Most Rewatchable Horror Movie Franchises

Most Rewatchable Horror Movie Franchises

Key Takeaways

  • Horror franchises evolve over time, with newer movies focusing on individual experiences rather than interconnected storylines.
  • V/H/S series blends found footage and anthology genres, offering diverse segments for varying tastes in horror.
  • Scream delivers meta commentary on the film industry while providing fun action and a guessing game with different killers.

As a dedicated aficionado of all things horror, I must say that the Alien franchise and The Conjuring universe have left an indelible mark on my heart (and sleepless nights). Growing up watching these cinematic masterpieces, they’ve managed to keep me on the edge of my seat, while simultaneously filling me with awe and terror.


More recently, individual horror films have been focusing more on standalone stories with no connection to other movies. Back in the ’70s, ’80s, and even ’90s, however, it was common to see horror movie series that followed a villain’s terror-filled journey through multiple films. But exceptions always exist.

Different franchises vary in quality, with some offering lesser installments that might seem tedious to dedicated fans. The appeal is subjective, but numerous horror series manage to captivate viewers and encourage multiple viewings.

10 V/H/S

An Anthology Series That Has Something For Everyone

Movie Title Release Year
V/H/S 2012
V/H/S/2 2013
V/H/S: Viral 2014
V/H/S/94 2021
V/H/S/99 2022
V/H/S/85 2023
Siren 2016
Kids vs. Aliens 2023

V/H/S represents an extensive horror genre subgenre fusion, encompassing both found footage and anthology styles. Each film in this franchise consists of distinct segments, often united by a central segment for coherence. Although the multiple segments may not appeal to everyone, there’s a good chance that some will captivate viewers significantly.

Each film in the series has received a mix of positive and negative feedback, yet it’s clear that later installments have demonstrated increasing potential, innovation, and truly chilling visuals and narratives. Certain parts were so well-received that standalone films (Siren and Kids vs. Aliens) were produced to fully explore these segments. With the V/H/S series set to carry on, fans can anticipate even greater achievements from this already impressive franchise.

9 X

Mia Goth Truly Is A Star

Movie Title Release Year
X 2022
Pearl 2022
Maxxxine 2024

The X trilogy is renowned for its captivating modern horror films, featuring Mia Goth as the dual characters of adult film actress Maxine Minx and up-and-coming star Pearl. Goth delivers exceptional performances in these roles, particularly excelling in X where she frequently plays both characters.

In the first movie, Pearl depicted the setting of an elderly woman with homicidal inclinations, while the second, Maxxxine, focused on Maxine’s life in the 80s, still pushing her career ahead. Both films offer compelling choices for the best among them since they are so uniquely different and delve into various themes. It may take several viewings to determine a clear favorite, especially as we eagerly anticipate Ti West’s next project.

8 Insidious

Stellar Performances And Some Of The Greatest Visuals In Horror

Movie Title Release Year
Insidious 2010
Insidious: Chapter 2 2013
Insidious: Chapter 3 2015
Insidious: The Last Key 2018
Insidious: The Red Door 2023

The Insidious film series, one of the most renowned modern horror movie franchises today, has earned its reputation for several compelling reasons. The series primarily revolves around the spirit realm, ghostly entities that reside in our world (except for the third installment), and notably follows the Lambert family (excluding the third film). It’s gained widespread recognition due to an impressive ensemble of horror actors, including Lin Shaye, legends within the genre. Additionally, it boasts stunning visuals that add a haunting touch across all films. The spirit world and its unsettling inhabitants make an appearance in each movie, with every sequel proving to be as terrifying as the one before it.

In an uncommon moniker lies the terror known as The Lipstick Demon, a creature that left a lasting fright in the annals of horror movie history. Known for one of the most shocking jumpscares ever filmed, this series may not scare quite as much after the initial view, but its enduring appeal makes it worth revisiting, given that there are further installments on the horizon.

7 Scream

Provides Amusing And Insightful Meta Commentary On The Film Industry

Movie Title Release Year
Scream 1996
Scream 2 1997
Scream 3 2000
Scream 4 2011
Scream 2022
Scream 6 2023

As a gamer, I first encountered Ghostface as a Halloween costume, but it wasn’t long before this iconic character became the leading star in the groundbreaking horror movie, Scream. This film takes a clever, tongue-in-cheek approach to horror clichés, satirizing everything from chaste final girls to the infamous “don’t go alone” rule. It also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the industry itself, and even acknowledges its own sequels as ‘requels.’ In a genre where self-awareness is often lacking, Scream certainly stands out.

Beyond just saying that, the “Scream” series delivers a thrilling dose of gory entertainment, as the enigmatic killer terrorizes Woodsborough and later New York City in subsequent films. With each movie, a new character takes up the mask and the title, driving the narrative with varying motives. Even though viewers might not be left guessing on repeated viewings, the “Scream” franchise remains enticing due to its entertaining action sequences and self-referential commentary, drawing fans back again and again.

6 Child’s Play

Validated People’s Fears Of Talking Dolls

Movie Title Release Year
Child’s Play 1988
Child’s Play 2 1990
Child’s Play 3 1991
Bride of Chucky 1998
Seed of Chucky 2004
Curse of Chucky 2013
Cult of Chucky 2017
Child’s Play 2019

In the realm of horror films, dolls that come to life and terrorize people might not be a novel concept anymore, but it’s indisputable that the impact of the Child’s Play series on this theme is significant. It’s not too far-fetched to suggest that films like M3GAN wouldn’t exist without Chucky being brought into being. The Child’s Play movies, after all, are rightfully considered classics for a reason.

Under the influence of the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray, also known as Chucky, the seemingly innocent Good Guy doll causes trouble and havoc wherever he goes, and this is further intensified by the introduction of other animate dolls, Tiffany and Glenn/Glenda, in later installments. The series manages to balance humor with fear, keeping viewers engaged, and the chaos remains just as enjoyable upon multiple viewings. Although the 2019 remake is often considered a step down from earlier Child’s Play films, it still provides an updated perspective on what a Good Guy doll could be like in contemporary times.

5 A Nightmare On Elm Street

There Is No Escaping The Dream Demon

Movie Title Release Year
A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984
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
A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child 1989
Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare 1991
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare 1994
Freddy vs Jason 2003
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010

Freddy Krueger is a horror icon synonymous with the genre as a whole, and his movie franchise is considered one of the greats. The Nightmare on Elm Street movies won’t quite create creeping chills of terror as movies such as The Conjuring, but the very idea of a creature that can stalk and kill people in their sleep is enough to induce insomnia, and Freddy’s spotlight-stealing screen presence is more than enough to keep fans coming back for more.

The idea to lean into the cheesy side of the movies was an ingenious one, as it cements Freddy as one of the best slashers around, completely off-setting silent, moody slashers such as Jason, who Freddy had his own showdown with in Freddy vs. Jason. For the laughs and cheesy horror, these movies are definitely some of the most fun to revisit from time to time, as one can never have enough of Freddy.

4 Evil Dead

Horror And Comedy Are Present Throughout The Series

Movie Title Release Year
Evil Dead 1981
Evil Dead 2 1987
Army of Darkness 1993
Evil Dead 2013
Evil Dead Rise 2023

When you consider films that depict demons in the horror genre, it’s probably Evil Dead series that springs to mind for many horror enthusiasts. Since the ’80s, viewers of horror have followed characters like Ash Williams (and others) as they battle the malevolent beings summoned from the Necronomicon, a term distinct from H.P. Lovecraft’s works.

In contrast to the Ash Williams films that lean towards horror-comedy, both the 2013 movie and “Rise” emphasize a scarier, horror-centric approach. Despite this difference, the series demonstrates a remarkable diversity. While it’s natural for viewers to gravitate toward movies they prefer, each film in the Evil Dead franchise is of high quality and deserves multiple viewings. With new installments on the horizon, now could be an excellent opportunity to revisit this thrilling series.

3 Halloween

Gave Birth To One Of The Most Iconic Movie Slashers Of All Time

Movie Title Release Year
Halloween 1978
Halloween 2 1981
Halloween 3: Season of the Witch 1982
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers 1988
Halloween 4: The Revenge of Michael Myers 1989
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers 1995
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later 1998
Halloween: Resurrection 2002
Halloween 2018
Halloween Kills 2021
Halloween Ends 2022
Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2007
Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 2009

Without a doubt, one of the most renowned figures in horror cinema history is Michael Myers, the character known for his mask and blue overalls, who began his reign of terror on Laurie Strode and others since the original Halloween movie was released in 1978. The initial film proved to be a massive success, and Michael Myers’ apparent supernatural ability to withstand death led to numerous sequels featuring this famous slasher, with the exception of Halloween 3, which offered a unique storyline and different characters instead.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t deny that not every Halloween movie lives up to the charm of the original, but the franchise remains iconic among fans, with the first three and the remake being standouts. Even Rob Zombie, a renowned musician and filmmaker, gave it a go, creating a pair of films that delved into Michael Myers’ psyche, aiming to flesh out his chilling, murderous persona by exploring his background.

2 Alien

The Xenomorph Terrorizes An Entire Franchise

Movie Title Release Year
Alien 1979
Aliens 1986
Alien 3 1992
Alien Resurrection 1997
Alien: Covenant 2017
Alien: Romulus 2024
Prometheus 2012
Alien vs Predator 2004
Alien vs Predator: Requiem 2007

Sci-fi horror movies are often disappointing, but fortunately, the Alien series is always there to fulfill our fear needs. Featuring H.R. Giger as designer for many of the scenes and a collection of films displaying the lethal abilities of the main creature, called Xenomorph or Alien, this franchise has left countless people terrified. Crews, often led by Ellen Ripley, frequently find themselves in peril due to the facehuggers, creatures that ultimately lead to the birth of a Xeno, which makes its gruesome exit through its host’s chest.

In the beginning, films that received more recognition than movies like “Covenant” and “Resurrection” were produced. However, the series was revitalized by Romulus, and the joint films featuring Predator provided fans with entertaining yet grandiose encounters between these iconic creatures. Given the high-quality gems found within this collection, it is definitely worth revisiting the entire franchise.

1 The Conjuring

Follows a Sensationalized Retelling of the Warren’s Life’s Work

Movie Title Release Year
The Conjuring 2013
The Conjuring 2 2016
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It 2021
Annabelle 2014
Annabelle: Creation 2017
Annabelle Comes Home 2019
The Nun 2018
The Nun 2 2023

The Conjuring film series successfully established its own chilling cinematic realm, even though it’s not as vast as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nevertheless, it introduced some of the most frightening monsters and sequences ever seen in horror films, and these terrifying tales are loosely based on the Warrens, a real-life pair of paranormal investigators from the mid to late 20th century. The movies incorporate some facts about their work but also weave fiction into the narrative for a truly unsettling viewing experience.

The Nun and Annabelle film series belong to the same universe, focusing deeply on the two most notorious villains: Valak and Annabelle. These films are just as chilling and compelling as the original Conjuring trilogy, which is set to release a fourth installment in future. By centering the series around the Warrens, it creates a realistic backdrop that intensifies the fear factor for viewers. Even after multiple viewings, these movies will continue to give you goosebumps whenever you see old paintings or Raggedy Ann dolls.

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2024-09-02 09:34