had a history of killing and hiding bodies, providing a wealth of material to expand upon.

1968

In 1968, a classic horror film called Rosemary's Baby was directed by the legendary Roman Polanski. The movie follows a young woman who is targeted by a dark satanic cult, as they manipulate her and eventually take her child. A prequel story could explore the origins of the cult, how the husband got involved, or the demonic influences that set the stage for the events in the film.

The Phantom Of The Opera

1989

robert englund in phantom of the opera 1989 - The Phantom Of The Opera

In 1989, a different adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera was released, apart from the famous musical and stage show. The film, starring Robert Englund as the phantom, took a horror-based approach to the origin story of the character. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the idea of exploring the darker side of the phantom's origins is intriguing and could make for an incredible movie. A revamped prequel delving into the classic tale and shedding light on the phantom's backstory would be a thrilling plot to explore.

Candyman

1992

Candyman approaches a victim in his debut movie. - 1992

The movie Candyman delves into the chilling tale of a man with a hooked hand who materializes after a simple summoning ritual. While the original film focused on this haunting legend terrorizing a small community, a prequel story could offer a fresh perspective on the origins of the legend and the enigmatic figure known as Candyman. With a remake released in 2022 featuring a contemporary cast, a prequel has the potential to further enrich both the modern adaptation and the classic tale.

Poltergeist

1982

Poltergeist was created by the renowned Steven Spielberg, however, the sequels and 2015 remake did not receive favorable reviews despite the original's popularity. A prequel movie could delve into the haunting experiences of the construction workers who built the properties in the first film, shedding light on how the ghosts turned into aggressive spirits. By exploring this earlier part of the story, it could increase interest in the original movie and provide more depth to the ghostly narrative.

Editor's P/S:

Horror movies have a unique ability to capture our attention and evoke intense emotions. The classic horror films mentioned in the article, such as Nosferatu, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing, Psycho, Rosemary's Baby, The Phantom of the Opera, Candyman, and Poltergeist, have left an indelible mark on the genre. While these films have been enjoyed by generations of horror enthusiasts, there is always the potential to revisit and explore their stories in new and exciting ways.

Prequels offer a captivating opportunity to delve deeper into the origins of these iconic horror characters and the events that shaped their destinies. By expanding on existing storylines or creating new narratives, prequels can breathe fresh life into classic horror tales and introduce them to a new generation of fans. Furthermore, prequels can provide valuable insights into the motivations and backstories of these characters, enhancing our understanding of their actions and the horrors they inflict.