What is Horror? Horror is a genre of film and literature that is intended to create fear, dread, and shock in its audience. It often involves supernatural elements and can range from psychological thrillers to traditional monsters. The horror genre has been around for centuries, and has evolved into many different forms.
The Origins of Horror can be traced back to ancient mythology, folklore, and stories of the supernatural. In more recent times, horror has become more associated with the horror film genre, which began in the early 20th century with German Expressionist films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and Nosferatu (1922).
Slasher
Definition: Slasher films are a type of horror that focus on a killer who stalks and murders their victims in a violent and often gory manner. These films typically feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the killer in order to survive.
History: The slasher genre first emerged in the late 1970s with films such as Halloween (1978) and Friday the 13th (1980). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular slasher films include A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), and Scream (1996).
Gore
Definition: Gore films are a type of horror that focus on intense and graphic violence and gore. These films often feature gruesome deaths and over-the-top blood and guts.
History: The gore genre first emerged in the early 1970s with films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and The Exorcist (1973). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular gore films include Braindead (1992), The Evil Dead (1981), and Re-Animator (1985).
Psychological
Definition: Psychological horror films are a type of horror that focus on the psychological effects of fear and terror. These films often feature characters struggling with their own inner demons and psychological issues.
History: The psychological horror genre first emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s with films such as Psycho (1960) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular psychological horror films include The Shining (1980), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Donnie Darko (2001).
Supernatural
Definition: Supernatural horror films are a type of horror that focus on the supernatural and the occult. These films often feature characters struggling with the forces of good and evil, and the unknown.
History: The supernatural horror genre first emerged in the late 19th century with films such as Nosferatu (1922) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular supernatural horror films include The Exorcist (1973), The Omen (1976), and The Conjuring (2013).
Found Footage
Definition: Found footage films are a type of horror that utilizes the “found footage” narrative device. In these films, the audience is presented with footage that has been “found” or “discovered” from a variety of sources, such as security cameras, cell phones, and more.
History: The found footage genre first emerged in the late 1990s with films such as The Blair Witch Project (1999). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular found footage films include Paranormal Activity (2007), REC (2007), and Cloverfield (2008).
Creature
Definition: Creature films are a type of horror that focuses on a creature or monster that is attacking and killing its victims. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the creature in order to survive.
History: The creature genre first emerged in the early 1950s with films such as The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular creature films include Jaws (1975), Alien (1979), and The Thing (1982).
Gothic
Definition: Gothic horror films are a type of horror that focus on the dark and supernatural elements of the Gothic period. These films often feature a character struggling with their own inner demons and psychological issues, while dealing with the forces of good and evil.
History: The gothic horror genre first emerged in the late 18th century with novels such as Frankenstein (1818) and Dracula (1897). These works set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of film adaptations, sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular gothic horror films include The Haunting (1963), The Omen (1976), and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).
Monster
Definition: Monster movies are a type of horror that focuses on a creature or monster that is attacking and killing its victims. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the creature in order to survive.
History: The monster movie genre first emerged in the early 20th century with films such as King Kong (1933) and The Wolf Man (1941). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular monster movies include Godzilla (1954), The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), and An American Werewolf in London (1981).
Zombie
Definition: Zombie movies are a type of horror that focus on a zombie outbreak, where the living dead are attacking and killing the living. These films often feature a group of survivors who must find a way to survive the zombie apocalypse.
History: The zombie movie genre first emerged in the early 1960s with films such as Night of the Living Dead (1968). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular zombie movies include Dawn of the Dead (1978), 28 Days Later (2002), and Shaun of the Dead (2004).
Alien
Definition: Alien movies are a type of horror that focuses on an alien invader or monster that is attacking and killing its victims. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the alien in order to survive.
History: The alien movie genre first emerged in the late 1950s with films such as The War of the Worlds (1953) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular alien movies include Alien (1979), Predator (1987), and District 9 (2009).
Body Horror
Definition: Body horror films are a type of horror that focus on the physical effects of fear and terror. These films often feature characters struggling with their own inner demons and physical transformation, often leading to gruesome deaths.
History: The body horror genre first emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s with films such as The Thing (1982) and The Fly (1986). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular body horror films include The Exorcist (1973), Hellraiser (1987), and Dead Alive (1992).
Survival
Definition: Survival horror films are a type of horror that focus on a group of survivors who must find a way to survive a deadly situation. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the killer in order to survive.
History: The survival horror genre first emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s with films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Alien (1979). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular survival horror films include The Descent (2005), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), and You’re Next (2011).
Thriller
Definition: Thriller films are a type of horror that focus on suspense and tension, rather than outright gore and violence. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the killer in order to survive.
History: The thriller genre first emerged in the late 1950s with films such as Psycho (1960) and Rear Window (1954). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular thriller films include Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Seven (1995).
Black Comedy
Definition: Black comedy films are a type of horror that combines horror elements with dark humor. These films often feature a “final girl” protagonist who must outwit the killer in order to survive, while finding humor in the situation.
History: The black comedy genre first emerged in the late 1970s with films such as An American Werewolf in London (1981) and The Evil Dead (1981). These films set the template for the genre, which has since spawned dozens of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
Examples: Some of the most popular black comedy films include Shaun of the Dead (2004), Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010), and What We Do in the Shadows (2014).
Conclusion
Summary: This guide has provided an overview of the different types of horror films and their histories. From slasher to black comedy, horror has evolved into many different forms over the years.
The Future of Horror: Horror films have been around for decades and will continue to be popular for years to come. As technology advances, filmmakers will continue to explore new ways to tell horror stories and create new and unique types of horror films.
References:
Benedict, D. (2017). The History of Horror Films. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-horror-films-1700593
Kline, S. (2017). What Is Gothic Horror? Definition, Origin & Examples. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-gothic-horror-definition-origin-examples.html
