It is that once a year where people just love to scare themselves silly. Halloween is that merry time, where people can roam the streets as freaks, ghouls, and even politicians without anyone batting an eye.

People also love to watch movies that will definitely make them shriek and scream and check under the bed before they go to sleep. Horror movies have been part of cinema history since its inception.

They range from great to good to downright bad. Today, movie lovers will be treated to the very best horror movies in terms of box office performance. So here are the top highest grossing film franchises of all time at the US box office:

1. Alien

Spanning a total of seven films. The "Alien" franchise made a total of 515.9 million dollars at the US box office. Its highest grossing entry is 2012's Prometheus which took nearly half of the franchise's total. The original "Alien" film which started it all is perhaps considered one of the finest horror masterpiece in cinematic history. A new film is coming in 2017 which will most likely strengthen the franchise's grip on the top spot.

2. Saw

The "Saw" franchise which coincidentally has 7 films to date is not far behind at number 2 with a 415.9 million US haul at the box office. The story's more psychological approach to horror appealed to audiences when it was first released as well as create another iconic villain in Jigsaw. Another movie is being planned with no release date yet.

3. Jaws

What is amazing with the "Jaws" franchise is the fact that it only needed four films to snag the third spot. This was one of Steven Spielberg's earliest work that would propel him to star director status. It has a total US gross of $404.

4. Paranormal Activity

"Paranormal Activity" did not start the "found footage" horror genre. But it took that theme to another level. Though it is now on the downside, the franchise managed to snag 383.1 million from the US gates.