Top 10 Horror Movie Franchises With The Highest Box Office Earnings (2024)

Top 10 Horror Movie Franchises With The Highest Box Office Earnings: Horror movies have a unique ability to captivate audiences, sending shivers down our spines while keeping us glued to our seats, eagerly awaiting the next scare. These films play on our deepest fears and anxieties, making for some of the most memorable cinematic experiences. But which horror franchises have truly conquered the box office, proving their enduring appeal to generations of fans? From malevolent spirits and bloodthirsty vampires to deranged serial killers, certain narratives have not only petrified viewers but also raked in staggering revenues.

The Conjuring Universe

The crown for the highest-grossing horror movie franchise is rightfully worn by “The Conjuring Universe”. Taking inspiration from the eerie cases of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this franchise has turned its spine-chilling tales into box office gold. Beginning its haunting journey in 2013 with “The Conjuring”, the series expanded its terrifying narrative through sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, totaling eight films so far.

A standout in the franchise, the 2018 prequel “The Nun”, cemented its legacy by raking in a staggering $365,551,694. With an overall box office collection of a whopping $2,132,543,448, and more films like “The Nun II” and “The Conjuring 4” on the horizon, “The Conjuring Universe” shows no signs of slowing down, comfortably securing its position as the first on the list.

Alien

The “Alien” franchise is an emblematic pillar in the realm of sci-fi horror cinema. Debuting in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s iconic “Alien”, this series introduced audiences to the nightmare-inducing xenomorph, a creature of unmatched terror. Over time, the narrative has delved deeper into the mysterious origins of these lethal extraterrestrials, spanning a total of eight films. A significant testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal is the 2012 film “Prometheus”, which topped the franchise’s earnings with a massive $403,354,469 at the box office.

With a cumulative box office haul of $1,653,812,293, the “Alien” series effortlessly merges the cold vastness of space with the intimate horror of survival, creating a unique brand of dread. Its legacy isn’t just defined by the figures but also by its profound impact on the genres it encapsulates.

Resident Evil

Originally springing to life as a survival horror video game, the franchise evolved into a cinematic juggernaut, offering audiences a blend of horror, action, and post-apocalyptic scenarios. Anchored by the central character, Alice, the films capture her relentless battles against the monstrous creations of the nefarious Umbrella Corporation.

Out of the ten films, 2017’s “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” claimed the top spot in earnings, accumulating an impressive $314,101,190. The entire series boasts an astounding box office total of $1,279,601,895. The “Resident Evil” franchise’s success is a testament to its ability to reinvent and expand its universe, consistently delivering thrills and chills to its dedicated fan base.

It

The “It” film series, adapted from Stephen King’s renowned novel, swiftly cemented its place as a contemporary horror titan with just two installments. Charting the menacing pursuits of the shapeshifting entity Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the narrative oscillates between the past and the present, as the members of the Losers’ Club confront their deepest fears.

The 2017 release of “It” not only rejuvenated the horror genre but also set a monumental record by becoming the highest-grossing horror film ever, raking in an astounding $700,381,748 at the box office. Its sequel, “It Chapter Two”, further contributed to the franchise’s success, amassing $473,093,228. With a combined total of $1,173,474,976, the “It” series is a sterling exemplar of cinematic horror, effortlessly merging psychological terrors with visceral frights.

Saw

The “Saw” franchise is synonymous with the revival of visceral horror in the 21st century. Pioneering the “torture p*rn” sub-genre, its intricate traps and mind-bending twists ensured that it captivated audiences from the outset. What started as a low-budget film in 2004 rapidly snowballed into a nine-film series, with a tenth installment on the horizon.

Though some entries have been critiqued for prioritizing gore over a cogent storyline, the franchise’s earlier films, especially the original, were lauded for their innovative narratives and unexpected revelations. “Saw III” stands out as the series’ pinnacle in terms of box office success, pulling in a solid $164,874,275. The franchise’s total earnings, which crossed the billion-dollar mark, sitting at $1,012,620,413, illustrate its enduring allure and the audience’s appetite for its brand of macabre thrills.

Dracula

The “Dracula” series, centered around the iconic Count Dracula, has been an enduring pillar of the horror genre since the early days of cinema. With a lineage tracing back to Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel, the character’s cinematic journey began in earnest with Universal Pictures’ “Dracula” in 1931, starring the legendary Bela Lugosi. Over the years, the character, free from copyright constraints, has been reimagined and revitalized across 20 notable films, encompassing different eras, styles, and studios.

Universal Pictures, Hammer Films, and various other major studios have contributed to this timeless franchise. While the Count has seen countless incarnations, a significant highlight in box office success was the film “Van Helsing”, drawing a commendable $59,464,918. Cumulatively, the franchise boasts an impressive box office tally of $991,973,763, solidifying Dracula’s enduring appeal in the annals of horror.

Hannibal

The “Hannibal” franchise delves deep into the macabre psyche of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist with a penchant for cannibalism. First introduced to cinema audiences in the 1986 film “Manhunter”, it was Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal in “The Silence of the Lambs” that propelled Lecter into the horror hall of fame. The character’s chilling demeanor, combined with Hopkins’ masterful performance, ensured a hunger for sequels. Based on the novels by Thomas Harris, the series has given rise to five films, further deepening our unsettling fascination with the articulate cannibal.

Among the films, 2001’s “Hannibal” remains a standout, garnering a whopping $351,692,268 in box office returns. Across its cinematic journey, the Hannibal Lecter series has devoured a box office total of $924,422,301, proving the character’s undying allure even as he haunts viewers’ nightmares.

Scream

Next is “Scream” which redefined the slasher genre in the 1990s with its self-aware approach and genre-savvy characters. Plunging audiences into the fictional town of Woodsboro, we witness Sidney Prescott and her friends being terrorized by Ghostface, a killer whose identity changes with every film. This meta approach, paired with moments of genuine tension, has kept audiences hooked for over two decades.

Directed by the legendary Wes Craven, the franchise has spawned six films, with Sidney’s relentless battles against Ghostface forming the series’ core. The franchise’s debut in 1996, aptly titled “Scream”, emerged as the top earner, raking in an impressive $173,046,663. The franchise’s astute blending of horror with self-referential humor has earned it a box office total of $906,182,619, solidifying “Scream” as a modern classic in the annals of horror.

Paranormal Activity

Eschewing traditional villains, the franchise centers on a malevolent entity named Asmodeus, affectionately dubbed “Tobi,” who persistently haunts and terrorizes unsuspecting families. Through its six theatrical releases and one additional streaming entry on Paramount+, the series has turned everyday domestic settings into battlegrounds of supernatural horror.

“Paranormal Activity 3”, released in 2011, notably set records by achieving the best opening day for a horror film, amassing a considerable $26.2 million and culminating in a $148,422,274 gross. As Tobi’s dark presence permeates the lives of his victims, the franchise has accrued an impressive $890,533,646 at the box office, proving that sometimes the most terrifying horrors are the ones that lurk invisibly among us.

Halloween

The “Halloween” franchise is a cornerstone in the realm of horror, introducing the world to the relentless killer, Michael Myers. From its inception in 1978, Myers, or “The Shape,” as he’s ominously referred to, has become a fixture in popular culture, his mask and knife an immediate emblem of terror.

Across thirteen films, which include sequels, remakes, and even an unrelated entry, “Halloween III: Season of the Witch,” the series has shown its immense staying power. While the third installment notably veers off the path by omitting Michael entirely, the franchise’s pinnacle in earnings came with the 2018 reboot, “Halloween”, amassing a remarkable $255,485,178. With a cumulative box office draw of $877,128,953, the “Halloween” series stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic slasher horror, with Michael Myers serving as its unyielding heartbeat.

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