How Many Pet Sematary Movies Are There? A Complete Guide

There are currently three Pet Sematary movies. This article will guide you through the Pet Sematary film franchise, providing details about each Stephen King Pet Sematary adaptations, including Pet Sematary movie sequels, Pet Sematary timeline, and discussions about a possible Pet Sematary cinematic universe. We’ll cover the Pet Sematary remakes, give you a complete List of Pet Sematary films, discuss the Pet Sematary original movie, and explore whether there are any Pet Sematary prequels. This is your complete guide to the Pet Sematary film series.

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The Pet Sematary Film Series: A Comprehensive Look

Stephen King’s Pet Sematary is a chilling tale about grief, loss, and the terrifying consequences of tampering with life and death. The story has resonated with audiences for decades, leading to several adaptations. Let’s examine each film in detail.

Pet Sematary (1989): The Original Scare

• Release Date: April 21, 1989
• Director: Mary Lambert
• Starring: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne

The Pet Sematary original movie introduces the Creed family: Louis, Rachel, their children Ellie and Gage, and their cat, Church. They move to a new home in rural Maine, where they discover a pet cemetery in the woods behind their house. They also learn about a more sinister, ancient burial ground beyond it, capable of bringing the dead back to life.

Key Moments:

• Church’s Death and Resurrection: This event sets the story in motion. Louis buries Church in the ancient burial ground, and the cat returns, changed and aggressive.
• Gage’s Tragic Accident: The death of young Gage is a pivotal moment. Overcome with grief, Louis makes the fateful decision to bury his son in the burial ground.
• The Return of Gage: Resurrected, Gage is a terrifying version of his former self, embodying the horrors of the burial ground.

Why It’s Important:

The 1989 Pet Sematary is considered a classic horror film. Fred Gwynne’s portrayal of Jud Crandall is iconic. The film successfully captures the novel’s unsettling atmosphere and explores themes of grief and the dangers of trying to control death.

Pet Sematary Two (1992): A Controversial Sequel

• Release Date: August 28, 1992
• Director: Mary Lambert
• Starring: Edward Furlong, Anthony Edwards, Clancy Brown

Pet Sematary movie sequels don’t always live up to the original, and Pet Sematary Two is a prime example. This film is not a direct adaptation of any Stephen King work. It introduces a new family, the Gilberts, to Ludlow, Maine. Jeff Gilbert’s mother dies, and he and his father move to the town. Jeff befriends Drew Gilbert, whose stepfather is a cruel veterinarian. When Drew’s dog is killed, Jeff and Drew bury it in the ancient burial ground, setting off a chain of horrifying events.

Key Differences:

• New Characters and Story: Pet Sematary Two features a completely new story, unrelated to the Creed family.
• Increased Gore: This sequel leans heavily into gore and graphic violence, often overshadowing the psychological horror of the first film.
• Mixed Reception: Critics and fans alike have generally given Pet Sematary Two mixed to negative reviews.

Why It’s Controversial:

Many view Pet Sematary Two as a departure from the themes and tone of the original film and novel. While it attempts to explore similar themes of grief and resurrection, it does so in a more sensationalized and less nuanced way.

Pet Sematary (2019): The Remake

• Release Date: April 5, 2019
• Directors: Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer
• Starring: Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, John Lithgow

The Pet Sematary remakes offer a fresh take on the original story. The 2019 Pet Sematary is a modern adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. It largely follows the same plot as the 1989 film, with the Creed family moving to Ludlow and discovering the pet cemetery and the ancient burial ground.

Key Changes:

• Ellie’s Death: A significant change is that Ellie, rather than Gage, is killed and resurrected.
• Emphasis on Rachel’s Trauma: The film delves deeper into Rachel’s childhood trauma involving her sister, Zelda.
• Modern Horror Elements: The remake incorporates modern horror tropes and visual effects.

Reception:

The 2019 Pet Sematary received mixed reviews. While praised for its atmosphere and performances, some criticized the changes to the original story and its reliance on jump scares.

The Pet Sematary Timeline: Order of Release

Here’s the Pet Sematary timeline based on the release date of each movie:

Title	Release Date	Director(s)
Pet Sematary	April 21, 1989	Mary Lambert
Pet Sematary Two	August 28, 1992	Mary Lambert
Pet Sematary	April 5, 2019	Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer

Exploring a Pet Sematary Cinematic Universe

As of now, there is no confirmed Pet Sematary cinematic universe in development. While the films share the same source material and setting, they haven’t been connected beyond that. Pet Sematary Two stands alone with a new narrative. However, with the popularity of Stephen King adaptations, the possibility of expanding the Pet Sematary film series is always there.

Potential Avenues for Expansion

• Prequels: Exploring the history of the burial ground and its origins could be a compelling prequel. Showing how the local community discovered its power could be interesting.
• Anthology Series: A series of stories set in Ludlow, Maine, focusing on different characters who encounter the burial ground, could offer fresh perspectives.
• Direct Sequels: Continuing the story from the 2019 remake or even re-adapting other Stephen King stories connected to the Pet Sematary universe.

Pet Sematary Prequels: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

• Release Date: October 6, 2023
• Director: Lindsey Anderson Beer
• Starring: Jackson White, Forrest Goodluck, Jack Mulhern

Pet Sematary prequels finally arrived with Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. This film delves into the history of Jud Crandall and the town of Ludlow, exploring the origins of the cursed burial ground.

Synopsis of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines

Set in 1969, the film follows a young Jud Crandall who dreams of leaving Ludlow, Maine, behind. However, he soon discovers dark secrets buried within the town that are connected to his family’s history and the infamous Pet Sematary. Jud and his friends must fight against an ancient evil that has taken root in Ludlow, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear.

Key Plot Points

• Jud Crandall’s Backstory: The film explores Jud’s early life and his connection to the town and its secrets.
• Origins of the Burial Ground: The film delves into the history of the burial ground and the events that led to its dark power.
• Ancient Evil: The film introduces an ancient evil that is connected to the burial ground and threatens the town of Ludlow.

List of Pet Sematary Films: A Recap

To summarize, here is the complete List of Pet Sematary films:

Film Title	Year	Type
Pet Sematary	1989	Original
Pet Sematary Two	1992	Sequel
Pet Sematary	2019	Remake
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines	2023	Prequel

Grasping the Themes of Pet Sematary

The Pet Sematary film franchise, at its core, explores several profound themes:

• Grief and Loss: The films delve into the devastating impact of grief and how people cope with the loss of loved ones.
• The Fear of Death: The story taps into the primal fear of death and the lengths people will go to avoid it.
• The Consequences of Tampering with Nature: The films warn against the dangers of trying to control forces beyond human comprehension.
• Family and Relationships: The films explore the bonds between family members and how they are tested in the face of tragedy.

Interpreting the Adaptations: Which is the Best?

The “best” Pet Sematary film is subjective and depends on personal preference.

• 1989 Original: Many consider this the best adaptation due to its faithfulness to the novel, iconic performances, and chilling atmosphere.
• 2019 Remake: Some appreciate the modern take on the story, while others criticize the changes made to the plot.
• 1992 Sequel: Generally considered the weakest entry due to its departure from the source material and reliance on gore.
• 2023 Prequel: A good attempt to explore the origin.

Fathoming the Future of Pet Sematary

The Pet Sematary film series has a dedicated following, and the potential for future adaptations is high. Whether it’s through prequels, sequels, or even a TV series, the story’s enduring themes and terrifying premise will likely continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the Pet Sematary about?

  • Pet Sematary is about a family who discovers a burial ground that can bring the dead back to life, with horrifying consequences.

• How many Pet Sematary movies are based on Stephen King’s book?

  • Two movies are directly based on the book: the 1989 film and the 2019 remake. The 2023 prequel film is based on characters and events from the novel.

• Can I watch the Pet Sematary movies in any order?

  • Yes, each film tells a self-contained story. But watching in release order helps to see the evolution of the Pet Sematary franchise.

• Who is Jud Crandall?

  • Jud Crandall is an elderly neighbor who introduces the Creed family to the pet cemetery and the ancient burial ground.

• Are there any deleted scenes in the Pet Sematary movies?

  • Yes, both the 1989 film and the 2019 remake have deleted scenes available on home video releases.

• What is the significance of the Micmac burial ground?

  • The Micmac burial ground is an ancient burial site with the power to bring the dead back to life, but those who return are often malevolent and changed.

• Is there a Pet Sematary TV series?

  • As of now, there is no Pet Sematary TV series, but it remains a possibility given the popularity of Stephen King adaptations.

• What makes the Pet Sematary story so scary?

  • The story is scary because it taps into primal fears about death, loss, and the unknown. It also explores the dark side of grief and the consequences of tampering with nature.

• Will there be more Pet Sematary movies?

  • Given the enduring popularity of the story, it’s highly likely that there will be more Pet Sematary movies in the future.