Horror prequels have a challenging task: they must craft a story that feels fresh while staying faithful to the lore that fans love. There have been numerous attempts to delve into the origins of horror’s most iconic characters and universes, with varying degrees of success. However, some prequels stand out for their creativity, atmosphere, and ability to send genuine shivers down our spines. Here is a list of the 10 best horror prequels of all time.

1.”Bates Motel” (TV Series, 2013-2017)

This series takes us back to the formative years of Norman Bates and the relationship with his mother that started it all. “Bates Motel” dives deep into psychological horror and delivers a modern classic.

2.”Annabelle: Creation” (2017)

As the origin story of the creepy doll Annabelle, this film offers jump scares aplenty and chilling moments that add depth to “The Conjuring Universe.”

3.”Ouija: Origin of Evil” (2016)

Surpassing its predecessor, this prequel enhances the storyline by setting it in 1967 and focusing on a widow and her daughters adding a new scam to their seance business, inviting pure evil into their home.

4.”The Thing” (2011)

While not quite matching John Carpenter’s classic, this prequel cleverly leads up to the events of the 1982 film with visceral practical effects and tension-filled storytelling.

5.”Prometheus” (2012)

Ridley Scott returned to the “Alien” universe with this ambitious prequel that explores the origins of humanity and the creatures we know as Xenomorphs.

6.”Insidious: Chapter 3″ (2015)

This chapter goes back in time to tell how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her abilities to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

7.”Amityville II: The Possession” (1982)

Taking us behind one of America’s most infamous haunted house stories, this film chronicles the horrifying events that lead up to “The Amityville Horror.”

8.”Leatherface” (2017)

A glimpse into the making of one of horror’s most iconic figures, “Leatherface,” takes audiences on a bloody journey through his twisted family history and formative years.

9.”Paranormal Activity 3″ (2011)

As a prequel to the hit found-footage series, this movie smartly uncovers more about why exactly Katie was haunted throughout her life.

10.”Ringu 0: Bâsudei” (“Ring 0: Birthday”, 2000)

Taking us back before “Ringu,” “Ring 0” gives chilling context for Sadako’s deadly powers and tragic past, providing layers more depth than ever imagined for this ghostly tale.

These movies succeeded because they expanded upon established lore with originality while maintaining what fans adored about the originals; they created tales so captivating they were scary in their own right without relying purely on nostalgia or past successes.