3. Hellraiser 3: Hell on Earth (1992)
The third instalment in the Hellraiser series is perhaps one of the most ‘Hollywood’ entries; one that very much feels like a product of the time it was made. It was the first of the films that felt more like a franchise sequel, being more over-the-top and flashy than its predecessors.
Despite this, it still managed to present Pinhead as a chilling villain, one capable of playing both intricate mind games and going on kill crazy rampages.
2. Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1988)
The first sequel is still the best. With a direct continuation of the events of the first, you can easily watch the two of them back to back as one piece. The film continues to build upon the mythology and horrors of the previous film, yet feels like its own entity.
Hellbound is the film that explores the inner workings of the Hellraiser universe more than any others, yet leaves viewers with as many questions as answers. Dark, disturbing and horrifically beautiful, Hellbound shows how good a Hellraiser sequel can be.
1. Hellraiser (1987)
Hellraiser is still easily the best entry in the entire franchise. A game-changing film upon its release, Hellraiser shocked audiences as it showed that horror could be gory and disgusting, yet thought provoking and deep.
The film changed the way that people looked at horror, made an instant icon in Pinhead, and launched the film career of Clive Barker. 30 years later, Hellraiser continues to terrify, enthral, and thrill.
What is your favourite Hellraiser film? Disagree with our list? Let us know in comments or on social media.