The horror genre is more robust and diverse than ever before – largely due to the uptick in emerging franchises. Thanks to the success of movies like Sinister, A Quiet Place, Talk to Me, M3GAN, and Smile, there have been a lot of new horror franchises for fans to obsess over. Alongside these up and comers though is the resurgence of various classic film series that are reclaiming the spotlight.

Chucky is carving up the small screen with his multi-season tv series. Michael Myers just finished leading his own modern Halloween trilogy with Blumhouse. Plus, we’ve seen other franchises like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scream, Candyman, The Exorcist, and many more get reboots, remakes, and requels that have revived their legacy. Yet, there are still some iconic, long-dormant franchises that are seeking their opportunity to break into the current era of horror. So, let’s look at a couple of well-known franchises that could be resurrected very soon.

Jaws

Now that the Jurassic franchise is heading back into a more dormant state, Universal is likely interested in diving back into Steven Spielberg’s filmography to see what they can wring out of it. And, with the current state of the horror genre being so strong, the Jaws franchise seems ripe for a reboot or requel. While this might seem like a foolish endeavor since this franchise already has plenty of terrible sequels, it just makes sense for Universal to go for it.

The impressive box-office performance of the 2022 re-release of Jaws most likely instilled some confidence in the franchise’s name and drawing power. Also, if Universal can get Blumhouse to take the bait and do a new film, they at least have a studio whose experience in resurrecting classic horror franchises is extensive. It’s been roughly 37 years since the last Jaws movie was released, but the time for Universal to dive back into the franchise could be now. Who knows, maybe they can bring newfound terror into a franchise that’s been dead in the water for quite a while.

Pumpkinhead

While Pumpkinhead was instantly labeled a cult horror film when it first debuted in 1988, it boasts all the potential to be something more. The series has always been noteworthy for its stunning practical effects and the stomach-turning body horror of its titular monster. It’s the type of creature feature and style of horror that modern fans would eat up and why maybe the franchise should be reintroduced through a reboot. Given its cult status, it could easily find a new audience like Candyman and Evil Dead did and make a bigger name for itself in the genre.

Now, there’s apparently a reboot from Paramount Players in the works. However, it’s been a while since any news has come from it so it’s unclear when or if we’ll actually see it. Still, if a Pumpkinhead reboot does come though, it could be one of those hidden gems that viewers love discovering – especially on streaming.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

It’s been far too long since we’ve seen Freddy Krueger on the big screen (almost 14 years in fact). As a huge Nightmare on Elm Street fan, it’s been tough to see other iconic killers get back into the spotlight while Freddy has laid dormant. His kill creativity is unmatched and the mix of slasher and psychological terror he brings is unlike anything else the genre offers. Freddy is a unique force and there are loads of directors capable and willing to bring A Nightmare on Elm Street back to the forefront of horror.

Recently, “Host” director Rob Savage said that taking on a new iteration of Freddy’s nightmares would be a “dream project” for him. “Crawl” director Alexandre Aja has talked about his interest in working in the franchise. Also, “Doctor Sleep” director Mike Flanagan has thrown his name out there to do a reboot. Unfortunately, a new Nightmare movie wouldn’t involve Robert Englund since he announced his retirement of playing Freddy. But, with the creative potential, likeability of Freddy, and intrigue of the franchise still being potent, the legacy of the Nightmare on Elm Street films is poised to continue.

Friday the 13th

In the same vein as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Freddy Krueger, the Friday the 13^th franchise and Jason Vorhees are desperate for a reboot. Jason is easily on the Mount Rushmore of slashers and hasn’t seen a theatrical release in over a decade. That’s just not right, and the horror community is begging to see Jason rise to his full potential again as an immensely fun and surprisingly bloody killer. With basically every other franchise finding their way back to the spotlight, it’s finally time that Friday the 13^th makes its way there as well.

For now, though, Friday fans are just going to have to settle with a prequel series for Peacock called Crystal Lake from A24 and “Hannibal” showrunner Bryan Fuller. The Friday the 13^th franchise is ready to re-emerge as a top name in horror and Jason is ready to reclaim his spot in pop-culture history.

Final Destination

Although it’s been about 13 years since the fifth Final Destination film, the franchise’s return is just around the corner. The film series that’s seen those who avoid the grasp of Death be killed in viciously wild ways already has a sixth entry in development and there are some good signs that it’s coming very soon. Not only is Jon Watts – the director behind the MCU Spider-Man films – set to produce the film, but there are already directors attached to the project in Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein.

While it’s unknown where production is at, there have been some potential story routes floating around and rumors that production could start in 2024. So, fans who have been waiting to see more elaborately gory deaths fitting for the big screens and the unique thrills this franchise offers could have their hunger satisfied soon. Final Destination is a beloved franchise for horror fans that always makes for a great crowd-pleaser. Now, it’s time for the franchise to reestablish itself and showcase Death’s design for modern lovers of the genre.