Box Office Rankings: The Biggest Horror Franchises Revealed

By The Crypt Keeper · April 7, 2026 · 2 sources
The Conjuring

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The Conjuring

The quick read

  • 'The Conjuring' tops the list as the highest-grossing horror franchise.
  • 'Halloween', with Michael Myers at the helm, secures a strong position.
  • 'Saw' and 'Resident Evil' bring in massive worldwide earnings.
  • 'Paranormal Activity' rounds out the top five with its found footage success.

The business of horror thrives on its ability to draw audiences in droves, and few can contest the box office dominance of the genre's most lucrative franchises. According to a deep dive by /Film, 'The Conjuring Universe' currently reigns supreme as the highest-grossing horror franchise, proving that the Warrens' paranormal escapades resonate with viewers on a massive scale. Meanwhile, the iconic slasher saga of 'Halloween' continues to terrorize the box office with each installment of Michael Myers' brutal escapades.

The twisted traps and grim storytelling of the 'Saw' series also find themselves among the legends of earnings, a testament to their gripping ingenuity. Likewise, the action-packed survival horror of the 'Resident Evil' films demonstrates its enduring global appeal with its combination of undead thrills and high-octane drama. Providing a testament to the sustained popularity of found footage horror, 'Paranormal Activity' secures a place among the top five, bringing handheld horror into the mainstream spotlight.

This ranking not only highlights the specific franchises that have thrived financially but also underscores the genre's versatility in engaging with diverse horror themes—from supernatural scares to psychological thrillers. As these franchises blaze a path through cinema history, the door remains open for new and existing series to challenge these titans in thrilling and innovative ways.

Sources

  1. The 5 Biggest Horror Movie Franchises Ever, Ranked By Box Office Slash Film · Apr 5, 2026
  2. Stephen King And Clive Barker Got A Creepy (But Hilarious) Movie Adaptation You Forgot About Slash Film · Apr 6, 2026