Summary
In more recent years, horror movies have become more dedicated to singular experiences, completely independent of other movies. It was the earlier decades, the 70s, 80s, and even 90s, that popularized the idea of horror movie franchises, continuing a killer’s reign of terror across multiple movies. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Not every franchise is equal, as some have weaker entries that can be tiresome for fans to try and slog through. It depends entirely on each individual’s taste, but there are many horror franchises that keep their fans coming back for rewatches.
2012
2013
2014
2021
2022
2023
2016
Kids vs. Aliens
Found footage and anthology movies are two popular subgenres in the horror genre, andV/H/Sis a sprawling franchise that manages to combine them both, with each movie comprised of different segments and usually having a main segment to tie them all together. Because of all the different segments, there is a chance that some won’t appeal to everyone, but in the inverse, there are likely to be ones that viewers will really love.
Each movie has usually been hit with mixed reviews, but there is no denying that the later movies have only shown more promise, creativity, and down-right terrifying visuals and storylines, and some segments were so successful that spin-off films (SirenandKids vs. Aliens) were released to give these segments the time they deserved. And with theV/H/Sseries slated to continue, fans can expect even bigger and better things from this already great franchise.
Maxxxine
2024
TheXtrilogy has produced some of the most interesting modern horror movies, starring Mia Goth in the roles of adult film actress Maxine Minx and aspiring star Pearl.She performs both roles perfectly, especially inX,which sees her playing both characters quite often.
Pearlprovided the backdrop of the old woman and her murderous tendencies, andMaxxxinefollowed the story of Maxine, now in the 80s, continuing to pursue her career. Each film provides a strong contender for being the best of the bunch, as each is so distinct from the other and explores different themes. The trilogy might require multiple viewings just to decide on the winner, especially while waiting for whatever Ti West does next.
2010
2015
2018
Insidious: The Red Door
Insidiousis one of the most popular modern horro movie franchises, and it is clear to see why. Centering on the spirit world, ghosts that inhabit the plane, and the Lambert family (apart from the third entry), it has gained notoriety for its stellar horror cast, featuring legends in the genre such as Lin Shaye, as well as some truly breathtaking visuals that are present throughout. The ghostly Spirit World and its eerie entities make an appearance in every movie, and every reprisal is just as shocking as the previous.
The Lipstick Demon, despite the unusual name, has gone down in history as one of the scariest horror movie creatures, featured in one of the most infamous jumpscares of all time. Even if the jumpscare isn’t as effective after the first time, this series still warrants revisiting, especially since there is more to come.
1996
1997
2000
2011
Scream 6
Starting out as a Halloween costume, Ghostface eventually found fame as the star ofScream,the most meta of all horror movies. It pokes good harmless fun at horror tropes, such as chaste final girls, the killer picking off those who wander off alone, impurity being mercilessly punished, and the film industry as a whole.Screamitself has spawned ‘requels,’ but at least it is self-aware about it.
Not only that, butScreamprovides a lot of good, bloody fun, as the masked killer(s) spreads terror in Woodsborough, and in later installments, New York City. Each movie sees a different killer donning the mask and the moniker, possessing a different motive for what they are doing. Even if the guessing game is null and void on rewatches, theScreamfranchise is still one that keeps fans coming back for more due to the fun action and meta commentary.
1988
1990
1991
1998
2004
2017
Child’s Play
2019
Killer dolls in horror movies, by now, are nothing unique, but one cannot deny the influence theChild’s Playseries had on this trope. It’s not a stretch to say movies such asM3GANwould not have existed if Chucky had never been created. Along with being influential, theChild’s Playmovies are considered classics for good reason.
Possessed by the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray, the so-called Good Guy doll spreads mischief and mayhem wherever he skitters, and he is even joined by other living dolls, Tiffany and Glenn/Glenda, in subsequent titles. The series delivers just as many laughs as it does fear in the viewers, and the chaos never stops being fun upon rewatches. Though the 2019 remake is viewed as inferior to previousChild’s Playtitles, it is still a worthy entry for a more modernized look at what a Good Guy doll would be like.
1984
1985
1987
1989
1994
2003
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Freddy Krueger is a horror icon synonymous with the genre as a whole, and his movie franchise is considered one of the greats. TheNightmare on Elm Streetmovies won’t quite create creeping chills of terror as movies such asThe 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 asone of the best slashers around, completely off-setting silent, moody slashers such as Jason, who Freddy had his own showdown with inFreddy 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.
1981
1993
Evil Dead Rise
When one thinks of horror movies starring demons,Evil Deadis likely going to be the franchise that comes to mind for most horror fans. Ever since the 80s, horror fans have witnessed Ash Williams (among others) struggle against the evil entities unleashed from the Necronomicon,not to be confused with H. P. Lovecraft’s work.
The Ash Williams movies verge closer to horror comedy, whereas the 2013 movie andRiseare embrace more horror elements. The juxtaposition is not as jarring as many may think, and it shows just how diverse the series can be. It may be tempting to just stick to whatever movies are more to each viewer’s personal taste, buteach entry in theEvil Deadfranchise is solid and worthy of more than one watch. And with more on the way, now is a great time to dive back in.
1978
Halloween 3: Season of the Witch
1982
1995
2002
2007
Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2
2009
By far,one of the most iconic slashersin horror movie history is that of the mask and blue overall wearing Michael Myers, who reigned bloody terror down on Laurie and everyone around her since the franchise’s debut in 1978. With the first being such a smash hit and Michael Myers seeming to have supernatural resistance to death, the firstHalloweenmovie birthed quite a significant amount of sequels starring the famed slasher, all except forHalloween 3, which featured a totally new take and characters.
While not allHalloweenmovies manage to capture the magic of the first entry,Halloweenis still a franchise held in high regard by most fans, the first three and the remake in particular. Even musician and movie director Rob Zombie took a stab at recreating the movies, resulting in an acceptable duo of films that gave a man to the myth, building on Michael’s backstory in an attempt to explain his silent, murderous personality.
1979
1986
1992
Alien vs Predator: Requiem
Sci-fi horror is a genreseverely lacking in quality films, but thankfully, there is always theAlienfranchise to scratch that itch. With H.R. Giger serving as designer for many of the set-pieces and a slew of movies that show the deadly prowess of the titular monster, also known as the Xenomorph,Alienhas terrorized an entire generation. Hapless crews, usually with Ellen Ripley, find themselves at the mercy of the facehuggers, which in turn will result in the birth of a baby Xeno that will make its exit through the unfortunate hosts' chests.
Early films captured more acclaim than movies such asCovenantandResurrection, but Romulus helps bring back the series to greatness, and the crossover movies featuring Predator gave fans shlocky but epic showdowns between the two legendary monsters. For the excellent gems alone in this collection, the entre franchise certainly warrants revisits.
The Nun 2
The Conjuringmovie franchise successfully created its own universe. While not quite as sprawling as the MCU, it still birthed some of thescariest creatures and moments in horror movie history, and follows a fictionalized retelling of the Warren’s, who were real-life paranormal investigators back in the mid to late 20th century, taking some facts but adding fiction for some truly terrifying movies.
The NunandAnnabelleseries are part of the universe, delving more into the series' two most infamous antagonists: Valak and Annabelle. These movies are as frightening, and as worthy of watching as the classicConjuringmovie trilogy, which is slated for a fourth entry somewhere down the line. Using the Warrens as the key focal point of the series is an ingenious move, as it helps ground the movies in reality, which adds an extra dimension of fear for viewers. No matter how many times these movies are watched, it will still leave viewers feeling wary of old paintings and Raggedy Ann dolls.
