Two Gay BFFs Virtually Binged (Almost) Every Horror Franchise During Quarantine

When two socially-distanced, horror-loving best friends couldn’t binge their favorite movies anymore… they improvised.

Prompted by the Pandemic

First, there’s the party — drinking, socializing, sharing innocent-enough paraphernalia with strangers you just met. Then, there’s the after-party — an introvert-friendly winding-down that includes little more than a living room, a TV, and that horror sequel one after-partygoer swears is “seriously the best in the franchise.” All of the remaining guests are mostly close friends; ready to settle in, but not tired enough to sleep. And their goal is to oblige their friend’s horror sequel recommendation, only to inevitably talk through most of the movie’s runtime.

This was the sort of thing — like so many other seemingly throwaway activities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic — that we all took for granted.

When the pandemic turned out to be more than a passing concern, everything changed. It’s the sort of miserable thing that’s so embedded in people’s lives that we’d probably prefer to not be reminded about it — especially in an article most would assume was strictly about horror movie franchises. So, for the sake of this article, assume the worst (which we’ve all been doing for over a year now), but allow some room for one of the more innocent side effects of a global pandemic.

Jimmy and Danny are the aforementioned partygoers voted most likely to recommend a horror movie during an after-party (which has a lot to do with why they’re friends in the first place). When they were denied this simple life pleasure on account of quarantining during the pandemic — especially when the pandemic had guaranteed at least another year of isolation — they decided to improvise.

The Solution Was Scener

Separated by around 2,000 miles, Jimmy and Danny weren’t going to let something like a pandemic get in the way of their horror movie-watching pastime. Though they were both able to satisfy their love of the macabre on their own (had Danny’s collection of the Scream franchise been on VHS, he’d have faded out the tapes over the course of 2020 alone; and Jimmy had been rewatching Don Mancini’s Child’s Play franchise repeatedly in the event that his new Chucky series dropped sooner than expected), it just wasn’t the same. There’s something to be said for “shared experiences,” especially when it comes to watching a scary movie. So, for the sake of their appetite for shared cinematic consumption, they decided to get creative.

And the idea was simple enough: virtually watching horror movies in the comfort of their own homes — not only to catch up on their favorite pastime, but to catch up with each other.

After some trial and error — specifically realizing that the digital “watch parties” offered by some mainstream streaming platforms were limited in that they didn’t offer the option to sync up a movie and offer the video chatting option — they discovered the Google Chrome plug-in, Scener, a “virtual movie theater” that allows watch parties without any of the annoying restrictions. And so began their (still ongoing) journey…

Watch, Rank, Repeat

Once they found a solution to their problem, Jimmy and Danny hit the ground running. However, they had no strict plans regarding what this newfound digital movie night had in store for them. First, they popped in Friday the 13th and had at it. But here’s the thing… as any horror aficionado knows, a single entry in a franchise is never enough, and by the time the credits rolled, it was fairly obvious that the inevitable next step would be to watch the follow-up — and so and so forth, until they literally reached the far reaches of space.

Then, not unlike the bloodlust to which most horror icons can relate, Jimmy and Danny couldn’t resist wanting more. Cue the Halloween franchise.

At this point, Jimmy and Danny had a system:

• Choose a horror franchise.
• Watch said horror franchise (spread out over the course of a few weeks; at night, naturally, for the winding-down and the ambience).
• Rank said horror franchise.

Watch. Rank. Repeat. And they’ve been doing it ever since, Scener-ing their way through one horror franchise after the next (some they’ve already seen, some they haven’t). So, without further ado, here is Jimmy and Danny’s growing list of horror franchise rankings that made cabin fever not feel like the horror movie setting it sounds like.

If you’re still staving off the COVID-19 blues, craving the aforementioned late-night horror movie franchise marathons, feel free to get involved. Let Jimmy and Danny know which franchise they should watch next, which ones you like best, and—of course—why you think their rankings are obviously wrong.

1. Friday the 13th

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Friday the 13th Part III
2. Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI
3. Friday the 13th Part VII — The New Blood
4. Freddy vs. Jason
5. Friday the 13th Part II
6. Friday the 13th
7. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
8. Friday the 13th (Remake)
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday
10. Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning
11. Friday the 13th Part VIII — Jason Takes Manhattan
12. Jason X

So… why Part III?

“I love a continuous storyline, and Part III picks up immediately after the events of Part II. The first half is silly, but the final scenes in the barn are well done. And did I mention this is the movie where Jason gets his mask!?”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Friday the 13th Part II
2. Friday the 13th
3. Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI
4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
5. Freddy vs. Jason
6. Friday the 13th Part VII — The New Blood
7. Friday the 13th Part III
8. Friday the 13th (Remake)
9. Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning
10. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday
11. Friday the 13th Part VIII — Jason Takes Manhattan
12. Jason X

So… why Part 2?

“I’m a sucker for atmosphere when it comes to horror movies, and there’s something about this Friday the 13th sequel that just manages to encapsulate everything I love about this franchise. I love me some fantasy, but the lack of it here is actually refreshing — especially when the movie can kind of branch a little out of reality (see: Ginny basically hypnotizing Jason with his dead mother’s sweater), while still staying pretty grounded.”

2. Halloween

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Halloween
2. Halloween H20–20 Years Later
3. Halloween II
4. Halloween (2018)
5. Halloween III: Season of the Witch
6. Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers
7. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
8. Halloween: Resurrection
9. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
10. Rob Zombie’s Halloween
11. Rob Zombie’s Halloween II

So… why Part 1?

“It’s iconic. It’s stood the test of time. When it’s Halloween night and friends are over, what are you watching? Halloween. You’re watching Halloween.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Halloween
2. Halloween H20–20 Years Later
3. Halloween III: Season of the Witch
4. Halloween (2018)
5. Halloween II
6. Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers
7. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
8. Halloween: Resurrection
9. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
10. Rob Zombie’s Halloween
11. Rob Zombie’s Halloween II

So… why Part 1?

“The Halloween franchise is fun, if not a little inconsistent, which helps the original stand out that much more. There’s also just something so fun about how simple and relatable so much of it is. I may not have a lot of personal experience with serial killers, but FOMO in high school, being obsessed with Halloween (the holiday), and crushing on Ben Tramer… I get it.”

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
3. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
6. Freddy vs. Jason
7. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
9. A Nightmare on Elm (Remake)

So… why Part 1?

“It all starts here. Brilliant concept by Wes Craven that sparked so many after it. It doesn’t get any better than Robert Englund as Freddy and the best leading lady in my opinion, Heather Langenkamp. If I have a favorite of all time, it’s this one. #FreddyForever.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street
3. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
4. Freddy vs. Jason
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
8. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare
9. A Nightmare on Elm (Remake)

So… why Part 3?

“By the time the franchise got to Dream Warriors, it knew exactly what it is. So, I guess I like this one the most because of the perfect balance of suspense, gore, creativity, and humor — it all works together so well in this one.”

4. Scream

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Scream 2
2. Scream
3. Scream 4
4. Scream 3

So… why Part 2?

“This is a difficult one, but in true Mickey fashion I think they achieved a better sequel. The narrative, chases, suspense, strong cast (hello Sarah Michelle Gellar), and an awesome crescendoing finale just barely edges out the original in my opinion. It’s a slick movie that balances out the scares with meta moments very well. Such a fun watch!”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Scream
2. Scream 2
3. Scream 4
4. Scream 3

So… why Part 1?

“The Scream franchise is an all-time personal favorite, so this is especially tricky. Choosing the original Scream really just comes down to it being the one that started my love for the franchise in the first place.”

5. Child’s Play

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Child’s Play
2. Curse of Chucky
3. Bride of Chucky
4. Cult of Chucky
5. Child’s Play 2
6. Seed of Chucky
7. Child’s Play 3

So… why Part 1?

“I’m convinced this movie gets better every time you watch it. Starting with Charles Lee Ray’s backstory, and then feeling all sorts of creepy for poor Andy and his mom. This movie is tight. Each scene leads seamlessly into the next, and it seriously may be the best introduction of any of our horror villains (you can quote me on that). They literally built an entire empire out of Chucky, all from this fairly simple formula. That really says something.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Child’s Play
2. Bride of Chucky
3. Curse of Chucky
4. Child’s Play 2
5. Cult of Chucky
6. Seed of Chucky
7. Child’s Play 3

So… why Part 1?

“As much as I love how chaotic this franchise gets, I’m a big fan of the slow build in the original. The reveals are excellent, all of the subplots converging in the end does wonders for the pace, and the fact that Mancini was able to seamlessly slip a killer doll into a police procedural is just… impressive.”

6. Final Destination

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Final Destination
2. Final Destination 2
3. Final Destination 5
4. Final Destination 3
5. The Final Destination

So… why Part 1?

“Call me a purist, but I’m going with the original here. It was so fresh and new at the time; a whole new take on horror . And the beginning scene on the plane. Whoa.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Final Destination 2
2. Final Destination
3. Final Destination 5
4. Final Destination 3
5. The Final Destination

So… why Part 2?

“Even though I love the simplicity of the original and how unexpectedly creative the fifth one is, the first Final Destination sequel edges the others out for its sense of humor and tension. The movie is over-the-top, but self-aware; silly, but so much fun. Also, that opening scene. I mean.”

7. Leprechaun

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Leprechaun Returns
2. Leprechaun 3
3. Leprechaun
4. Leprechaun 2
5. Leprechaun In The Hood
6. Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood
7. Leprechaun 4: In Space
8. Leprechaun: Origins

So… why Part 8?

“I think this one is overlooked, but I appreciate it being a direct sequel to the first (Halloween 2018-style). It follows the events of the first Leprechaun, with some characters returning. Just… don’t take it too seriously.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Leprechaun 2
2. Leprechaun 3
3. Leprechaun
4. Leprechaun Returns
5. Leprechaun Back 2 tha Hood
6. Leprechaun in the Hood
7. Leprechaun 4: In Space
8. Leprechaun: Origins

So… why Part 2?

“This one primarily comes down to nostalgia. Leprechaun 2 was the first movie I saw in the franchise, so it always stuck with me a little more than the rest. It also made me terrified of fans as a kid.”

8. The Exorcist

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Exorcist
2. The Exorcist III
3. Exorcist: The Beginning
4. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist
5. Exorcist II: The Heretic

So… why Part 1?

“Was there ever a question here? It’s The Exorcist. Of course it’s #1.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Exorcist
2. The Exorcist III
3. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist
4. Exorcist: The Beginning
5. Exorcist II: The Heretic

So… why Part 1?

“Maybe not the most original choice, but there’s a reason The Exorcist is so iconic. That said, this one is a close tie to The Exorcist III. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cheese and crackers. Regan and Pazuzu.”

9. Urban Legend

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Urban Legend
2. Urban Legends: Final Cut
3. Urban Legends: Bloody Mary

So… why Part 1?

“That opening scene gets me every time! And the sequels pale in comparison, in my opinion, so I had to go with the original.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Urban Legend
2. Urban Legends: Final Cut
3. Urban Legends: Bloody Mary

So… why Part 1?

“When so many teen slashers were taking a page out of Scream’s book, I’d argue that the original Urban Legend was (one of) the most successful and entertaining. It’s running with what was a familiar whodunit formula of the time, but still feels original.”

10. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Remake)
3. Texas Chainsaw
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation
5. Leatherface
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
8. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III
9. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning

So… why Part 1?

“Now this is an original — the first of its kind, which basically led to a whole horror subgenre being born. Some of the sequels were fun, but I need to go with where it all started.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Remake)
4. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III
5. Leatherface
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation
7. Texas Chainsaw
8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning›

So… why Part 2?

“This franchise is all over the place — and I mean that as a compliment. Almost every entry has its own creative stamp, and the first sequel basically gave all future sequels the permission to pretty much do whatever they wanted. The original is, of course, iconic, and I love it. But The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 said “Fuck you” to the formula, letting the franchise go and do wherever and whatever it pleased.”

11. Night of the Living Dead

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Night of the Living Dead (Remake)
2. Dawn of the Dead (Remake)
3. Night of the Living Dead
4. Day of the Dead
5. Land of the Dead
6. Dawn of the Dead
7. Diary of the Dead
8. Survival of the Dead

So… why the remake?

“A tougher call than the other movies we’ve watched, but I enjoyed the remake of Night of the Living Dead. The setting, house, and characters won me over more so than the original.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Day of the Dead
2. Night of the Living Dead
3. Night of the Living Dead (Remake)
4. Land of the Dead
5. Dawn of the Dead (Remake)
6. Dawn of the Dead
7. Diary of the Dead
8. Survival of the Dead

So… why Part 3?

“The whole ‘trapped in a single setting while fighting zombies’ could have easily gotten tired by this point in the franchise, but I think Day of the Dead actually improves on the formula. The zombie effects and kills are at a franchise-high, the (good) characters are charming, and the zombies are developed in a totally organic, believable, and unexpected way. Also, the tension never. lets. up.”

12. I Know What You Did Last Summer

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. I Know What You Did Last Summer
2. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
3. I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer

So… why Part 1?

“As a kid, this movie was so fun to watch. The sequel has its moments, but I need to go with the first — and not just because I still want to be walking in that 4th of July parade in Southport. Also, that cast. Jennifer Love Hewitt. Sarah Michelle Gellar. Ryan Phillippe. Freddie Prinze Jr. Come on now.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. I Know What You Did Last Summer
2. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
3. I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer

So… why Part 1?

“Kevin Williamson masterfully flexing his whodunit muscles and some of my favorite slasher movie chase sequences (RIP Helen) — this movie is so much fun. Also, I’m coming out and making a stance: Fourth of July is an underrepresented holiday in the horror genre.”

13. Wrong Turn

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Wrong Turn
2. Wrong Turn (Remake)
3. Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead
4. Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings
5. Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines
6. Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort
7. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End

So… why Part 1?

“Lots of wrong turns after the first one. Whoa. So let’s go with the original. Maybe they should have left it at that?”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Wrong Turn (Remake)
2. Wrong Turn
3. Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead
4. Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines
5. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End
6. Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings
7. Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

So… why the Remake?

“Though the remake may not have been the meanest or the leanest, I give it a lot of credit for shaking up the formula and genuinely surprising me. That said, the original had tree-climbing, and this one doesn’t. So… I’m not saying that docks points, but I’m also not saying it doesn’t.”

14. Alien

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Aliens
2. Alien vs. Predator
3. Alien
4. Alien Resurrection
5. Prometheus
6. Alien: Covenant
7. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
8. Alien 3

So… why Part 2?

“Aliens takes all the best parts of Alien, and gives us more thrills and scares, while staying focused on a simple storyline — nothing too excessive or silly. It was really out of this world.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Aliens
2. Alien
3. Alien Resurrection
4. Alien vs. Predator
5. Alien: Covenant
6. Prometheus
7. Alien 3
8. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem

So… why Part 2?

“Sequels ought to up the ante. Aliens did that, and then some. Even though I do love the simplicity and slow burn of the original, this one gets to dive a little deeper into Ripley, while also managing to up the suspense, scares, and the action. Not an easy feat.“

15. Predator

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Alien vs. Predator
2. Predators
3. The Predator
4. Predator
5. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
6. Predator 2

So… why the first mash-up?

“I have to go with Alien Vs. Predator. I was so taken by this movie — the two dueling species work so well together. The movie was extremely entertaining, with good characters and thrilling chases among the Aliens and Predators. For me, this is the most re-watchable movie in the franchise.“

Danny’s Rankings

1. Predators
2. Alien vs. Predator
3. Predator
4. The Predator
5. Predator 2
6. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem

So… why Part 3?

“This sequel is kind of a grab bag of all the best parts of the Predator franchise, while also somehow feeling original. The foundation of the premise is a mystery, and the mystery sustains itself for most of the runtime — even adding some sincerely unexpected twists throughout. It’s fun, suspenseful, and digs into the Predator mythos, without it feeling like a last-ditch effort to run the franchise dry.“

16. The Ring

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Ring
2. Rings
3. The Ring Two

So… why Part 1?

“The Ring is one of the better scary movies in the last few decades in my opinion. This movie is enthralling from beginning to end; a wild ride that is spooky and unnerving! The sequels (especially #3) are good, but cannot compare to the original.“

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Ring
2. Rings
3. The Ring Two

So… why Part 1?

“This is a fun little trilogy, but the first entry does it the best. There’s so much love and attention to detail, the performances are incredible, and the mystery never lets up for a second. The first Ring is easily the scariest, tightest, and most engaging of the trilogy.“

17. Paranormal Activity

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Paranormal Activity 3
2. Paranormal Activity
3. Paranormal Activity 2
4. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
5. Paranormal Activity 4
6. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

So… why Part 3?

“For me, this is a nice balance of prequel story, more meat on the bones for Paranormal Activity 1 and 2, and adds to the overall story of Paranormal Activity, while staying focused on the characters we love. I also could not possibly love the camera on the oscillating fan any more — it’s suspenseful and brilliant.“

Danny’s Rankings

1. Paranormal Activity 3
2. Paranormal Activity
3. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
4. Paranormal Activity 2
5. Paranormal Activity 4
6. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

So… why Part 3?

“Even though the first Paranormal Activity does everything right — not only as a horror movie, but in setting up a franchise — the third entry introduces just enough mythology to keep it fresh, without undermining the simplicity of what makes this franchise work so well.“

18. The Omen

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Omen (2006)
2. The Omen
3. The Omen IV: The Awakening
4. The Omen III: The Final Conflict
5. Damien: The Omen II

So… why the remake?

“I enjoyed the fresh take and visuals on the 2006 remake. While I am usually a purist for originals, I'd put the remake first.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Omen
2. The Omen III: The Final Conflict
3. The Omen (2006)
4. Damien: The Omen II
5. The Omen IV: The Awakening

So… why Part 1?

“Everything that works about this franchise is done the most effectively in the first film. The cast is incredible, the premise is simple, but effective… The Omen is imperfect, but has earned its place among the classics with some pretty iconic scenes and visuals.”

19. The Evil Dead

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Evil Dead II
2. Evil Dead (Remake)
3. The Evil Dead
4. Army of Darkness

So… why Part 2?

”When you take the storyline of the first movie, and then add on some more bells and whistles, with a bigger budget—I was sold. I give kudos to the remake, but it’s II for me.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Evil Dead
2. Evil Dead II
3. Evil Dead (Remake)
4. Army of Darkness

So… why Part 1?

”In the Evil Dead franchise, less is not more. More is more. And I love that. But that’s what makes the smaller moments in the original movie stand out so much. All of the ingredients that we’ve come to know and love are there, but they’re given time to digest. And though I love all of the insane excess of the sequels, the first Evil Dead is the one I feel the most eager to return to for a cozy, creepy rewatch.”

20. Poltergeist

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Poltergeist
2. Poltergeist III
3. Poltergeist (Remake)
4. Poltergeist II: The Other Side

So… why Part 1?

”You just cannot top the original Poltergeist. It’s equal parts family-fun, silly, and then straight-up spooky. Zelda Rubinstein makes the movie complete with her portrayal of Tangina. Run to the light!”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Poltergeist
2. Poltergeist III
3. Poltergeist II: The Other Side
4. Poltergeist (Remake)

So… why Part 1?

”There is something so simple and yet so absolutely wild (in the best way possible) about the first Poltergeist. It’s a spooky — sometimes genuinely scary — horror fun house that had set such a strong standard for haunted house movies that it’s almost impossible to prefer any of its sequels as the franchise favorite. I love this movie.”

21. The Grudge

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Grudge
2. The Grudge 2
3. The Grudge 3

So… why Part 1?

“I like the sequel, but the original installment takes the top place as a spooky thriller with jump scares starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. It’s a vibe.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Grudge
2. The Grudge 2
3. The Grudge 3

So… why Part 1?

”If I had one criticism about the Grudge franchise, it’s that its sequels are a little too beholden to the original storyline, threading the plot back to the first film instead of using the core idea as a way to establish unique, standalone sequels. It’s because of this slight (and completely subjective) detail that I appreciate how simple, effective, and creepy the first entry is.”

22. Annabelle

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Annabelle
2. Annabelle: Creation
3. Annabelle Comes Home

So… why Part 1?

“TBD”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Annabelle: Creation
2. Annabelle
3. Annabelle Comes Home

So… why Part 2?

”TBD”

23. Insidious

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Insidious
2. Insidious: Chapter 2
3. Insidious: Chapter 3
4. Insidious: The Last Key

So… why Part 1?

“I thoroughly enjoyed parts two and three, and I think parts one and two should be watched together for a full storyline; but the original is superior. I forgot how great this movie is — definitely the movie to put on with the lights out when you want to be scared.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Insidious
2. Insidious: Chapter 3
3. Insidious: Chapter 2
4. Insidious: The Last Key

So… why Part 1?

”With the Insidious franchise, its Poltergeist roots are always showing (and I mean that as a compliment). Though there is the occasional dose of dread sprinkled in, it’s all mostly in good fun; and the first film especially encapsulates what a good love letter to haunted houses — not without plenty of originality and genre subversions — should be.”

24. The Blair With Project

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Blair Witch Project
2. Blair Witch
3. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

So… why Part 1?

“What can top this defining moment in horror? A movie whose usage of found footage really changed the game… and we all thought this was real! While it hasn’t aged as well as I remembered, it’s a moment in time and can’t be duplicated.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Blair Witch Project
2. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2
3. Blair Witch

So… why Part 1?

“It’s difficult to watch this movie — or even think about this movie — without remembering how big of a deal it was when it came out. If you’re looking for a sincerely creepy movie experience, suspend all disbelief (like we all did back in the day) and let your imagination run wild.”

25. Saw

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Saw V
2. Saw III
3. Saw
4. Saw VI
5. Saw IV
6. Jigsaw
7. Spiral
8. Saw: The Final Chapter
9. Saw II

So… why Part 5?

“For me, the fifth installment of Saw has thrilling storylines that come together with a cat and mouse game between Hoffman (who is not a nice man), Detective Strahm trying to end this madness, and Jill determined to hold Jigsaw’s legacy. These journeys culminate in a riveting ending. Many franchises by installment 5 would come off the rails, but timelines are played with in the book of Saw, and this movie is fresh.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Jigsaw
2. Saw
3. Saw II
4. Saw V
5. Spiral
6. Saw III
7. Saw IV
8. Saw VI
9. Saw: The Final Chapter

So… why Part 8?

“It’s weird to not choose the original Saw as my top choice, but after sitting through nine movies, I couldn’t help but get caught up in how refreshing Jigsaw is. I loved the energy right out of the gate (especially since it didn’t rely so much on the gross-out factor) and the legitimately surprising twists. When I think of the Saw franchise, this is my new standard in terms of quality, kills, and characters.”

26. Mimic

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Mimic
2. Mimic 2
3. Mimic: Sentinel

So… why Part 1?

“I had never seen any of these movies—and while the sequels left something to be desired, I really enjoyed the first Mimic! Dark and scary sci-fi flick, while still rooted in some mystery. Very fun and re-watchable.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Mimic
2. Mimic 2
3. Mimic: Sentinel

So… why Part 1?

“Getting me to like a movie about cockroaches is no easy feat, and yet here we are. Mimic is fun, timely, creepy, ridiculously atmospheric, and proof that Guillermo del Toro can pretty much do no wrong.”

27. Jaws

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. Jaws
2. Jaws: The Revenge
3. Jaws 2
4. Jaws 3-D

So… why Part 1?

“Jaws has become a part of Americana; as classic as a cheeseburger. This easily tops the list, and is one of the greatest movies of all time. What more is there to say?”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Jaws
2. Jaws: The Revenge
3. Jaws 2
4. Jaws 3-D

So… why Part 1?

“My boring take is that Jaws is perfect. My slightly less-boring take is that Jaws is perfect because everything works: the direction, the story, the acting, the characters, the shark, the lack of the shark, the humor, the scares. I’m sorry. I know that’s boring. I just think it’s perfect.”

28. The Descent

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Descent
2. The Descent: Part 2

So… why Part 1?

“I forgot how fun this little franchise is. The Descent is at first a slow burn, with emotion escalating into thrills and ending in horror. The sequel picks up where the first one leaves off, but there’s no topping — uh, climbing — the first.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Descent
2. The Descent: Part 2

So… why Part 1?

“Even though these two movies technically work as one continuous story, I prefer the first Descent for having a slightly sharper approach. Characters take precedence over the gore and scares, which really helps make the gore and scares that much more effective.”

29. The Amityville Horror

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Amityville Horror (Remake)
2. Amityville 3-D
3. The Amityville Murders
4. The Amityville Horror
5. Amityville: Dollhouse
6. Amityville 1992: It’s About Time
7. Amityville: The Awakening
8. Amityville: A New Generation
9. Amityville II: The Possession
10. Amityville: The Evil Escapes
11. The Amityville Curse

So… why the Remake?

“The remake of Amityville best encapsulates the series — it’s eerie, fun, and has jump-scares along the way for a nice 90-minute horror watch.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. Amityville 3-D
2. The Amityville Horror (Remake)
3. Amityville: Dollhouse
4. Amityville 1992: It’s About Time
5. The Amityville Horror
6. Amityville II: The Possession
7. Amityville: A New Generation
8. Amityville: The Awakening
9. The Amityville Murders
10. Amityville: The Evil Escapes
11. The Amityville Curse

So… why Part 3?

“This franchise struggles through a lot of tonal and story shifts, but Amityville 3-D is at least having the most fun. The lore may not necessarily align with what was set up in the previous two movies, but there’s a funhouse element to this sequel that helps edge it out over the other 11-plus (!) entries —not necessarily in regard to scares, but in terms of watchability at the very least.”

30. The Town That Dreaded Sundown

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Remake)
2. The Town That Dreaded Sundown

So… why the Sequel?

“The concept of this series is better than the execution of the movies. Sorry, Town That Dreaded Sundown. I prefer the remake, but not by much. It’s a tossup. Maybe the answer will… dawn on me.”

Danny’s Rankings

1. The Town That Dreaded Sundown
2. The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Sequel)

So… why the Original?

“While I love how the sequel builds on the promise of the first as a traditional slasher, there’s something to be said for the original’s influence on the genre, the confidence to not play to expectations, and the jarring shifts between humor, humdrum, and horror.”

31. V/H/S

Jimmy’s Rankings

1. V/H/S
2. V/H/S/94
3. V/H/S/2
4. V/H/S: Viral
5. Siren

So… why…?

TBD

Danny’s Rankings

1. V/H/S
2. V/H/S/94
3. Siren
4. V/H/S: Viral
5. V/H/S/2

So… why…?

TBD