Best Horror Movie Franchises Ranked Top 7

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The world of horror movies – a place where fear and excitement blend together in a deliciously terrifying cocktail. For many of us, there’s nothing quite like settling in for a scary movie marathon, surrounded by friends, family, or even alone in the dark. And what’s better than a standalone horror film? A horror movie franchise, of course! Those series of films that keep us coming back for more, eager to see what new terrors and thrills the next installment will bring. In this article, we’ll delve into the best of the best, exploring the horror movie franchises that have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the genre.

What Makes a Great Horror Franchise?

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s consider what makes a horror franchise truly great. Is it the terrifying villain, the eerie atmosphere, or perhaps the clever plot twists? The answer, of course, is all of the above and more. A great horror franchise needs to have a combination of these elements, along with a healthy dose of consistency and creativity. It’s not just about churning out sequel after sequel; it’s about crafting a narrative that evolves and adapts, keeping fans engaged and invested in the story.

Here are a few key factors that contribute to a horror franchise’s success:

• A compelling and complex villain: A great horror franchise needs a memorable and terrifying bad guy (or girl, or supernatural entity). Think Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, or Michael Myers – these are characters that have become synonymous with horror.
• A rich and immersive world: The best horror franchises create a sense of atmosphere and immersion, drawing viewers into a world that’s both frightening and fascinating. Consider the eerie landscapes of The Shining or the creepy small towns of Halloween.
• A mix of scares and suspense: A great horror franchise knows how to balance jump scares with slow-burning tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and guessing until the very end.

The Franchises That Made the Cut

So, which horror franchises have managed to strike the perfect balance of terror, atmosphere, and suspense? Let’s take a look at our top picks:

1. Halloween: John Carpenter’s 1978 classic spawned a franchise that’s still going strong today, with a whopping 13 films under its belt. From the original’s eerie score to the more recent installments’ self-aware humor, Halloween has become a cultural phenomenon.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street: Wes Craven’s 1984 masterpiece introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. With nine films in the franchise, including a reboot and a crossover with Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street continues to haunt our dreams.
3. The Conjuring: This franchise has taken the horror world by storm, with eight films and counting, including spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun. Based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring series has proven that true horror can be just as terrifying as fiction.
4. Saw: James Wan’s 2004 debut film launched a franchise that’s become synonymous with gruesome traps and clever plot twists. With nine films and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of on-screen violence, Saw has become a staple of modern horror.
5. The Exorcist: William Friedkin’s 1973 classic is widely considered one of the scariest films of all time, and its franchise has continued to thrill audiences with a mix of sequels, prequels, and TV series. With its exploration of demonic possession and faith, The Exorcist has become a cultural touchstone for horror fans.
6. Friday the 13th: Sean S. Cunningham’s 1980 film introduced the world to Jason Voorhees, the masked killer who’s become an icon of horror. With 12 films in the franchise, including a reboot and a crossover with A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th continues to entertain and terrify audiences.
7. Hellraiser: Clive Barker’s 1987 film introduced the world to Pinhead and the Cenobites, a group of supernatural entities from hell who are equal parts fascinating and terrifying. With 10 films in the franchise, including a forthcoming reboot, Hellraiser continues to explore the boundaries of pain, pleasure, and the human condition.

Why These Franchises Endure

So, what is it about these franchises that keeps us coming back for more? Is it the nostalgia factor, the promise of new thrills and chills, or something deeper? The answer, of course, is a combination of all these factors. Here are a few reasons why these horror franchises continue to endure:

• Nostalgia: For many of us, horror movies are a shared experience that evokes memories of childhood sleepovers, midnight movie marathons, or crisp autumn nights spent watching scary films with friends. These franchises tap into that nostalgia, transporting us back to a time when fear was a thrilling and exhilarating experience.
• Evolution: The best horror franchises evolve and adapt over time, incorporating new themes, subplots, and characters to keep the narrative fresh and exciting. This evolution keeps fans engaged, eager to see what new twists and turns the next installment will bring.
• Cultural significance: These franchises have become part of our shared cultural heritage, with references and allusions appearing in everything from comedy sketches to music videos. They’ve transcended the horror genre, becoming a part of our broader pop culture landscape.

Conclusion and Call to Action

And so, dear horror fans, we come to the end of our journey through the best horror movie franchises. Whether you’re a seasoned horror buff or just starting to explore the genre, these series offer a wealth of thrills, chills, and entertainment that’s sure to keep you up all night. So, which franchise will you revisit next? Will you delve into the eerie world of The Conjuring, or perhaps revisit the classic scares of Halloween? Whatever your choice, remember to keep the lights on, the doors locked, and the popcorn close at hand – because in the world of horror, you never know what’s lurking in the shadows.

Now it’s your turn – share your favorite horror franchise with us in the comments below! Do you have a soft spot for the supernatural terror of The Exorcist, or perhaps the gruesome traps of Saw? Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate our shared love of horror movies. And if you’re feeling brave, why not challenge yourself to a horror movie marathon, featuring some of the franchises on our list? Just be sure to sleep with the lights on – you never know what might be lurking in the darkness, waiting to pounce.