If you enjoyed watching “The Conjuring: Last Rites”—which grossed a staggering $187 million worldwide upon its release, becoming the second-highest global opening in horror film history—then get ready. We bring you seven such horror films, most of which come from popular franchise universes and can leave you breathless.
The Conjuring Universe – The World’s Biggest Horror Franchise
The Conjuring Universe is not just one film, but an entire horror universe. The series is said to be based on the real-life haunting cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren—although many of the cases have been controversial.
Total Earnings: $2.4 billion
Total Budget: $263 million
Status: Highest-grossing horror franchise of all time
Main Series Films:
The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
If you love classic haunted-house and demonic possession horror, this entire franchise should be on your watchlist.
Under the Shadow (2016) – Iranian psychological horror that touches the heart
This Persian-language film by Babak Anvari is set in Tehran during the War of the Cities in the 1980s.
The story revolves around a mother and daughter caught between war and a mysterious demonic force.
Starcast: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi
Tone: Slow-burn, psychological fear
Pros: Real locations, authentic scares, and powerful performances
If you enjoy “horrifying” cinema, this one will surely shake you up.
The Omen (1976) – The Story of the Devil’s Child, Which Threatened the World
This classic film by Richard Donner stars legendary actors like Gregory Peck and Lee Remick.
The story revolves around a child named Damien Thorn, who is said to be the son of the devil.
Theme: Biblical horror
USP: Atmosphere, music, and twists
This film is still considered a benchmark in ‘Satanic horror.’
A masterpiece for old-school horror lovers.
The Exorcist Franchise – The World’s Most Iconic Exorcism Film
‘The Exorcist’ originated with a 1971 book by William Peter Blatty—inspired by a real-life exorcism case from 1949.
The 1973 film redefined horror.
Franchise:
Sequels
Prequels
2016–17 TV series
2023 film The Exorcist: Believer
Box Office: $661 million+
Book Sales: 13 million copies
This franchise is often called the “Greatest Horror of All Time.”
The Evil Dead Franchise – Gore, Demons, and Non-Stop Horror-Madness
Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell created a world of horror-gore that has achieved cult status.