VHS Vault: Phantasm II (1988)

"You think that when you die, you go to Heaven. You come to us!"

I was almost three years old when the original Phantasm hit theaters. By the time Phantasm II (1988) was released, I had just turned twelve; nine years can change a lot. 

While some fans of the original weren’t thrilled with the sequel, this was actually the first film in the series I saw, and I still love it to this day. 

Step into the surreal nightmare of Phantasm II, where silver spheres, flying chainsaws, and eerie mausoleums turn this movie into a full-blown horror spectacle. 

Don Coscarelli’s sequel ramps up everything fans loved about the original: dreamlike terror, relentless Tall Man mayhem, and moments so strange they stick in your mind long after the tape stops spinning. It’s pure VHS-era horror magic, blending suspense, weirdness, and cult classic chills.

🎞️ Vault Fact File

Title: Phantasm II

Year: 1988

Director: Don Coscarelli

Runtime: 94 minutes

Rating: R

Tagline(s): “He’s back. He’s taller. He’s meaner. And he wants your soul.”

Studio / Distribution: New Line Cinema

Cast: James LeGros, Reggie Bannister, Angus Scrimm, Bill Thornbury

Fun Fact: Angus Scrimm returned as the Tall Man, and the film’s practical effects pushed the limits of 80s VHS horror, including some of the most iconic flying sphere sequences ever put on tape.

Extra Trivia: Originally intended as a direct-to-video sequel, strong fan demand pushed it into theaters. The chrome sphere props were reportedly heavy and tricky to operate, adding to the on-set chaos and charm.

Legacy: Cemented Phantasm as a cult horror series, inspiring sequels, comics, and a dedicated VHS collector following. Every VHS-era fan dreams of catching this one spinning through their VCR.

⏪ Rewind or Fast Forward?

Rewind. Surreal, relentless, and undeniably fun. It’s the kind of 80s horror experience that earns a permanent spot in any VHS horror collection.

⚡ Watch It

Grab Phantasm II on Amazon for streaming, rental, or purchase; perfect for retro horror nights and cult movie collectors.

Original Phantasm II Trailer

Back to the Vault 

Want more surreal VHS horror? Check out The Evil Dead (1981) or keep digging through the shadows of the VHS Vault.