The question of how many Amityville movies exist doesn’t have a simple, straightforward answer. Officially, there are at least 31 theatrically released and direct-to-video/streaming films bearing the “Amityville” name, often leveraging the notoriety of the original story, though many have tenuous connections to the events surrounding the Lutz family. This includes sequels, prequels, remakes, and loosely related spin-offs.
The Amityville Horror Legacy: A Filmography Overview
The Amityville horror phenomenon, born from Jay Anson’s controversial 1977 book “The Amityville Horror,” has haunted cinemas and home screens for over four decades. The original story, based on the Lutz family’s experiences living in the infamous 112 Ocean Avenue house in Amityville, New York, captured the public imagination and spawned a sprawling film franchise. However, the degree to which each film ties into the original narrative varies wildly.
The sheer volume of Amityville-themed films makes navigating the franchise a daunting task. While some films directly continue the Lutz family’s story or explore the origins of the demonic forces at play, others simply exploit the Amityville name to attract viewers seeking a familiar brand of horror. This blurring of lines has resulted in a cinematic universe that is often confusing and inconsistent. Identifying which films are considered “official” or “canon” is nearly impossible due to the lack of centralized oversight and the varying degrees of creative license employed by filmmakers.
Understanding the different categories of Amityville films – sequels, prequels, remakes, and “Amityville in Name Only” (AINO) productions – is crucial to appreciating the breadth and, at times, the absurdity of the franchise. The following FAQs will help you navigate this complex and often bewildering cinematic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Amityville Movies
What Was the First Amityville Movie?
The first Amityville movie was “The Amityville Horror”, released in 1979. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, it was a box office success, capitalizing on the controversy and widespread interest surrounding Jay Anson’s book. It presented a dramatized account of the Lutz family’s alleged experiences in the house at 112 Ocean Avenue.
How Many Direct Sequels to the Original “Amityville Horror” Are There?
Defining “direct sequel” is tricky, as the continuity between films is often inconsistent. However, films that explicitly continue the Lutz family’s story, even if loosely, can be considered direct sequels. This would include “Amityville II: The Possession” (1982), a prequel focusing on the DeFeo family (whose son murdered his family in the house before the Lutzes moved in), and arguably “Amityville 3-D” (1983), though it largely abandons the original characters. Several later films, though using the Amityville name, have only tangential connections to the original narrative and characters.
Is “Amityville II: The Possession” a True Story?
No. “Amityville II: The Possession” is a fictionalized account of the DeFeo family murders. While it draws inspiration from the events that occurred before the Lutz family moved into the house, the film takes significant liberties with the facts and incorporates supernatural elements not supported by any documented evidence. The incestuous undertones depicted in the film are particularly controversial and have been widely criticized.
What is an “Amityville in Name Only” (AINO) Movie?
“Amityville in Name Only” (AINO) movies are films that use the “Amityville” title solely for marketing purposes, with little to no connection to the original story, the house, or the events surrounding the Lutz family. These films often feature unrelated horror themes and settings, using the Amityville name to attract viewers familiar with the franchise. Examples include films where a possessed object from the Amityville house finds its way to a different location and begins terrorizing a new group of people.
Are All the Amityville Movies Scary?
The quality and scariness of the Amityville movies vary drastically. While the original “Amityville Horror” and “Amityville II: The Possession” are generally considered effective horror films, many of the subsequent sequels and spin-offs suffer from low budgets, weak scripts, and poor special effects. The effectiveness of each film is subjective, but critical consensus often reflects a decline in quality as the franchise progressed.
Which Amityville Movies Are Considered the Worst?
Identifying the “worst” Amityville movies is a matter of opinion, but films like “Amityville Dollhouse” (1996) and many of the low-budget, direct-to-video offerings are often cited as examples of poorly made and uninspired additions to the franchise. These films often lack the atmosphere and tension of the earlier entries and rely on cheap scares and predictable plotlines.
Was There an “Amityville Horror” Remake?
Yes, there was a remake of “The Amityville Horror” released in 2005, starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George. While it attempted to update the story for a modern audience, it received mixed reviews and failed to capture the same cultural impact as the original.
What Makes the Original “Amityville Horror” Movie So Iconic?
Several factors contributed to the iconic status of the original “Amityville Horror” movie. These include:
- The “Based on a True Story” Claim: The film’s marketing heavily emphasized its supposed basis in real events, lending it an air of authenticity and fueling public interest.
- The Atmospheric Horror: The film effectively creates a sense of dread and unease through its use of sound, lighting, and cinematography.
- The Performances: James Brolin and Margot Kidder delivered compelling performances as the Lutz couple, further immersing viewers in the story.
- The Cultural Impact: The film became a cultural phenomenon, influencing subsequent horror films and solidifying the Amityville story in the popular imagination.
Where Was the Original “Amityville Horror” Movie Filmed?
While the story takes place in Amityville, New York, the actual house used for exterior shots in the original movie was located in Toms River, New Jersey. The house was modified to resemble the infamous 112 Ocean Avenue address, including the distinctive “evil eye” windows.
Is the Real Amityville House Still Standing?
Yes, the real house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, is still standing, though it has been renovated and its address was changed to deter unwanted attention. The iconic “evil eye” windows have been removed.
Are the Lutz Family’s Claims Considered Credible Today?
The credibility of the Lutz family’s claims has been widely debated and largely debunked. Skeptics point to inconsistencies in their story, lack of corroborating evidence, and the financial incentives they had to promote the book and movie. While the story continues to fascinate, the consensus among paranormal investigators and researchers is that the events depicted in “The Amityville Horror” are likely exaggerated or fabricated.
What is the Best Way to Watch the Amityville Movies?
The “best” way to watch the Amityville movies depends on your preferences. For those interested in the original story, watching “The Amityville Horror” (1979) and “Amityville II: The Possession” (1982) provides the most direct narrative connection. For those seeking a more comprehensive (albeit often less satisfying) experience, exploring the various sequels, prequels, and AINO films can be a fun, if sometimes frustrating, exercise in genre filmmaking. Streaming services and online retailers offer access to many of these films, allowing viewers to curate their own Amityville marathon. Just be prepared for a wide range of quality and thematic consistency.