Ranking The PHANTASM Films
The PHANTASM fans recently ranked their favorite PHANTASM films!
For over four decades, Phantasm has remained one of horror’s most unique and beloved franchises. With its eerie atmosphere, surreal storytelling, and the Tall Man’s menacing presence, Don Coscarelli’s series has cemented itself as a cult classic like no other.
But when it comes to ranking the films, opinions vary widely among fans. Some love the original’s horror, others favor the action-packed sequels, and some admire the bold risks taken later in the series.
To settle the debate, we recently turned to you—the fans—on social media to help us rank the series. Using your feedback, comments, and rankings, we’ve put together a definitive fan-voted list celebrating the best of the Phantasm universe!
The Top 3 Phantasm Films (According to the Fans)
1. Phantasm (1979) – The Original Nightmare
The original PHANTASM is still a fan favorite.
Why It’s a Fan Favorite: A surreal and terrifying horror masterpiece.
The film that started it all is still considered the best of the series. Blending horror, sci-fi, and dreamlike storytelling, Phantasm introduced us to the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), the deadly silver spheres, and the mysterious world of Morningside Cemetery. The unsettling atmosphere, bizarre visuals, and one of horror’s most haunting musical themes made it an instant classic.
Fan Takes:
“Literally my favorite movie of all time.” – Andrew Delouise
“1 is a brilliant film. Nothing else like it.” – Jeffrey Urbach
“The first will always be my favorite but I enjoy them all!” – Jeremy Wootten
This film’s influence on horror cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of the franchise and remains just as eerie and effective today as it was in 1979.
2. Phantasm II (1988) – Bigger, Badder, and Bloodier
Why It’s a Fan Favorite: High-energy action-horror with a bigger budget.
Phantasm II took the dreamlike horror of the original and amped up the action. With more intense battles, expanded mythology, and an epic road trip to track down the Tall Man, this sequel gave fans a bigger, faster, and more intense Phantasm experience.
Fan Takes:
“2 has always been my favorite.” – Brad Zufall
“2 was a great road movie.” – Kevin Hulme
“One of the best horror sequels ever.” – Kwstas Handrinos
While some fans miss the original actor for Mike, others feel the fast-paced action and inventive special effects make this one of the strongest horror sequels of the 1980s.
3. Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) – The Surreal One
Why It’s a Fan Favorite: The most mysterious and introspective entry in the series.
This was one of the most unexpected rankings to come out of our social media poll. Many fans love Phantasm IV for its dreamlike atmosphere, exploration of the Tall Man’s origins, and lost footage from the 1979 original that seamlessly connects the past and present.
Fan Takes:
“1 and 4 are my favorites.” – César Garrido Cazorla
“If you watch the first and fourth movie on their own back to back, they work so amazingly well together.” – Kieran Man
“The fourth one included some cool lore, and certain scenes felt so classic.” – Emerson Busby
While Oblivion has a slower, more abstract pace than Phantasm II, its deep mythology and eerie tone make it a fan-favorite that feels closest to the original film’s surreal horror.
The Other Sequels: Each One Has Its Place
While the top three were the clear favorites, every Phantasm film has its fans, and each brings something unique to the franchise.
Phantasm: Ravager (2016) – A Bittersweet Farewell
The final chapter of the Phantasm saga was a true labor of love. While it had a smaller budget and some experimental storytelling choices, many fans deeply appreciate that it gave us one last ride with Reggie, Mike, and the Tall Man.
Fan Takes:
“RAVAGER continues to fascinate and compel me as I get older.” – Rick Cross
“I liked all of them. The final one gets a lot of hate, but it was created as fan service.” – Bane_Mode
“5 was super interesting and amazingly well done given the circumstances.” – Kieran Man
Above all, Ravager is a heartfelt goodbye—both to the franchise and to Angus Scrimm, whose final performance as the Tall Man makes this film an essential watch for fans.
Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994) – A Cult Favorite
Phantasm III leans into the campy, action-packed side of the series, bringing back A. Michael Baldwin as Mike and introducing fan-favorite characters like Rocky. While some fans prefer the darker tone of the other sequels, others love the way Part III embraces the wild, adventurous side of Phantasm.
Fan Takes:
“The third is my favorite because it was the first one I actually saw.” – Emerson Busby
“I love the lore that was created throughout 3 and 4.” – Brent Brashear
“It’s not really my favorite, but it has some fun elements.” – Kieran Man
Though it is sometimes overlooked, Phantasm III has its share of memorable moments, great action sequences, and a strong continuation of the story.
