Phantasm films have always been weird, in a good way, I mean. The franchise brings together disparate things such as cosmic horror and surreal imagery. These movies are truly almost unlike anything else in horror. Jebediah Morningside or the Tall Man, the series’ main antagonist, is not as well known or iconic as, say, Michael Myers and other iconic horror villains. But he still remains a legendary horror villain. Particularly among the franchise’s followers, he is something of an icon.
The ranking here is worst to best. It’s mainly based on how effective each movie is in giving the audience what it wants. This includes the horror quotient, story, atmosphere, mythology, and so on.
5. Phantasm: Ravager Runs the Tall Man’s Legacy Out of Steam
A still from Phantasm: Ravager | Credits: Well Go Entertainment
Phantasm: Ravager was intended to be a swan song for the franchise. But it’s not a very good one. Released nearly two decades after the fourth installment, it tries to tie the series back together using new footage and alternate realities.
There is still something undeniably charming about the late Angus Scrimm playing the Tall Man, one last time. He is the only reason why this film is even worth seeing. Budget constraints, which can be endearing, are much more visible here in a bad way.
4. Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead Drowns Substance in Style
A still from Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead | Credits: Starway International, Inc.
Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead is the third installment in the franchise. It expands the mythology and introduces new characters. Despite its rank, there is a lot to like here. The imagery is inventive and practical effects (for there time) are pretty good. But there is a focus on spectacle over substance. The mythology becomes convoluted without becoming any more interesting.
3. Phantasm IV: Oblivion Delivers a Melancholic, Micro-Budget Detour
The Tall Man in Oblivion | Credits: Orion Home Video
Phantasm IV: Oblivion is a radical change in pace and mood from its predecessor. It’s a rather unusual and surprisingly introspective journey (for the franchise, that is). This is the reason why Oblivion is quite divisive. Don Coscarelli spends every dime wisely. It lends the film its experimental nature. One of the reasons why this film is loved is its melancholic mood.
2. Phantasm II Earns Every Inch of Its Chainsaw
A still from Phantasm II | Credits: Universal Pictures
In Phantasm II, Don Coscarelli’s surreal horror concept adds new details to the mythology.. The effects in this movie are probably the franchise’s best. The presentation is also more polished. But it’s not entirely devoid of that scrappy feel.
But there is a trade-off. It’s like James Cameron making an action-heavy sequel called Aliens (1986) to Alien (1979). We think the original Alien remains the best, but opinions vary. While it has your usual horror thrills, some of that creepy atmosphere is gone.
1. Phantasm Remains Don Coscarelli’s Fever Dream That Started It All
It’s a rare franchise whose first entry is also its best. The sequels invariably try to recreate the feel and success of the first movie. Phantasm won’t make it to any list of best sci-fi horror movies, but it’s amazing. A young man investigates a mortuary and its mysterious caretaker. It starts from there and goes… well, you really must discover this surreal nightmare yourself.
Scrimm’s performance is what makes the movie so good. He makes his character terrifying just by his towering presence and emotionless delivery.
Do you agree with our ranking? Let us know in the comments!
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