Whether you’re a seasoned horror movie veteran or a curious newcomer, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the spine tingling world of horror movies.
The first horror movie was “Le Manoir du Diable” or “The House of The Devil”. “The House of The Devil” was made in 1896 by Georges Méliès. This three minute film laid the foundation for a genre that would transform over the decades. Today we are accustomed to physiological horror movies exploring deep fears instead of relying on supernatural elements like ghosts or monsters. Earlier horror movies hinted at violence, while modern horror movies have shown violence much more graphically. The advancement of technology has greatly impacted horror movies by improving the sound and special effects to create a more frightening experience. These changes in horror movies have showcased how filmmaking has improved and reflect new fears people face today.
Horror movies give the audience a thrill without any real danger. People, including myself, love the adrenaline rush and suspense horror movies have to offer. This is because when watching horror movies, it releases dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphins as our bodies fight or flight response is triggered by scary scenes. Watching horror movies with others offers a sense of safety providing reassurance in knowing that they are not alone in their fear. This shared experience can bring people closer together and also enhance enjoyment.
All great horror movies have three things in common, a strong story, well developed characters, and a captivating fear factor. Storytelling goes beyond just trying to scare us, it attaches us to characters we care about with an interesting plot. When we connect to the characters, it amplifies the horror and tension. The fear factor is crucial for any horror movie, as it creates an atmosphere of suspense and unpredictability that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Whether through psychological scares, supernatural elements, or gore, the ability to strike fear is ultimately what makes a horror movie memorable. When these elements are combined, like in “The Conjuring” or “The Descent”, that is when horror movies are the best.
Here are my recommendations for horror movies based on your favorite genre.
For beginners, “Poltergeist” offers suspense without overwhelming scares, while “Coraline” uses a more whimsical scare tactic. “Coraline” is a tale of a young girl who discovers an eerie alternate world. “Poltergeist” offers thrills that aren’t excessively scary, making it perfect for beginners.
Fans of supernatural horror movies can dive into films like “The Exorcist” or “The Conjuring”. “The Exorcist” is a classic tale of demonic possession that explores themes of faith and fear. “The Conjuring” is about paranormal investigators as they help a family plagued by dark forces in their farmhouse.
Psychological horror fans might appreciate “Hereditary”, which dives into the psychological impact of grief and family secrets intertwined with supernatural horror. Another option is “Silence of the Lambs”, a chilling thriller that combines psychological manipulation with horror elements, featuring the iconic Hannibal Lecter.
If slasher films are what you love, classics like “Halloween” or “Scream” provide thrills without excessive gore. “Halloween” is the slasher film that set the standard for the genre. Set on Halloween night, the story follows a group of teenagers who find themselves stalked by a masked killer. “Scream” is personally one of my favorites. Sidney Prescott becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface, forcing her to navigate a series of murders to find the killer.
If you’re more into horror shows, I would recommend “The Walking Dead” for zombie enthusiasts or “American Horror Story” which explores different horror themes each season. Finding a horror movie that is right for you is crucial if you want to love the genre.
The world of horror movies is a thrilling and evolving genre since “Le Manoir du Diable”. From supernatural to psychological horror, films offer unique ways to experience fear and adrenaline. With a wide variety of subgenres from slasher to supernatural to paranormal, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be scared to dive into the realm of horror and let yourself be captivated by spine tingling horror movies.
