With the news of returning characters for the hit Syfy series, Chucky, the Child's Play franchise is arguably doing better than ever. Ironically, with a Metascore of 70, that most recent installment holds a higher rating than any film in the franchise, theatrically released or otherwise.

With three straightforward theatrical films, two offbeat theatrical films, two direct-to-video films, and a television series, the franchise has been in a constant process of evolution. However, unlike with just about any other slasher series, just because an installment was released theatrically doesn't mean it's viewed in the highest light.

Child's Play 3 (1991): 27

Chucky possesses Tyler in Child's Play 3

Child's Play 3 is often seen as the nadir of the franchise, a signifier that the narrative had run out of steam and it was time for Chucky to retire. While the film does tread water and just changes the location to a military academy, there's a refreshingly straightforward approach to it all for those who like their slashers basic.

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Even still, critics didn't care for it, giving it unfavorable marks and a Metascore of 27. On the opposite side of the coin is the universal acclaim bestowed by fans, resulting in a phenomenal 8.2 user score.

Child's Play 2 (1990): 37

Chucky killing a teacher in Child's Play 2.

The home of several of the Child's Play series best kills, the first sequel is a wildly underrated entry with the best third act of the whole franchise. With that being said, it still got trashed by critics while simultaneously receiving praise from fans and general audiences.

With a Metascore of 37, the film did better with professional reviewers than its immediate sequel. It also did better with users, but only slightly so with a user score of 8.3, which indicates universal acclaim.

Seed Of Chucky (2004): 46

Chucky laughing in Seed of Chucky

Bride of Chucky may have successfully revived the Child's Play franchise after the conclusion of the initial trilogy, but Seed of Chucky instantly sent the franchise's future down the drain. Seed goes in many, many odd directions, preferring to delve into gross-out comedy as opposed to the comedy/horror tone of Bride. For the most part, it doesn't work.

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Unlike the majority of the franchise, Seed of Chucky did better with critics than it did with the general audience. It holds an average Metascore of 46, but a lower user score of 3.6.

Child's Play (2019): 48

Mark Hamill as Chucky in Childs Play 2019 Remake

As a reimagining of one of the greatest slasher movies ever madeChild's Play (2019) had to both feel familiar and alter the formula, especially given the fact that the film was never going to involve Brad Dourif.

Critics were only moderately impressed, giving it a Metascore of 48. With that said, general audiences and fans took to the Chucky replacement to the tune of a favorable 6.1 user score. With excellent performances from Gabriel Bateman, Aubrey Plaza, and Brian Tyree Henry, Child's Play (2019) has talent behind it, but it also has an interesting and more modern replacement for the central voodoo thread: tech gone bad.

Bride Of Chucky (1998): 48

Chucky's death in Bride of Chucky

Before director Ronny Yu brought together Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, he revived the Child's Play franchise with the self-aware Bride of Chucky. But it wasn't just an effective tongue-in-cheek approach the film brought, there was also the major casting addition of Tiffany, played by perfection to Jennifer Tilly.

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Unlike its sequel, Seed of Chucky, the franchise-reviving Bride of Chucky was another installment preferred by fans over critics. The latter gave it a Metascore of 48 while it holds universal acclaim from general audiences, who gave it a user score of 8.2

Curse Of Chucky (2013): 58

Chucky's death in Curse of Chucky

Like Michael Myers after him, the sentient, pint-sized horror movie doll has had his franchise successfully reinvigorated to the tune of profitability and an ability to appeal both to longtime fans and newcomers. His first direct-to-video installment, Curse of Chucky, managed to beat the DTV curse and scored even better ratings than the majority of the franchise's theatrical installments.

The film holds a Metascore of 58, which indicates an average response, yet a higher user score of 6.7, which is a stand-in for favorability.

Child's Play (1988): 58

The Chucky doll from the 1988 horror movie Child's Play.

The original Child's Play may not be the highest-rated, but it's almost certainly the scariest installment of the franchise. It also benefits from excellent performances by Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, and, especially, Alex Vincent as young Andy Barclay. Even still, there's a reason Child's Play instantly made Chucky an icon; Part is the character's superb design, and the other is Dourif's impeccable vocal work.

Every die-hard Chucky fan knows that he's a practical effect, and he's arguably never looked better than in his debut installment. With that being said, it wasn't the most critically adored, scoring a mixed critical reception of 58. However, it scored much better with users, earning universal acclaim and a score of 8.6.

Cult Of Chucky (2017): 69

Chucky in Cult of Chucky

The most recent Chucky movie outside of the remake is also the highest-rated on Metacritic. The second of two direct-to-video installments before the franchise moved over to television, Cult of Chucky received even more favorable reviews from critics than its direct predecessor.

Specifically, critics responded to the tune of a 69 Metascore. As it turns out, the movie is the second of the franchise to do even better with critics than it did with fans, who gave it a user score of 6.2. The film's positive reception isn't too surprising, considering it gave audiences multiple Chuckies, brought back the younger Dourif's Nica, and satisfyingly delivered on the promise of more Andy Barclay.

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