Halloween Ends will be released in October of this year, ending the three-film continuation of the original two films in the popular horror franchise. This final movie will bring the long-running film series to fourteen installments.
Many of these popular horror franchises have developed a cult following, allowing for the franchise to continue with several sequels. However, despite the popularity of these horror franchises, not every viewer thinks they're as grand as perceived. These Redditors shared their opinions on which horror franchises, including fan favorites like Saw and Halloween, are the worst ones.
Puppet Master
Including the original film, several sequels, a crossover with a TV series Demonic Toys, and a couple of spinoff films, there are fourteen total installments for the Puppet Master franchise. Throughout these films, the stories feature animated puppets that have given special powers with a spell.
The number of films within this cult following is proof enough that the franchise has been popular. However, some people don't consider it good enough to fit into the epic titles within the horror genre. Reddit user Insanepaco247 said, "I love them, but there aren't any that I watch for actual, genuine horror." While some viewers found these films to be completely underwhelming, others just don't consider them scary.
Saw
This franchise has nine films currently, with an additional film dubbed Saw X in production. The first eight films focus on the serial killer Jigsaw, with the most recent film focusing on a copycat of the infamous killer.
Though Saw had one of the most shocking conclusions in horror films, some Redditors saw the conclusion coming. Others thought the first film was fantastic, leaving the sequels to follow underwhelming. One Reddit user said, "The first Saw was actually awesome, I really wish they would have just left it at that."
Leprechaun
This slasher film follows a demonic Leprechaun that wreaks havoc on those whom he believes have stolen his gold. Leprechaun has eight films in all, which are often played on St. Patrick's Day on SyFy.
Some viewers believe the only good film was the original in this franchise, but others never enjoyed the premise. One Reddit user said, "Was the original even that good, though? I just remember it being just as campy as its sequels." Though these horror films have a good amount of jump scares, gore, and creepy moments, they're often considered funnier than they are scary.
Children Of The Corn
Children of the Corn was an adaptation of Stephen King's short story by the same name, but the nine sequels and one remake after the original are creations of different filmmakers.
While the first two films were connected, creating a continuation of the original with the second installment, the following sequels bore little resemblance to the original storyline. Reddit user forlornjackalope said, "I only ever go back to watch the original and The Final Sacrifice. The others are either bland and forgettable or awful." Though there is a cult following for this film series, many fans feel the films decreased in production value after the second installment.
The Amityville Horror
The Amityville Horror franchise has capitalized on the supposed true story of the Amityville house haunting, producing an astonishing 22 films and a remake of the original film. The original plot line follows the story of a family that moves into a house in which the stepfather begins being influenced by a demonic force.
Some viewers liked the original film, and others appreciated the remake, but many horror fans think the following films were a sorry attempt at continuing to profit off the first film's success. Reddit user everything_is_holy said, "Besides a very few creepy scenes, the original was a slog of a movie. However, I would give high marks to the music. The theme music still spooks me out."
Resident Evil
The Resident Evil video games have been adapted into eleven different films within this franchise, with the original 2002 film being the highest rated. Recently, Netflix released a series featuring different elements within the Resident Evil world.
Despite the fact that video gamers are particularly critical of these adaptions, they have acquired a dedicated cult following, leading to several sequels and spin-offs that are both live-action and animated. However, even those that aren't fans of the games are critical of the films. Reddit user WatermelonBandido said, "I liked the first one if you just think of it as a zombie movie. After that they just became sci-fi action movies, dropping characters from the games into whatever the script called for."
Halloween
The Halloween franchise is one of the most successful horror franchises, producing eight original films, two remakes produced by Rob Zombie, and three recent continuations that play off of the original two films.
Michael Myers is one of the most intimidating silent killers in horror movies, terrifying viewers for over forty years. However, some viewers are not impressed with the killer or the storyline of this franchise. Reddit user PoIIux said, "The dude has no motive or anything, it's just an excuse to write death scenes." Though Halloween is one of the major horror franchises, these horror fans aren't impressed.
Jaws
The Jaws franchise has three sequels that follow the original. The first film within the franchise revolutionized shark horror films, with those that follow being compared to it.
While some people adore this cult classic original, praising it for its suspense and storyline, others think most of the films are considered below the bar compared to the first. Reddit user iamstephano said, "I don't really count the original as part of the "franchise" though, since it's so different from the string of sequels." Some fans can't stand the sequels but still respect the original cult classic film.