Unmasking Terror: The Top 10 Horror Franchises

Hey horror film fanatics! Are you ready to dive into the realm of nightmares, spine-chilling tales, and iconic villains? Today, we're unmasking the top 10 horror franchises that have sent shivers down our spines and kept us awake at night. Based on the Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer (TM), audience scores (AS) and a dash of our own gruesome enthusiasm, here's the definitive ranking from 10 to 1. So, dim the lights, grab your favourite horror snack, and embark on a spine-chilling marathon of these iconic series.

10. PREDATOR (1987 - Present)

• Number of films: 7
• Tomatometer Average: 48.1%
• Domestic Box Office: $81 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 42.8%
• Best Film: Prey (2022) – 94% TM , 74% AS

Back in 1987, director John McTiernan unleashed the legendary Yautja, also known as the Predator, onto the big screen. This extraterrestrial hunter, famous for chasing down formidable heroes led by the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger, had a thing for collecting human bone trophies, adding a spooky twist to the action-packed story. Crafted by the master Stan Winston, the Predator's brutal tactics, like spine extraction and chilling displays, left a lasting impression.

While the 1987 release got its fair share of praise, later Predator movies faced some ups and downs, with only Predators in 2010 and Prey in 2022 managing to snag Fresh Tomatometer scores. Despite the bumps in the road, the series still brings cinematic joy. Predator 2, for instance, gave us Danny Glover's epic showdown with a one-armed monster aboard an alien ship, expanding the Yautja lore in a seriously thrilling way.

Through the ups and downs, these moments of sheer excitement and unexpected brilliance remind us that the Predator series, quirks and all, is a lasting and thrilling part of cinematic horror. Whether you're into the visceral thrills of the original or the star-studded surprises in the later entries, the Yautja's legacy keeps on mesmerising audiences, etching an unforgettable mark on the genre's landscape.

9. INSIDIOUS (2010 - Present)

• Number of films: 5
• Tomatometer Avg: 46.8%
• Domestic Box Office: $81.1 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 41.75%
• Best Film: Insidious (2010) – 67% TM, 62% AS

The Insidious horror film series, cooked up by James Wan and penned by Leigh Whannell, revolves around the Lambert family's eerie encounters with supernatural entities. The first instalment, "Insidious" (2010), follows parents Josh and Renai as they navigate a haunted realm called "The Further" to rescue their comatose son. Subsequent films, including "Insidious: Chapter 2" (2013) and "Insidious: Chapter 3" (2015), delve deeper into the family's haunting past and the malevolent forces that persistently target them. The franchise also explores the paranormal investigative duo, Specs and Tucker, who aid the Lamberts. "Insidious: The Last Key" (2018) delves into psychic Elise Rainier's dark history, offering insight into her connection with the supernatural. Blending psychological horror with supernatural elements, the Insidious series has garnered acclaim for its atmospheric tension, jump scares, and a narrative that weaves a chilling tale of familial struggles against the otherworldly.

8. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984 - Present)

• Number of films: 9
• Tomatometer Avg: 49.3%
• Domestic Box Office: $79.5 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 43.6%
• Best Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – 95% TM, 84% AS

Wes Craven kicked off this horror rollercoaster back in 1984, and it's all about Freddy Krueger, the seriously vengeful spirit with a twisted sense of humour. The original film introduces Krueger, a disfigured child murderer who haunts the dreams of Elm Street teenagers, causing their deaths in reality. The iconic glove-wielding villain's ability to manipulate dreams fuels the franchise's unique terror. Sequels like "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge" (1985) and "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" (1987) further explore Freddy's backstory and expand the mythology. The series combines horror and fantasy, emphasising the psychological impact of nightmares.

Freddy Krueger, portrayed by Robert Englund, with his razor-sharp claws and twisted sense of humour, has imprinted himself on pop culture in a way only he could. Even if some films got mixed reviews, the legacy lives on with the franchise's crazy ideas, unforgettable bad guy, and its big impact on the whole horror scene.

7. SAW FRANCHISE (2004-Present)

• Number of films: 10
• Tomatometer Avg: 34.7%
• Domestic Box Office: $71.5 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 33%
• Best Film: Saw (2004) – 50% TM, 84% AS

The Saw franchise, created by James Wan and Leigh Whannell in 2004, is a landmark horror series renowned for its intricate and gruesome approach to storytelling. If you thought solving puzzles was all fun and games, think again. Centred around the sadistic Jigsaw Killer (John Kramer), the films delve into moral dilemmas, testing characters' will to survive.

Each instalment, including "Saw II" (2005) and "Saw III" (2006), features a labyrinthine plot with interconnected characters and traps that challenge victims' physical and psychological fortitude. The franchise explores Jigsaw's philosophy of forcing individuals to appreciate life through extreme adversity. Over the years, sequels like "Saw IV" (2007) and "Jigsaw" (2017) expanded the mythology, revealing new layers to the twisted narrative. Despite mixed critical reception, the Saw series has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, celebrated for its intricate plotting, shocking twists, and the enduring legacy of Jigsaw's gruesome games. Just remember: there's always a way out, but it might cost you an arm and a leg - quite literally.

6. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968 - Present)

• Number of films: 9
• Tomatometer Avg: 66.1%
• Domestic Box Office: $22 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 62.5%
• Best Films: Dawn of the Dead (1978) – 91% TM, 90% AS

Alright, let's talk about George A. Romero's Dead franchise – a real game-changer in the whole zombie scene. It all kicked off with the groundbreaking "Night of the Living Dead" in 1968 and kept on shambling through the years, hitting us with films like "Survival of the Dead" in 2009. Romero basically set the stage for the modern zombie style we all know – you know, reanimated corpses causing total chaos.

"Dawn of the Dead" in 1978 is like a masterclass in blending horror with a bit of social commentary, digging into the whole consumerism thing during a zombie apocalypse. Then there's "Day of the Dead" in 1985, getting deep into what surviving this zombie madness does to your head. The franchise keeps going strong with "Land of the Dead" in 2005 and "Diary of the Dead" in 2007, offering fresh takes on the whole undead situation.

Romero's Dead series isn't just about zombies munching on folks, it's got this smart social critique, cool practical effects, and a vibe of moral uncertainty. No wonder it's influenced a ton of filmmakers and totally shaped how we see horror.

5. THE CONJURING UNIVERSE (2013-Present)

• Number of films: 9
• Tomatometer Avg: 54.1%
• Domestic Box Office: $127 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 50.1%
• Best Film: The Conjuring (2013) – 86% TM, 83% AS

The Conjuring Universe, initiated by James Wan with "The Conjuring" in 2013, is a highly successful horror saga renowned for its supernatural storytelling. This emotionally resonant series has redefined mainstream horror, delivering spine-chilling tales with heart. Anchored by real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the series interconnects various chilling cases.

After the hit of "The Conjuring," we got spin-offs like "Annabelle" (2014), "The Nun" (2018), and "The Curse of La Llorona" (2019), each bringing their own flavour of scary entities. The Conjuring Universe is all about that atmospheric horror, those jumps that make you spill your popcorn, and a storyline that weaves together all the Warrens' adventures.The critically acclaimed "The Conjuring 2" (2016) and "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" (2021) kept up the mix of supernatural terror and real-life drama, earning them some serious applause. With its successful formula and a growing roster of films, The Conjuring Universe has solidified its place as a dominant force in contemporary horror cinema.

4. ALIEN (1979 - Present)

• Number of films: 8
• Tomatometer Avg: 58%
• Domestic Box Office: $135 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 52.5%
• Best Film: Aliens (1986) – 98% TM, 94% AS

The Alien horror franchise, initiated by Ridley Scott's "Alien" in 1979, has been a real blockbuster, you know? The first movie, this cool mix of sci-fi and horror, got everyone talking. People loved the tense atmosphere, the wild creature design, and Sigourney Weaver owning it as Ellen Ripley.

Then, James Cameron came in with "Aliens" in 1986, taking the franchise to a whole new level, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Subsequent instalments, including "Alien 3" (1992) and "Alien: Resurrection" (1997), garnered mixed reviews but hey, the fan base stuck around. The prequel series, starting with "Prometheus" (2012) and followed by "Alien: Covenant" (2017), delved into the franchise's origin with a divisive response. Known for Sigourney Weaver's iconic portrayal of Ellen Ripley and H.R. Giger's nightmarish creature design, the Alien series has left an indelible mark on the sci-fi horror genre.

3. EVIL DEAD (1981-Present)

• Number of films: 5
• Tomatometer Avg: 77.8%
• Domestic Box Office: $53.9 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 75.75%
• Best Film: Evil Dead 2 (1987) – 88% TM, 89% AS

The Evil Dead horror franchise, started back in 1981 with Sam Raimi's cult classic "The Evil Dead," and has grown into a beloved and influential series celebrated for its unique cocktail of horror and dark humour. From the cabin in the woods to the chainsaw-wielding hero, each movie in this series brings its own flavour to the table. In the original film we meet Ash Williams, portrayed by the iconic Bruce Campbell, who accidentally unleashes some seriously demonic forces during a cabin trip. "Evil Dead II" (1987) is like a masterclass in mixing horror with slapstick comedy, thanks to Raimi's unique style. "Army of Darkness" (1992) takes Ash on a time-travelling adventure to mediaeval times, injecting an adventurous twist into the saga.

Expanding its universe, the franchise saw a successful remake in 2013, serving up a new take on all the gory and supernatural chaos. The subsequent television series, "Ash vs Evil Dead" (2015–2018), kept the story going, exploring the repercussions of the infamous Necronomicon's influence on Ash's life. Praised for its inventive use of practical effects, memorable one-liners, and Campbell's charismatic portrayal, the Evil Dead franchise has not only maintained a dedicated fan base but also stands as a cornerstone in the horror-comedy genre, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers.

2. SCREAM (1996-Present)

• Number of films: 6
• Tomatometer Avg: 69.3%
• Domestic Box Office: $133.7 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 67%
• Best Film: Scream 6 (2023) – 76% TM, 91% AS

Wes Craven's meta-horror masterpiece takes second best place with its genius blend of humour, thrills, and a dash of murder mystery. Since its inception in 1996, the Scream horror franchise has consistently stood as one of the most successful and enduring in the genre.

The original film, "Scream," deconstructed horror tropes while introducing the iconic Ghostface killer who became a symbol of terror. The franchise continued with sequels in 1997, 2000, and 2011, each time reinventing the narrative with a fresh batch of killers, maintaining an element of mystery and surprise. Scream not only revitalised the slasher genre but also became a cultural phenomenon, known for its clever writing, meta-commentary on horror conventions, and Neve Campbell's portrayal of resilient protagonist Sidney Prescott. As it expands with new instalments, the Scream franchise remains a testament to its ability to innovate and captivate audiences over decades.

1. HANNIBAL LECTER (1981 - 2007)

• Number of films: 5
• Tomatometer Avg: 62.6%
• Domestic Box Office: $151 million
• Sequel Tomatometer Avg: 54.75%
• Best Film: The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – 95% TM, 95% AS

The Hannibal Lecter horror franchise, inspired by Thomas Harris's novels, revolves around the genius but terrifying Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a sophisticated yet cannibalistic serial killer. Everyone got a taste of Hannibal's brilliance in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991), where Anthony Hopkins delivered a spine-chilling performance that earned him an Academy Award. The franchise continued with "Hannibal" (2001) and "Red Dragon" (2002), delving into Lecter's backstory and how he influenced other characters. Then, there's the prequel "Hannibal Rising" (2007), which takes us back to the early days of Lecter's dark journey.

People often hail the Hannibal Lecter franchise as the best in horror, and for good reason. It's not just about scares, it's a psychological rollercoaster. The storytelling is intricate, and Hopkins' portrayal of Lecter is downright bone-chilling. The films mix horror with crime and suspense, offering an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience. Hannibal Lecter has become a pop culture icon, representing the epitome of refined evil. This franchise's success lies in its ability to hook audiences with a combination of smarts and scares, creating a legacy that goes beyond typical horror fare.

As we bid adieu to the spine-tingling worlds of Scream and the mind-bending terror of Insidious, let's not forget the modern classics like Stranger Things and the timeless charm of Wednesday Addams. These tales have etched themselves into our nightmares and become part of our shared cultural fabric.

So here's to the monsters, the madmen, and the endless scares that keep us coming back for more. As we venture back into the light, let's remember that the thrill of the unknown and the rush of a good scare will always have a special place in our hearts – and our nightmares. Until next time, happy haunting!