This article explores how the horror film has changed over time and how it has influenced society as a whole. From films like Frankenstein and Possession to modern films like Paranormal Activity, this article examines the changes in horror film history as well as what future films might bring.
What is the Horror Film?
The horror film is a genre of film that typically deals with the macabre, the frightful, and the horrific. It has been called the “cinema of fear,” and often explores the supernatural, especially in films made before the advent of sound technology. The roots of the horror film can be traced back to classic tales like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Haunting. However, it was Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho that really solidified the horror genre as a popular movie genre.
Today, there are countless NOSTALGHIA horror films available for audiences to watch on DVD or Blu-ray. Some of the most well-known horror films include Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw II-IV, The Conjuring (all directed by James Wan), IT (directed by Andy Muschietti), and Get Out (directed by Jordan Peele).
Types of Films
Horror films have a long and varied history, with different types of horror movies existing side-by-side. From the classic vampires and haunted houses of the early 1900s to psychological thrillers in the 1970s, horror has always been an popular genre. Here is a short history of the horror film:
The first known horror movie was The Haunted Castle, which was created in 1884. This movie featured a ghost that terrified audiences.
In 1932, Frankenstein was released and it became an instant classic. It tells the story of Dr. Frankenstein who creates a monster that terrorizes people.
In the 1940s, suspenseful horror movies began to be released such as House on Haunted Hill and The Wolf Man. These movies were often based on stories from classical literature such as Dracula and Frankenstein.
During the 1960s, psychological thrillers began to be released such as Psycho and The Birds. These movies focused on fear tactics such as suspense and violence.
The 1970s saw an increase in gore films such as Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. These movies focused on zombie-like creatures that terrorized people.
During the 1980s, slasher films emerged including Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream series. These movies revolved around serial killers who killed people for fun.
In recent years, horror has become more diverse with films like Paranormal Activity focusing on paranormal activity instead of murder plots
The History of the Horror Film
The horror film has a long and varied history, dating back to the early days of cinema. The genre began as a way to scare audiences with jumpscares and other unexpected events, but it soon evolved into something more complex and atmospheric. Today, the horror film is one of the most popular genres in cinema, with fans worldwide eager to see new releases every month.
Here is a brief overview of some of the most famous horror films ever made:
- Frankenstein (1931) – This classic monster movie was directed by James Whale and stars Boris Karloff as Dr. Frankenstein. It tells the story of a scientist who creates an evil creature that terrorizes villagers.
- The Exorcist (1973) – This thriller was directed by William Friedkin and stars Kathleen Turner as a mother who believes her daughter is possessed by Satan. It became one of the most popular horror films of all time, spawning several sequels over the years.
- The Shining (1980) – This Stanley Kubrick-directed psychological thriller stars Jack Nicholson as an hotel manager who becomes obsessed with his wife (Kim Stanley Robinson) and sons (Barry Bostwick and Danny Lloyd). The film has been cited as one of the scariest movies ever made.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – This Wes Craven-directed horror movie stars Freddy Krueger as a serial killer who targets teenagers in their dreams. It became one of the
Current Trends in the Horror Genre
There is no one definitive answer to when the horror genre began, but it is generally agreed upon that the seeds were first planted in the late 1800s with horror stories and short films being created for popular entertainment. In the early 1900s, filmmakers began incorporating more suspenseful and chilling elements into their movies, which paved the way for modern day horror movies.
One of the most popular and enduring Hollywood horror franchises is the “Saw” series, which started off as a modest low-budget film franchise in 2004. The franchise has since become one of the top grossing Horror movie franchises of all time, with six installments released to date. Another prominent Hollywood Horror franchise is “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, which was first released in 1984 and has since been remade numerous times by different studios across different countries.
Overall, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in the Horror genre among both mainstream audiences and independent filmmakers alike. This trend looks likely to continue into the future as more new Horror movies are released every year.
Upcoming Releases:
The Purge: Election Year
If you’re looking for an intense, horror-filled movie to watch this Halloween, then look no further than The Purge: Election Year. This film follows a group of people who are forced to live in an all-out anarchy where crime is legal for one night every year. The catch? You have to murder anyone who opposes the government during that time period. This flick is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and will leave you screaming at the screen.
The Haunting of Hill House
If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional when it comes to horror movies, then check out The Haunting of Hill House. This film follows a family as they move into a haunted house and start experiencing terrifying paranormal activity. From ghostly apparitions to deep crevices in the floor, there’s no hiding from what’s lurking in this house. It’ll be sure to give you goose bumps and make you scream until your throat is raw.
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