You Can’t Keep A Good Killer Down
The reviews are in and it sounds like Michael Myers return to the silver screen has been an overwhelming success, in no part thanks to a powerhouse performance by Jamie Lee Curtis. Packed to the brim with nods to the original, plenty of the subtle scares as well as a deconstruction of the Final Girl archetype, many are saying it’s the best entry in the franchise since the first. Looks like the Shape has once again climbed to the top of the horror movie ladder!
#5: “Saw†(2004-2010; 2017)
While few imagined the original and inventive torture porn in the series would even get one sequel, it quickly triggered eight instalments, making a killing at the box office at 873 million dollars. Moviegoers really are twisted, as they couldn’t get enough of Jigsaw, his apprentices and the harrowing traps in which he places his ungrateful victims.
#4: George Romero’s “Dead†Series (1968-)
Next up are the influential and definitive zombie films written and directed by the master himself. With the Night going into the Dawn, Day and so forth, this horror franchise is especially noteworthy for the social commentary that’s sown into each shambling bite-fest. There would really be no zombie genre without Romero’s “dead†series, and they’ve resurrected 170 million to show for it.
#3: “A Nightmare on Elm Street†(1984-2003/2010-)
Horror films are meant to effect their viewers on the subconscious level, and Wes Craven’s nightmare franchise do that in a literal sense. Rather than having a killer that stalks by night, Freddy Kruger tormented his victims them whenever they closed their eyes. Sealing the legendary status of the franchise was the killer’s iconic look, from his horrific burns to his claws, striped sweater and fedora. With eight instalments plus a remake, it’s pulled in 457 million to date.
#2: “Halloween†(1978-2002; 2007-08; 2018)
This iconic slasher that focused on the horrors committed by notably simple mask-wearing psychopath with a blade. Institutionalised as a child, Michael ended up escaping before proceeding to to hunt down whoever’s unlucky enough to be around at the time, all the while being pursued by his psychiatrist. While the series tried transitioning into a more general holiday themed franchise in Number Three, The Shape returned for another five instalments, before reboot-itis set in.
#1: “Friday the 13th†(1980-2003/2009)
Was there any doubt? Taking the top spot on our list is the franchise centered on the undead killer from Crystal Lake with major mommy issues, who has made it an annual tradition to stab horny teenagers. With ten movies, plus a Freddy crossover, and a reboot, the franchise hasn’t just raked up over 465 million at the box office, but made hockey masks fair game as Halloween costume for decades.
Be sure to check out the link below to see our our video on Friday the 13th vs. Halloween.