RealTalkAJ

So as you can see, my list of good horror movies to watch are the following:

• The Child’s Play series
• Saw
• The Alien franchise
• Scream franchise
• The conjuring franchise

Child’s Play

If you’ve ever been terrified of Chucky—like I was back in the days of Blockbuster—you might be surprised at how much depth and entertainment the Child’s Play franchise actually delivers.

What starts as a horror flick featuring a possessed doll quickly evolves into a layered and darkly humorous saga that spans decades, sequels, and even a well-received TV series.

At the heart of it all is Chucky, a character who blends fear, wit, and personality in a way that makes him strangely likable.

While the franchise is rooted in the supernatural—particularly voodoo (which I don’t personally endorse)—the storytelling and character development pull you in.

Especially when the plot expands into places like Chicago, it adds a gritty realism to the chaos and showcases a variety of personalities you might actually recognize in real life.

Over time, Chucky becomes more than just a slasher icon.

Like Freddy Krueger, he finds his voice, his rhythm, and even a fanbase that appreciates the balance between horror and humor.

And now, with the Chucky TV series continuing the story for a new generation, there’s never been a better time to explore the franchise.

Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, Child’s Play isn’t just about jump scares—it’s a long-running saga with twists, attitude, and an oddly charming killer doll who refuses to die.

Saw (The Franchise)

If you’re looking for a smart way to ease into the horror genre, the Saw franchise might surprise you.

While it’s known for its intense traps and brutal choices, there’s actually a layered story underneath all the gore—one that evolves over time and keeps you hooked.

I personally came in a bit late, around Jigsaw, but it still pulled me in enough to want to go back and explore the earlier films.

The vibe feels like Law & Order meets psychological horror—only on steroids.

After Saw III, the plot definitely started to shift a bit, but the curiosity about how everything connects makes each sequel worth a watch.

And with the release of Saw X, the franchise seems to have found its footing again, returning to the gritty emotional core that made the original movies stand out.

There’s a surprising amount of continuity and logic behind the chaos.

The infamous John Kramer (aka Jigsaw) isn’t just another horror villain—he’s a calculated mastermind whose twisted sense of justice raises questions about morality, survival, and second chances.

That kind of depth gives the series a unique identity in the horror world.

If you’ve ever wanted something more engaging than cheap jump scares, Saw offers a thrill ride that’s equal parts disturbing and thought-provoking.

Alien (The Franchise)

The Alien franchise is one of those rare sci-fi series that manages to stay relevant, gripping, and deeply atmospheric—even decades after it began.

While I haven’t seen every single film, I can honestly say that every one I have watched left a strong impression.

Whether you’re a fan of suspense, action, or psychological tension, Alien delivers all three with precision.

What makes the franchise so compelling is how real the scenarios feel—despite being set in space.

You don’t need to have experienced space travel to imagine how terrifying it would be if something went wrong.

The quiet moments, the claustrophobic settings, and the slow-building tension make every encounter with the xenomorphs feel earned and terrifying.

It’s not just about aliens jumping out at you—it’s about survival, isolation, and the unknown.

Another standout point is its natural rivalry with The Predator series.

While the two franchises have even crossed paths in spin-offs, Alien holds its own as a suspense-driven, character-focused story that offers more than just intergalactic violence.

It challenges your nerves and keeps you engaged.

With a new Hulu series, Alien: Earth, dropping soon, there’s no better time to dive back in—or experience it for the first time.

The fact that this series started before many of us were born and is still gaining momentum speaks volumes.

If you appreciate well-done sci-fi that leans into realism and dread, Alien deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Scream (The Franchise)

The Scream franchise stands as one of the most iconic contributions to horror cinema—and for good reason.

What sets it apart is its self-awareness.

It’s a horror series that knows the rules, plays with them, and still manages to deliver real suspense.

That balance between clever satire and genuine scares is what makes Scream so memorable.

Unlike other horror films that take themselves too seriously, Scream leans into the clichés just enough to poke fun at them—while still keeping viewers on edge.

It’s smart, witty, and never loses sight of what it is: an entertaining thrill ride with a sharp edge.

The original film broke the mold, and every installment since has continued to build on that legacy, adding twists, fresh faces, and new motives while still paying respect to what fans loved from the beginning.

Another reason to watch? It’s one of the best horror franchises to enjoy with a group.

Whether you’re watching for the whodunnit mystery, the creative kills, or the iconic Ghostface phone calls, the movies spark interaction, reactions, and conversation.

It’s practically built for late-night marathons and group watch parties.

Scream has inspired countless parodies and tributes, which only proves how much of a cultural imprint it’s made.

If you want horror that’s smart, scary, and surprisingly fun—you can’t go wrong starting or revisiting the Scream franchise.

Conjuring (The Franchise)

The Conjuring franchise has carved out its place as a modern classic in the horror genre—especially for fans of paranormal thrillers.

Think of it as today’s answer to The Exorcist, delivering that same eerie, slow-build intensity without needing over-the-top effects.

It’s grounded enough to feel real, but supernatural enough to keep you on edge.

What makes it stand out is the core dynamic: a husband-and-wife duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren, tackling supernatural cases based on real-life events.

That structure gives each film a focused, case-by-case approach—almost like a paranormal detective series.

And the best part?

There are multiple films within the same cinematic universe, so you’re not left hanging after just one movie.

From Annabelle to The Nun and beyond, it all connects in a way that keeps you invested.

While it might not reinvent horror, The Conjuring does something arguably more important—it respects it.

The franchise leans into atmosphere, suspense, and storytelling rather than relying on cheap jump scares.

It’s not overly flashy, but that restraint is part of what makes it so effective.

If you’re someone who enjoys haunted house stories, demonic encounters, or real-life-inspired tales of the paranormal, this franchise is a solid recommendation.

It may not be for everyone, but when conversations about ghost movies come up, The Conjuring is always part of the discussion—and for good reason.