All 3 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Movies, Ranked

Alright horror fans, gather 'round the campfire! We're about to dive headfirst into the murky waters of a late 90s slasher trilogy that carved its own little niche into pop culture: the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" movies.

These films gave us plenty of jump scares, a menacing fisherman with a hook, and a whole lot of teen angst wrapped in a suspenseful package. But let's be honest, not all sequels are created equal. So, we're going to rank them from worst to best, dissecting what worked, what didn't, and ultimately deciding which movie deserves to be at the top of the killer heap.

Buckle up, because we're about to revisit a summer of secrets, lies, and deadly consequences.

3. I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)

Oh boy, where do we even begin with this one? This is the film that many fans like to pretend doesn't exist. It's so far removed from the original that it barely qualifies as a sequel. A new group of teens, a new town, and a completely unbelievable supernatural twist? It strayed too far from the grounded slasher formula that made the first two films moderately successful.

The plot is convoluted and relies heavily on a "hook-handed ghost" which simply doesn t fit with the original tone. The characters are largely forgettable, and the scares are cheap and predictable. Honestly, the best thing about this movie is that it eventually ends. This film tried to reinvent the franchise. But in doing so, it lost what little charm the series had left.

2. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Following up a successful slasher is always a challenge, and "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" certainly faced its share of hurdles. This sequel brought back Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., transplanting them to a remote island resort. Supposedly a relaxing getaway, predictably, it becomes a bloody nightmare.

While it boasts a bigger budget and a change of scenery, the plot feels somewhat recycled. The killer's motivation is flimsy, and the coincidences pile up to the point of absurdity. However, there are a few redeeming qualities. The tropical setting offers a visually appealing backdrop for the mayhem, and the film provides a few decent suspenseful moments. The cast does their best with the material, and there's a certain nostalgic charm to seeing these late 90s stars back on screen.

Ultimately, "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" is a serviceable sequel that doesn't quite live up to the original. It's a fun but flawed follow up that provides some entertainment value.

1. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

The one that started it all! This movie perfectly encapsulates the late 90s slasher craze. It's a classic tale of teenagers making a terrible mistake and being haunted by their past. A group of friends accidentally run over a fisherman, panic, and dump his body in the ocean. One year later, they start receiving menacing notes signed "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

The film boasts a strong cast, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr., all at the height of their teen idol fame. The killer is genuinely creepy, and the suspense builds effectively throughout the movie. The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene.

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" is a well-paced, suspenseful slasher that delivers on its promise. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a solid entry in the genre that remains enjoyable to this day. This film understood what made slashers so appealing: relatable characters, a compelling mystery, and plenty of satisfying scares.

Ranking and Comparison Table

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Final Thoughts

The "I Know What You Did Last Summer" trilogy is a mixed bag. The first film remains a solid slasher, while the second offers some fun but ultimately falls short. The third? Let's just say it's best left forgotten.

Looking back, the original film tapped into a cultural moment. The fears of suburban teenagers and the consequences of their actions resonated with audiences. It was a perfect storm of a good cast, a decent story, and effective scares. While the sequels attempted to capitalize on that success, they ultimately missed the mark.

These movies serve as a reminder that sometimes, the original is the best. And that sometimes, what you did last summer should probably stay buried. But hey, at least we got some entertaining horror flicks out of it, right? Just maybe skip the third one on your next movie night.

Sources

IMDb. (n.d.). I Know What You Did Last Summer. Retrieved from [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119345/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119345/)

IMDb. (n.d.). I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Retrieved from [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157140/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157140/)

IMDb. (n.d.). I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer. Retrieved from [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439853/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439853/)