There are, to date, seven films in the Wrong Turn franchise. Spanning from 2003 to 2021, these movies have carved a gruesome niche in the horror genre, offering a terrifying glimpse into the lives of inbred cannibalistic mountain men.
The Twisted Family Tree: A Chronological Look at the Wrong Turn Films
The Wrong Turn franchise, while not always critically acclaimed, has consistently delivered a particular brand of gory horror, attracting a dedicated fanbase. Understanding the number of films is only the first step. Knowing their release order allows for a complete appreciation of the evolving mythology.
1. Wrong Turn (2003)
The film that started it all. A group of college students on a road trip encounters the horrifying residents of the West Virginia mountains. This initial entry established the core concept of isolated cannibalistic families preying on unsuspecting travelers.
2. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)
This sequel ramped up the gore and introduced a reality TV show crew as potential victims. It further developed the lore of the mutant inbreds, showcasing their unique methods of hunting and survival.
3. Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009)
A group of prison escapees finds themselves in the crosshairs of the cannibal clan. This film maintained the franchise’s signature brutality and further emphasized the rugged, unforgiving landscape as a key element of the horror.
4. Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011)
A prequel that delves into the origins of the Wrong Turn family, revealing their gruesome past in an isolated mental asylum. This installment offers a backstory to the iconic mutants, providing context for their deformities and homicidal tendencies.
5. Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012)
Another prequel, Bloodlines expands on the mythology, showing the cannibals’ influence on a small town and their confrontations with the local authorities. The film emphasizes the community’s complicity in the mutants’ activities.
6. Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014)
This film takes a different turn, focusing on a young man who inherits a secluded resort, unaware of the terrifying family secrets it holds. Last Resort introduced elements of incest and cult-like practices within the cannibal family.
7. Wrong Turn (2021)
A reboot of the franchise, this Wrong Turn offers a significantly different narrative. Instead of mutated cannibals, it focuses on a group of hikers encountering a secretive and dangerous ancient community protecting their land. This entry deviated from the established formula, offering a more psychological and suspenseful horror experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Wrong Turn Franchise
Understanding the franchise goes beyond simply knowing how many movies there are. The following FAQs address common questions and provide deeper insights into the Wrong Turn universe.
1. Are all the Wrong Turn movies connected?
While all seven films share the Wrong Turn title, the degree of connection varies. The first six form a loose continuity, exploring the same general mythology of inbred cannibalistic families in the Appalachian Mountains. The 2021 Wrong Turn is a reboot with a completely different story, characters, and antagonists. It exists as a standalone entry.
2. Which Wrong Turn movie is the scariest?
Scare factor is subjective, but many fans consider the original Wrong Turn and Wrong Turn 2: Dead End to be the scariest due to their raw brutality and suspenseful atmosphere. The 2021 reboot also offers a different kind of fear, playing on psychological anxieties and the unknown.
3. Who are the main cannibals in the Wrong Turn movies?
The most recognizable cannibals include Three Finger, Saw Tooth, One Eye, and Ma. Their physical deformities and grotesque appearances contribute significantly to the films’ horror element. These characters, particularly Three Finger, have become iconic figures in the slasher subgenre.
4. Is there a Wrong Turn 8 planned?
As of late 2024, there are no confirmed plans for a Wrong Turn 8. While the franchise has a dedicated fanbase, the reception to the 2021 reboot was mixed, which may have impacted future production. However, given the horror genre’s popularity, a revival isn’t entirely out of the question.
5. Where were the Wrong Turn movies filmed?
The Wrong Turn movies have been filmed in various locations, including Canada, Bulgaria, and the United States. The filmmakers often choose locations that evoke a sense of isolation and wilderness to enhance the atmosphere of the films. West Virginia, although the setting of the story, was not used as a filming location.
6. What is the order to watch the Wrong Turn movies in?
The most common viewing order is by release date, as listed above. Alternatively, some fans prefer to watch the prequels (Wrong Turn 4 and Wrong Turn 5) first to understand the origins of the cannibals before diving into the main storyline. However, the 2021 Wrong Turn can be watched at any point as it is disconnected from the other six.
7. What makes the Wrong Turn movies so popular?
The popularity of the Wrong Turn movies stems from their blend of gory violence, suspenseful plots, and the primal fear of the unknown. The films tap into the anxieties of being lost, isolated, and vulnerable to unseen threats. The grotesque imagery and shocking moments contribute to their cult following.
8. Who directed the Wrong Turn movies?
The Wrong Turn movies have had different directors throughout the franchise. Rob Schmidt directed the original, while Joe Lynch directed Wrong Turn 2. Declan O’Brien directed Wrong Turn 3, Wrong Turn 4, and Wrong Turn 5. Valeri Milev directed Wrong Turn 6, and Mike P. Nelson directed the 2021 reboot.
9. Are the Wrong Turn movies based on a true story?
No, the Wrong Turn movies are not based on a true story. However, they draw inspiration from various urban legends and the classic horror trope of isolated, inbred families preying on outsiders, seen in films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes.
10. How much did the Wrong Turn movies gross in total?
The Wrong Turn franchise, despite varying production budgets, has been commercially successful. The total gross of the seven films is estimated to be over $150 million worldwide, solidifying its place as a profitable horror franchise.
11. Are there any common themes running through the Wrong Turn movies?
Yes. Common themes include the dangers of isolation, the fear of the unknown, the clash between civilization and wilderness, and the consequences of inbreeding and genetic mutations. The films also explore the theme of survival in the face of extreme adversity.
12. Is the 2021 Wrong Turn movie worth watching?
The 2021 Wrong Turn reboot is a polarizing entry. While it deviates significantly from the established formula, it offers a more sophisticated and thought-provoking horror experience. Fans of the original series might find it disappointing due to the lack of cannibalistic mutants, but others may appreciate its fresh take on the survival horror genre. Its worth ultimately depends on individual taste.