Fall is the perfect time to watch classic horror movies, it’s the easiest and most typical way to celebrate. 

Horror is a wide genre with a variety of subgenres in it. When most people hear about horror, they think of the popular slasher movies like Halloween (1978) or Friday the 13th (1980). However, horror is so much more than just the classics.

The Origins

Horror as a genre dates back to storytelling in ancient Egypt. Folklore was one of the earliest forms. Religious beliefs and superstitions also contributed to the spread of the genre.

Before horror movies, gothic literature was hugely popular. The Castle of Otranto (1764) by Horace Walpole is considered the first literary form of horror. Edgar Allan Poe was one of the most famous gothic writers even in today’s time. Gothic literature heavily influenced horror movies, and in 1896 the first horror movie was created, Le Manoir du Diable (The Haunted Castle/The Devil’s Manor) directed by Georges Méliès.

Horror in Film

Today, movies are the most popular form of horror. These movies became popular in the 1930s with films like Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931). However, horror really flew off in the 70s and 80s due to anxieties in society and the advancement of technology, especially in the 80s.

Slashers, the most popular type of horror movies, were especially successful at the time. These films introduced strong female protagonists (final girls) which was originally uncommon. The action of slasher films also captured audiences’ attention.

Horror has changed drastically throughout the years, and there are a few films to thank for that:

The Exorcist (1973): Focused on faith based horror and avoided typical horror tropes

Psycho (1960): Considered to be the first popular slasher

Night of the Living Dead (1968): Reshaped the zombie genre of horror

Scream (1996): One of the few self aware slashers movie that also incorporated comedy

Saw (2004): Incorporated moral choices and twist endings which many tried to later replicate

What’s the appeal?

As popular as horror is, some people can’t understand why others enjoy it so much. There’s a variety of reasons.

• People like the thrill of being scared
• The special effects are captivating
• People like suspense
• For some, horror can help people face their own fears

Horror isn’t for everyone of course, but regardless it’s a very important genre. If you want to get into horror, start with the classics.