Cosy horror for dark nights

Same nightmares. Different stories.

Film · 2001

The Mummy Returns

A big, noisy sequel to The Mummy, with the same adventurers back and a fresh set of ancient trouble.

The Mummy Returns, an After Dark title card
Year
2001
Kind of horror
Monster, Period

This is the loud, sprawling follow-up to The Mummy. The same crew of adventurers are back together, and the past has once again refused to stay buried. Expect tomb dust, gunfire, a lot of running and a great deal of ancient trouble.

The fear here is more rollercoaster than nightmare. There are creepy moments and things that lurch out of the dark, but it is closer to a popcorn adventure than a proper fright. I would call it a gentle two out of five, and nothing in it should keep you awake.

It is for anyone who likes their horror with the volume up and the tension kept light. Fans of the first film will feel at home straight away, and Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz do most of the heavy lifting with plenty of charm. It also happens to be Dwayne Johnson's film acting debut, which is a fun thing to spot on a rewatch.

Put it on for a rainy Sunday with a blanket, a big mug of coffee and a takeaway on the way. It is a lively night in, not a lights-off one.

If you like this, try

Film · 1992

Bram Stoker's Dracula

A solicitor's trip to a remote castle to close a property deal brings something ancient back to London with him.

Film · 1994

Interview with the Vampire

A vampire spends one long night telling a journalist the whole truth about his centuries of undead life.

Film · 2017

It

Seven outcast kids face a menace that stalks their town as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

Film · 1933

King Kong

A giant gorilla, a woman in danger and a monster story with room for a little sadness.

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The After Dark Top 40

Forty horror films counted down like the charts, from silent classics to new favourites, picked by Erin and sent the moment you join.