Gallery: Horror film franchises
By Stephanie Goldberg, CNN
updated 9:57 AM EDT, Thu October 20, 2011
"Paranormal Activity 3," the latest installment in the 4-year-old horror franchise, hits theaters on Friday. But "Paranormal Activity" will have to release a few more films to catch up with long-running titles like "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th." Here are some of the most popular horror franchises to date:
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" first introduced the public to Leatherface in 1974. Since then, he's been a staple at countless Halloween parties. (Hint: He's the guy holding the chainsaw.)
The "Halloween" franchise is made up of 10 slasher films, all of which take place during -- surprise! -- Halloween.
With 12 films under the "Friday the 13th" umbrella, horror fans have become well acquainted with Jason Voorhees and his iconic hockey mask.
Not to be confused with American Girl Dolls and Cabbage Patch Kids, Chucky -- the star of the "Child's Play" franchise -- has tormented children (and adults) since 1988. After the first three films, the franchise adopted the comedy horror genre.
Few horror films have tackled fate like the "Final Destination" films. The fifth installment, released in August, earned a 61% on Rotten Tomatoes.
"The Grudge," a remake of a Japanese horror series, first introduced viewers to its famous supernatural curse in 2004.
The "Saw" films were released on the Friday before Halloween each year until 2010, when "Saw 3D" -- the final installment -- hit theaters.
"The Ring" and "The Ring Two" follow a mysterious videotape that seems to cause the death of whoever watches it.
'Paranormal Activity'
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
'Halloween'
'Friday the 13th'
'Child's Play'
'Final Destination'
'The Grudge'
'Saw'
'The Ring'
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