The history of horror movies dates back to the early days of cinema, and the genre has evolved significantly over time. Here’s a brief overview of the history of horror movies:
Silent Era 1890s – 1920s
The earliest horror films were silent and often drew inspiration from Gothic literature and theater. One notable example is “Le Manoir du Diable” (The Haunted Castle) directed by Georges Méliès in 1896, which is considered one of the first horror films.
Universal Monsters 1920s – 1950s
In the 1920s and 1930s, Universal Pictures became synonymous with classic horror films. Iconic monsters such as Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), and The Wolf Man (1941) gained immense popularity and became the foundation for the Universal Monsters franchise.
Golden Age 1950s – 1960s
The 1950s saw the rise of science fiction horror films, often exploring themes related to atomic radiation and alien invasions. This era also saw the emergence of B-movies and creature features, including classics like “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956).
Psychological Horror 1960s – 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s brought a shift towards psychological horror, characterized by suspense, ambiguity, and exploring the depths of the human psyche. Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) is considered a landmark film of this era, followed by other influential movies like “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968) and “The Exorcist” (1973).
Slasher Films 1970s – 1980s
The late 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of slasher films, characterized by masked killers stalking and murdering unsuspecting victims. Films like “Halloween” (1978), “Friday the 13th” (1980), and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984) became highly influential and spawned numerous sequels and imitations.
Supernatural and Gothic Revival 1990s – 2000s
In the 1990s, there was a resurgence of supernatural and gothic horror. Movies like “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), “The Sixth Sense” (1999), and “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) captivated audiences with their eerie atmospheres and innovative storytelling techniques.
Found Footage and Contemporary Horror 2000s – present
The 2000s brought the popularity of found footage horror films, which simulated the perspective of characters recording events using handheld cameras. Examples include “Paranormal Activity” (2007) and “Cloverfield” (2008). Contemporary horror films encompass a wide range of subgenres, including psychological horror, supernatural horror, zombie films, and more.
And Then It Goes Dark
And Then It Goes Dark is an real found footage movie where two people stay at Historic Elm Springs in order to rehearse for their upcoming film only to find that they are not alone. This is the True Story Paranormal Horror caught on camera.
Throughout its history, horror cinema has been influenced by societal fears, cultural trends, and advancements in technology. The genre continues to evolve, incorporating new themes, subgenres, and storytelling techniques, while remaining a popular and enduring form of entertainment.