Horror movie franchises have been a staple of the film industry for decades, terrifying audiences with their blood-curdling screams, jump scares, and terrifying villains. From slasher films to supernatural tales, these franchises have captivated audiences with their ability to keep the horror coming year after year.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic classic horror movies that have turned into franchises.
The Nightmare on Elm Street series
What started as a low-budget indie horror flick in 1984, soon turned into one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. The Nightmare on Elm Street series revolves around the character of Freddy Krueger, a scarred villain with a glove of knives who invades the dreams of teenagers to kill them in their sleep. The films have been scaring audiences ever since, with nine installments released over the years.
The Friday the 13th series
The Friday the 13th series is another iconic horror franchise that was born in the 1980s. The first film, released in 1980, revolves around the story of Jason Voorhees, a young boy who drowned at camp Crystal Lake and returned from the dead to seek revenge. The series has become synonymous with its hockey mask-wearing killer, Jason, and has spawned twelve films, including a 2009 reboot.
The Halloween series
No Halloween is complete without a screening of the Halloween films. This classic franchise revolves around Michael Myers, an escaped mental patient who goes on a killing spree every Halloween. The original film, released in 1978, has become a cult classic and spawned ten sequels and a 2018 sequel that ignores all the other installments, picking up right where the first film left off.
The Saw series
The Saw series is not your typical horror franchise. It’s a gore-filled, torture-fest that is not for the faint of heart. The first film, released in 2004, revolves around the twisted games of Jigsaw, a serial killer who forces people to play deadly games to teach them a lesson about life. The franchise has been one of the most successful horror franchises in recent years, with eight films and an upcoming ninth installment.
The Hellraiser series
The Hellraiser series is unique in its portrayal of horror as an art form. Based on a novella by Clive Barker, the first film, released in 1987, revolves around the Cenobites, a group of sadomasochistic creatures who are summoned when a puzzle box is solved. The franchise has been pushing the boundaries of horror for over thirty years, with ten installments to date.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series is another classic horror franchise that has stood the test of time. The original film, released in 1974, follows a group of teenagers who are stalked and killed by a chainsaw-wielding maniac, Leatherface. The franchise has spawned seven sequels, including a 2003 remake and its 2006 prequel.
The Child’s Play series
The Child’s Play series is another horror franchise that has been around for decades. The first film, released in 1988, follows the story of Chucky, the possessed doll who is brought to life by the soul of a serial killer. The franchise has been scaring audiences with its pint-sized villain for over thirty years, with seven installments and a 2019 reboot.
Conclusion
Horror movie franchises have been keeping audiences up at night for decades, and these classic horror movies turned franchises are some of the best in the genre. From the supernatural scares of Nightmare on Elm Street to the gore-fest of Saw, these franchises have plenty of scares to offer. So, why not grab some popcorn, turn out the lights, and join in on the fun?
And if you’re feeling brave enough, why not watch a few of these classic horror movies yourself? You might just find a new favorite franchise.
