Horror movies have been a popular genre of cinema for almost a century now. From the silent horror flicks of the 1920s to the 3D monster movies of today, horror films have come a long way. They have evolved with the times, reflecting changes in society, culture, and technology. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of horror movies, how they have changed over the years, and what makes them still enthralling to audiences.
The Birth of Horror Movies
The 1920s were a time when cinema was still in its infancy. It was also a time when a new genre emerged – horror. The silent horror movie Nosferatu (1922), directed by F.W. Murnau, marked the birth of the horror genre. The film was an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and although it was not the first adaptation of the book, it was the first and most iconic of all horror movies.
The 1930s to 1950s
The 1930s saw the emergence of the Universal Monsters franchise. Horror characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and The Bride of Frankenstein were brought to life on the big screen and became iconic, signature characters of the genre. These movies were made in black and white, with minimal special effects, but they were still able to scare audiences everywhere.
In the 1950s, horror movies became more focused on science-fiction and included themes such as aliens from outer space, atomic mutations, and the fear of communism. A notable movie from this era is The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), directed by Don Siegel.
The 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s saw a rise of psychological and supernatural horror movies, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960), and Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby (1968). These movies presented horror in a different light, with less reliance on blood and gore, but rather on suspense, tension and psychological manipulation.
The 1970s were also the ideal time for the birth of the slasher genre. You had The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Halloween (1978), which were later followed by Friday the 13th (1980). This era of horror was graphic, scary, and reflective of the fears of the time.
The 1980s and 1990s
The 1980s saw the emergence of horror-comedies, such as Gremlins (1984), Ghostbusters (1984), and The Evil Dead (1981). It was also during this era that horror movies became more graphic, with special effects and a higher body count. The 1990s saw the rise of slasher movies with sequels, remakes, and reboots.
The 2000s to present
In the early 2000s, horror movies took on a different direction as torture-porn movies such as Hostel (2005) and Saw (2004) became popular. They were more graphic, gory, and focused on torture instead of scares.
The 2010s saw a shift to found-footage horror movies like Paranormal Activity (2007) and The Blair Witch Project (1999). Movies like Get Out (2017), Hereditary (2018) and A Quiet Place (2018) garnered critical acclaim and have set the new standards for the horror genre.
Conclusion
Horror movies have come a long way from the silent era of the 1920s to the technological advancements of today’s movies. They have evolved with the ever-changing nature of society, always reflecting our fears, hopes, and desires. Although the ways of instilling fear have changed with time, one thing is certain: horror movies never fail to captivate the audience, allowing them to explore the darkest aspect of human psyche.
