Top Reviews of Horror Movie Franchises

1. Introduction

Fans of the cinematic moving image have stuck with the horror genre for decades. In recent years, viewers have been kept on the edge of their seats by gripping sequels and prequels to popular horror film franchises. Some of the best horror film series ever made will be discussed in this post. These series, ranging from traditional slashers to otherworldly thrillers, are guaranteed to leave you begging for more.

1.1. Definition of Horror Movie Franchise

The term “horror movie franchise” is used to describe a group of movies that share a common setting, plot, and/or characters. Each film in this series is released at a certain interval and adds to the story begun in the preceding one, sometimes over the course of many years. Horror film series are known for their gory violence, suspenseful plots, and memorable images, which can range from supernatural beings to masked assailants. Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street are among the most successful horror film series of all time.

1.2. History of Horror Movie Franchise

Horror films have been popular for decades, and many long-running series are still thrilling viewers. Horror film series have been terrifying and fascinating audiences for decades, from the slasher films of the 1970s and 1980s to the supernatural thrillers of today. When and why did franchises begin? Let’s take a look back at the development of horror film series throughout the years.

1.3. Why Horror Movie Franchises Are Popular

Franchises based on horror films have consistently drawn audiences. The tension, fear, and gore that permeate horror films from the classic slasher films of the 1980s to the current supernatural thrillers of today never fail to captivate viewers. But why do people enjoy seeing sequels to the same scary film over and over again? Is it the surge of adrenaline that comes from being afraid, the thrill of waiting for the next jump scare, or the appeal of a dark and twisty plot that draws you in? This essay will examine the enduring appeal of horror film series and the factors that ensure their survival.

2. Top 5 Horror Movie Franchises

One of the most successful and well-liked horror film series is Halloween. The series chronicles the exploits of Michael Myers, a disturbed serial killer on a mission to bring dread to the little Illinois town of Haddonfield. With 10 installments, the Halloween film series has established a classic in the horror film canon.

The Friday the 13th film series is another all-time great in the annals of horror cinema. The series chronicles the exploits of Jason Voorhees, a disfigured serial killer who causes mayhem at the Crystal Lake campsites. Fans of the horror genre should definitely check out one of the Friday the 13th films (or all twelve).

Thirdly, A Nightmare on Elm Street, whose antagonist Freddy Krueger has become a pop culture figure. Krueger, a serial murderer who haunts his victims, is the series’ main protagonist.

2.1. The Conjuring Universe

One of the most popular and financially successful horror film series in recent years is The Conjuring Universe. First appearing in theaters in 2013, ‘The Conjuring’ was inspired by the work of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and marked the beginning of a new franchise. The film received positive reviews and made over $300 million around the world. Annebelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona are just a few of the films that have been released as part of the franchise since then. The Devil Made Me Do It, the latest installment in the Conjuring franchise, was released in 2021 to generally positive reviews from both critics and moviegoers.

2.2. Halloween

When it comes to horror, Halloween is a major holiday. People celebrate by getting into the spirit by donning costumes, throwing parties, and watching scary films. It’s no surprise that this day has become practically synonymous with scary movies. Films with a spooky Halloween theme rank high among the genre’s all-time classics. Everyone can find a movie that suits their tastes, from traditional slasher films to occult mysteries. In this piece, we’ll examine the five horror film series that have had the greatest impact on the subgenre.

2.3. Friday the 13th

One of the most recognizable horror film series is Friday the 13th. The series tells the tale of Jason Voorhees, a serial murderer in a mask who terrorizes the community of Camp Crystal Lake. Friday the 13th is a series of horror films that has spawned several imitations and spinoffs, earning a reputation for its suspenseful plots, gory fatalities, and unforgettable characters.

2.4. A Nightmare on Elm Street

One of the most recognizable horror film series is A Nightmare on Elm Street. Freddy Krueger, a burned and scarred man who kills teenagers in their sleep while they dream, is the series’ main antagonist. A Nightmare on Elm Street is a great horror film because of its original plot and terrifying imagery. The nine movies, TV show, and other media in the franchise have made it an indispensable part of the horror genre.

2.5. Saw

The Saw movies are among the most profitable in the horror genre. Over a billion dollars has been made from the series’ eight films. The Jigsaw Killer, the protagonist of the show, is a sadist who sets elaborate traps for his victims in an effort to teach them a lesson about the preciousness of life. The movies are notorious for their shocking plot twists and graphic depictions of violence. The Saw films have a devoted fan base and remain a fixture of the horror genre, despite receiving criticism for its graphic depictions of violence.

3. Review of Each Franchise

For over four decades, the Halloween film series has been terrifying moviegoers. It’s no surprise that Halloween is one of the longest-running horror franchises, what with 11 installments. Season after season, we watch as Michael Myers, a disturbed killer who escaped from a mental facility, murders his way back through his small village. The Halloween films are a mainstay of the horror genre, even if not every installment has been a smash hit.

Similar to Halloween, Friday the 13th has been a staple of the horror genre since its inception in 1980. The series tells the story of Jason Voorhees, a serial killer who terrorizes the counselors at Camp Crystal Lake. In spite of its ups and downs, the Friday the 13th film series, which now counts 12 entries, continues to be a fan favorite.

Freddy Krueger, from the Nightmare on Elm Street films, is arguably the most recognizable horror movie villain of all time.

3.1. Storyline

The plots of individual horror film series are what distinguish them apart from one another. The Friday the 13th films, for instance, chronicle the murderous Jason Voorhees’ quest for vengeance after the death of his mother. Freddy Krueger is a child murderer who appears in his victims’ dreams throughout the Nightmare on Elm Street films. Michael Myers, the serial murderer at the center of the Halloween films, is a sociopath who flees from an asylum and then returns to his hometown. These plots, among many others, have become classics of the horror genre and never cease to fascinate new generations of readers and viewers.

3.2. Characters

Characters are frequently what stand out most in horror film series. Fan favorites in horror franchises range from serial killers like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees to the final ladies who escape their attacks. Here, we’ll examine some of the most popular figures from the best horror film series in further detail.

3.3. Visual Effects

In recent years, special effects have become increasingly important in horror films, providing a more immersive experience for audiences. Visual effects, whether they be actual or computer-generated, have always played a significant role in bringing scary monsters and supernatural occurrences to the big screen.

3.4. Scare Factor

The popular book series Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo tells the narrative of a young orphan named Alina Starkov who, after discovering she has the ability to call light, may be the key to saving her war-torn country. Alina faces a dangerous and alluring foe in the Darkling, who seeks to exploit her newfound abilities for his own ends, while she learns to adapt to her new environment. The show is a must-see for any fan of the fantasy genre thanks to its breathtaking visuals, sophisticated world-building, and engaging characters.

3.5. Overall Rating

There is a wide variety of horror film series to choose from. While they all put their own take on the genre, not all of them are created equal. The best horror film series are the ones that have been around for a while and have managed to shock and thrill viewers with each new chapter. These series are well-known among horror fans for their consistent high quality. In this piece, we’ll examine several of the most successful horror film series and evaluate them individually to determine their strengths and weaknesses.