Buzz
Since the dawn of cinema, horror films have played a significant role in shaping both American and global culture. Over the past four decades, the genre has birthed countless iconic figures, ranging from Freddy Krueger to Jigsaw, and Jason Voorhees to Pinhead. But do these terrifying legends also dominate the box office? Join me as we explore the top 10 most financially successful horror film franchises. Please note: Many of these films are over 15 years old, and the financial figures are adjusted to 2007-2011 U.S. dollars. These earnings reflect only film profits, excluding TV shows, video games, and other media. Additionally, beware of spoilers!
3. “Friday the 13th” Series
Main Villain(s): Pamela Voorhees; Jason Voorhees; a deranged ambulance driver; Freddy Krueger Number of movies, etc.: 12 (including the remake and “Freddy vs. Jason”); 1 TV show; 1 video game Total Gross Revenue to Date: $380,637,525 (excluding TV show and video game earnings) Average Gross Revenue per Movie: $31,719,793.75
Jason and this unstoppable franchise continue to dominate! With 12 films (two of which don’t even feature Jason as the villain), a loosely connected TV series, and a mask forever etched into the nightmares of camp counselors everywhere, Jason isn’t just a relentless killer—he’s also a highly profitable one!
2. “Saw” Series
Main Villain(s): John “Jigsaw” Kramer; Jill Tuck; Detective Mark Hoffman; Dr. Lawrence Gordon; Amanda Young; and technically, many of their victims (given the moral dilemmas they face—kill or be killed. If you haven’t seen the films, it’s a bit complex!) Number of Movies, etc.: 10 (including a direct-to-DVD release, the short film that inspired the first “Saw,” and a fan-made film); 1 video game Total Gross Revenue to Date: $342,510,598 (excluding the fan-made film, short film, direct-to-DVD release, and video game) Average Gross Revenue per Movie: $34,251,059.80
One of the newest horror franchises in American cinema is also one of the most triumphant! “Saw” revolutionized the genre by introducing a horror icon who doesn’t directly kill his victims but instead manipulates them into killing each other. Genius!
1. “The Exorcist” Series
Main Villain(s): Pazuzu (the demon possessing Reagan); several others (Note: I haven’t revisited “The Exorcist II: The Heretic” recently, and I’m yet to watch “The Exorcist III”) Number of Movies, etc.: 7 films (4 original films, 1 prequel, 1 director’s cut, and 1 adult parody titled “The XXXorcist” (seriously!)) Total Gross Revenue to Date: $331,592,458 (excluding the parody) Average Gross Revenue per Movie: $47,370,351.14
“The Exorcist” stands out because its antagonist possesses the protagonists themselves. It remains one of the most horrifying film series ever made. The original was so terrifying that renowned Christian figure Billy Graham even claimed the film reels were demonically possessed!
4. “Halloween” Series
Primary Antagonists: Michael Myers (with his father also playing a villainous role in the remake); a sinister elderly man crafting deadly masks; a satanic cult; the abusive orderlies from the remake; and the individual who facilitates Michael's prison release. Film Count: 10 movies; 1 video game. Total Revenue: $307,729,650 (excluding video game sales). Average Revenue per Film: $30,772,965
Michael Myers stands as one of the most enduring and iconic figures in American horror cinema. Whether directed by John Carpenter or a surprisingly adept Rob Zombie, the 'Halloween' franchise has consistently delivered both terror and substantial box office success, making it a standout in holiday-themed horror.
5. 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' Series
Primary Antagonists: Freddy Krueger; Jason Voorhees; the dream-demons. Media Count: 8 films; 1 TV series; 1 video game; a 900-number hotline for horror calls (yes, it was real). Total Revenue: $307,420,075 (excluding video game, TV show, and hotline profits). Average Revenue per Film: $38,427,509.38
Freddy Krueger is one of the most iconic figures in film history, known for his horrifying appearance and imaginative manipulation of dreams. His influence extended from Elm Street to Hollywood ('Wes Craven’s New Nightmare') and even Crystal Lake. Given the impressive financial success, his legacy of fear is clearly well-supported!
6. 'Scream' Series
Main Antagonists: Stuart; Billy; Mickey; Debbie Salt; and others (details on 'Scream 3' are hazy, and 'Scream 4' remains unseen). Film Count: 4 movies. Total Revenue: $293,553,139 (excluding 'Scream 4'). Average Revenue per Film: $97,851,046.33 (excluding 'Scream 4')
The 'Scream' franchise stands out as one of the rare horror series with a satirical edge. Unique in its approach, each installment introduces entirely new antagonists. Although it ranks sixth in total earnings, it boasts one of the highest per-film revenue averages in the genre.
7. 'Paranormal Activity' Series
Primary Antagonist: An unidentified demonic entity. Film Count: 2 movies. Total Revenue: $192,671,717. Average Revenue per Film: $96,335,858.50
Though some argue that 'Paranormal Activity' hasn't fully established itself as a franchise, its financial success rivals many established series. Drawing inspiration from classics like 'Cannibal Holocaust,' '[Rec],' and 'The Blair Witch Project,' these groundbreaking films have cemented their place as a formidable force in horror cinema.
10. 'The Omen' Series
Primary Antagonists: Damien Thorn; his loyal followers (also known as Thorn Industries); Satan; and Satan's devotees. Film Count: 5 (including 3 original films, 1 TV movie, and 1 remake). Total Revenue: $162,520,100 (excluding the TV movie). Average Revenue per Film: $40,630,025
The embodiment of the Anti-Christ, born from ancient evil, serves as a timeless horror icon. Few figures in cinema can claim a legacy as enduring and terrifying as one crafted over millennia.
9. 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Series
Primary Antagonists: Leatherface and his deranged family; a mysterious organization (from part 4, which is hard to explain). Film Count: 6 movies (including 1 remake, 1 prequel, and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation,' which had a double theatrical release); 1 video game. Total Revenue: $164,925,750 (excluding the video game). Average Revenue per Film: $27,487,625
Despite being a legendary horror series, this franchise ranks lower due to financial troubles with the original film and the poorly received fourth installment, which was re-released to capitalize on Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger's rising fame. Leatherface will have to accept 9th place—hopefully without holding a grudge.
8. 'Amityville Horror' Series
Primary Antagonists: A haunted house; a sinister doll-house; the former inhabitants of the Amityville house before the Lutz family; and several others (as some films remain unseen). Film Count: 9 movies (including 3 originals, 1 remake, 4 direct-to-video releases, and 1 TV movie). Total Revenue: $170,533,321 (excluding non-theatrical sequels). Average Revenue per Film: $42,633,330.25
The 'Amityville Horror' series stands as one of the most overlooked and undervalued horror franchises in cinematic history. With a legacy spanning over three decades, this chilling saga continues to captivate audiences across generations.
