Best Horror Movie Series - Top 20 Horror Movie Franchises All Time
Ranked #1,710 in Entertainment, #21,391 overall
Best Movie Series - Part Three: Horror Film Series
Top 20 Best Horror & Thriller Film Series is the third lens of the Best Movie Series Lens Group. It features some of the most famous film series that fall into the horror - thriller genre.
Whether you like slasher series, zombie movies, splatter films or psychological thrillers, you've come to the right place.
Find here specific information about each film including movie release year, main actors and director, as well as a selection of DVD Special & Collector's Editions and High Definition Blu-ray Gift Sets & Collections.
Those 20 franchises that made the list include together a total of 101 movies. For each one of those films, you will be thrilled to watch selected official trailers and Youtube videos; most of those are in HD, so the quality is great.
Come back soon as new sequels will be added to some of those series.
Keep your eyes peeled for future updates!
#1 Halloween: 30th Anniversary Box Set
3 Movies + Special Bonus Disc
Halloween: 30th Anniversary Box Set
Amazon Price: $37.98 (as of 05/26/2012)
Halloween is as pure and undiluted as its title. In the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, a teenage baby sitter tries to survive a Halloween night of relentless terror, during which a knife-wielding maniac goes after the town's hormonally charged youths.
- Halloween Restored original 1978 film
- Halloween Extended Edition Halloween 4 The Return Of Michael Myers
- Halloween 5 The Revenge of Michael Myers
- Halloween 25 Years Of Terror SPECIAL BONUS DISC Halloween release.
Halloween Movies (I - V)
1978 - 1989
Halloween Films (VI - X)
#2 Alien Franchise
Starring: Sigourney Weaver
Alien Quadrilogy (Alien / Aliens / Alien 3 / Alien Resurrection)
Amazon Price: $30.50 (as of 05/26/2012)
The Alien Quadrilogy is a nine-disc boxed set devoted to the four Alien films. Although previously available on DVD as the Alien Legacy, here they have been repackaged with vastly more extras and with upgraded sound and picture. For anyone who hasn't been in hypersleep for the last 25 years, this series needs no introduction, though for the first time each film now comes in both original and "special edition" form.
Alien Films
1979 - 1997
#3 Final Destination Collection
All Four Movies
Four Film Favorites: Final Destination Collection (Final Destination / Final Destination 2 / Final Destination 3 / The Final Destination)
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 05/26/2012)
Final Destination Quadrilogy:
- Final Destination
- Final Destination 2
- Final Destination 3
- The Final Destination.
Final Destination Movies
#4 The Saw Trilogy
First 3 movies
The Saw Trilogy (Saw/ Saw II/ Saw III)
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 05/26/2012)
DVD Package:
- Saw
- Saw II
- Saw III.
Saw Films
All 6 movies
#5 Friday the 13th Collection
The First Eight Movies
Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake to Manhattan Ultimate Collection (Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part IV: The Final Chapter / Part V: A New Beginning / Part VI: Jason Lives / Part VII: The New Blood / Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan)
Amazon Price: $49.14 (as of 05/26/2012)
Five discs gather the first eight movies in the Friday the 13th series, plus a batch of behind-the-scenes featurettes. You can track the rise, fall, and endless resurrections of Jason Voorhees, from the original 1980 film to Jason's self-kidding trip to the Big Apple.
Friday The 13th (1980 - 1984)
Deluxe Editions of the First Four Instalments
Friday The Thirteenth (1985 - 1989)
Deluxe Editions of the next 4 movies
Friday The 13th (1993 - 2009)
Last 4 Films
#6 Jaws (1975)
30th Anniversary Edition
Jaws (Two-Disc 30th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 05/26/2012)
Released: 1975
Starring: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss; Director: Steven Spielberg
The story of a Long Island town whose summer tourist business is suddenly threatened by great-white-shark attacks on humans bypasses the potboiler trappings of Benchley's book and goes straight for the jugular with beautifully crafted, crowd-pleasing sequences of action and suspense.
Jaws 2, 3 and 4
1978 - 1987
#7 Nightmare on Elm Street Movie Pack
8 Movie Collection
Nightmare on Elm Street Collection
Amazon Price: $19.89 (as of 05/26/2012)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
- Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
- Wes Craven's New Nightmare
- Freddy Vs. Jason.
Nightmare on Elm Street Movies
1984 - 1989
Nightmare on Elm Street Film Series
1991 - 2010
#8 Resident Evil Trilogy
Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident Evil: Extinction
Resident Evil Trilogy 1-3
Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 05/26/2012)
Special Features:
Cast & Filmmakers' Commentary
Visual Effects Commentary
12 Featurettes
The Making (of Resident Evil)
Scoring Resident Evil
Storyboarding Resident Evil
Costumes, Set Design, The Creature
Resident Evil Movies
Starring Milla Jovovich
#9 Scream Trilogy
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox; Director: Wes Craven
Scream Trilogy - Boxed Set
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 05/26/2012)
Includes: Scream, Scream 2 & Scream 3 plus:
- Production Featurette & Film Facts
- Behind The Scenes Footage ('On The Scream Set' & 'Drew Barrymore')
- Q & A with Cast & Crew ('What's Your Favorite Scary Movie' & 'Why Are People So Fascinated by Horror Films?')
- Commentary by Director Wes Craven & Screenwriter Kevin Williamson
- Special Effects Gallery (Images, Pictures & Stills)
![Scream 4 Teaser Trailer [HD]<br />
Director: Wes Craven<br />
Release: 4/15/2011<br />
Genre: Horror<br />
Studio: Dimension](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EsWanWSkLmg/0.jpg "Scream 4 Teaser Trailer [HD]")
Scream Movies
Dimension Collector's Series
#10 Hanibal Lecter Collection
Manhunter / The Silence of the Lambs / Hannibal
The Hannibal Lecter Collection (Manhunter / The Silence of the Lambs / Hannibal)
Amazon Price: $16.24 (as of 05/26/2012)
Manhunter:Though it will always be remembered as the movie featuring the "other" Hannibal Lecter, Michael Mann's 1986 thriller Manhunter is nearly as good as The Silence of the Lambs, and in some respects it's arguably even better.
The Silence of the Lambs: Based on Thomas Harris's novel, this terrifying film by Jonathan Demme really only contains a couple of genuinely shocking moments (one involving an autopsy, the other a prison break).
Hannibal: Yes, he's back, and he's still hungry. Ten years after The Silence of the Lambs, Dr. Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins, reprising his Oscar-winning role) is living the good life in Italy, studying art and sipping espresso.
Hanibal Lecter Films
Special & Collector's Editions
POLL: Horror Movie Killers
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#11 The Exorcist Collection
Complete Anthology
- The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen (Dolby Digital 5.1 English, French subtitles)
- Exorcist II: The Heretic (Dolby Digital 2.0 English French and Spanish subtitles)
- The Exorcist III (Dolby Digital 5.1 English)
- Exorcist: The Beginning (Dolby Digital 5.1 English, French and Spanish subtitles)
- Dominion: Prequel To The Exorcist (Dolby Digital 5.1 English, French and Spanish subtitles)
The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology (The Exorcist / The Exorcist (Unrated) / Exorcist II: The Heretic / The Exorcist III / Exorcist: The Beginning/ Exorcist: Dominion)
Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 05/26/2012)
Here it is. The scream of the crop. The fear is here. And so is the hope. Because at their center are intrepid souls who dare to look evil in the eye and vanquish it. From The Exorcist (presented in its Original Theatrical Version and the 2000 Version You've Never Seen) to the shocks and surprise of Exorcist II: The Heretic and The Exorcist III to the two versions (by two different directors) of Dominion / The Beginning, this DVD set comprises the scariest and most fascinating collection of movies in modern horror.
The Exorcist Movies
#12 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Collection
Starring: Jordana Brewster, Matthew Bomer
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Collection: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre / The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (Double Feature)
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 05/26/2012)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Beginning.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise
1974 - 1990
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Films
1994 - 2006
#13 Chucky - The Killer DVD Collection
4 Child's Play Movies
Chucky: The Killer DVD Collection
Amazon Price: $8.30 (as of 05/26/2012)
Includes:
- Child's Play 2
- Child's Play 3
- Bride of Chucky
- Seed of Chucky
Child's Play Films
All 5 Movies Featuring ... Chucky
#14 28 Days Later / 28 Weeks Later
2 Pack Collection
28 Weeks Later / 28 Days Later (Two-Pack)
Amazon Price: $24.93 (as of 05/26/2012)
28 Days opens with what happens when animal activists go wild. In a short, violent sequence we see how a voraciously contagious virus that turns people into raging lunatics gets released into society.
28 Weeks also breaks down in the reality department where tight, military-secure areas are breached by civilians (including teenagers) and a Rage-infected person is not only able to breach dozens of secure areas.
28 Weeks Later / 28 Days Later / 28 Months Later
Watch Official Trailers on YouTube
28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later
On DVD
#15 Hellraiser
Starring: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins
Hellraiser: 20th Anniversary Edition
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 05/26/2012)
Released: 1987; Director: Clive Barker
Foremost among these frightful visions is the sadomasochistic demon affectionately named Pinhead (so named because his pale, bald head is a geometric pincushion and a symbol of eternal pain). Pinhead is the leader of the Cenobites, agents of evil who appear only when someone successfully "solves" the exotic puzzle box called the Lamont Configuration.
Helraiser II, III and IV
On DVD
#16 Candyman
Special Edition: 1992
Candyman (Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 05/26/2012)
Actors: Virginia Madsen, Xander Berkeley; Director: Bernard Rose
Based on a story by Clive Barker and skillfully written and directed by Bernard Rose, Candyman rises above most horror films by eerily suggesting that some urban legends--in this case a particularly frightening one - have a spooky basis in reality.
Candyman Films
#17 Poltergeist
Released 1982; Starring: JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke
Poltergeist (25th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $5.54 (as of 05/26/2012)
Director: Tobe Hooper
What a combo! Tobe Hooper, the director of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, teamed up with family-oriented producer Steven Spielberg to make Poltergeist. The film is about a haunted suburban tract home in a development very much like the Arizona one in which Spielberg was raised.
Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III
1986 and 1988
Poltergeist II / Poltergeist III (Double Feature)
Amazon Price: $6.27 (as of 05/26/2012)
Starring: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson; Director: Brian Gibson
As sequels go, Poltergeist II has the advantage of retaining most of the original film's cast (although the absence of the actress Dominique Dunne, a murder victim, is not explained). It's still not enough to turn this dreary outing into a passable horror movie. Poltergeist III recruits only blond cherub Heather O'Rourke (who died before the film's release) and dwarf psychic Zelda Rubinstein from the first movies.
#18 I Know What You Did Last Summer/I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr.
I Know What You Did Last Summer/I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (Deluxe Box Set)
Amazon Price: $34.75 (as of 05/26/2012)
Director: Danny Cannon
I Know What You Did Last Summer - 1997
As they celebrate their high school graduation, four friends are involved in a hit-and-run accident when their car hits--and apparently kills--a pedestrian on an isolated roadway.
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer - 1998
There was so much story left to tell after I Know What You Did Last Summer that the filmmakers brought back all the beloved, surviving characters from the first film for this sequel.
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer
Part III - 2006, Starring: Brooke Nevin, David Paetkau
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer
Amazon Price: $2.02 (as of 05/26/2012)
The hook-wielding Fisherman returns in the third installment of the popular teen-horror franchise based on Lois Duncan's novel I Know What You Did Last Summer. The action has been moved from a fishing village to a Colorado ski community where a gaggle of attractive teens led by Amber (Brooke Nevin) are wrapped up in a prank gone wrong which again results in an unfortunate death.
#19 Species Trilogy
Actors: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen; Director: Brad Turner
Species Trilogy
Amazon Price: $16.42 (as of 05/26/2012)
"Species": When a beautiful human-alien hybrid (Natasha Henstridge) escapes from observation, scientist Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley) dispatches a crew of experts to find her before she is able to fulfill her horrific purpose: to mate with unsuspecting men and produce offspring that could destroy mankind.
"Species II": Having just returned from a mission to Mars, Commander Ross (Justin Lazard) isn't exactly himself. He's slowly becoming a terrifying alien entity with a one track mind - to procreate with human women!
"Species III": Mankind's number is up in this thrilling third installment of the Species franchise! Featuring eye-popping special effects, knuckle-whitening suspense and the dazzling performance of sexy newcomer Sunny Mabrey, Species III is the most jarring, action-packed chapter in the sci-fi series yet.
Species IV - The Awakening
With Edy Arellano, Marco Bacuzzi; Director: Nick Lyon
Species IV - The Awakening (Unrated)
Amazon Price: $2.98 (as of 05/26/2012)
Released: 2007
All the elements that make the Species franchise a favorite with horror and science fiction fans--a sexy young woman with alien DNA, and the mass slaughter she leaves in her wake as she searches for a mate are present in the series fourth entry.
#20 Psycho (1960)
Actors: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh; Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Psycho (Collector's Edition)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 05/26/2012)
For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off Psycho (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, Psycho is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters - then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you.
Psycho - Movie Collection
Psycho II, III and IV
Psycho II / Psycho III / Psycho IV - The Beginning (Triple Feature)
Amazon Price: $4.00 (as of 05/26/2012)
PSYCHO II After years of treatment at a mental institution for the criminally insane, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) still can't quite elude the demands of "Mother." Vera Miles also returns as the inquisitive woman who is haunted by her sister's brutal murder and the ominous motel where it all occurred.
PSYCHO III. After years in prison, Norman Bates returns home to the Bates Motel. When a pretty young woman (Diana Scarwid) runs to the motel - and Norman's open arms - to escape a scandalous secret
PSYCHO IV THE BEGINNING In this chilling prequel to the classic Hitchcock thriller, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is drawn to a late night radio show, where the host (C.C.H. Pounder) encourages him to share his views on the topic of matricide - the murder of a mother by her own child.
Best Horror Movie Franchises: Blu-ray INDEX
Vote / Access Blu-ray Film Packages & Collections
![28 Days Later [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qHMAz8SiL._SL75_.jpg)
28 Days Later [Blu-ray]
Hailed as the most frightening film since The Exor more...1 point
![Halloween [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LT7hsieHL._SL75_.jpg)
Halloween [Blu-ray]
HALLOWEEN - Blu-Ray Movie including Special Featur more...0 points
![Alien Anthology [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SSv58iflL._SL75_.jpg)
Alien Anthology [Blu-ray]
Brace yourself for a whole new breed of Blu-ray: Four more...0 points
Saw 3D: The Final Chapter
Two-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital more...0 points
![Friday the 13th [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51accCcp-aL._SL75_.jpg)
Friday the 13th [Blu-ray]
Blu-Ray Movie; Extended Killer Cut and Theatrical more...0 points
![Jaws [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rQ3Qd7XML._SL75_.jpg)
Jaws [Blu-ray]
In the vastly overrated 1998 book Easy Riders, Raging more...0 points
![A Nightmare on Elm Street [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cfkl3w%2BCL._SL75_.jpg)
A Nightmare on Elm Street [Blu-ray]
"1, 2, Freddy's coming for you." And her more...0 points
![Resident Evil - The High-Definition Trilogy [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bTj3IW5AL._SL75_.jpg)
Resident Evil - The High-Definition Trilogy [Blu-ray]
Resident Evil/ Resident Evil: Apocalypse/ Resident more...0 points
Scream (Blu-ray Collection) (Blu-ray)
Scream/Scream 2/Scream 3 (Boxset)0 points
![The Hannibal Lecter Anthology [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61tKxSkF89L._SL75_.jpg)
The Hannibal Lecter Anthology [Blu-ray]
Manhunter / Silence of The Lambs / Hannibal0 points
![The Exorcist [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ldazGF1YL._SL75_.jpg)
The Exorcist [Blu-ray]
Extended Director's Cut & Original Theatrical Edition more...0 points
![The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dD-0u6TEL._SL75_.jpg)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) [Blu-ray]
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE - Blu-Ray Movie0 points
![Child's Play [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514ATJDR88L._SL75_.jpg)
![Hellraiser [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61umJdJlxuL._SL75_.jpg)
Hellraiser [Blu-ray]
Clive Barker has unleashed a nightmare like no other; more...0 points
![Poltergeist [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51405kCiCdL._SL75_.jpg)
![I Know What You Did Last Summer / I Still Know What You Did Last Summer [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E3RHsQXgL._SL75_.jpg)
I Know What You Did Last Summer / I Still Know What You Did Last Summer [Blu-ray]
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 06/01 more...0 points
![Species [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BSj4QWYvL._SL75_.jpg)
Species [Blu-ray]
Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging When more...0 points
![Psycho (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g14Rt579L._SL75_.jpg)
Psycho (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]
One of the most shocking films of all time, Alfred more...0 points
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Top 20 Horror & Thriller Movie Series List
Best Film Series Lens Group - Part III
The last lens Best Animation Movie Series is under construction and will be ready soon.
Best Comedy Film Series: Next Lens =>
Back to Top⇑What is Your Favorite Horror / Thriller Film Series?
Are you a Horror Movie Fan?
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exotickitten731 Feb 22, 2012 @ 11:32 pm | delete
- FANTASTIC CHOICES = ] KEep up the good work = ]
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TheNupps
Dec 10, 2011 @ 9:35 am | delete
- Can't believe Psycho is so far down the list and RE is so high.... Good lens, none the less.
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uktvbrackets
Nov 17, 2011 @ 6:12 am | delete
- cool lens
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PopArtGirl
Sep 17, 2011 @ 9:42 am | delete
- Fantastic lens! So many great movies on here, it's nearly impossible to decide. Although, Jaws will always hold a special place in my heart (first horror movie I saw) :)
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digitaltree
Jul 5, 2011 @ 11:37 am | delete
- Nice Lens, hard to decide on which one is the best.
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KatBar
May 15, 2011 @ 1:50 pm | delete
- Alien is the best.
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brendonb
Dec 28, 2010 @ 2:27 pm | delete
- Saw series is my absolute fav.....Cube follows and there is Three Extremes...anthology movie
You can watch some of the underrated ones mentioned in my lens...http://www.squidoo.com/the-10-most-underrated-horror-movies
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