Phantasm - Watch Order: Release Order
The Phantasm series spans nearly four decades, following the nightmare logic of Don Coscarelli's original vision. This complete watch order traces the ongoing battle between the Tall Man and his victims across five films with remarkably consistent character continuity.
While Angus Scrimm and Reggie Bannister appear throughout the entire series, the franchise experienced significant budget variations and an 18-year gap before the final entry. The later sequels become increasingly experimental and low-budget, making this order best suited for dedicated fans wanting the complete mythology. For a curated selection, check out the Essential Films order up top.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Phantasm
A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.
Phantasm II
Mike, after his release from a psychiatric hospital, teams up with his old pal Reggie to hunt down the Tall Man, who is at it again. A mysterious, beautiful girl has also become part of Mike's dreams, and they must find her before the Tall Man does.
Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead
The Tall Man, that imposing menace from Morningside Mortuary, is back and once again haunting the thoughts of the now-adult Mike and his friend, ex-Ice Cream vendor Reggie. The two continue their hunt for the mysterious figure and in his path of destruction encounter a variety of dangerous situations, friends and enemies.
Phantasm IV: Oblivion
Taking off immediately where the last one ended, in this episode Mike travels across dimensions and time fleeing from the Tall Man, at the same time he tries to find the origins of his enemy, and what really happened the night that his brother died. Meanwhile, Reggie battles the spheres and the undead in a quest to find Mike before the Tall Man can complete his transformation.
Phantasm: Ravager
Brothers Mike and Jody join family friend Reggie to battle the Tall Man and his evil minions from another dimension, for the final time.
Other Film Series
Alien
Humanity's terrifying encounters with a perfect killing organism across centuries of space exploration.
Alien vs. Predator
Two iconic alien species clash in brutal combat, with humans caught in the crossfire of their ancient conflict.
Godzilla Movies
The legendary Japanese kaiju franchise spanning 70+ years across multiple eras and continuities.
Resident Evil
Live-action film adaptations of the popular survival horror video game series, featuring two distinct storylines across seven films.
The Purge
A dystopian horror franchise set in an America where all crime is legal for 12 hours once a year during an annual event called The Purge.
Tremors
Kevin Bacon and Michael Gross battle subterranean Graboids in this cult monster franchise spanning three decades.