Forums Horror Movie Talk
The 5 Worst Franchises In Horror History

It’s a sad thing when studios opt to beat a solid story into a thrice dead horse. However, any genre effort that churns respectable numbers at the box office (or on video) is practically fated to be followed by a string of mediocre sequels, and it’s all in the name of financial gain. Great stories of the macabre are few and far between, that’s an obvious fact. But really Hollywood, must all the standouts birth subpar follow ups for the sole purpose of further lining already bulky wallets?

Let’s take a look at five of the worst franchises in the history of the genre. Take note that just about every ngle one of these series’ began with a respected effort before greed sent the creative minds scattering to avoid being attached to doomed sequels.

5. Troll: Troll surfaced back in 1986, and while it certainly wasn’t a fantastic film, the approach can be likened to the Lord of the Rings stories, and as outlandish as it sounds, there was a hint of charm in the film. I wouldn’t personally call it a fantastic film, but in direct comparison to its follow ups, it was the franchise peak, by head and shoulders. Hell, the second film in the series didn’t even showcase trolls, and the third picture not only skirts the trolls themselves, but opts to cast mutated tree roots as the focal “villain”. There are only three words to sum up this miserable series: complete, utter trash.

http://youtu.be/v7rg8C8w5ZY

4. Lost Boys: Few franchises launch with near perfection, but Joel Schumacher managed to craft what is widely recognized as the greatest vampire film of the 1980’s. Lost Boys boasted a rare combination of stellar storytelling, excellent performances and unrivaled atmosphere; it was, in short, a flashy but brilliant picture. Then, along came Lost boys: The Tribe, one of the worst genre offerings to see release in the last four decades plus. There’s not a ngle redeeming quality in the picture (well, perhaps the Corey Haim deleted scenes), and it really comes across as a student film more so than a bona fide genre sequel. The third film in the franchise, The Thirst was a gnificantly stronger offering than The Tribe, but one must admit: it’s too little, too damn late.

http://youtu.be/iMRoxe7jMzU

3. Leprechaun: Truth be told, as much as I really do love the original Leprechaun film, every ngle series installment screams uninspired, soulless rubbish. I can’t fault Warwick Davis for cashing a few decent paychecks for his portrayal of the titular character, but I’d venture to say he’s probably not all that proud of a ngle one of these stinkers. When filmmakers start dropping their “baddie” in the middle of “The Hood” and space, it’s safe to assume the series has jumped the shark.

http://youtu.be/j5KtD_rmi6w

2. Children of the Corn: This is another franchise that’s become near imposble to stand behind. Fritz Kiersch’s series launch was a fair though flawed film; Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton are fine victims to the menacing children of this dismal rural town, but that’s just about where the fun dies. Countless sequels have emerged over the years (x, seven, eight… I can’t even keep track of these duds!), and not a ngle one stands as a respectful feature. I could piss and moan about this franchise until the latest children to pop up in Children of the Corn: Genes are senior citizens, but that sure would limit my article output, so I’ll let this tirade rest now, as they should have done with the franchise long ago.

http://youtu.be/hhpJllM0qwc

1. The Amityville Horror: Even as a fan of the original, I have no qualms admitting that the picture moves at a dreary pace, and lacks the scares that a film of this nature should have toted. That said, I did thoroughly enjoy both James Brolin and Margot Kidder’s work as the films two leads. The major problem is, not a ngle one of the countless sequels spawned by the original are even remotely near enjoyable. The franchise is cluttered with cheese, terrible cinematography, horrendous acting and ludicrous concepts. Of all the franchises listed in this article, this one is ealy the weakest of the bunch: beyond the original film, not a ngle series entry can lay claim to even resembling entertaining, not even the shitstorm of a remake Dimenon pumped out in 2005. I’m sorry, but Ryan Reynolds’ “sex appeal” was the last thing this franchise needed. Sadly, more Amityville flicks look to be in the works; the madness refuses to end.http://youtu.be/9fSqS0MrOZ0 Dishonorable mentions include: Hellraiser, Sleepaway Camp, Witchboard, I Know What You did Last Summer and Pumpkinhead.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN?! That one is a clasc, it made it into 30 Even Scarier Movie Moments... but yeah, the sequels did suck.

the sequels more than sucked lol

and note, i did give the original some credit.

i'll add a few. Tremors, Basket Case, Puppet Master, and Wishmaster, Saw, Childs Play, Friday The 13th, and The Howling.

I definitely agree with all the picks made so far.

i'll add a few. Tremors, Basket Case, Puppet Master, and Wishmaster, Saw, Childs Play, Friday The 13th, and The Howling.

I definitely agree with all the picks made so far.

Wow you'd list the Child's Play and Friday the 13th films as part of the worst franchises in horror history?! That's a big call! The films (sequels) are by no means works of genius but I would argue that they be condered some of the worst! But, each to their own of course...

I have to admit I liked the Amityville Horror remake. The sequels sucked ballsack but I can see past the obvious (and embarrasng) over-attention of Ryan Reynold's sex appeal to think it's a fun little horror romp.

here's my list of the top 5 worst ones, Jack Frost, Pinocchio's Revenge, Demonic Toys, Black Christmas (2006 remake timeline, not the original), Gingerdead Man.

I can't argue with any of these.

I recently saw Children of the Corn for the first time and I didn't even finish the movie.

As to Amityville, the movies did indeed suck, but the first book scared the crap out of me when I was a kid.

I can't argue with any of these. I recently saw Children of the Corn for the first time and I didn't even finish the movie. As to Amityville, the movies did indeed suck, but the first book scared the crap out of me when I was a kid.

I liked the first Amityville Horror movie,

but then I saw the second one, that's where it all went down. Amityville 4-7 barely had anything to do with the original house. The paranormal stuff seems to evolve around a lamp, a clock, and a dollhouse, that is totally the worst stuff I have ever seen in that series, those last few sequels didn't even take place at the house!!! I can't believe those sequels were actually made, they were just awful...

Wow you'd list the Child's Play and Friday the 13th films as part of the worst franchises in horror history?! That's a big call! The films (sequels) are by no means works of genius but I would argue that they be condered some of the worst! But, each to their own of course...

Loved the original Child's Play as a youngin', but i recently re-watched it and it not close to as scary as i remembered. I don't think i have to go into much detail about how the immediate sequels and the bride/seed flicks helped to propel a franchise from mediocrity into shite.

As for Friday The 13th, I don't think the original was even that great. I can name several Halloween/Black Christmas rip offs that i think did a much better job in and around the early 80s. The sequels can be fun at times and the hockey mask gimmick is definitely a cornerstone of the horror genre. But the bottom line is that the F13th films (as films go) aren't really good - at all. There are probably two out of the 1234123423 of them that i legitimately enjoy from start to end.

I know Jason is somewhat of a mascot for the genre, and its been pounded into our heads that he is one of the end-all-be-all slashers; (which may or may not be true) but step outde the box for a second. Imagine the killer in these flicks doesn't

sport a hockey mask... if that were the case, does this franchise still get the same recognition, or would it then be categorized as dime a dozen slasher flicks? IDK just food for thought.P.S -

Leprechaun isn't the only slasher to vit the hood and outer space.

Wow you'd list the Child's Play and Friday the 13th films as part of the worst franchises in horror history?! That's a big call! The films (sequels) are by no means works of genius but I would argue that they be condered some of the worst! But, each to their own of course...

Loved the original Child's Play as a youngin', but i recently re-watched it and it not close to as scary as i remembered. I don't think i have to go into much detail about how the immediate sequels and the bride/seed flicks helped to propel a franchise from mediocrity into shite.

As for Friday The 13th, I don't think the original was even that great. I can name several Halloween/Black Christmas rip offs that i think did a much better job in and around the early 80s. The sequels can be fun at times and the hockey mask gimmick is definitely a cornerstone of the horror genre. But the bottom line is that the F13th films (as films go) aren't really good - at all. There are probably two out of the 1234123423 of them that i legitimately enjoy from start to end.

I know Jason is somewhat of a mascot for the genre, and its been pounded into our heads that he is one of the end-all-be-all slashers; (which may or may not be true) but step outde the box for a second. Imagine the killer in these flicks doesn't

sport a hockey mask... if that were the case, does this franchise still get the same recognition, or would it then be categorized as dime a dozen slasher flicks? IDK just food for thought.P.S -

Leprechaun isn't the only slasher to vit the hood and outer space.

interesting point, but the exact same could very well be said of Michael Myers, right?

Halloween in my opinion nce one movie didn't even had Myers in it and to add it went to a cult story with it ugh, Nightmare on elm st is another one especially when it went from something dark and nister to a complete joke after the 3rd movie, paranormal activity for me those movies cures insomnia.

lmao, you just listed 3 of (arguably) the greatest franchises in existence. I'll openly admit: I'm at a loss for words.

Halloween in my opinion nce one movie didn't even had Myers in it and to add it went to a cult story with it ugh, Nightmare on elm st is another one especially when it went from something dark and nister to a complete joke after the 3rd movie, paranormal activity for me those movies cures insomnia.

I don't even know how to respond to this. I'm not even taking in personal opinions here, how can you be a horror fan whilst saying at the same time that the Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and Paranormal Activity films suck?!

Dude - you have a Cyber-Jason as your avatar. Do you even know what horror is?? lol

Wow you'd list the Child's Play and Friday the 13th films as part of the worst franchises in horror history?! That's a big call! The films (sequels) are by no means works of genius but I would argue that they be condered some of the worst! But, each to their own of course...

Loved the original Child's Play as a youngin', but i recently re-watched it and it not close to as scary as i remembered. I don't think i have to go into much detail about how the immediate sequels and the bride/seed flicks helped to propel a franchise from mediocrity into shite.

As for Friday The 13th, I don't think the original was even that great. I can name several Halloween/Black Christmas rip offs that i think did a much better job in and around the early 80s. The sequels can be fun at times and the hockey mask gimmick is definitely a cornerstone of the horror genre. But the bottom line is that the F13th films (as films go) aren't really good - at all. There are probably two out of the 1234123423 of them that i legitimately enjoy from start to end.

I know Jason is somewhat of a mascot for the genre, and its been pounded into our heads that he is one of the end-all-be-all slashers; (which may or may not be true) but step outde the box for a second. Imagine the killer in these flicks doesn't

sport a hockey mask... if that were the case, does this franchise still get the same recognition, or would it then be categorized as dime a dozen slasher flicks? IDK just food for thought.P.S -

Leprechaun isn't the only slasher to vit the hood and outer space.

interesting point, but the exact same could very well be said of Michael Myers, right?

without the mask and the muc Halloween would have NEVER made it, you can say the same thing about star wars and Darth Vader

the villains and they way they look are everything!

the hockey mask was NOT a gimmick, it was an after thought when they decided not to use the elephant man sack again (which i think is scarier) and the fans are what made it popular not vice versa, had kids not been wearing hockey masks after pt 3 i doubt they would have brought it back

also Friday the 13th the Final Chapter is heads and shoulders above 90% of 80s slasher flicks in story, acting, and direction

where you are wrong is saying that there were early 80s slashers that were Halloween/Black Christmas rip offs

bzzzzzt wrong answer

Friday the 13th WAS a Halloween rip off and Cunningham will admit it all day BUT all those other slashers were ripping of Friday the 13th NOT Halloween and Black Christmas which were bacally bloodless movies

just food for thought

interesting point, but the exact same could very well be said of Michael Myers, right?

I suppose someone could say that about much of the Halloween series. The difference for me is that i freaking love Halloween, Halloween 2, and Season of The Witch. I'd say Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter (part 4?) is my favorite of the F13 flicks, and i don't enjoy that close to as much as i enjoy Halloween 1-3.

Halloween in my opinion nce one movie didn't even had Myers in it and to add it went to a cult story with it ugh, Nightmare on elm st is another one especially when it went from something dark and nister to a complete joke after the 3rd movie, paranormal activity for me those movies cures insomnia.

I contemplated putting Nightmare On Elm St in my list but i thought it'd be too controveral LOL. Love the first and the third, though. I'm a huge Halloween fan so i can't get behind you on that one. And i'll hold my judgement on Paranormal Activity until

after i see the new one. I thought the first was pretty creepy and a fresh new take on an old story.

without the mask and the muc Halloween would have NEVER made it, you can say the same thing about star wars and Darth Vader

the villains and they way they look are everything!

You're really gonna compare a b-movie slasher who's role has been rehashed over-and-over, to one of the greatest-most intricate villains in cinema history, and call it the same thing?

also Friday the 13th the Final Chapter is heads and shoulders above 90% of 80s slasher flicks in story, acting, and direction I totally agree.

where you are wrong is saying that there were early 80s slashers that were Halloween/Black Christmas rip offs

bzzzzzt wrong answer

Friday the 13th WAS a Halloween rip off and Cunningham will admit it all day BUT all those other slashers were ripping of Friday the 13th NOT Halloween and Black Christmas which were bacally bloodless movies

just food for thought

I see what you're saying, and its a great point. But what kind of merit does the franchise deserve for spawning boatloads of

spinoff-spinoffs

that were equally bad or worse than the initial spinoff.(did i lose you there? haha)

I mean, don't get me wrong, i LOVE some of the F13th rip offs -

Sleepaway Camp, The Burning, etc. BECAUSE of how bad they are. I can say the same thing about many of the F13th films.

(specifically part 3 and Jason Takes Manhattan)

funny you should mention the burning

it was written well before Friday the 13th but nobody wanted to make it until Friday was a hitbut lets cut to the chase

BECAUSE Halloween and Friday the 13th were so successful (I am talking Jason with the hockey mask here) every slasher flick tried to do the masked killer thing, and even if the movie was better than any of the fridays, if the mask and killer looked stupid, they never made sequels nor did anyone care about them at all

the burning is a superior movie but lets face it, cropsy just didnt do it for a lot of people

its all about the looks

the one exception i think is my bloody valentine which Harry Warden had THE scariest costume IMO, everyone loved the movie and the killer's look but surpringly no sequels were ever made, and the miner had franchise written all over it

for me the 5 worst franchises are

5.The Texas Chainsaw massacre ( none of them were good and just worse over time until the re-make) 4. Prom Night (First One was a slasher and the other 2 are ghost stories?, who writes this crap) 3. Children Of The Corn (Never liked the first one and the sequels were just awful) 2. The Omen ( again nothing xcary and too many useless sequels) 1. lent Night Deadly Night ( 5 movies and none of them were good)

A couple new franching on the horizon that are bad so far are. 1. Paranormal Activity ( I didn't think anything could get worse than the Blair With Project but I was wrong especially nce part 3 is coming out) 2. Hatchet ( it's all been done before just a Jason vorhess wannabe )

But the bottom line is that the F13th films (as films go) aren't really good - at all. There are probably two out of the 1234123423 of them that i legitimately enjoy from start to end.

I can't even believe you would type those words. Thus far you've put down just about every ngle franchise I can think of. What are your five favorite horror films?

Ahh Leprechaun and Troll... How I love those movies because they are SO BAD!!!!