I Just Watched Terrifier 3 and I Can Proudly Say It’s Better Than Joker: Folie à Deux

Let me start by saying this: I love a good psychological thriller just as much as the next person. When Joker: Folie à Deux was announced, I was eagerly waiting to see how the story of one of DC’s most notorious villains would evolve. The dark and unsettling tone of the first Joker made it one of the most profound films in recent years. However, after watching Terrifier 3, I can confidently say it delivers a horror experience that outshines even the brilliance of Joker: Folie à Deux.

Now, before you write this off as a hot take, let me break down why I’m making this bold claim. If you’re a fan of horror, psychological depth, and raw, unfiltered suspense, keep reading. You might find yourself agreeing with me by the end.

1. The Fear Factor: Art the Clown vs. Joker

Let’s start with the obvious—both Terrifier 3 and Joker: Folie à Deux have terrifying, iconic characters at their core. In Joker, we witness the descent of Arthur Fleck, a man crushed by society, into the infamous Joker. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal is nothing short of brilliant, capturing a tragic fall into madness.

But then, we have Art the Clown in Terrifier 3. If you thought Pennywise was scary, think again. Art is a different kind of terrifying—he doesn’t speak, he doesn’t explain, and his intentions are pure chaos. What makes Terrifier 3 stand out is its commitment to delivering unrelenting, nightmarish horror. Art’s unpredictability, combined with his grotesque actions, creates an atmosphere of dread that Joker simply doesn’t match. If you enjoy being pushed to the edge of your seat with fear, Terrifier 3 delivers that in spades.

2. Visuals and Cinematic Impact

Joker was visually stunning, no doubt about it. Todd Phillips’ use of Gotham as a dark, decaying backdrop to Arthur’s descent is one of the film’s greatest strengths. But if you’re looking for visual horror that keeps you up at night, Terrifier 3 delivers in ways Joker doesn’t attempt.

The cinematography of Terrifier 3 amplifies its horror with bold, graphic, and grotesque imagery. The special effects are top-notch, ensuring that the violence—though extreme—feels shockingly real. Director Damien Leone knows how to use the camera to unsettle the audience, and in this film, he takes it to new heights. The blood-drenched set pieces are more than just gore; they’re carefully crafted to stick with you long after the movie is over. Compared to Joker: Folie à Deux, which leans more on its psychological horror, Terrifier 3 excels in visceral, visual terror.

3. Psychological Depth: Surprisingly Complex

I know what you’re thinking—Terrifier 3 is just a slasher, right? While that might be true on the surface, there’s an underlying psychological complexity in the film. Sure, it’s not the deep character study that Joker: Folie à Deux aims for, but Terrifier 3 explores the fear of the unknown and the way in which pure, senseless evil affects its victims.

Art the Clown isn’t just a mindless killer; his silence and exaggerated expressions make him a figure of malevolent intent. The film taps into primal fears—being hunted, unable to reason with the threat, and not understanding why you’ve been targeted. This taps into a more elemental kind of horror that gets under your skin. In contrast, Joker: Folie à Deux provides a thoughtful exploration of Arthur Fleck’s mental state, but that deep dive into one character’s psyche lacks the sheer breadth of terror that Terrifier 3 taps into.

4. Pacing: Unrelenting Terror

Another key aspect where Terrifier 3 triumphs over Joker: Folie à Deux is its pacing. Joker had a slow-burn approach, which worked for its narrative, but let’s face it—there were moments when the film felt like it dragged. The sequel is expected to continue that style, focusing on character development and musical elements.

In contrast, Terrifier 3 doesn’t give you time to breathe. From the opening scene, you’re thrown into a relentless onslaught of terror, and it doesn’t let up until the credits roll. There’s a certain kind of thrill in that—the movie keeps you on edge, unsure of what horrific moment will come next. This fast-paced storytelling feels fresh in a genre that often relies on predictable jump scares or extended quiet moments.

5. Cultural Impact and Fandom

It’s hard to deny that Joker has left a significant mark on pop culture. It was hailed as an important film about mental health, and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance earned him an Oscar. Joker: Folie à Deux is expected to follow in those footsteps, exploring the toxic allure of the Joker mythos.

But Terrifier 3 has been quietly building its own cult following. What started as a low-budget indie horror film has grown into a horror franchise that stands tall next to the greats. Fans of the series are fiercely loyal, and Terrifier 3 solidifies Art the Clown as one of the most memorable horror icons of our time. This grassroots appeal is something that sets it apart. It may not have the big-budget backing of a DC franchise, but it has something perhaps even more important—dedicated fans who appreciate its commitment to raw, unapologetic horror.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be excited for Joker: Folie à Deux. It’s bound to be an interesting follow-up to one of the most talked-about films in recent years. But if you’re looking for a film that doesn’t just make you think but also makes you feel—feel scared, anxious, and completely immersed in a world of terror—then Terrifier 3 is the clear winner.

Its ability to balance unrelenting horror with subtle psychological depth, along with its unforgettable villain, places it in a league of its own. So, if you haven’t watched Terrifier 3 yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. You just might find it leaves a bigger impact than Joker: Folie à Deux ever could.