The Toxic Avenger has made a triumphant return with Macon Blair’s remake hitting theaters. Now is the perfect time to dive into the long-running series of splatter films and their sequels, ranked from best to worst.
Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment have carved out a niche in the world of low-budget independent film, but it’s their Toxic Avenger movies that have left the biggest mark on audiences. The original film serves as a quirky parody of horror and superhero genres, following the story of a mild-mannered janitor transformed into a grotesque champion of justice after a run-in with toxic waste.
The franchise has spawned sequels that delve deeper into the horror genre, but it’s also expanded into other media, including a video game, Marvel comics, a musical, and even a children’s animated series. The excitement was reignited in 2020 with news of a fresh reboot in the works, starring Peter Dinklage as the titular toxic hero.
The remake faced some delays after its 2023 debut at Fantastic Fest due to distribution concerns over its graphic content. However, the buzz surrounding the film has only grown, promising to bring Toxie back to audiences nationwide.
Creating successful and justified horror sequels can be a challenge, and The Toxic Avenger franchise is no exception. The low-budget nature of the series and its outlandish storyline have produced a mixed bag of films, as we’ll see in the 2025 remake comparison.
The Toxic Avenger (1984)
The original 1984 Toxic Avenger introduces Melvin and his transformation into New Jersey’s first superhero after a toxic encounter. The film is a delightful deconstruction of traditional hero narratives, embracing its deranged tone and not taking itself too seriously.
While the movie sets the stage for a bizarre and entertaining world, it also hints at the extreme direction the franchise would take in subsequent films. The Toxic Avenger strikes a balance between being outrageously gross and surprisingly insightful, highlighting the darker impulses lurking within us.
The Toxic Avenger Part II (1989)
The sequel to the original Toxic Avenger ramps up the absurdity, pushing the boundaries set by its predecessor. The Toxic Avenger Part II doubles down on Toxie’s environmental crusade and introduces the nefarious Apocalypse corporation, adding a new layer to the story.
While the sequel entertains with its over-the-top antics, including musical numbers and a family reunion subplot, it falls short of the original’s charm. The introduction of a new actor for Toxie and the shift towards a more comedic tone may alienate some fans.
Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000)
Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV serves as the final chapter before the modern remake, offering a fresh take on Toxie’s story. However, the film veers into convoluted territory with a bloated runtime and new characters that fail to capture the original’s magic.
The movie attempts a crossover with another Troma character, Sgt. Kabukiman, which feels out of place in a story meant to modernize Toxie for a new audience. Ultimately, The Toxic Avenger series misses the mark with its attempt to expand its universe in this installment.
