The “Children of the Corn” film series stands as a cornerstone of horror storytelling, drawing its eerie roots from Stephen King’s 1977 short story. Set in rural America, the premise taps into an unnerving reality where innocence is twisted, and children become the harbingers of terror. The series has left an enduring mark on the genre, sparking fear and fascination for decades.
Beginning with the original film in 1984, the franchise expanded to include multiple sequels, a TV remake, and even a prequel. Each movie explores its sinister world uniquely—some focusing on chilling cult rituals, while others highlight the psychological struggles of its characters. For fans and newcomers, watching these films in order provides a clear view of how the story has grown and shifted over time, maintaining its unsettling impact.
| Movie Name | IMDb Rating | Apple TV | Prime Video |
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| Children of the Corn (1984) | 5.6 |
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| Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1992) | 4.3 |
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| Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995) | 4.1 |
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| Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996) | 4.2 |
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| Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998) | 3.9 |
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| Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return (1999) | 3.6 |
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| Children of the Corn: Revelation (2001) | 3.5 |
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| Children of the Corn (2009) - TV Remake | 3.8 | Not Available |
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| Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011) | 3.7 |
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| Children of the Corn: Runaway (2018) | 3.5 |
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| Children of the Corn (2020) - Prequel | 3.6 | Not Available |
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All Eleven Movies Movies Breakdown
1. Children of the Corn (1984)
The first film introduced the eerie town of Gatlin, Nebraska, where children, led by the enigmatic Isaac and violent Malachai, commit horrific acts in the name of a sinister entity in the cornfields. Featuring Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton, the movie captured the terror of rural isolation and child-led cults. Its unsettling atmosphere and gruesome moments made it a classic that established the franchise’s dark tone, exploring themes of religion, power, and blind faith.
2. Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1992)
Set directly after the events of the first film, the sequel delves into Gatlin’s secrets as survivors uncover the dark truth about the children’s worship. As the horror expands beyond the original cornfields, the sinister entity’s grip becomes more terrifying. This installment amplified the gore and introduced new elements, including supernatural forces at play. Although it moved the story forward, its focus on spectacle over suspense marked a departure from the haunting simplicity of the first.
3. Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
This installment takes the terror from the rural cornfields to the chaotic streets of Chicago. Following two orphaned brothers brought to the city, the story reveals how the sinister cult’s influence grows even in an urban setting. With grotesque visuals and a shocking climax, this sequel introduces new lore about the entity known as “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” The urban backdrop offers a fresh perspective, blending traditional horror elements with city-bound chaos.
Interesting Facts: John Franklin portrayed Isaac, the child cult leader, in the original 1984 film. Despite playing a 12-year-old, Franklin was actually 23 during filming. His youthful appearance was due to a growth hormone deficiency, allowing him to play much younger characters convincingly.
— Source: Looper
4. Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996)
A standalone entry, this film revolves around a young medical student returning to her hometown only to face an outbreak of violent behavior among children. Featuring Naomi Watts in one of her early roles, it dives into themes of ancestral curses and buried secrets. The shift in focus to a more psychological approach adds depth to the franchise, while the haunting rural setting stays true to its roots. It blends suspense with shocking revelations about the town’s dark past.
5. Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998)
This entry follows a group of teens who stumble upon a remote farm controlled by a child-led cult. The sinister entity’s grip over the children deepens as they commit horrific acts in its name. Known for its grim atmosphere and gruesome deaths, the movie embraces a darker tone, diving further into the unrelenting power of the cornfields. While it doesn’t heavily connect to earlier entries, its focus on fear and survival keeps the tension alive.
6. Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return (1999)
The sixth film brings back Isaac, the terrifying leader from the first movie, now awakening from a coma to revive the cult. As a direct sequel, it explores the legacy of the cornfield rituals and the next generation of followers. The return of Isaac ties the story to its origins, creating a blend of nostalgia and terror. With twisted revelations and a sinister build-up, this installment revisits themes of control and blind loyalty.
7. Children of the Corn: Revelation (2001)
Centered on a young woman searching for her missing grandmother in a mysterious apartment complex, this entry offers a supernatural twist. Ghostly children haunt the building, their connection to the cornfield cult slowly unraveling as the story progresses. The claustrophobic setting shifts the focus from open rural landscapes to an isolated urban environment, offering a fresh yet unsettling perspective. While loosely connected to previous films, it maintains the franchise’s core themes of fear and possession.
Interesting Facts: Linda Hamilton’s Dual Debut: In 1984, Linda Hamilton starred in both Children of the Corn and The Terminator, launching two significant franchises in the same year.
— Source: Dread Central
8. Children of the Corn (2009) – TV Remake
A modern reimagining of the 1984 original, this made-for-TV adaptation stays closer to Stephen King’s original story. It delves deeper into the twisted ideologies of Isaac and Malachai while amplifying the gore and tension. With a more detailed exploration of the adult protagonists’ strained relationship, it adds emotional weight to the story. Though opinions were divided, it offered a fresh take for both old fans and new viewers.
9. Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011)
This installment blends traditional cult horror with a psychological thriller approach. A stranded couple encounters a bizarre preacher who harbors dark secrets about a child tied to the cornfield rituals. The film focuses on the idea of manipulation and supernatural control, weaving a tense narrative of distrust and danger. While it doesn’t heavily tie into earlier films, its minimalist approach and unsettling tone add a fresh layer to the series.
10. Children of the Corn: Runaway (2018)
The story follows Ruth, a former cult member who escapes the cornfields to protect her son from the horrors she experienced. Set in a small Oklahoma town, this installment brings a deeply personal narrative to the franchise, focusing on guilt, trauma, and survival. As Ruth battles her dark past, the movie explores the lingering impact of the cult’s influence. It offers a more grounded story with psychological depth, making it a standout entry.
Interesting Facts: Charlize Theron’s Early Role: Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron made one of her earliest film appearances as an extra in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995), marking one of her first forays into the film industry.
— Source: Entertainment Weekly
11. Children of the Corn (2020) – Prequel
Set before the events of the original film, this prequel explores the origins of the cult and the rise of the sinister entity. It provides insight into how the children came under its control, painting a grim picture of manipulation and sacrifice. With a focus on character-driven storytelling and intense visuals, this entry reestablishes the franchise’s unsettling roots while offering a deeper understanding of its horrifying lore. It’s a fresh start for newcomers and a haunting addition for loyal fans.
Main Cast of the "Children of the Corn" Series
| Movie Name | Actor | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Children of the Corn (1984) | Peter Horton | Burt |
| Linda Hamilton | Vicky | |
| John Franklin | Isaac | |
| Courtney Gains | Malachai | |
| Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1992) | Terence Knox | John Garrett |
| Ryan Bollman | Micaiah | |
| Rosalind Allen | Angela | |
| Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995) | Daniel Cerny | Eli |
| Ron Melendez | Joshua | |
| Jim Metzler | William | |
| Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996) | Naomi Watts | Grace Rhodes |
| Jamie Renee Smith | Margaret | |
| Karen Black | June Rhodes | |
| Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998) | Stacy Galina | Allison |
| Alexis Arquette | Greg | |
| Eva Mendes | Kir | |
| Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return (1999) | John Franklin | Isaac |
| Stacy Keach | Dr. Michaels | |
| Paul Popowich | Gabriel | |
| Children of the Corn: Revelation (2001) | Claudette Mink | Jamie |
| Michael Ironside | Priest | |
| Kyle Cassie | Jerry | |
| Children of the Corn (2009) - TV Remake | David Anders | Burt |
| Kandyse McClure | Vicky | |
| Preston Bailey | Isaac | |
| Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011) | J.J. Banicki | Preacher |
| Kelen Coleman | Allie | |
| Tim Rock | Tim | |
| Children of the Corn: Runaway (2018) | Marci Miller | Ruth |
| Jake Ryan Scott | Aaron | |
| Mary Kathryn Bryant | Sarah | |
| Children of the Corn (2020) - Prequel | Elena Kampouris | Boleyn |
| Kate Moyer | Eden | |
| Callan Mulvey | Robert |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all the Children of the Corn movies connected?
While some movies directly continue the original story, others act as standalone installments or focus on new characters and locations. The overarching theme of a sinister cult remains consistent.
Which movie explores the origins of the cult?
The 2020 prequel delves into the roots of the cornfield rituals and the rise of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” providing a deeper understanding of the cult’s origins.
Why did the series shift from rural to urban settings in some films?
The shift, seen in Urban Harvest and Revelation, aimed to explore how the cult’s influence could spread beyond rural communities, adding variety to the storyline and environments.
Do the movies stay true to Stephen King’s short story?
The original film and the 2009 TV remake are the closest adaptations of King’s story. The sequels, however, expand the lore far beyond the original narrative.
Which movie is the most popular among fans?
The 1984 original remains a fan favorite due to its iconic characters, suspenseful storytelling, and influence on the horror genre. Its success paved the way for the entire franchise.
