Evil Dead 2 and the 15 greatest horror movie sequels of all time
By Mads Lennon
14. Saw II (2005)
- Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman
- Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Franky G, Glenn Plummer, Beverly Mitchell, Dina Meyer, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Erik Knudsen, Shawnee Smith, and Tobin Bell
Whether you love or hate the Saw franchise, there is no denying that it has become a hugely popular horror series. It also helped jumpstart many films in the torture-horror sub-genre.
Unfortunately, James Wan was unable to return to work on this movie, but Leigh Whannell did contribute to the writing process.
Considering this is a series that has produced eight movies altogether, all of varying levels of quality, the earliest installments were the ones that came closest to matching the original’s fear factor.
Saw II begins with Michael Marks waking up with a spiked mask locked to his neck. He has to find a key to unlock it before the entire thing closes around his head. It’s a jarring beginning to a movie that will be filled with horrifying violence.
Saw II ups the ante when it comes to the violence and gore, trading in some of the more psychological scares from the original for intense bloodshed. Despite not quite reaching the potential of the first movie, it’s still a fierce horror ride with some genuinely spine-tingling and clever ideas for traps.