Cloverfield has become an actual franchise. It doesn’t feel like it, but quietly it’s gone from “Godzilla meets Blair Witch” to world-famous horror series. Three very different films make up what we have today, and there is more on the way with Cloverfield 4. 2018’s Overlord was suspected at one point to be another piece of this franchise but JJ Abrams confirmed it was a standalone release. Cloverfield 4 is on its way and we’re excited to see what it brings. However, before it arrives, I’ve been rewatching the first three and it’s time to rank them.
#3 The Cloverfield Paradox
The surprise Netflix film that entered the franchise last year was very different from what we expected to see next from the franchise. Of course, we didn’t know we had something to expect. It was announced and released on Netflix within the space of a few hours. This was an incredible marketing tactic that sent buzz high as quickly as it dropped after people started to watch it. I’d imagine most fans of the franchise would agree that this is the least of the films.
The continual twists and turns, including that final sequence, didn’t work as well as the other entries. Aside from debatably connecting to the original film at the end, it doesn’t seem to be in the same universe. Though given the subject matter about parallel universes, we may see everything connect at some later point. The fact is that the script was originally called “God Particle” and wasn’t supposed to be a Cloverfield film at all. Maybe if it had stayed that way, the film could have turned out better?
#2 Cloverfield
Most people would agree that The Cloverfield Paradox is the worst of the three films. However, I’d imagine there is more debate as to the placement of the other two. There isn’t much doubt that the first film, which seemed to be standalone for many years, is a unique film in a genre packed with CGI and lazy writing. It never let you feel comfortable. Every time you did, it killed another major character with the kind of sudden ease and smirking cruelty you’re used to seeing in Game of Thrones.
Despite that, fans still go back and watch it as an incredible blending of multiple genres. One that wiped out most of the horror-themed competition at the time. However, personally it’s only second on this list, and that’s only because I generally hate the found footage style of movie. Admittedly, this is possibly my favorite case that I’ve seen, but it still doesn’t match up to the first sequel.
#1 10 Cloverfield Lane
For me, this was a real masterpiece. We don’t often get to see John Goodman in this kind of role. It was a terrifying and incredible performance from him. I’d be very interested in reading the original script for this film. It also wasn’t initially intended to be set within the Cloverfield universe. It was called “The Cellar” at first and was filmed under the pseudonym Valencia. If it wasn’t given away in the title, the true nature of the film would have been even more veiled. The original ending, indeed, left things more ambiguous.
You know aliens are going to turn up in something with Cloverfield in the title, but that didn’t stop this being an incredibly dark film. The small-scale setting and psychological thriller within made for an intense ride of a very different style to the initial film, but with the feel of a spiritual successor behind it all, which is likely the reason Abrams decided to make this part of that universe… or part of the franchise anyway, I’m not so sure the three films all share any kind of universe.
What Next?
However, we may get more knowledge about how they all tie together (if they do) in Cloverfield 4. It could be years or minutes until that is released, knowing Abrams. So until then, just keep watching this intriguing franchise and see what comes. Also, feel free to argue with my ranking in the comments.