Movies
The Leprechaun Franchise, Ranked
For any seasonal horror lover, St. Patrick’s Day presents a conundrum. It doesn’t boast the bounty of themed horror movies that other holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or even Valentine’s Day possess. Thus, when March rolls around, the weary eyes of fandom turn inevitably toward the Leprechaun franchise. Because Irish. It’s probably not the best impulse, but it’s certainly a common one.
It’s perhaps surprising that a low-budget 1990s horror movie starring Warwick Davis as a bloodthirsty Irish legend is now the cornerstone of an 8-film franchise, but the world we live in works in mysterious ways. Whether you’ve come to me during your first Leprechaun rodeo or you’re a veteran of the franchise who’s stepping back onto the battlefield, allow me to offer you this handy-dandy ranked guide to the Leprechaun movies should any seasonal viewings be afoot. As with any encounter with a leprechaun, an abundance of caution is necessary, so heed my words if you’re hoping to follow that rainbow this year.
Want to learn more about our favorite little guy? Check out our Horror 101 series all about the Leprechaun!
The Leprechaun Movies Ranked from Worst to Best
#8 Leprechaun: Origins (2014)
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Considering that, by writing the previous sentence, I’ve already failed to live up to that credo, I will take the liberty of adding a few more comments about this alleged origin story that became the first installment to replace Warwick Davis, in this case with the wrestler Hornswoggle.
If you bring up this movie in conversation, any good-hearted person will warn you quickly and often about the experience of sitting through it. However, it’s simply impossible to communicate such a soul-exfoliating experience with mere words. So you probably do still need to see it, if you haven’t. Just for the bragging rights of having stared Leprechaun: Origins in the face and lived to tell the tale.
#7 Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996)
I will give Leprechaun 4 this. It bestowed the world with the evil Nazi cyborg scientist Dr. Mittenhand. The greatest character in the history of Western literature notwithstanding, this is a tough movie to sit through. It’s mostly a tedious trawl through cheaply rendered spaceship sets.
#6 Leprechaun (1993)
You might be surprised to see the original Leprechaun rank so low. But even with the manifold delights of seeing a pre-Friends Jennifer Aniston in a low-budget ‘90s schlockfest, this is a rather rinky-dink affair. It certainly has its moments, nearly all of them thanks to Warwick Davis having a blast during his first of six outings in the title role. But when compared to the full-tilt kookiness that would come later, this comes off as fairly staid and unimpressive.
And let’s face it, any dirt cheap horror movie can earn itself an iconic line with the correct deployment of an expletive. But as fun as it may be to hear a child deliver the dialogue “Fuck you, Lucky Charms,” when you get right down to it there are dozens of more satisfying similar lines scattered throughout horror history. “Get away from her, you bitch,” this ain’t.
#5 Leprechaun in the Hood (2000)
Even if you haven’t seen it, looking at that title and that release year will automatically inform you that this movie is offensive as all hell. But it also goes out of its way to be offensive in a surprising myriad of ways beyond the obvious, so at least it has ambition. That said, as a movie it’s still kind of better than it has any right to be. This may be due to the presence of Ice-T, one of the few actual stars the franchise managed to nab after Aniston’s early appearance.
#4 Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood (2003)
Back 2 Tha Hood, despite its even more exploitative title, is a humanistic masterpiece compared to the depiction of “the hood” in the previous entry.
#3 Leprechaun 3 (1995)
This is basically Warwick Davis’ impression reel, and if you have a problem with that, then I don’t know what to say to you. Leprechaun 3 strikes gold by transplanting the setting to Las Vegas. Even though only one day of filming took place there, it lends the movie a sense of place that many of these entries lack despite proudly announcing their locations in their titles more often than not. It also combines leprechaun magic with the inherent greed of a town built on gambling in a satisfying way, while grafting all of that onto a truly bizarre were-leprechaun story that is certainly one of the more unique offerings in a franchise full of supernatural mayhem.
#2 Leprechaun 2 (1994)
Forget anything I’ve ever called kooky before this. This movie lives, breathes, and shits kookiness. It is a wild ride, a movie so committed to being its purest, most unadulteratedly weird self that the idea that a woman can become accidentally married to a leprechaun if she sneezes three times and nobody says “God bless you” is just the tip of the oddball iceberg. It also benefits hugely from its sense of place, opting to stop pretending that California is anywhere else and making good use of its seedy Hollywood setting.
#1 Leprechaun Returns (2018)
It feels heretical to put a movie on top that doesn’t have Warwick Davis in it. But this movie gives the Leprechaun franchise the legacy sequel treatment, and damn if it doesn’t actually do a pretty solid job. It’s funny, it’s got some well-rendered kills with exciting concepts, and while Linden Porco’s Leprechaun performance isn’t as engaging as Davis’, it’s a solid anchor for a movie that refreshingly seems to actually desire to be a pleasure to watch.
‘Tis February, and because of 2025’s Heart Eyes, we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many outlets are going to list romantic horror movies as the ultimate horror couples, we’re doing something different at Horror Press. We’re highlighting horror movie red flags. That way, you don’t waste your time this Hallmark season with duds who watch crap. These movies are grounds for automatic swipes to the left and leaving messages on read. Read this list to see the ultimate film filter to help you focus on more sustainable hookups, dates, and cuffing season partners.
8 Horror Movies That Are Dating Red Flags
A Serbian Film (2010)
An old pornstar agrees to do an art film only to discover it’s a snuff film. A Serbian Film is possibly the reddest of the red flags. The pedophilia and necrophilia make it a hard watch, so anyone who revisits it often should probably raise all your alarms. We try not to judge people, but this is definitely a title that will get you some bombastic side eye if you try to bring it to movie night. Would definitely not recommend spending the night after being shown this hellish title.
Any Eli Roth Movie
They’re all the same, and that’s why Eli Roth movies are the free space on this red flag bingo board. Whether it’s taking place in a cabin, a hostel, or during Thanksgiving, there is something inherently gross about a Roth film. I need a shower whenever some guy tries to convince me Roth has made any movies of note. Only people who want to be ghosted are suggesting these movies, and you should respect their wishes this February.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
A paranormal investigator looks into mysterious events that connect to his past. There is nothing nice to say about this Uwe Boll movie. It’s actually one of the few movies where I can’t even count on the design team when searching for compliments. While Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff have the misfortune of being the faces we associate with this shit fest, I’m not even letting the colorist and craft service off for their parts in this dud. When we talk about how we all love an occasional bad movie, no one means this one. This makes Alone in the Dark a red flag and alerts you that someone might not have taste.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A 1988 prom queen race turns deadly when a killer begins slaying the candidates. Fear Street: Prom Queen is another huge red flag because it has no redeeming qualities. People who like this movie are being contrarians and should immediately lose the right to recommend movies. From the lack of energy to the unserious kills, there is no reason to swipe right on anyone pretending this movie is good. Save yourself some time and probably more ridiculously bad watches and shut it down immediately.
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
When a Fourth of July Prank goes wrong, someone dies, and their friend circle finds themselves stalked by a mysterious figure. No matter what we think of any other installment/iteration of this story, this one is the worst. This is not my franchise, but this steep decline in quality is not like the others. Anyone who likes this movie is a walking red flag and possibly the most chaotic individual you have ever met.
Men (2022)
A woman heads to the English countryside to work through trauma and discovers more horrors are awaiting her. Men should have been my last straw with Alex Garland. However, I am a damn fool and suffered through Civil War, too. Which is why I can confidently say most Garland films are a red flag for me, but Men specifically underscores all of my problems with his work. If someone likes this movie, I will need them to explain it to me like I am five years old.
Skinamarink (2022)
Two kids wake up in the middle of the night and find that all of their doors and windows are gone. Skinamarink is the embodiment of “Girl, What?” The grainy footage gives many people headaches, and too much time is dedicated to the ceiling. Listening to people suggest watching it in closets, under blankets, with headphones to fully “get it” is weird and extremely unsexy. Which is why the movie and the people forcing the mood onto it are all red flags. I don’t want to kink shame but if someone is that into ceilings then maybe we’re not a good match.
Red Christmas (2016)
A family Christmas Eve gathering is interrupted by a killer seeking revenge. I cannot think of a bigger red flag than an anti-choice Christmas movie. I like my horror to be on the correct side of feminism, and this mess feels gross from a distance. That’s why this Dee Wallace title is a huge red flag and a festive horror mood killer. I know people like to talk about the great kills in this movie, but I insist on not hooking up with guys who like this one. If for no other reason, it probably tells you where they land on Roe v. Wade and we do not have time for that.
So these are some horror red flags from our team to your group chats. Now you can’t say no one warned you about the Eli Roth filmbros, or A Serbian Film fanatics.
Happy hookups and potential dating now that you know what to be on the lookout for! Never forget that it’s okay to swipe left, force close the app, and watch better horror movies than the ones listed above.
It’s still too cold to seriously consider going outside, so I am still in my couch potato era. Cozy, comfort, and Netflix are the three words people will hear me chanting under my breath this month. I also recently finished a group rewatch of Slasher: Solstice and have been looking at the other TV shows currently living on Netflix. Which is why I am looking for the warmth of my next quick binge. That’s right! I’m here with a few shows that could be taken down in one frosty February weekend. Most of them have been on my radar forever, and one of them I want to revisit because it screams lazy Stephen King Sunday. However, what I find most appealing about each of them is that I am guaranteed to lose at least a whole day if it’s a match made in hell.
Without further ado, here are the five titles I have my evil eye on this month. Check out my five Netflix picks for this February below! Happy binging to all my fellow couch potatoes!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Archive 81 (2022)
An archivist finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. I missed Archive 81, but have only heard good things about it. Which is why it’s weird it was cancelled after only one season, consisting of eight episodes. The popular show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and starred talent like Mamoudou Athie and Matt McGorry. So, I’m long overdue for this Netflix watch and am excited to finally see what all of the fuss is about.
Castle Rock (2018 – 2019)
A series set in the town of Castle Rock and inhabited by characters from some of Stephen King’s most infamous works. This is the only show on this streaming guide that I have already seen. However, it’s very cozy, and I want to go back in. While this divisive series wasn’t for everyone, it scratched my King itch better than most of his adaptations. Also, this cast was ridiculously stacked. Where else can you see André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, Sissy Spacek, and Lizzy Caplan all play together? I will definitely be revisiting these twenty episodes that make up these two seasons of what the fuckery.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
An immortal who feeds on children is threatened by a young woman with a mysterious gift. This show has circled my list forever, and it’s high time I cross it off my list. I also need to know what Zachary Quinto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were doing during this era of genre TV for research. I’m ready to run through these twenty episodes and report back on my findings. More importantly, I love to see a show with big “fuck them kids” energy. So, fingers crossed, he eats a few kids to keep me leaned in. I need this to be good for so many reasons.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A mob family in 1900s England sews razor blades in their caps and causes a ruckus. I am so ready to find out how this alleged crime drama collected so many horror fans. Is it just because it stars Cillian Murphy? Or is it very bloody and violent due to the razor blades being a key factor? Whatever the case, I’m excited to see all six seasons on Netflix. I plan to take these thirty-six episodes down like it is my job. I also cannot get over how lucky I have been to avoid all spoilers for the show, and I need to jump on it before someone ruins it for me already.
Reality Z (2020)
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, a TV studio becomes a shelter for a small band of survivors in Rio de Janeiro. Because of the pandemic, I missed this Brazilian horror show. However, this seems like the kind of international gory zombie situation that I would like to make my new personality. I’m looking forward to seeing if these 10 episodes are one of the few reasons to keep talking to Netflix this year. Fingers crossed it is a scary good time, because we deserve some scares this February.
So, that’s where you can find me this February. Under a weighted blanket, in front of a TV, and eagerly taking advantage of the shows Netflix has collected. Let me know if any of these titles on my list will be your excuse to stay in this winter, too. Although, I am sure many of you will be revisiting your favorite Mike Flanagan Netflix Originals. Meanwhile, I am trying to get into some new (to me) stuff because the winter of our discontent is upon us. I plan to beat the winter of our discontent by being unreasonably comfortable and drowning in genre shows. I advise you to do the same because the weather outside is frightful and we have no place to go.
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