Episode 202 - The History of Horror Sequels

Episode 202 - The History of Horror Sequels

Author: The Lunatics Project August 4, 2026 Duration: 49:43
This week on Lunatics Radio Hour, we're exploring the history of horror sequels. It might seem like an unusual topic, but sequels have played a major role in the development of the horror genre. Horror has embraced sequels and franchises more successfully than almost any other genre, creating some of the most recognizable characters in film history and filling the genre's archives with long-running series. In this episode, we trace the evolution of horror sequels from the Universal monster films of the 1930s through the slasher boom of the 1980s and into the modern era. We discuss why horror became the genre most closely associated with franchises and how sequels helped shape the industry. We're also kicking off the Second Scary Scuffle, our head-to-head tournament that pits horror's greatest sequel monsters and villains against one another to determine the ultimate champion. Listen in as we examine the history behind horror sequels and begin the battle to crown the greatest horror sequel character of all time.Sources Fangoria article by Will Jones: How The Horror Genre Created The World of Legacy Sequels  Den of Geek article by David Crow and Joe George: The 31 Best Horror Franchises of All Times, Ranked Entertainment Weekly article by Steven Thrash: The 20 best horror sequels of all time  Forbes article by Mark Hughes: Top 10 Most Successful Horror Sequels of All Time Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune into Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror for a deep and often unsettling journey into the shadows of our past. Produced by The Lunatics Project, this series operates on a compelling premise: that the history of horror and the horror of history are inextricably linked. Rather than reviewing movies, each episode digs into documented, real-world events where primal forces like fear, violence, and the struggle for survival left a permanent mark on cultures and individuals. You’ll hear about the dark historical episodes and psychological phenomena that have haunted humanity for centuries, as well as the folklore born from genuine terror. Furthermore, this podcast meticulously traces the line from these factual atrocities and anxieties to the silver screen, analyzing how our most profound real-world fears are processed, shaped, and reflected in the horror films we watch. It’s an exploration for anyone curious about where our darkest stories truly come from and how the echoes of actual events resonate in the genre’s most iconic imagery and narratives. The result is a rich, thought-provoking listen that challenges the boundary between entertainment and the unsettling truths from which it often springs.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
Podcast Episodes
Episode 197 - The Devil's Footprints of 1855 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
On the morning of February 9, 1855, residents across Devon, England awoke to a baffling sight. Strange hoof-like footprints stretched through fresh snow for miles, appearing in dozens of towns and villages. According to…
Episode 196 - Campfire Tales #11: Shadow Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:30
This week Abby and Alex present two original works of horror fiction. Shadows was written by by Jon Adcock. Find more of Jon's work at https://linktr.ee/jonadcock. Family, Like Branches was written by Marisca Pichette. Y…
Episode 195 - The History of Medieval UFO Sightings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:34
Modern UFO reports are often associated with the 20th century, but strange objects in the sky have been recorded for hundreds of years. Medieval chronicles describe unusual celestial events, mysterious lights, and unexpl…
Episode 194 - The History of The Green Children Of Woolpit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:53
In the 12th century, villagers in Woolpit, England reported a strange discovery: two children with green-colored skin who appeared suddenly near the village. The children spoke an unknown language, refused most food, and…
Episode 193 - The History of The Paris Catacombs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
Watch our footage from the Paris Catacombs HERE. Beneath the streets of Paris lies one of the most disturbing landmarks in the world: the Paris Catacombs. In this episode, we explore the real history behind the undergrou…
Episode 192 - Campfire Tales #10: In Life and Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:45
This week Abby is joined by Alex Goleman to read two haunting stories about grief and death. Forgiving Amy was written by Mike Macera. Follow @mikemacera on Instagram and check out https://www.scene3.co/filmsIn Life and…
Episode 191 - The History of Birds in Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:14
From ravens and vultures to killer flocks and supernatural omens, birds have played a major role in horror for decades. In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, Abby sits down with Kate Rotunda to explore the history of b…
Episode 190 - The History of Jump Scares in Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:28
Why do audiences jump in horror movies? What are some of the greatest jump scares in cinema history? In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, Abby and Alan explore the history of the jump scare, from early suspense filmma…
Episode 189 - The History of The Bell Witch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:29
This week Abby and Alan discuss the reported haunting of the Bell Witch in Tennessee during the early 1800s. The events centered on the Bell family and centers around unexplained noises, voices, and physical disturbances…
Episode 188 - The History of Contagious Curses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
This week, Abby and Alan dive into the folklore behind horror’s most contagious curses, from The Ring to Smile to It Follows. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories.…