It’s time to go back to where it all began! Last year, I started a series dedicated to some of my favorite prequels in the horror genre. Today, I’m finally sharing part 2! These prequels did a wonderful job at bringing us new realizations to an old story. I hope you enjoy and let me know your favorite horror movie prequels!! (SPOILER ALERT!!!)

Final Destination 5

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Death returns to claim the lucky survivors of a deadly bridge collapse in this fifth frightening installment in the series.

The most brilliant aspect of this film is that you don’t realize it’s a prequel until the very end. We’re so focused on the carnage and the subject of death, that we missed the subtle cues that showed this story took place in 2000. It also brings a new element in providing a possible way to defeat Death once and for all. It kept up with the thrills and brought something fresh and new to the franchise. It also brought a few laughs which is always a plus!

Annabelle: Creation

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): 12 years after the tragic death of their little girl, a doll-maker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, where they become the target of the doll-maker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

I’ll admit, I was a bit disappointed with the first Annabelle film, so I didn’t really come into this film with high expectations. It almost immediately became one of my favorite films in the whole franchise! The story and the atmosphere were perfectly executed. One thing that made this film stand out from the rest was its more gloomy ending. The Conjuring films have a somewhat happy ending pattern and I believe this was the film that broke it. It was terrifying from beginning to end and it had the perfect tie-in with its predecessor.

Saw X

Synopsis (Provided by IMDb.com): A sick and desperate John Kramer travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

I’m so happy I got to finally see this installment! It was so great seeing Tobin Bell return as the legendary Jigsaw. One thing I loved about this film was that it was so different from all of the other installments. All of the other Saw films focused on different characters and this one was centered around John most of the time. It was a fresh take that didn’t skimp on the brutal and creative traps. Plus, when I think I have everything figured out, it still managed to completely surprise me! This franchise has got its groove back!

Apartment 7A

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A struggling young dancer finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected older couple promise her a shot at fame.

In Rosemary’s Baby, we only know a few things about Terry Gionoffrio. I love that this film showed us more about this character and told us her story. It kept the elements and suspense that the original perfected and brought us even more. The dancing was one of the added elements that really made this film special. I just love dancing in horror films! It’s a beautiful and tragic story that captures the manipulation and evil of the original film!

The First Omen

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.

I admittedly wasn’t expecting to love this film as much as I did. I think it was a wonderful and creepy addition to The Omen’s story. We witness the creation of evil and the masterminds behind it. The performances were spectacular and the imagery was haunting to say the least. The mystery in this film is so fascinating and although it’s a little predictable, that didn’t stop me from absolutely loving it. If there was a follow-up to this, I’ll be first in line to see it!