Final Destination 6: Bloodlines' Score Proves Hiatus Worth It

The impressive Final Destination Bloodlines Rotten Tomatoes score is in, and it suggests the franchise's 14-year break was indeed worth the wait. After a long absence, this highly anticipated sixth installment is generating significant buzz among critics and horror fans alike, indicating a fresh and inventive direction for the series.

The original Final Destination movie debuted in 2000, captivating audiences with its unique premise of characters attempting to outsmart Death itself. This concept led to five sequels, with Final Destination Bloodlines now arriving after a prolonged 14-year gap. Like its predecessors, the new film features Death as the central antagonist, this time targeting a college student caught in a deadly cycle.

Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein are directing Final Destination Bloodlines, taking over from James Wong, David R. Ellis, and Steven Quale, who directed previous installments. The cast includes Tony Todd, Brec Bassinger, April Telek, Richard Harmon, and Rya Kihlstedt. The big question remains: will this extended hiatus revitalize the franchise?

Franchise's Highest Rotten Tomatoes Score for Final Destination Bloodlines

Final Destination Bloodlines has achieved a remarkable 93% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 59 critics' reviews at the time of writing. This impressive score follows highly positive initial reactions from early screenings. Nadir Samara, a reviewer, praised the film as a "phenomenal reboot" that fearlessly takes risks, awarding it an 8 out of 10.

Here’s a rundown of the Rotten Tomatoes scores for the entire Final Destination series:

• Final Destination (2000): 40%
• Final Destination 2 (2003): 52%
• Final Destination 3 (2006): 44%
• The Final Destination (2009): 28%
• Final Destination 5 (2011): 63%
• Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025): 93%*

This Tomatometer score positions Final Destination Bloodlines as the highest-rated film in the franchise by a considerable margin. The next highest was Final Destination 5, with a 63% Tomatometer score. The remaining installments received mixed to negative reviews, resulting in "rotten" ratings on the review aggregation site. Critics are commending Final Destination Bloodlines for its inventive premise and creatively executed deaths.

One critic noted the film's "fiendishly inventive kills," praising the fresh perspective Lipovsky and Stein bring to the supernatural horror genre. All signs point to this being a worthy sequel, injecting new life into the well-established franchise.

Production Changes and the 14-Year Wait for Final Destination 6

The release of Final Destination Bloodlines marks a significant gap since the last installment. Previously, the longest interval between Final Destination movies was three years. This consistent release schedule, maintained since 2000, helped the franchise build and maintain momentum until 2011. The 14-year absence meant the franchise was noticeably absent throughout the 2010s, but was it worth the wait?

Initially, Final Destination 5 and 6 were planned for back-to-back filming. However, a series of delays, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed the project further out. The script underwent numerous revisions, with Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan initially slated to co-write a "re-imagining" of the franchise. Ultimately, Lori Evans Taylor, Jon Watts, and Gary Busiak took over the scriptwriting duties.

For some films, writer changes can signal trouble, potentially disrupting the project's vision. However, in the case of Final Destination: Bloodlines, these creative shifts seem to have worked in its favor, with critics praising the film's storyline. Despite the 14-year development period, the final team appears to have been the right choice.

Will the Hiatus Pay Off? Box Office Success for Final Destination 6

The long wait for Final Destination Bloodlines could ultimately benefit the film. The story updates and fresh creative direction may make it feel like a novel horror experience, rather than a tired repetition of familiar tropes. Repetition was a common criticism of the original films, but the praise for Bloodlines' creative kills suggests this issue has been addressed.

Ultimately, the success of Final Destination Bloodlines will depend on its box office performance. The 14-year gap could make the movie feel fresh, but the franchise may have also lost some audience interest. Final Destination 5 grossed $157.8 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. Bloodlines needs to surpass this number, and it's already off to a good start with its strong critical reception.

In conclusion, the positive reception of Final Destination Bloodlines indicates that the extended hiatus may have been a worthwhile gamble, potentially revitalizing the horror franchise and captivating a new generation of fans. Its ultimate success, however, will depend on its performance at the box office.