The Best Horror Movie Franchises

Key Takeaways

Horror franchises showcase the genre’s best aspects and lasting impact on popular culture.
A Nightmare on Elm Street, Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead, Alien,
and
Scream
are iconic and timeless horror franchises.
Scream
revitalized the slasher sub-genre, influencing horror films by blending comedy, meta commentary, and terror effectively.

As a die-hard horror enthusiast who grew up with the silver screen’s most terrifying tales, I can confidently say that these three franchises have left indelible marks on my heart and soul. Each one has its unique charm and terror that continues to captivate me even today.

Horror, being one of the oldest and dearly cherished genres in cinema, boasts some of the most timeless and memorable franchise series ever displayed on the big screen. These franchises have given rise to numerous sequels and have sparked countless imitations, with their success evident through significant box office earnings, widespread acclaim, and their enduring influence on contemporary culture.

In a category often relying too heavily on shock effects, grotesque elements, and excessive gore, the top-tier horror films are those that effectively blend the genre’s strengths to scare audiences while simultaneously creating exceptional movies. Crafting just one such movie is noteworthy, but building an entire horror franchise filled with these masterpieces is truly inspiring.

5 A Nightmare On Elm Street

Cinema’s Most Iconic Slasher Series

First release: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Latest release: A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

The A Nightmare on Elm Street series, which tells tales of a gruesome, burned serial killer who terrorizes his victims in their dreams, has earned its status as a classic horror genre mainstay. The 1984 original, masterfully crafted by Wes Craven, is widely recognized as one of the best horror movies ever made. This chilling supernatural slasher film spawned numerous sequels, a reboot, and even a crossover with its hugely successful contemporary, Friday the 13th.

It can be argued that the franchise is home to one of horror’s most iconic and instantly recognizable villains: Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger. Known for some of the most chilling moments in horror history, the infamous Freddy Krueger, with his scissor hands, is famous for the darkly creative ways he murders his victims. This unique quality has helped establish the franchise as one of the genre’s standout productions, making it a prime candidate for a fresh take or reboot.

4 Night Of The Living Dead

An Undead Masterpiece From George A. Romero

First release: Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Latest release: Survival of the Dead (2009)

A list about iconic horror movies wouldn’t be whole without George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead series. Spanning six films and numerous spin-offs and remakes, this franchise is known for its unique blend of zombie terror and incisive social critique.

Despite some decline in quality, starting with the disappointing 2009 film “Survival of the Dead”, the rest of George A. Romero’s legendary zombie series stands as a prime example of exceptional horror movie-making. Particularly noteworthy are the groundbreaking films from 1968, “Night of the Living Dead”, and 1978, “Dawn of the Dead”. These movies have been hailed as some of the best and most impactful horror films ever produced, serving as a blueprint for nearly every zombie movie made since. “Night of the Living Dead” is a must-discuss title when evaluating the greatest horror franchises in film history.

3 Evil Dead

A Bloody Medley Of Terror And Humor

First release: The Evil Dead (1981)
Latest release: Evil Dead Rise (2023)

In a nutshell, “Evil Dead” is unmatched when it comes to merging dark humor, excessive gore, and shockingly violent scenes. Despite not reaching the longevity or commercial triumph of franchises such as Halloween, Saw, or A Nightmare on Elm Street, Sam Raimi’s 1981 original, which tells the story of five college students battling demonic forces in a secluded cabin in the woods, has spawned numerous critically acclaimed horror films and a television series all sharing the same universe.

The acclaim for Evil Dead’s uniquely weird style and premise has carried into the 21st Century. Starz series Ash vs Evil Dead received rave reviews throughout its three-year run; a status quo that extended to later films. 2016’s Evil Dead remake/reboot received very positive feedback for horror virtuoso Fede Alvarez’s interpretation of Raimi’s original premise, while 2023’s spectacularly gruesome Evil Dead Rise was lauded as one of the finest horror films of the year and became the highest grossing outing in the franchise to date.

2 Alien

Taking Horror To Outer Space

First release: Alien (1979)
Latest release: Alien: Romulus (2024)

Without a doubt, the classic science fiction horror film “Alien” stands as one of the most impactful movie series ever made. Full stop. Set in a future not too far away, it tells a chilling tale of repeated life-threatening encounters with a terrifying alien creature called the Xenomorph. The original release in 1979 was an instant hit and laid the foundation for seven more films, including prequels, a standalone movie, and two collaborations with another legendary sci-fi franchise, “Predator.” Not to forget the numerous video games, comic books, and an upcoming TV series on FX that all take place in the universe of “Alien.

The Alien films, characterized by a chilling realism, are famed for their distinctive fusion of terror and science fiction. They stand out through the skillful use of practical effects to create the terrifying Xenomorphs in an unforgettable manner. To top it off, Ellen Ripley, portrayed memorably by Sigourney Weaver, is one of the most revered female characters ever seen on screen. In essence, few horror series can match the prestigious achievements of Alien.

1 Scream

Horror’s Finest Franchise

First release: Scream (1996)
Latest release: Scream VI (2023)

In 1996, Wes Craven introduced us to the chilling tale of a masked serial killer called Ghostface in the film “Scream”. This movie marked a fresh era for horror films and is often recognized for rejuvenating the slasher genre that was previously struggling. The film combined elements of dark humor with sharp self-referential comments, all set against a genuinely suspenseful horror narrative. These unique features earned it admiration not only from fans but also from critics.

The initial release of Craven’s horror film was so commercially and critically successful that it led to five highly-acclaimed sequels (with more expected) and its own television spin-off. The Ghostface mask, symbolic of this franchise, has become nearly synonymous with the broader slasher genre, demonstrating Scream’s significant cultural influence and position as the most renowned horror series ever created. Remarkably, even after nearly 30 years, this franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The latest film, Scream 6, was met with praise upon its release, and a seventh installment in the legendary saga is currently under development.

2024-09-23 15:34