This is especially true in the case of film, which has been used to tell stories about the world around us for centuries. Whether it’s a movie about a war or a love story, film has always been an important tool in shaping our perceptions and understanding the world around us.
Horror movies reflect our society’s fears and anxieties in a way that is both entertaining and spine-tingling. From the lighthearted stories of early horror to the macabre movies of the 70s, horror classics are based on the fear of what could happen.
Horror has always been a genre that reflects the fears and anxieties of society. Over the years, it has evolved to reflect the changing attitudes and concerns of its audience. This journey will explore how horror has evolved with the times, from its roots in Gothic literature to today’s popular horror movies and TV shows. ..
Early Horror: Folklore Becomes Film
These films were often dark and gory, with scenes of blood, violence, and gore. They were also popular with audiences because they were suspenseful and exciting.
This trend continued into the late 1800s and into the early 1900s with films like The Mummy and Frankenstein. These movies were often released as sequels to earlier films, which allowed audiences to see more of the “bad” side of human nature. This type of storytelling was often used to explore social issues like racism and classism.
50s and 60s: Horror Explores Reality
In the early 1950s, horror movies were still based on fantasy and horror movies were still based on suspense and fear. However, in the early 1950s, there was a shift in the horror genre. This shift was towards more realistic movies. This shift was because audiences were afraid of technology and other aspects of reality. This shift made science-fiction and psychological horror thrillers like Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby popular.
This era of the horror genre also marked a shift in the way horror movies were made. Previously, most horror movies were made for theatrical release, and were typically released around Halloween. However, with the advent of home video and streaming services, many new and old horror movies are now available on demand. This has led to a more diverse range of horror movie genres, including space horror, slasher films, and gothic horror.
As developments pioneered by NASA and SpaceX blur the line between fact and fiction, horror will continue to expand on this popular 50s and 60s theme, adapting to new discoveries. For example, in more modern films like Body Snatchers, the aliens are actually human beings who have been transformed into monsters. ..
70s and 80s: Darkness and Violence Rise
As the U.S. experienced a surge in violent crime alongside the aftermath of the Vietnam War, many gruesome details of which were aired on TV, horror became darker and more reality-based. Slasher films reflected the societal fear of horror entering otherwise idyllic situations — for example, with Friday the 13th bringing a murderer to summer camp and The Shining bringing darkness to a hotel set in a beautiful landscape.
This era of horror also saw a rise in films that dealt with the unknown, like with Alien and Jaws investigating space and ocean depths that remained unexplored. Fear of widespread declines in Christian morals also inspired classic films like The Exorcist and The Omen.
90s and 2000s: New Horror Culture Takes Shape
The 90s and early 00s were a time of global conflict, which may have impacted the popularity of horror hits. However, this era also saw a slowdown in the number of slasher franchises, as there were no strong themes to draw on. Remakes were common during this time period. ..
Rather, horror franchises that diverge from the norm are more likely to become popular. Scream became an instant classic in meta-horror, while Ring and The Blair Witch Project took a fresh approach to the occult. ..
The 2000s were a time of pessimism and anxiety in the United States. Films that were called “torture porn” became popular, and extra-violent activities such as violence against women and child pornography became more common.
The success of apocalyptic films is a result of the way that they tap into our fears. Bioengineering has become a staple in our society, but it used to be a scary concept that led to genre-defining zombie films like 28 Days Later. This legacy could even see more horror genres developing around it. ..
Modern Horror: The Villain Isn’t So Clear
In the 2010s and 2020s, horror movie heroes are no longer facing monsters or murderers. They’re instead facing unclear villains and enemies without a physical form. This change in focus has led to more prevalent fears of the 2010s and 2020s (like social injustices, fake news, and cyberattacks).
Get Out and Parasite explore social themes head-on in an unexpected way. Horror movies have also become more unpredictable, with more psychological and genre-bending elements, as well as advancing visuals.
Horror is Ever-Evolving
This is a new era of global horror, and horror movies will reflect it in ways that are both more intense and more personal. As new issues take shape, we can expect to see the genre of horror reflecting them more intensely. Following the global pandemic and issues like insomnia, anxiety, and depression that were heightened by COVID-19, a new wave of horror may reflect changes in individual anxieties and social dynamics. And as societal divisions and systemic issues take the spotlight, horror movies will change, too.
My thoughts on horror through the decades? I think horror has always been a big part of my life and I think it will only continue to grow in popularity. I think the next big trend will be more horror movies being made, as people are more interested in it. I would love to hear your thoughts on this too!
