Ranking Everything "Art the Clown"

Welcome to this spoiler-free ranking of everything involving Art the Clown! In this post, I’ll rank and review every movie involving the infamous Art. This means that I’ll not only be including Terrifier 1,2 and 3, but I’ll also be ranking All Hallows’ Eve on this list. Ranking will be based on three main criteria: gore, plot, and Art’s performance and presence. Let’s get started!

Number 4:  All Hallow’s Eve (2013)

Gore: 2/5            Plot: 3/5              Art the Clown: 2/5                          Total: 7/15

All Hallows’ Eve is the first film to include Art the Clown. It is an anthology film that features three shorts with one overarching plot. As a whole, the film is not terribly great. It has its moments, but the acting is poor, and there also isn’t as much gore as you would expect. The gore it includes is fine, but it’s nothing in comparison to the rest of these films. The plot, however, is a nice concept; nothing groundbreaking, but decent. Unfortunately, the plot doesn’t earn it enough points to get higher on this list. Finally, Art just isn’t on screen enough. I would have liked to see more of him.

Number 3: Terrifier (2016)

Gore: 4/5            Plot: 1/5              Art the Clown: 4/5                          Total: 9/15

Terrifier is Art the Clown’s grand reveal to the world. While All Hallows’ Eve was his first appearance, he wasn’t well known until Terrifier. The gore in this film is a huge step up. Some kills will stick with you long after the credits roll. The gore is what got everyone talking about Art. The plot is practically nonexistent, however. Everything feels like a cheap excuse to let Art continue his murder spree. Fortunately, we do get to see more of Art in this film, and his performance by David Howard Thornton is great.

Number 2: Terrifier 2 (2022)

Gore: 4/5            Plot: 3/5              Art the Clown: 4/5                          Total: 11/15

Terrifier 2 is a great step up from the first film. It maintains its gory reputation with kills that are just as brutal as the first one. Some would even consider the killings to be even more brutal. We now have a plot, and it isn’t that bad. There are a few moments when you question the direction the film is taking, but overall, it is very good. Art the Clown is once again played menacingly. He really is the star of the show.

Number 1: Terrifier 3 (2024)

Gore: 5/5            Plot: 4/5              Art the Clown: 5/5                          Total: 14/15

Terrifier 3 has become a huge success. Once again, the gore is great. Each kill is brutal. In fact, it is the goriest out of all these films. Its plot is even better than the second one, and Art the Clown is at his best here: darkly comedic and very terrifying (pun intended).  David Howard Thornton has really become familiar with the character at this point. We really see the best of Art’s personality. There are genuinely funny moments when we are laughing alongside him, but we never forget how dangerous he is. This movie alone makes watching all the others worthwhile.

There you have it! As you can see, the films get progressively better as they go. What do you think of the Terrifier franchise? Do you agree with this ranking? Let me know!