Horror movies have come a long way since their initial inception in the early 1900s. Initially, spooky music, smoke, and a few props were enough to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. However, as the years passed, horror movies began to evolve and tap into the psychological fears of the audience, making them one of the most popular genres in cinema. In this article, we will take a look at the evolution of horror movies from classic monsters to the modern thrills that we see today.
Classic Monsters
The classic monsters were the cornerstone of horror movies in the early days of cinema. These creatures were often based on mythological or folklore stories. The earliest horror movies featured vampires, werewolves, and Frankenstein’s monster. The Twilight Zone series and Alfred Hitchcock’s TV show were forays into horror as well. Some classic monsters that were popular during this time include Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Classic monster movies were all about the shock and terror, and relied heavily on jump scares and atmosphere. These films laid the foundation for the horror genre, and created a huge market for horror movie lovers. They gave rise to a number of horror franchises that lasted for decades, and a number of iconic characters and creatures that remain popular even today.
Slasher Films
Slasher films began to emerge in the late 70s and early 80s, with movies such as Halloween, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. Slasher films usually follow a serial killer who murders a group of victims, often in a gory or shocking manner. The killer is often a supernatural or disturbed individual who has a motive for their killing spree.
Slasher films were less about the classic monsters and more about the fear of a human killer. They were more psychological in nature and played on the viewer’s sense of empathy and vulnerability. Slasher films created a new kind of horror and were often the target of criticism for their graphic violence and sexual content.
Supernatural Horror
Supernatural horror movies focus on supernatural elements such as ghosts, demons, and witches. The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and The Ring are all examples of supernatural horror films. The films rely on jump-scares, suspense, and shock to create fear. These films often have religious overtones and can be very effective in scaring the audience.
Supernatural horror movies are still popular today, and have given rise to a number of horror franchises and television shows, such as Supernatural and American Horror Story.
Psychological Horror
Psychological horror movies are those that tap into the viewer’s psyche and play on their fears, anxieties, and subconscious desires. Examples of this type of horror include Rosemary’s Baby, The Shining, and Get Out. These films often have deeper, more complex storylines and character arcs, and they rely on suspense, dramatic tension, and atmospheric terror to get a reaction from the audience.
Modern Thrills
Modern horror movies not only use digital effects and advanced sound techniques to create more realistic scares, but are also exploring different themes and social issues. Movies like Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Us, and John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place have been praised for using horror as a tool to discuss issues such as racism and family dynamics.
Conclusion
Horror movies have come a long way since their inception. Today’s movies focus on immersive, psychological experiences, exploring complex themes and using state-of-the-art special effects to create scares that stick with audiences long after the credits roll. It is safe to say that horror movies are here to stay, and are still among the most popular and successful genres in cinema.