The Best Horror Films of All Time
As a genre, horror films explore things that frighten us. They use graphical representation and a specific mood to inspire fear. Stories about fear never go out of style, and are as timeless as the horror film genre itself. Here are some classic horror films. They all feature a terrifying protagonist and an atmospheric setting. The best horror films are reminiscent of the classics, and many of them are based on real events. The following list provides a quick overview of the genre.
The horror genre originated in the early 20th century with the release of the first Frankenstein film. In 1931, James Whale adapted Mary Shelley’s novel into a movie. Boris Karloff played Dr. Henry Frankenstein, a former outcast who creates the monster. His character’s uncanny and unfathomable qualities made him a classic horror hero. The genre also gained popularity in the 1930s with the success of films starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.
Regardless of genre, horror films typically contain an element of evil. The evil can be embodied by a human, a monster, or a supernatural force. Sometimes, the evil is caused by natural forces. For example, the film “Hostel” would not be considered a horror film if Chewbacca and the Force were alive. So, while many horror films are based on true events, some are not.
While the genre isn’t officially recognized by the movie industry, it is thriving despite its lack of formal recognition. In 2017, IT (2017) raked in $700.4 million worldwide, and the sequel IT: Chapter 2 grossed $185 m in its first week of release. While two horror movies grossed $38 m in 1989, IT (2017) topped that in 2017.
Horror films have long addressed race and class issues. Some films, like Night of the Living Dead, have a bourgeois bearing and have become classics. The 70s were known for their increased coverage of serial killers, which led to a greater fear of a monster living next door. Another horror film from this decade was Halloween (1978), a classic slasher. The killer, Michael Myers, appeared human, stalked his victims with murderous intent.
While the association between personality and horror film consumption has yet to be definitive, it does appear to be an important one. Studies have shown that men and women have different reactions to horror films. A woman’s reaction was generally more intense than a man’s, and a man’s response was less extreme. The women’s reaction was primarily related to their fears, while men were more likely to be a survivor. So, whether you’re a girl or a guy, horror films are something to watch for the thrills and chills.
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