The Hellraiser movie franchise is a series of horror films that began with the release of the first film in 1987. The films are based on the novella “The Hellbound Heart” by Clive Barker, who also directed the first film in the series. The franchise has since expanded to include ten films, as well as various comic books, novels, and other media.

The films follow the story of the Cenobites, a group of demonic beings who are summoned by a mysterious puzzle box called the Lament Configuration. The main character of the franchise is Pinhead, the leader of the Cenobites, who is known for his distinctive appearance and his sadomasochistic tendencies.

The first film in the franchise, “Hellraiser,” introduces the character of Frank Cotton, who solves the puzzle box and is subsequently torn apart by the Cenobites. Frank’s brother, Larry, and his wife, Julia, move into the house where Frank was killed, and Julia becomes obsessed with resurrecting him. The subsequent films in the franchise explore different aspects of the mythology, including the origin of the puzzle box, the history of the Cenobites, and their interactions with other demonic entities.

The franchise is known for its graphic violence and its exploration of themes related to sadomasochism, sexuality, and human desire. The character of Pinhead has become a cultural icon, and the franchise has had a significant impact on the horror genre.