V/H/S (franchise)

V/H/S
Official franchise logo
Based onConcept
by Brad Miska
Distributed byMagnolia Pictures (1–3)
Chiller Films (spin-off series)
Shudder (4 onwards)
Release date
2012–present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office>$2.8 million
(Cumulative of 3 theatrical films)

V/H/S is an American horror anthology franchise that includes seven found footage films, two spin-off films, and one miniseries. Created from an original story idea by Brad Miska, the plot centers around a number of disturbing VHS tapes that are discovered by innocent viewers and the possessive influence of the videos over those who see them. Realized by a collaboration of various filmmakers and different casts, the installments are mostly standalone in nature, though recurring elements indicate the same fictional villain as the source for all of its videos.[1]

The original film, V/H/S, received mixed reviews,[2] but was praised for its implementation of found-footage filmmaking and diverse stories,[1] and was a financial success.[3] The next two films in the franchise were met with mixed to generally negative reviews, and were not as financially successful as the first. Though the second film, V/H/S/2, was a success with film critics,[4] it did not earn as much at the box office as its predecessor.[5] The third installment, V/H/S: Viral, was generally negatively received critically,[6] and made even less at the box office than the previous film.[7] Financial information has not been released for the remainder of the films in the franchise, but their critical reception has improved. The fourth film, V/H/S/94, received the most positive reviews of the franchise.[8] The fifth film, V/H/S/99, received lower but still generally positive ratings.[9] The sixth film, V/H/S/85, received generally positive reviews.[10] The seventh film, V/H/S/Beyond, also received generally positive reviews.[11]

The first spin-off film, SiREN, serves as a continuation of one of the segments from the first film. It was met with a general positive critical reception.[12] The Snapchat released miniseries, titled V/H/S: Video Horror Shorts, received praise for its short-form format and expansion of the franchise to new media.[13] The second spin-off film, Kids vs. Aliens, also served as a continuation of one of the segments from the second film. It was met with a mixed reception.[14]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Origin_Looper was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference VHS_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "V/H/S (2012)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference VHS2_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "V/H/S/2". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Viral_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "V/H/S Viral". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference 94_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference 99_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference VHS85_BD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Harvey, Dennis (October 4, 2024). "'V/H/S/Beyond' Review: Found-Footage Franchise Takes a Tentative Step Toward Sci-Fi". Variety. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference Siren_RT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference TV_CB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference KidsvsAliens_CB.com was invoked but never defined (see the help page).