A staple in Halloween rituals is sitting down and watching horror movies. The horror genre is a pivotal part of cinema, often shedding light on what’s deemed scary at the time. Though heavily criticized in the media, the horror genre continues to push boundaries. 

1920’s “Nosferatu”

“Nosferatu” an unofficial adaptation for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is the most popular horror film of the 20’s. Count Orlok, the main character and vampire, is wildly iconic in the horror genre. “Nosferatu’s” theme is fear of “the other.” One review said it was “one of the silent era’s most influential masterpieces” and since creation has been considered to be a masterpiece. The movie depicts Dracula before it was overdone and made into a cartoonish character. “Nosferatu” is the first film to show a vampire dying by sunlight, a now well known trope. It also sets up the genre common throughout the early years of horror as monster movies seen in “Frakenstien,” “The Invisible Man,” and “Creature from Black Lagoon.” 

1930’s “Bride of Frankenstein”

“Bride of Frankenstein” is a sequel to the original “Frankenstein” movie and is often revered as the best sequel ever made. The movie was subjected to censorship because of the Hays Code. “Frankenstein” stirred up controversies and threats of censorship due to Dr. Frankestein comparing himself to God, with some scenes cut due to religious imagery. Even after being passed, the movie still faced heavy censorship from other countries for featuring female characters, audience interpretations of necrophilia and more. In fact, Sweden wanted to cut 25 scenes so it could be screened. As a result, Universal refused to hold screenings there all together. 

1940’s “The Wolf Man” 

Following the hold that monster movies had on movie viewers, “The Wolf Man” came out. Like other werewolf films it has been analyzed as an allegory for puberty due to the Wolf Man’s unruly nature. Universal had previously tried to make a werewolf movie but it didn’t garner as much acclaim as its predecessors like “Dracula” and “Frankestein.” “The Wolf Man” was their second attempt to depict the classic monster. The reception was overall good. 

1950’s “Creature from the Black Lagoon”

“Creature of the Black Lagoon” is a black-and-white 3D monster movie. Clearly, the reign of monster movies was long. The character Gill-Man became a pop culture icon and was seen in many merchandise including comic books and toys. 

1960’s “Psycho”

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is revered as one of the first slashers. The film was wildly successful and popularized slasher films in the near future. Hitchcock pushed the boundaries in making this movie and implemented a “no late admission” policy which helped stir up interest. Though not controversial now and perhaps cliche to the modern audience, the time period is important to remember. It is revered as a proto-slasher released in the same year with another proto-slasher “Peeping Tom.” It was a first of its kind. “Psycho” brought on a heap of slasher films to follow like “Dementia 13,” “Strait-Jacket” and “Blood And Black Lace.” This trend of slasher films has carried on today with continuing franchises like “Halloween” and “Scream.” 

1970’s “The Exorcist”

“The Exorcist” is a horror classic and changed the genre as we know it. “The Exorcist’s” true fear comes from its realism. It is a slow buildup to the supernatural events and doesn’t start off heavy. The movie also has real world history, helping keep it grounded. At the time it was one of the most graphic movies ever made and the decision of the R rating instead of X was controversial at the time. The controversy came from the religious storyline and graphic content, but this also helped with its success and was the highest-grossing R-rated horror films until 2017, with many movie-goers feeling reportedly ill or even a few heart attacks. Exorcism movies are widely popular today but all are following the success and legacy of “The Exorcist.” 

1980’s “The Shining” 

“The Shining” was based on the Stephen King novel and is among a slew of Stephen King movie adaptations. The film’s imagery is often praised and has been analyzed and interpreted in different ways. The movie leans into suspense and spatial designs and an importance of where events are occurring. The movie feels like you’re in a maze. A lot of the spaces provide the audience with discomfort with its oddly symmetrical frames. The film was met with hostility by some before it was recognized as a classic because of King’s famously disliking the adaptation. Its style and ambiguity influenced many horror movies to come. 

1990’s “Scream”

“Scream” is a slasher film directed by Wes Craven, an iconic director for the genre. “Scream” is the modern face of the slasher genre. The movie differs from others in the subgenre by interweaving the slayings with comedy and commentary on the tropes and stereotypes of the movie. “Scream” broke the rules of horror before setting new standards. The killings are over the top and brutal and uniquely explores the exploitative news coverage of murders. “Scream” acknowledges horror movies, characters know and understand them making them self aware of the stereotypical next move. “Scream” plays homage to the slashers we’ve seen before, with the franchise still going and wildly popular. 

2000’s “Coraline”

“Coraline” is a claymation movie based on the Neil Gamin novel. The 2000’s had copious amounts of “family-friendly horror” that was wildly popular. Movies like “Monster House,” “The Haunted Mansion,” “Corpse Bride” and “The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It.” Though not scary to the adult audience, “Coraline” plays into childhood fears and is disturbing. The cult-classic has overall good receptions and was even nominated for the Academy Awards. 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment