After Bloodlines: New Final Destination film in development
'Bloodlines' grossed over $285 million at the box office worldwide.
After "Final Destination: Bloodlines" proved to be a complete success with worldwide box office takings of over 285 million dollars and was also able to satisfy fans, the seventh film in the horror series is now in development.
According to The Hollywood Reporter magazine, author Lori Evans Taylor, who was already heavily involved in the sixth installment, will be responsible for the screenplay. It is not yet known whether the directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein will also direct the new film.
The "Final Destination" series has grossed a total of over 983 million US dollars worldwide. This makes it New Line Cinema's third-largest horror franchise – beaten only by "The Conjuring Universe" with 2.3 billion US dollars and the "It" films with 1.2 billion US dollars.
Blood, horror, legends: The most famous horror series of all time
Horror films are more than just scary fare for a rainy evening. They are a cultural phenomenon in their own right that has shaped generations of viewers. Some film series have managed to achieve cult status far beyond the initial shock moment – with iconic characters, recurring themes and a loyal fanbase undeterred by gory sequels. Here's a look at the biggest and best-known horror series that have become indelibly etched in cinema lore.
The Conjuring Universe: The most modern haunted empire
When it comes to commercial success in the horror genre, there is no way around "The Conjuring Universe". Since the first film "The Conjuring" (2013), the franchise has evolved into a massive cinematic universe combining ghosts, demons and paranormal investigations. Inspired by the alleged experiences of real-life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, the universe has grossed more than 2.3 billion US dollars worldwide with films such as "Annabelle", "The Nun" and "Llorona's Curse".
The secret of its success: high-quality production, a consistent mythological basis and a clever balance between classic horror and modern shock effects. James Wan, the creative mind behind the launch, has created a blueprint for the 21st century of horror franchising here.
It: Stephen King's nightmare in two acts
With just two films, the remake of Stephen King's "It" (2017 and 2019) has taken the cinema by storm. The clown Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård, is now just as iconic as his literary source. The two films together grossed around 1.2 billion US dollars worldwide – a record for horror film adaptations.
Although it is not strictly speaking a long film series, Es has shown that even in times of franchise overload, a well-executed book adaptation can captivate an audience of millions. The mix of coming-of-age story, 80s nostalgia and relentless horror visions has finally made Pennywise an icon.
Final Destination: when death directs
Since 2000, "Final Destination" has focused on a premise that is as simple as it is perfidious: you can't escape death. Each episode begins with a vision in which the protagonists escape a catastrophe – only to lose their lives one by one through increasingly creative "accidents".
With six films, including the mega-successful final "Destination: Bloodlines" released in 2024, the series has now grossed over 983 million US dollars worldwide. This makes it New Line's third-largest horror franchise after "The Conjuring" and "It". The latest installment more than doubled the series' previous record in the USA alone – a sign that macabre humour and merciless suspense still work after more than two decades.
Halloween: The knife that never rests
In 1978, John Carpenter created the prototype of the slasher film with "Halloween". Michael Myers' cold mask, the minimalist music and the unstoppable nature of the killer made the film a classic. Since then, there have been countless sequels, reboots and alternative timelines – sometimes more, sometimes less successful.
Most notably, the most recent trilogy by David Gordon Green (2018-2022) ignored large parts of previous film history and followed on directly from the original. With Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, a feud that has lasted over 40 years was brought to a brilliant conclusion. "Halloween" remains proof that you can still captivate viewers decades later with the right mix of nostalgia and innovation.
Scream: meta-horror with a mask
When "Scream" was released in 1996, director Wes Craven brought a breath of fresh air to the exhausted slasher genre. The films took aim at the genre's own rules, while at the same time delivering functional suspense and bloody murders. The iconic Ghostface mask and clever scripts made the series a long-running hit.
With "Scream" (2022) and "Scream 6" (2023), the franchise has successfully reached the TikTok generation – including meta-commentaries on "Requels" and modern fan culture. Financially and creatively, Scream is one of Hollywood's longest-lasting horror phenomena.
Saw: The gruesome puzzle box
One of the bloodiest success stories in horror history began with "Saw" (2004). The basic principle: morally questionable characters are locked in deadly traps and have to make gruesome decisions. The character of "Jigsaw" and his perfidious games quickly became a trademark.
The series, which comprises ten films to date, has grossed over one billion US dollars. Particularly striking: the annual "Saw" ritual, in which a new installment was released almost every Halloween – a clever marketing move that burned the brand firmly into pop culture.
The Exorcist: from classic to reinterpretation
"The Exorcist" (1973) is still considered one of the most terrifying films of all time. The story of the possessed Regan and the desperate exorcism shocked audiences at the time and set the standard for supernatural horror.
Despite rather mixed sequels, the brand remains relevant. In 2023, Blumhouse attempted a reboot with "The Exorcist: Believer" – a sign that the influence of the original remains unbroken, even if the commercial success fell short of expectations.
Conclusion: Horror knows no expiry date
Whether supernatural demons, merciless killers or death itself – successful horror series have one thing in common: they combine recognizable elements with enough innovation to delight both old fans and new viewers. While some franchises like "The Conjuring" build up an entire universe, others like "Halloween" or "Final Destination" rely on a clear, repeatable formula.
One thing is certain: horror doesn't age. As long as there are stories that awaken our primal fears, studios will keep finding ways to continue well-known series – and audiences will keep coming, whether it's Pennywise, Michael Myers or an invisible demon lurking in the darkness.
