Horror has been reshaping the entertainment industry ever since the invention of filmmaking. It has undoubtedly become the most recognizable genre these days, and, of course, its popularity has only grown with each new exciting decade. Though some other genres are more successful at the box office, horror has steadily been consistent both critically and financially, giving audiences what they want every time. And what they want is something so compelling and terrifying that they’ll never forget it.
Horror has hit it out of the park plenty of times throughout the years, and there are countless masterpieces to choose from. But there are some that are so inspirational, so iconic and terrifying, and one-of-a-kind that they can completely change the way people view horror. Whether it’s because they’re revolutionary classics, epic game-changers, or have redefined their respective subgenres, the following ten will absolutely change your perspective on horror, change your mind, blow you away, and show you exactly why the genre is the cinematic powerhouse it is today.
10
‘Saw’ (2004)
Shocking its way to becoming arguably the most iconic horror movie of the early 2000s, James Wan‘s splatter masterpiece Saw defined what the genre meant in this decade. Made on a small budget of $1.2 million, this film exceeded expectations, grossing over $100 million and becoming one of the most successful horror films of its time.
With a fresh concept, intense violence, and also introducing a new face of terror, Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), it’s an undisputed legend of early 21st-century horror, complete with jaw-dropping moments and horrifying scares that still affect audiences today. Saw rose to become this pop-cultural phenomenon through its terrifyingly creative premise, which is so memorable and utterly horrific that it’s too hard not appreciate when watching. This story will blow anyone’s mind and have them constantly coming back and appreciating the effect it has on their watching experience.
9
‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)
Horror truly changed forever in the late 1960s, when a low-budget filmmaker, George A. Romero, took the concept of zombies and turned them into a pop-cultural icon. Released in 1968, his masterpiece Night of the Living Dead became one of the most influential horror films in history, rewriting the book on this classic monster and breaking new ground, from featuring revolutionary casting decisions to pushing the envelope on on-screen violence.
When first released, Night of the Living Dead became a massive success, and today, it’s one of the most widely talked about horror movies ever. It’s become an incredible influence on the current genre, even shaping the zombie movies and shows we know and love today. This classic feels like a timeless piece of horror history that needs to be experienced by everyone, including those who aren’t really fans of the genre.
8
‘Psycho’ (1960)
The master of suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, created the most thrilling tension ever captured on the big screen with his classics. No better collection of films captures timeless feelings of anticipation and anxiety more than his works, most of all his magnum opus, Psycho. This compelling proto-slasher classic truly is one of the most significant horror films in history.
Psycho was way ahead of its time, shocking viewers with an unprecedented amount of violence and breaking all kinds of censorship codes and barriers at the time. Its premise, characters, and iconic moments have become ingrained in horror history for their significance and for constantly inspiring the genre. It’s simply brilliant and gripping from start to finish, and still feels like a blast when viewing it even after multiple watches. Psycho can ultimately change the way anyone can look at horror, as it shows just how influential the genre can be on cinema as a whole.
7
‘Alien’ (1979)
The great Sir Ridley Scott has been a significant influence on the sci-fi horror subgenre since his landmark contribution, Alien, terrified its way into theaters in 1979. This nightmarish slasher set in space has become a highly revered classic, hailed for its intensity, haunting visuals, and iconic monster designs and effects that still hold up spectacularly well.
Alien is all means timeless and unforgettable, and its ability to scare and blow viewers away with its spectacles hasn’t waned in the years since its release. It can terrify any new viewer beyond belief, as its story and the menacing alien antagonist, the Xenomorph, will always be impressive. Alien is a masterpiece that makes viewers experience the terrifying magic of the horror genre mixed with sci-fi.
6
‘The Shining’ (1980)
The glorious pairing of horror author Stephen King and legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick created one of the most revered horror films in history, The Shining. Based on King’s iconic novel, this twisted and spine-chillingly intense psychological thriller has had a lasting impact on pop culture over the years, and its influence is still felt even now.
The feeling when first experiencing The Shining is unforgettable. Even now, it still feels like a slow-creeping nightmare that gets more frightening and unnerving with each passing scene. There’s so much to talk about with this film, too, and there are many different ways to interpret its complex moments, characters, and the overall meaning of the story. The Shining can deeply disturb viewers and has them constantly coming back for more to fully understand its meaning.
5
‘Get Out’ (2017)
Comedian Jordan Peele quickly established himself as one of the most recognizable filmmakers in horror recently, all thanks to his unexpectedly brilliant psychological thriller Get Out. This mind-bending, thematic, and, at times, darkly funny modern classic exceeded all expectations, becoming a highly acclaimed and successful hit that’s come to define the horror genre of the 2010s.
Its story is one-of-a-kind and deeply thought-provoking, the cast all do phenomenal work, and Peele’s exceptional writing earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a rare win for the horror genre. Get Out has become a highlight of the horror genre in recent years, proving horror can be as sharp and politically timely as it can be suspenseful and enjoyable. There’s nothing else quite like this freshly creative and eerie film.
4
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
There’s no horror film more revered than the late Jonathan Demme‘s 1991 masterpiece, The Silence of the Lambs. A film that is deserving of its status, this pulse-pounding, intense horror crime thriller gave the genre its glorious reputation. Winning Best Screenplay, Director, Actor and Actress, and especially the coveted Best Picture award, it is also the most highly praised horror film in cinematic history.
The experience of watching this inspiring chiller is different from others as it can keep viewers incredibly hooked from start to finish and stays in the minds long after the credits are done. It’s brilliantly written and exceptionally performed by actors at the top of their game. But truly, the greatest strength in The Silence of the Lambs is how it evokes a sense of fear, which intrigues the viewer. This effect hasn’t dwindled in the more than thirty years since its release, and it will continue to do so.
3
‘The Thing’ (1982)
Few films can instill fear and anxiety within audiences quite like John Carpenter‘s 1982 crowning achievement, The Thing. It’s highly considered one of the all-time greats of the genre, a bona fide classic that only gets better and more terrifying with age. With its frigid Antarctic setting and paranoia-inducing premise, this gem of horror has a long-lasting impact on viewers and can still make them feel nervous when watching it, even after constant viewings.
It’s an intense, nail-biting, claustrophobic masterpiece that is honestly one of the scariest movies in history, and it will only scare more generations of horror lovers for decades to come. What The Thing evokes in viewers is nothing short of spectacular, and this feeling of terror can instantly hook anyone, even those who aren’t fans of horror, to sway over to appreciating its significance.
2
‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)
Horror would not be the same today without the slasher subgenre, which created some of the most legendary icons and moments that would come to best represent horror history. From A Nightmare on Elm Street to the most recent X trilogy, any of these films is a must-watch for anyone trying to get into horror. But the one that really shaped it into what it is today is the late Tobe Hooper‘s gritty magnum opus, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
This unexpected masterwork truly is one of the most influential slashers, period. It’s given the subgenre tremendous inspiration and established many of its classic tropes, from iconic murder weapons to popularizing the idea of a final girl. It’s timelessly horrifying as well, and its shocking imagery and realistic feel continue to unsettle many new viewers. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre had a huge impact on horror culture, and it will always amaze audiences for years to come.
1
‘Scream’ (1996)
While The Texas Chain Saw Massacre made a splash in the genre and gave slashers a huge boost, Scream came along in 1996 to become an even bigger influence, and is arguably considered now as one of the most important horror movies ever made. Created by the late Wes Craven, this game-changing meta-horror comedy saved slashers from the brink of extinction during a time when they were at their lowest point.
It’s darkly funny and incredibly terrifying at certain points, and it all perfectly comes together thanks to Craven’s award-worthy direction and screenwriter Kevin Williamson‘s remarkable script. His story, which is still considered revolutionary today, brilliantly critiques the tropes and clichés of the horror genre. At the end of the day, our modern interpretation of slashers and the way some horror movies are written is all thanks to Scream.
Source link
-
-
-
-
-
