The Complete Terrifier Movies In Order: Art The Clown’s Full Chronological Timeline (Updated December 2025)

For horror enthusiasts and gorehounds looking to dive into the most brutal slasher franchise of the modern era, knowing the correct viewing order of the Terrifier movies is essential. As of December 2025, the saga of the silent, sadistic Art the Clown has expanded far beyond the two main feature films, incorporating two short films and an anthology that set the stage for the Miles County Massacre. To truly appreciate the evolution of this demonic killer and the expanding supernatural lore created by writer/director Damien Leone, you need to start at the very beginning.

This comprehensive guide provides the definitive, chronological order for watching every appearance of Art the Clown, from his humble 2008 debut to the highly anticipated, Christmas-themed feature, *Terrifier 3*. Prepare to witness one of the most shocking transformations in horror history as a simple slasher villain becomes a full-blown supernatural entity.

The Man Behind the Smile: David Howard Thornton Biography

The success and terrifying appeal of Art the Clown is inextricably linked to the actor who took over the role in the feature films, David Howard Thornton. Thornton’s performance has elevated the character from a disturbing figure in short films to a horror icon recognized globally for his silent, expressive, and deeply unsettling brand of evil. His background in voice acting and improv is key to his physical portrayal of the character.

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• Full Name: David Howard Thornton
• Born: November 30, 1979
• Birthplace: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
• Education: Studied acting at the University of Montevallo
• Career Start: Began pursuing acting in 2002
• Notable Roles (Voice): Has lent his voice to various characters in film, television, and video games over the years
• Iconic Role: Art the Clown in *Terrifier* (2016), *Terrifier 2* (2022), and *Terrifier 3* (2024)
• Key Trait: His highly expressive, mime-like physical acting is crucial to Art the Clown’s silent menace.

The Complete Chronological Viewing Order of the Terrifier Franchise

The *Terrifier* universe is more complex than a simple two-film series. To get the full story of Art the Clown’s evolution and the supernatural forces at play, you must include the shorter films that preceded the main features. This is the definitive chronological timeline.

1. The 9th Circle (2008 Short Film)

This is the official debut of Art the Clown, though the character's design and demeanor are slightly different from his later, more refined look.

• Release Date: 2008
• Director: Damien Leone
• Key Role: Art the Clown appears in a brief segment, terrorizing a woman on a bus stop on Halloween night. This short establishes his silent, menacing presence.

2. Terrifier (2011 Short Film)

Damien Leone revisited the character with a short film simply titled *Terrifier*. This version is a direct stepping stone to the anthology that followed.

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• Release Date: 2011
• Director: Damien Leone
• Key Role: Art's character design and signature black-and-white clown costume begin to solidify here, moving closer to the iconic look seen in the feature films.

3. All Hallows’ Eve (2013 Anthology Film)

The first "feature-length" appearance of Art the Clown is actually a collection of three short horror segments, two of which are the aforementioned shorts (*The 9th Circle* and *Terrifier*).

• Release Date: 2013
• Director: Damien Leone
• Plot Connection: The framing device involves a babysitter watching a mysterious VHS tape. The segments on the tape feature Art the Clown, suggesting the killer is a supernatural entity trapped on film. This film acts as the official bridge to the feature-length series.

4. Terrifier (2016 Feature Film)

This is the film that launched the franchise into the slasher mainstream. It is a direct continuation of the character, but not necessarily a direct sequel to the anthology's framing story.

• Release Date: 2016
• Director: Damien Leone
• Key Plot: On Halloween night, Art the Clown targets Tara Heyes (Jenna Kanell) and her sister, Victoria "Vicky" Heyes (Samantha Scaffidi), leading to the infamous Miles County Massacre. This film is known for its extreme, uncompromising gore and practical effects.

5. Terrifier 2 (2022)

A massive, crowdfunded success, *Terrifier 2* significantly expanded the franchise's lore, introducing a supernatural element and a new, heroic protagonist.

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• Release Date: 2022
• Director: Damien Leone
• Key Plot: Art the Clown is resurrected by a mysterious, supernatural entity known as the Pale Girl. He targets teenage siblings Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) and Jonathan Shaw on the following Halloween. Sienna becomes the franchise’s new hero, wielding a mystical sword that connects to a destiny hinted at throughout the film.
• Lore Expansion: This film confirms Art is no longer a human killer but a demon-like entity, setting the stage for a grander, more mythic conflict.

6. Terrifier 3 (Upcoming)

The highly anticipated third installment is set to break new ground for the franchise, both in its setting and its commitment to the supernatural horror.

• Release Date: October 11, 2024 (US Theatrical Release)
• Director: Damien Leone
• Key Plot: The film is confirmed to be a Christmas slasher, with Art the Clown bringing his signature brutality to the holiday season. The plot will pick up after the events of *Terrifier 2* and promises to delve even deeper into the supernatural origins of Art and the Pale Girl.
• Returning Cast: Lauren LaVera (Sienna Shaw), David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown), and Samantha Scaffidi (Victoria Heyes) are all set to return, confirming the continuation of the core storyline.

Understanding the Terrifier Lore and Supernatural Elements

One of the most compelling aspects of the *Terrifier* franchise is the evolution of Art the Clown from a grounded (albeit extremely violent) slasher to a supernatural force of evil. This shift is crucial for understanding the chronological timeline.

The Human Killer Era (Terrifier 2016 and Earlier)

In his early appearances, including the 2016 feature film, Art the Clown is portrayed as a silent, seemingly human serial killer. His methods, though gruesome, are rooted in practical means, like knives, hacksaws, and guns. He appears to be mortal, and his death at the end of the first *Terrifier* film seems conclusive.

The Demonic Resurrection (Terrifier 2 and Beyond)

The opening of *Terrifier 2* immediately establishes the change: Art is resurrected by a supernatural entity, the Pale Girl, and displays powers beyond human capability, including surviving impossible injuries and possessing a regenerative quality.

Director Damien Leone has confirmed that Art is a demonic entity, and *Terrifier 3* is expected to explore this lore more fully. The introduction of Sienna Shaw as a destined, quasi-mythic heroine with a powerful sword positions the franchise as a battle between good and pure evil, moving away from simple slasher tropes and into a more mythic horror domain. This supernatural expansion is what sets the later films apart and gives the franchise its unique topical authority in the crowded horror landscape.

To fully grasp the magnitude of the upcoming Christmas mayhem in *Terrifier 3*, watching the films in the correct chronological order—starting with the anthologies to see the subtle hints of his supernatural nature—is the only way to prepare for the bloodshed.