The Wrong Turn franchise, known for its gruesome practical effects and relentless cannibalistic villains, has captivated and horrified audiences for over two decades. To date, there are seven films in the Wrong Turn series, each offering a unique, albeit often terrifying, twist on the backwoods horror trope.
The Wrong Turn Filmography: A Chronological Overview
The series follows unsuspecting victims who find themselves lost and preyed upon by families of deformed and inbred cannibals living deep in the Appalachian Mountains. While the quality has varied over the years, the franchise consistently delivers on its promise of visceral horror and shocking violence.
Here’s a breakdown of each film:
- Wrong Turn (2003): The film that started it all. A group of young adults traveling through West Virginia stumble upon a family of disfigured cannibals. Starring Eliza Dushku and Desmond Harrington, this initial installment established the franchise’s signature style and introduced the now-iconic villains: Three Finger, Saw Tooth, and One Eye.
- Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007): This sequel takes a different approach, focusing on a reality television show crew being hunted by the cannibals. Featuring Erica Leerhsen and Henry Rollins, this entry ups the ante in terms of gore and introduces a new generation of cannibalistic offspring.
- Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009): This installment centers around a group of convicts who escape from a prison transport and find themselves in the cannibals’ territory. It features Tom Frederic and Janet Montgomery and continues the franchise’s tradition of brutal violence.
- Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2010): A prequel film that delves into the origins of the cannibalistic family. Set in a secluded mental institution, this entry provides a backstory for Three Finger, Saw Tooth, and One Eye, showcasing their horrific upbringing. It stars Sean Skene, Jennifer Pudavick, and Tenika Davis.
- Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012): This film takes place during the Mountain Man Festival, bringing the cannibals into a larger, more populated setting. Starring Doug Bradley (of Hellraiser fame), this installment further expands the mythology of the inbred family.
- Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014): This sequel explores a dark secret within a family and involves a young man inheriting a remote hotel with sinister residents. Anthony Ilott stars in this entry, which is often considered the weakest in the series.
- Wrong Turn (2021): A reboot of the franchise, this film offers a completely different take on the Wrong Turn concept. Instead of cannibalistic inbreds, the protagonists encounter a group of survivalists known as “The Foundation,” who have created their own society in the Appalachian Mountains. This entry stars Charlotte Vega and Adain Bradley and moves away from the traditional slasher elements.
The Evolution of Horror: From Slasher to Societal Commentary
While the initial Wrong Turn films leaned heavily on slasher tropes, the franchise has attempted to evolve over time. The 2021 reboot represents a significant departure, exploring themes of isolation, survivalism, and the potential for societal breakdown. This shift reflects a broader trend in horror cinema, moving beyond simple scares towards more nuanced and thought-provoking narratives.
The Legacy of Practical Effects
One of the defining characteristics of the Wrong Turn franchise is its commitment to practical effects. From gruesome dismemberments to horrific injuries, the films rely on physical prosthetics and makeup to create a sense of visceral realism. This dedication to practical effects contributes to the franchise’s enduring appeal, providing a more tangible and unsettling experience than CGI-heavy horror films.
Critical Reception and Fan Appreciation
The Wrong Turn films have received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for their gore and practical effects, they have often been criticized for their predictable plots and reliance on horror clichés. However, the franchise has cultivated a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its commitment to old-school horror and its willingness to push the boundaries of on-screen violence. The box office success of the films has consistently justified the creation of sequels, proving the enduring appeal of the Wrong Turn formula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Wrong Turn franchise:
1. Are the Wrong Turn movies based on a true story?
No, the Wrong Turn movies are not based on a true story. They are fictional narratives created by screenwriter Alan B. McElroy and director Rob Schmidt. While they draw inspiration from elements of backwoods horror and urban legends, the characters and events depicted are entirely fictional.
2. In what order should I watch the Wrong Turn movies?
The best order to watch the Wrong Turn movies is in their chronological release order:
- Wrong Turn (2003)
- Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)
- Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009)
- Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2010)
- Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012)
- Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014)
- Wrong Turn (2021)
While Wrong Turn 4 is a prequel, watching it after the first three allows you to appreciate the gradual unveiling of the cannibal family’s backstory. The 2021 reboot can be viewed independently.
3. Who are the main cannibalistic villains in the original Wrong Turn movies?
The primary cannibalistic villains in the original Wrong Turn movies are Three Finger, Saw Tooth, and One Eye. These brothers, easily identifiable by their gruesome deformities, are responsible for many of the franchise’s most horrifying acts.
4. Which Wrong Turn movie is considered the scariest?
This is subjective, but many fans consider Wrong Turn 2: Dead End to be the scariest due to its relentless pace, excessive gore, and memorable villains. Others find the original Wrong Turn to be the most effective due to its suspenseful atmosphere and focus on survival horror.
5. Does the Wrong Turn reboot connect to the original movies?
No, the 2021 Wrong Turn reboot is not connected to the original movies. It features a completely different storyline, villains, and overall tone. It explores a different kind of horror, focusing on a survivalist community rather than inbred cannibals.
6. Where are the Wrong Turn movies set?
The original Wrong Turn movies are primarily set in the Appalachian Mountains, specifically in West Virginia. The 2021 reboot also takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, but it explores different areas and themes.
7. Are there any plans for a Wrong Turn 8?
As of late 2023, there have been no official announcements about a Wrong Turn 8. However, given the franchise’s enduring popularity, it’s always possible that a future installment will be developed. The success of the 2021 reboot suggests that the franchise could be reimagined and revitalized in new and unexpected ways.
8. What makes the Wrong Turn cannibals so terrifying?
The Wrong Turn cannibals are terrifying because of their deformities, their savagery, and their complete disregard for human life. Their isolation and inbreeding have resulted in physical and mental abnormalities that make them incredibly unpredictable and dangerous. The films also exploit the fear of the unknown and the vulnerability of being lost in a remote and unfamiliar environment.
9. Which Wrong Turn movie has the most gore?
Wrong Turn 2: Dead End is generally considered to have the most gore. The film features numerous graphic death scenes and relies heavily on practical effects to create a visceral and unsettling experience.
10. Who directed the Wrong Turn movies?
The directors of the Wrong Turn movies are:
- Wrong Turn (2003): Rob Schmidt
- Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007): Joe Lynch
- Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (2009): Declan O’Brien
- Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2010): Declan O’Brien
- Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012): Declan O’Brien
- Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014): Valeri Milev
- Wrong Turn (2021): Mike P. Nelson
11. Where can I watch the Wrong Turn movies?
The Wrong Turn movies are available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. They are also sometimes available on subscription services like Hulu or Netflix, depending on regional licensing agreements. Check your local streaming options for availability.
12. Is the Wrong Turn franchise worth watching?
Whether the Wrong Turn franchise is “worth watching” depends on your taste in horror. If you enjoy gory, suspenseful, and somewhat predictable slasher films with strong practical effects, you’ll likely find the original Wrong Turn movies entertaining. If you’re looking for a more nuanced and thought-provoking horror experience, the 2021 reboot might be more appealing. However, be prepared for graphic violence and potentially disturbing content.