10 Underrated Movie Prequels Ranked

The term “prequel” often raises eyebrows in the world of cinema. While sequels enjoy the advantage of revisiting beloved characters, prequels are frequently seen as uninspired attempts to extend a franchise’s life. However, not all prequels fall into this trap; some manage to offer fresh perspectives and enrich the source material. This article explores the top 10 most underrated movie prequels, showcasing their unique contributions to their respective franchises.

Table of Contents

10. The Nun (2018)

Director: Corin Hardy

The Conjuring universe expanded with The Nun, delving into the mysterious backstory of the terrifying Demon nun Valak. Despite a cooler reception than other films in the franchise, The Nun successfully established its own spinoff series. The film’s period setting added a classic haunted house mystery element, setting it apart from the realistic tone of The Conjuring films. By paying attention to historical details, The Nun enhanced the overall mythology.

While the character Valak’s mystery was unveiled, the film retained the character’s scariness, making it a worthy entry in the franchise.

9. Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

Director: Mick Garris

The Psycho film franchise took an unexpected turn with Psycho IV: The Beginning. Unlike typical slasher franchises, this installment delved into Norman Bates’ backstory, providing a conclusion to the series. Despite being a made-for-television film, Psycho IV stood out with its unconventional structure and Anthony Perkins’ matured performance. The film unearthed bits of Bates’ origin story, making it one of the more rewatchable and underrated entries in the Psycho series.

8. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

Director: David Yates

The Fantastic Beasts franchise faced criticism for failing to match the cultural impact of its predecessor, Harry Potter. However, The Secrets of Dumbledore redeemed the series by focusing on the tormented relationship between Dumbledore and the dark wizard Grindelwald. The film’s exploration of their tragic romance added depth, overcoming the franchise’s previous mistakes. Unfortunately, the film’s late arrival and controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling hindered its ability to win back the audience.

7. Puss in Boots (2011)

Director: Chris Miller

Puss in Boots revived the charming character introduced in Shrek 2, offering a legitimate swashbuckling adventure. The film explored Puss’ humble origins, providing depth to the notorious outlaw. Unlike many animated spinoffs, Puss in Boots successfully developed memorable characters, surpassing its predecessor’s success. The 2022 sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, further solidified the film’s impact, reminding audiences of the Shrek franchise’s potential.

6. Red Dragon (2002)

Director: Brett Ratner

Red Dragon presented a unique connection to the Hannibal Lecter franchise, serving as a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs. Despite facing skepticism due to the preceding sequel’s failure, Red Dragon justified its existence. The film showcased a more empathetic side of Will Graham and introduced a terrifying new antagonist, “The Tooth Fairy,” portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. The ensemble cast and Edward Norton’s compelling performance breathed new life into the series, making Red Dragon an underrated gem.

5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Director: Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy faced criticism for splitting J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel into three films. However, An Unexpected Journey stood out by focusing on Bilbo Baggins’ journey and courage. Unlike its sequels, the film retained a more innocent perspective, capturing the essence of the original children’s novel. Martin Freeman’s strong performance and the film’s humor made it the closest connection between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

4. The King’s Man (2021)

Director: Matthew Vaughn

The King’s Man served as a prequel, exploring the origins of England’s secret protectors during World War I. Director Matthew Vaughn departed from the cheeky and self-aware tone of the previous Kingsman films, offering a more serious and historically rooted approach. Despite the change in tone catching some fans off guard, The King’s Man demonstrated the series’ versatility. Unfortunately, the film faced challenges, releasing amid a global pandemic and lacking the main characters that initially popularized the franchise.

3. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Director: Ron Howard

Solo: A Star Wars Story faced challenges and skepticism but managed to tell a narrowly focused, isolated heist story. Unlike other Star Wars entries, it avoided being entangled in the larger Skywalker saga, presenting a confident yet inexperienced version of Han Solo. Despite Alden Ehrenreich not replicating Harrison Ford’s charisma, the film offered a refreshing take on the iconic character. Behind-the-scenes drama and a divided fan base contributed to the film’s underwhelming performance.

2. Prometheus (2012)

Director: Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott’s Prometheus took a bold approach as a science fiction film, deviating from the expected Alien prequel. Instead of merely tying into the franchise, Prometheus explored existential themes about the search for God and consciousness. Michael Fassbender’s outstanding performance added complexity to the film, making it a more cerebral and ambitious entry in the Alien series. While some audiences felt misled, Prometheus remains a standout for its unique take on the franchise.

1. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

Director: David Lynch

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me defied conventional prequel expectations, offering a unique exploration of events hinted at in the original series. David Lynch provided a closer look at Laura Palmer’s suffering, reclaiming her narrative with terrifying detail. The film introduced new information about the Twin Peaks mythology, including the surprising reveal of David Bowie as former FBI agent Phillip Jeffries. Initially dismissed as unnecessary, Fire Walk With Me gained significance through callbacks in Twin Peaks: The Return, emphasizing its importance in the series.

Conclusion

In the realm of movie prequels, these ten films stand out for their ability to defy expectations and contribute meaningfully to their respective franchises. From exploring iconic characters’ backstories to introducing fresh perspectives, these underrated prequels have left a lasting impact that deserves recognition.

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