Best Horror Movie Franchises
The horror genre has been a staple of cinema for decades, and over the years, several franchises have emerged that have become synonymous with scares and thrills. These franchises have spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, each offering its unique take on the genre. Here are some of the best horror movie franchises that have left an enduring mark on audiences:
1. The Conjuring Universe
This cinematic universe, created by James Wan, revolves around the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The franchise has spawned several successful films, including "The Conjuring" (2013), "The Conjuring 2" (2016), "Annabelle" (2014), "Annabelle: Creation" (2017), and "The Nun" (2018). The films are known for their atmospheric scares, jump scares, and well-developed characters.
2. The Halloween Franchise
The Halloween franchise, based on the iconic character Michael Myers, is one of the longest-running horror franchises in history. The original film, "Halloween" (1978), directed by John Carpenter, is considered a masterpiece of the genre. The franchise has produced numerous sequels, including "Halloween II" (1981), "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988), "Halloween: H20" (1998), and "Halloween Ends" (2022). The films follow Michael Myers as he terrorizes the town of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
3. The Friday the 13th Franchise
Another iconic horror franchise, Friday the 13th, centers around the masked killer Jason Voorhees. The original film, "Friday the 13th" (1980), directed by Sean S. Cunningham, introduced the world to Jason and his machete. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "Friday the 13th Part 2" (1981), "Friday the 13th Part III" (1982), "Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter" (1984), and "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives" (1986). The films follow Jason as he stalks and kills teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake.
4. The Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise
The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise revolves around Freddy Krueger, a disfigured child killer who haunts people in their dreams. The original film, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984), directed by Wes Craven, introduced the world to Freddy and his razor glove. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge" (1985), "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" (1987), "A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master" (1988), and "Freddy vs. Jason" (2003). The films follow Freddy as he terrorizes teenagers in their sleep.
5. The Saw Franchise
The Saw franchise is known for its graphic violence and elaborate traps. The original film, "Saw" (2004), directed by James Wan, introduced the world to Jigsaw, a serial killer who forces his victims to play deadly games in order to survive. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "Saw II" (2005), "Saw III" (2006), "Saw IV" (2007), and "Saw 3D" (2010). The films follow Jigsaw and his apprentices as they test the limits of human endurance.
6. The Insidious Franchise
The Insidious franchise is a supernatural horror franchise that follows the Lambert family as they are haunted by malevolent spirits. The original film, "Insidious" (2010), directed by James Wan, introduced the world to the Further, a dark and dangerous realm inhabited by demons. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "Insidious: Chapter 2" (2013), "Insidious: Chapter 3" (2015), and "Insidious: The Last Key" (2018). The films follow the Lamberts as they try to escape the clutches of the spirits that haunt them.
7. The Paranormal Activity Franchise
The Paranormal Activity franchise is a found-footage horror franchise that follows various families as they are terrorized by paranormal entities. The original film, "Paranormal Activity" (2007), directed by Oren Peli, introduced the world to the concept of found-footage horror. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "Paranormal Activity 2" (2010), "Paranormal Activity 3" (2011), "Paranormal Activity 4" (2012), and "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension" (2015). The films follow the families as they try to document the paranormal activity that is happening around them.
8. The Sinister Franchise
The Sinister franchise is a supernatural horror franchise that follows Ellison Oswalt, a true-crime writer who investigates a series of home videos that depict the murders of various families. The original film, "Sinister" (2012), directed by Scott Derrickson, introduced the world to Bughuul, an ancient demon who uses the home videos to possess children. The franchise has spawned a sequel, "Sinister 2" (2015), which follows Ellison as he investigates another series of home videos.
9. The The Conjuring Universe
The Conjuring Universe is a shared cinematic universe that includes the "Conjuring" films, the "Annabelle" films, and "The Nun." The universe is based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The films follow the Warrens as they investigate various cases of hauntings and possessions. The universe has been praised for its atmospheric scares, jump scares, and well-developed characters.
10. The Insidious Franchise
The Insidious franchise is a supernatural horror franchise that follows the Lambert family as they are haunted by malevolent spirits. The original film, "Insidious" (2010), directed by James Wan, introduced the world to the Further, a dark and dangerous realm inhabited by demons. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, including "Insidious: Chapter 2" (2013), "Insidious: Chapter 3" (2015), and "Insidious: The Last Key" (2018). The films follow the Lamberts as they try to escape the clutches of the spirits that haunt them.
These are just a few of the many great horror movie franchises that have been released over the years. Each franchise has its unique take on the genre, offering audiences a variety of scares and thrills. Whether you’re a fan of jump scares, atmospheric scares, or psychological horror, there’s sure to be a horror movie franchise out there that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
