The Longest-Running Horror Movie Franchises: From Night of the Living Dead to the Conjuring
When discussing the longest-running horror movie franchises, it's important to clarify the misconception that The Conjuring is the longest-running. In reality, the title belongs to two franchises that have been consistently releasing films for decades: The Friday the 13th and Halloween.
Franchise Overview
Starting in 1980, The Friday the 13th franchise has reached a staggering 12 movies, with only one shared title with Nightmare on Elm Street. This popular franchise has been a part of horror movie history and continues to attract audiences with its iconic character, Jason Voorhees. Meanwhile, the Halloween franchise, starting in 1978, now boasts 11 movies, with two more on the horizon, maintaining a steady presence in the horror genre.
Other Notable Franchises
In addition to the top two, there are several other notable horror franchises that have stood the test of time:
The Hellraiser Franchise
The Hellraiser franchise, initiated in 1987, has produced 10 movies. However, due to the fact that seven of these movies were released straight to cable, the financial success of this franchise is not as strong as those that have performed well in theatrical releases. The series continues to intrigue fans with its unique mythology and supernatural elements.
Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th
Both Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th share one movie each, with Nightmare on Elm Street starting in 1984 and Friday the 13th in 1980. These two franchises are deeply intertwined in the horror genre and have influenced countless other films and TV shows.
The Living Dead and Alien Franchises
The Night of the Living Dead franchise, one of the pioneers of the zombie subgenre, was initiated in 1968 and now has 8 movies, with a ninth in the works. Similarly, the Alien franchise, which began in 1978, has an impressive 8 films under its belt. Both of these series have expanded into multiple spin-offs, crossovers, and television series.
Other Notables
Chucky (Child’s Play): This franchise, also known as The Child’s Play series, began in 1988 and has produced 8 movies, with its ninth installment in the pipeline. The Conjuring Series: Starting in 2013, this franchise includes films like The Conjuring, Annabelle, and The Nun, totaling 7 movies so far, with 3 additional ones planned. Tremors: This series has 7 films, initiated in 1990, though four of them were straight to cable releases, impacting its overall success. Resident Evil: The Resident Evil franchise began in 2002 and has 6 movies, with a reboot in the works. Paranormal Activity: Initiated in 2007, the Paranormal Activity series has 6 films with a seventh in the pipeline. The Predator: Known for its crossover with the Alien franchise, this series has 6 films, with a seventh set for release.The Conjuring: A Short-Running Success
Notably, the The Conjuring franchise has the shortest run time among these long-standing series, starting in 2013. Despite this, its success has been significant, with its offshoots like Annabelle and The Nun contributing to its longevity andpopularity.
Conclusion
In the vast world of horror movies, these long-standing franchises have stood the test of time. From the groundbreaking starters like Night of the Living Dead to the more recent successes like The Conjuring, each series has its unique charm and impact. Whether it’s with iconic characters, pioneering themes, or innovative storytelling, these franchises continue to captivate audiences and shape the future of the horror genre.