Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Performance & Direction: Hellbound: Hellraiser II Review
Last updated: February 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hellbound: Hellraiser II features a noteworthy lineup led by Ashley Laurence . Supported by the likes of Clare Higgins and Kenneth Cranham , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Tony Randel. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ashley Laurence.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Now confined to a mental hospital, young Kirsty insists her supposedly dead father is actually stuck in Hell following his wife’s betrayal. Few believe the young woman’s lurid stories aside from the thrill-seeking Dr. Channard. Kirsty is undeterred and, with the help of a fellow patient, heads to Hell for a rescue. Director Tony Randel uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ashley Laurence's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Tony Randel, Hellbound: Hellraiser II concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ashley Laurence, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hellbound: Hellraiser II reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hellbound: Hellraiser II?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ashley Laurence or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Hellbound: Hellraiser II
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Hellbound: Hellraiser II Budget
The estimated production budget for Hellbound: Hellraiser II is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Hellbound: Hellraiser II
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Hellbound: Hellraiser II Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeHellbound: Hellraiser II Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Hellbound: Hellraiser II age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hellbound: Hellraiser II is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Hellbound: Hellraiser II is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hellbound: Hellraiser II worth watching?
Hellbound: Hellraiser II is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hellbound: Hellraiser II parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hellbound: Hellraiser II identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hellbound: Hellraiser II?
The total duration of Hellbound: Hellraiser II is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Hellbound: Hellraiser II
How Hellbound: Hellraiser II Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Pretty out there (in a good way) sequel that doesn't make a whole lot of sense but still was an entertaining supernatural horror flick, the kind of horror I'm generally not a fan of. Kind of surprising Ashley Laurence didn't go on to bigger things (her last movie was 2008). **3.5/5**
"Hellbound: Hellraiser II" is watchable enough even though it very quickly slides down the steep slope into becoming a messy shambles. It is really nothing more than a tour through the diseased imagination of Clive Barker - it is hard to believe somebody out there actually thought this was a good basis for a film instead of seeking out some description of psychiatric treatment for the poor soul - and its major handicap is that the special effects just aren't up to the challenge of supporting his thoroughly twisted and uniquely original vision. There is also a desperately heavy reliance on copious amounts of blood and gore just for the hell of it and when you add in the fact that sadly a good portion of it is also totally forgettable what you're left with is nothing more than a modest gore fest of desperately limited impact.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Ashley Laurence
View full filmography
Part of the Hellraiser Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise