Horror classics abound, but the best horror movie franchises have managed to stay relevant for decades, spawning numerous blockbusters and keeping horror fans on the edge of their seats. With countless wannabe horror flicks out there, choosing the perfect binge-worthy series can be daunting. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of the most iconic horror franchises that have left an indelible mark on the genre and amassed legions of devoted fans. From slashers to spine-chilling tales, here are the best horror movie franchises in no particular order.
1. Saw: A Twisted Game of Life and Death
Not for the faint of heart, the Saw franchise follows the twisted Jigsaw Killer, who seeks to rehabilitate those who take their lives for granted by subjecting them to deadly situations. Since its debut in 2004, Saw has spawned ten feature films and various media projects. Despite being dubbed “torture porn” by some critics, Saw has grossed over $1 billion at the box office amid mixed reviews.
2. Scream: A Slasher with a Wicked Sense of Humor
Upon its release in 1996, Scream quickly became the highest-grossing slasher film worldwide, a title it held until Halloween (2018) dethroned it. The franchise has continued to thrill audiences with its unique blend of traditional slasher plots and humor, most recently with its sixth installment in 2023. Scream‘s enduring appeal earns it a spot among the best horror movie franchises.
3. Child’s Play (Chucky): A Killer Doll That Haunts Our Childhood
Many of us grew up with the chilling tale of a serial killer’s soul trapped inside a doll. Since its debut in 1988, Child’s Play has spawned six sequels, a television series, and a remake, as well as merchandise, comic books, and a video game featuring the iconic Chucky. The latest film in the franchise is Child’s Play (2019), while the TV series Chucky has been airing since 2021.
4. Evil Dead: A Groovy Blend of Horror and Dark Comedy
With its critically acclaimed films and TV series, Evil Dead has earned its place among the best horror movie franchises. Combining gripping horror and dark comedy, the franchise follows a group of people battling demonic forces in a cabin. Bruce Campbell’s iconic character, Ash Williams, appeared in the original trilogy, and the franchise is set to welcome its fifth entry, Evil Dead Rise, in 2023.
5. Final Destination: Cheating Death Has Its Consequences
What sets Final Destination apart is its unique premise, which keeps viewers glued to the screen as they anticipate the grisly demise of each character who has cheated death. The franchise is known for its thrilling horror sequences that explore the inevitable fate of those who escape death’s clutches.
6. The Conjuring: A Universe of Terrifying Tales
James Wan is no stranger to high-grossing horror films, having already made his mark with the Saw and Insidious franchises. In 2013, he unleashed The Conjuring, which became a critical and commercial success. The film spawned an entire universe of interconnected horror stories, collectively grossing over $2.1 billion against a combined budget of $178 million, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise to date.
7. Halloween: A Timeless Tale of Terror
For over four decades, the Halloween franchise has remained a staple of the horror genre, aging like a fine wine. The series follows Michael Myers, who escapes from a sanitarium 15 years after murdering his sister, Judith Myers. His insatiable bloodlust leads him to prey on and kill more victims in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois. With thirteen films, novels, comic books, a video game, and merchandise to its name, the Halloween franchise is a true horror icon.
8. Insidious: A Modern Ghost Story
Created by Leigh Whannell, the Insidious franchise consists of five films that have collectively grossed over $542 million worldwide on a combined budget of $26.5 million. The series delves into a world of ghosts and demons from a forbidden realm, offering spine-chilling scenes that have resonated with audiences in the modern era of horror.
9. Friday the 13th: A Slasher Classic
With ten slasher films and various other media, Friday the 13th is an iconic franchise in the horror genre. Friday the 13th films evoke nostalgia for horror fans, as they set the stage for stories of campers in the woods being hunted by vengeful spirits. The series follows the infamous Jason Voorhees, who stalks and kills his victims. As one of the most successful horror franchises, Friday the 13th has grossed over $468 million worldwide and become a pop culture phenomenon.
10. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Trailblazer in Slasher Horror
Before Halloween and Friday the 13th popularized slasher films, Texas Chainsaw Massacre was already blazing the trail with its 1974 debut. The franchise, which consists of nine films, delves into the cannibalistic side of horror, as Leatherface and his family terrorize and kill unsuspecting visitors before cooking and eating them. While not as commercially successful as other iconic horror franchises, Texas Chainsaw Massacre has grossed over $252 million worldwide and remains one of the best horror movie franchises of all time.
Follow Us
