The Best Horror Movie Series: A Comprehensive Guide

Horror movies have captivated audiences for decades with their blend of suspense, fear, and adrenaline. Over the years, several horror movie series have stood the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. In this article, we will explore some of the best horror movie series, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings.

Alien Series: The Ultimate Space Horror

The Alien series is one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed horror franchises. It has three notable films that have captured the hearts (and souls) of horror fans:

Each film in the series Alien is a masterpiece, with the original standing as a pinnacle of suspense and terror. Even the weaker entries, such as Alien 3, are commendable compared to the subpar Alien vs. Predator series. The name of the game is not just intensity but thoughtful storytelling and atmosphere, which the Alien franchise excels at.

Friday the 13th: The Savior of Campers

The Friday the 13th series has been a staple of holiday watching for many. Four must-watch films include:

While Part 5 is fine for fans of excessive gore and gratuitous nudity, the rest can be skipped without compromising the overall narrative. Part 7 is a rehash of prior entries, and the 9th installment feels like a forced inclusion. Freddy vs Jason is a tepid entry that lacks originality, and the 2009 installment feels like it could have been a forgotten sequel to Friday the 13th Part 2.

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Nightmare Continues

The A Nightmare on Elm Street series is another iconic horror franchise. Key films to watch are:

The series is strongest with the original and Part 3: Dream Warriors. However, Part 2 deals with an unnecessary gay panic narrative, which detracts from the overall horror atmosphere. The later entries, Part 4 and Part 5, are too humorous and feel like they stretch the series thin. The remake doesn't exist, so these are the films you have to rely on for your nightmare screenings.

Halloween: The Majesty of Michael Myers

The Halloween series, featuring Michael Myers, is another well-regarded franchise. Notable films to check out are:

While the franchise brought Michael back for Halloween 3, it felt forced. The 2018 remake, on the other hand, delivered a fresh interpretation of the classic character, although it received mixed reviews. Despite the hype, the original Michael Myers series remains the king of its horror subgenre.

Phantasm: The Misadventures of Glory

The Phantasm series has been a cult favorite for years. Essential films include:

While the fourth installment is decent, the film moves too slowly with too much exposition, which becomes cumbersome. The fifth installment offers a commendable attempt at providing closure but ultimately falls short. It's a more melancholic entry than horrifying, which adds to its appeal but also limits its effectiveness as a horror movie.

Zombie Apocalypse: The Zombie King Returns

When it comes to zombie movies, the Night of the Living Dead series reigns supreme, with essential films like:

The first three films are considered the kostenlos den Zombies K?nig of the genre. The fourth film, Diary of the Dead, is decent but doesn't provide much new. The Survival of the Dead may have been a better watch had it not been directed by George A. Romero, who, at this point, seemed to be trying to wring dry his most famous franchise. The next installment, Fido, takes a more comedic and satirical approach, but it’s not for everyone.

Conclusion

The best horror movie series often provide a blend of suspense, terror, and memorable moments that stand the test of time. Whether it's the relentless stalking of Alien, the shockingly gruesome Friday the 13th, the twisted nightmares of A Nightmare on Elm Street, the terrifying Halloween showdowns, the misadventures of Phantasm, or the end-of-the-world zombie films, each series delivers its own unique flavor of horror. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these series offer plenty of frightful tales to explore.