Hellraiser
Unlike some of the others on this list, Hellraiser didn’t start as a movie. It’s based on the novella The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker. The main focus is originally on a puzzle box that opens a gate to Hell.
Although, over time it becomes more about the Cenobite Pinhead.
The original movie is written and directed by Clive Barker. It features Clare Higgins, Ashley Lawrence and Andrew Robinson. The story revolves around a man who moves into his brother’s old house with his his family.
Annoyingly, his second wife cheated on him with his brother. To make things worse, the brother isn’t dead… but that’s a story you need to see unfold for yourself.
Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 is set shortly after the first movie. It sees the return of Ashley Lawrence as Kristy Cotton while showing the origin of Pinhead. Furthermore, it also takes the characters to Hell and explores more of the Cenobites.
To say Hellraiser is sadistic and not for the faint of heart is an understatement. There is gore a-plenty with a lot of risqué moments. Moreover, the Cenobites like their chains when killing their prey.
Hellraiser isn’t just a movie franchise though. It also spun off into more books and comic books. Therefore, if you’re looking to see the whole story, expect to say goodbye to your money.
Release Order
1987 / Hellraiser / Clive Barker
1988 / Hellbound: Hellraiser II / Tony Randel
1992 / Hellraiser III: Bloodline / Anthony Hickox
1996 / Hellraiser: Bloodline / Kevin Yagher
2000 / Hellraiser: Inferno / Scott Derrickson
2002 / Hellraiser: Hellseeker / Rick Bota
2005 / Hellraiser: Deader / Rick Bota
2005 / Hellraiser: Hellworld / Rick Bota
2011 / Hellraiser: Revelations / Victor Garcia
2018 / Hellraiser: Judgment / Gary J. Tunnicliffe
