Hellraiser Franchise Ranked

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

My personal favorite, everything about this film is so well done. It’s a sequel that respectfully follows the first film. The effects are superb, the production design is sick as hell (no pun intended), there’s more screen time for Pinhead and the Cenobites (even goes as far as exploring their former humanity), and it’s all around fun. Overall, it’s an exceptional sequel that does everything the first did, just slightly better.

Hellraiser (1987)

It’s a sick and twisted horror film that explores sadomasochism and the human desire to feel pleasure at any cost with a damaged family right in the middle of it. Okay, so Pinhead isn’t featured that much, but at least he still serves a purpose to the story and isn’t shoehorned in, unlike with the later entries. Doug Bradley is superb as Pinhead and remained dedicated to the role throughout his career. Ashley Laurence is gorgeous as Kristy Cotton too!

Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)

I think this is better than most give it credit for. It picks up where the second left off with Pinhead being split into two entities after learning of his humanity. Doug Bradley does a fine job of playing both Pinhead and WWI Army Captain Elliot Spencer, his former human self. The only major flaws are that Pinhead’s one liners are really cheesy and the new Cenobites leave a lot to be desired. Otherwise, it’s a really fun flick with an awesome soundtrack.

Hellraiser: Inferno (2000)

The first entry in the series that went direct to video and it’s surprisingly decent. Sure the lower production quality shows at times, but it doesn’t take you out of the film. Essentially, it’s a crime/mystery film with a flawed and tortured police detective as the protagonist. It’s similar in tone with the film Angel Heart and an early example of writer/director Scott Derrickson’s talent. Also love the inclusion of James Remar!

Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996)

While not terrible, it could’ve been a lot better. I liked how it explored the origins of the Lament Configuration, but you can tell from the final product that it was a troubled production. It almost feels like they were trying to make two different films. The studios insisted they wanted Pinhead to have a larger role and their interference upset not one, but two directors. They both declined to be credited for the final film (the Alan Smithee pseudonym is used instead). The outer space setting doesn’t do the film any favors as the effects are laughably bad. Also, the last act is super rushed and the ending is awkwardly abrupt. At least Adam Scott went onto do better work after this film!

Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002)

The lazy writing and the fact that Pinhead feels shoehorned in (this wasn’t originally written as a Hellraiser film FYI) really hurt it. It’s a shame considering the underrated Dean Winters is actually decent in the lead role, plus is features the return of Ashley Laurence as Kristy Cotton. While not the worst sequel, it still suffers from being lazy and incoherent.

Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005)

While not terribly dull like Hellraiser: Deader, it still sucks. It tries to play itself off as a cool teen slasher flick, but fails horribly thanks to some terrible writing. The premise of Hellraiser being a video game just doesn’t work and it feels like an insult to the franchise. Then of course there’s the asinine and downright unbelievable plot twist. At least it features Lance Henriksen, who’s always fun to watch, but he isn’t nearly enough to make it worthwhile. Neither is a young Henry Cavill, who plays an unlikeable douche.

Hellraiser: Deader (2005)

I just find this one to be terribly dull. It certainly doesn’t help that it was written as an original screenplay, but once Dimension got their hands on it, they just had to tie it in with the Hellraiser mythology. Pinhead’s presence doesn’t add anything to the film and it’s just a cheap, incoherent, and boring mess overall.

Hellraiser: Revelations (2011)

Wow, and you thought the series couldn’t get any lower. It was only put in production by Dimension so they wouldn’t lose the rights to franchise and it was super rushed of course. Literally everything about this film sucks: bad acting, terrible effects, an incoherent story & plot, and the production values of a porn film. And I thought Hellraiser: Hellworld was an insult to the franchise. I give kudos to Doug Bradley for staying away from this.