Child's Play was the very first horror movie I ever watched, when I was 11 and is one of my favorite franchises, even though some of them I am not a huge fan of, but I just love me some Chucky.
If you have never seen these films (Where have you been?), they are about a possessed doll who loves to wreak some havoc on those around him, and while Chucky is pretty mental, he is also hilarious as well. The dark humor is a standout in these movies.
The original film, released in 1988, was crafted by screenwriter Don Mancini and notably voiced by Brad Dourif, and has spawned a total of eight movies and has also has led to a spin-off television series as well.
Unlike the Halloween movies, navigating the Chucky franchise is relatively straightforward as the films unfold chronologically until the 2019 remake, which introduced revamped versions of familiar characters and rebooted the timeline.
- Child's Play (1988)
- Child's Play 2 (1990)
- Child's Play 3 (1991)
- Bride of Chucky (1998)
- Seed of Chucky (2004)
- Curse of Chucky (2013)
- Cult of Chucky (2017)
- Child's Play (2019 reboot)
Seed of Chucky
Gentle Glen is a ventriloquist's dummy, the offspring of evil doll Chucky and his doll bride, both of whom are now deceased. When the orphaned Glen hears that a film is being made about his parents, he goes to Hollywood and resurrects them in an attempt to get to know them better.
He is horrified when Chucky and his lover embark on a new killing spree, and Chucky is equally horrified that his son has no taste for evil.
This installment in the franchise ventures into some uncharted territory, straying from the foundational elements that made Child's Play so good. While Chucky, with his trademark one-liners, certainly adds some entertainment value as always, the film's departure into more unconventional territory may not be to everyone's liking, and personally, I found it a bit too outlandish for my taste.
Child's Play Remake
After moving to a new city, young Andy Barclay receives a special present from his mother -- a seemingly innocent Buddi doll that becomes his best friend. When the doll suddenly takes on a life of its own, Andy unites with other neighborhood children to stop the sinister toy from wreaking bloody havoc.
Moving along to the 2019 remake, this one feels like a paint-by-numbers horror film. It follows a formula without bringing the same charm and depth that made me love most of the other movies, in particular the film it was rebooting. This one is probably the only movie in the franchise I recommend you skip, because you might as well just watch the original. [Child's Play 2019 on IMDB]
Bride of Chucky
After being cut apart by the police, killer doll Chucky is resurrected by Tiffany, an ex-girlfriend of the serial murderer whose soul is inside the toy. Following an argument, Chucky kills Tiffany and transfers her soul into a bride doll.
To find the magical amulet that can restore them both to human form, Chucky and Tiffany arrange to be driven to New Jersey by Jesse and Jade, who are unaware that their cargo is alive.
Bride of Chucky takes a noticeable shift towards comedy rather than horror, which might not appeal to everyone. But, it's well-directed by Ronnie Yu, and Jennifer Tilly always adds a lot when she is involved as well. Despite liking this movie, it's not as good as the other movies higher up. [Bride Of Chucky on IMDB]
Cult of Chucky
Chucky returns to terrorize his human victim, Nica, who is confined to an asylum for the criminally insane. Meanwhile, the killer doll has some scores to settle with his old enemies, with the help of his former wife.
This movie has been known to divide opinions, but personally, I liked it, particularly Fiona Dourif's performance. The decision to explore a different direction in this installment was also a bold move, one that I believe paid off.
The introduction of multiple Chuckys adds an interesting twist and the asylum setting helped provide a good atmosphere within the film, and while opinions are mixed, I found it to be entertaining and enjoyable [Cult of Chucky on IMDB]
Child's Play 3
It's been years since Chucky, the doll with the soul and the voice of a psychopathic killer, was apparently destroyed in a fire at a doll factory. Now Chucky's manufacturer is remaking the same line of toys with the old, still haunted materials.
This resurrects Chucky, who goes after Andy, his former owner, who now attends military school. Chucky slashes his way through a string of grotesque murders as Andy tries to stop the homicidal doll and the spirit within it.
Number four on the list is the 3rd installment. It has some memorable scenes to enjoy as well, like the one in the amusement park, and for me I think it is a decent watch, although I do fully understand the criticisms as well, but since this is my list.....
It may not be perfect, but there's still a lot to appreciate in this film. [Child's Play 3 on IMDB]
Curse of Chucky
After the events of Seed of Chucky, Nica, a young woman forced to a wheelchair since birth, has to regroup her sister, Barb and her brother-in-law, Ian for a funeral after the death of her mother.
While dealing with Barb, Ian, along with their 5-year-old daughter, Alice; Nica receives an odd package - a creepy doll. After people start showing up dead, the fearless Nica soon suspects that the creepy doll is much more than just a doll.
With low expectations before watching Curse of Chucky, this movie actually pleasantly surprised me. It returned to the franchise's roots, and captured the original atmosphere that I loved, and delivered some solid performances. The low-budget setting adds to its charm, and while the new storyline may be a bit polarizing, I enjoyed it a lot. .[Curse Of Chucky on IMDB]
Child's Play
Gunned down by Detective Mike Norris, dying murderer Charles Lee Ray uses black magic to put his soul inside a doll named Chucky -- which Karen Barclay then buys for her young son, Andy.
When Chucky kills Andy's baby sitter, the boy realizes the doll is alive and tries to warn people, but he's institutionalized. Now Karen must convince the detective of the murderous doll's intentions, before Andy becomes Chucky's next victim.
Securing the prestigious second position is the original film from 1988, where a horror icon was born. This movie stands as a timeless classic in the horror genre and is often regarded as one of the finest slasher films ever made. Brad Dourif's portrayal of Chucky is nothing short of iconic, cementing the character's status as a horror icon.
The atmosphere, tone, and suspense is all brilliantly executed, and the movie remains as effective as ever. It's a must-watch. [Child's Play on IMDB]
You can also read my review of Child's Play
Child's Play 2
Two years after serial killer Charles Lee Ray inserted his soul into a Chucky doll, a toy company attempts to re-create the doll, bringing Ray back in the process. The possessed doll, intent on claiming a human body, kills his way toward former owner Andy, who now lives in a foster home.
Andy's foster sister, Kyle, tries to protect him, but his foster parents believe Andy is just a troubled kid -- and Chucky's murderous path continues.
This may surprise some people but making the top spot is Child's Play 2. This direct sequel to the original surpasses its predecessor in my opinion. Everything works in this movie, from the performances to the humo and the final act is a brilliant standout moment in the franchise, and it is just is a perfect blend of horror and outright entertainment. [Child's Play 2 on IMDB]
How would you rank them? Let me know in the comments or connect with me on my horror twitter and horror Instagram pages.
Check out some of my other horror movie posts.
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