How to Watch ‘The Strangers’ Movies in Chronological Order

In 2008, ‘The Strangers’ captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of home invasion, playing on the universal fear of being watched in one’s own home. The film stood out for its realistic, “inspired by true events” label, which heightened its sense of terror. A decade later, the franchise continued with ‘The Strangers: Prey at Night’ (2018), a direct sequel that expanded on the original’s premise.

On 17th May 2024, the franchise introduced ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’. Many long-time fans expected this new instalment to be a prequel to the original film, but it turns out ‘Chapter 1’ is more complex. Instead of being a prequel, it serves as a “reimagining” of the 2008 movie, acting as a soft reboot rather than a continuation or remake. This new entry brings fresh characters and perspectives while drawing on the original film’s plot points, offering a different take on the familiar story.

Image Courtesy: People

For those looking to watch the films in order, the recommended sequence is:

1. ‘The Strangers’ (2008)

2. ‘The Strangers: Prey at Night’ (2018)

3. ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ (2024)

This viewing order ensures a comprehensive understanding of the franchise’s evolution. Although ‘Chapter 1’ is designed to be accessible on its own, watching the earlier films provides context and enhances the experience. 

Image Courtesy: Bloody Disgusting 

‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ is the beginning of a new trilogy, with two more instalments planned. While no official dates are set for ‘The Strangers: Chapter 2’ and ‘Chapter 3’, they are expected to be released within the next year or so, with the first likely hitting theatres in late 2024 and the latter in early 2025. The trilogy might even see a 4.5-hour director’s cut upon completion.

Producer Courtney Solomon noted that the trilogy aims to build on the original film’s primal fear of unexplained violence, expanding it into a more intricate and character-driven horror narrative.

–Farheen Ali