How to Watch Every Children of the Corn Movies in Order

If you’re into horror and want to dive into the creepy world of Children of the Corn, getting the right viewing order can make the experience even better. Inspired by a Stephen King short story, this series has grown into a mix of supernatural scares and psychological tension. Whether you start with the 2023 prequel or jump back to the original 1984 film, this guide will help you follow the story and enjoy all the eerie twists along the way.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you watch through the Children of the Corn series and understand its twisted storyline.

Children of The Corn Movies in Release Order

• Children of the Corn (1984)
• Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1992)
• Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
• Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996)
• Children of the Corn V: Isaac’s Return (1998)
• Children of the Corn 666: Revelation (1999)
• Children of the Corn (2009) (TV remake)
• Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011)
• Children of the Corn: Runaway (2018)
• Children of the Corn (2023)

Chronological Order of Movies

If you prefer to watch the films in order of the storyline, this is the sequence to follow.

1. Children of the Corn (2023)

As the most recent installment, this prequel takes you back to the origins of the terrifying cult of children. Set in a rural town plagued by crop failures, the story introduces us to the rise of the fanatical children who begin to worship “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” The film delves into how the sinister force first took hold, with the children rebelling against their parents and taking over the town in a deadly revolt. This film provides essential context to understand the motivations behind the cult and the fearsome entity they worship.

2. Children of the Corn (1984)

This is the original film that introduced audiences to the horrors lurking in Gatlin, Nebraska. A young couple, Burt and Vicky, find themselves stranded in a seemingly abandoned town only to discover it’s run by a group of children who follow a dark deity called “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” The children, led by the fanatical Isaac and his enforcer Malachai, have killed all the adults and created a society of their own, governed by strict and violent religious rules. The film builds a chilling atmosphere of isolation and terror, making it a cornerstone of 80s horror.

3. Children of the Corn (2009)

This made-for-TV remake of the 1984 film stays closer to Stephen King’s original short story. It follows Burt and Vicky as they stumble into Gatlin, but with some key differences in tone and pacing. The 2009 version highlights the psychological tension between the couple and brings a grittier, more realistic portrayal of the children’s cult. While it doesn’t stray far from the plot of the original, the updated take offers a fresh perspective on the terrifying events in Gatlin, adding more depth to the characters’ backstories and the town’s desolation.

4. Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice

Picking up where the original left off, this sequel explores the aftermath of the events in Gatlin. A reporter and his son arrive in town to investigate the murders, only to uncover that the children’s cult is far from finished. The film expands on the mythology of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” and the eerie influence he continues to have over the children. With new characters and a deeper dive into the dark rituals of the cult, The Final Sacrifice raises the stakes while keeping the same oppressive atmosphere of small-town horror.

5. Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)

Urban Harvest shifts the action from the farmlands of Nebraska to the city of Chicago. Two brothers, Eli and Joshua, are adopted by a wealthy couple after escaping from Gatlin. But the evil influence of the cult follows them to the city as Eli continues to preach the ways of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” This entry in the series explores how the rural terror of the previous films can spread to urban environments, with the cult’s dark powers taking root in unexpected places. The tension builds as the brothers’ new family begins to unravel under Eli’s control.

6. Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering

This installment introduces new characters and settings, but it still carries the eerie influence of the original cult. Naomi Watts stars as a medical student returning to her hometown, where she finds herself caught up in a series of mysterious deaths. The local children are falling ill, and they seem to be connected to a supernatural force that ties back to the cult’s sinister roots. The film blends elements of possession and small-town mystery, adding a fresh take to the series’ ongoing themes of children under a dark influence.

7. Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror

This film sees the return of Isaac, the original cult leader from the 1984 movie. Awakening from a coma, Isaac seeks to continue his reign of terror by rallying a new generation of followers. The film introduces new characters while also tying back to the events of the first movie, making it a key chapter in the series’ overarching storyline. Fields of Terror mixes supernatural horror with psychological manipulation, exploring how Isaac’s twisted influence continues to spread even after years of silence.

8. Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return

Years after the events of the original film, Hannah, a woman searching for her mother, stumbles into Gatlin. There, she uncovers the horrifying truth about her connection to the cult and its persistent influence over the town. Isaac, now older but still fanatical, returns as the central antagonist, guiding a new generation of children under his control. This film brings the series full circle, blending mystery, horror, and suspense as it explores how deeply the cult’s evil has rooted itself in Gatlin.

9. Children of the Corn: Genesis

Set in a remote desert area, Genesis follows a couple who become stranded and are taken in by a strange preacher and his wife. The preacher’s connection to the original Gatlin cult slowly becomes apparent as the couple realizes they are trapped in another dark, twisted situation. This installment brings the series back to its claustrophobic and slow-burn horror roots, focusing more on psychological tension and the unnerving influence of the cult’s beliefs.

10. Children of the Corn: Runaway

Runaway follows Ruth, a young woman who has fled the cult with her son, hoping to start a new life far away from the horrors of her past. However, she finds that escaping the cult’s grasp is not so easy. As Ruth tries to protect her son from the influence of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” she must confront her own trauma and the persistent reach of the dark forces she escaped.

Frequently Asked Questions