The scary movie prominently featuring a supernatural entity that awakens every 23 years for 23 days to feed is Jeepers Creepers (2001). This iconic horror film introduced audiences to The Creeper, a terrifying being that hunts and harvests human body parts during its reawakening cycle.
The Horrifying Cycle of The Creeper
Jeepers Creepers plunges viewers into the nightmare of Trish and Darry Jenner, siblings who encounter a mysterious, menacing figure disposing of a body near an old church. Their unwitting investigation soon reveals the true horror: The Creeper, a demonic, bat-like creature with ancient origins.
During its 23-day feeding frenzy, The Creeper searches for specific organs it needs to regenerate itself, often targeting individuals who possess qualities it desires. Once its 23 days of terror are complete, the creature hibernates for another 23 years, awaiting its next opportunity to unleash its malevolent hunger upon the world. This recurring cycle is a central element of the film's premise and contributes significantly to its enduring horror.
Origin of the 23-Year Rule
The unique "every 23 years for 23 days it gets to eat" rule was a deliberate creative choice by the film's writer and director, Victor Salva. His intention was to make the prospect of a direct sequel challenging, as any follow-up film adhering strictly to the timeline would need to be set decades into the future. Salva reportedly believed this creative direction would make studios hesitant to pursue further installments.
However, despite this initial narrative constraint, a sequel, Jeepers Creepers 2, was released in 2003. This film creatively navigated the established timeline by setting its events immediately after the first movie, taking place within the same 23-day feeding cycle but focusing on a different group of victims.
The Creeper Franchise Overview
The distinctive 23-year cycle remains a defining characteristic throughout The Creeper film series, anchoring the lore of the creature's relentless hunts. While not all films strictly adhere to the 23-year gap between their release dates, the in-universe timeline of The Creeper's awakenings is a consistent horrifying motif.
The franchise explores various encounters with The Creeper, each installment delving deeper into its mysterious past and insatiable hunger.
Franchise Films and Their Release Years
| Film Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Jeepers Creepers | 2001 |
| Jeepers Creepers 2 | 2003 |
| Jeepers Creepers 3 | 2017 |
| Jeepers Creepers: Reborn | 2022 |
