horror movie classification essay

Subgenres of Horror Films Explained

What’s Your Favorite Genre of Horror?

Horror is one of the most entertaining and studied genres in filmmaking. The threshold to make a horror film is relatively low. It’s an opportunity for creatives to experiment with effects and revive folklore storytelling devices. Filmmakers use many methods of manipulation to heighten horror and make the viewer fear whatever is coming next. Depending on the intended reaction, some techniques include the classic jump scare, mounting suspense, and over-extended scenes to make audiences squirm in their seats a little longer. These movie techniques are frequently used in almost all subgenres of horror films. People are drawn to horror movies because there isn’t just one type of horror film —there are many.

Horror includes many subgenres that date back to the beginning of film history. Take for instance the silent era of filmmaking. Nosferatu (1922) was the first film to feature the vampire, a European folklore figure that exists on the warm blood of a living victim. Vampires are now ubiquitous in the horror movie genre and have hit the mainstream with blockbuster movies such as The Twilight series.

October is the harbinger of horror, but one does not need to wait for a certain season to enjoy a rush of adrenaline from a good scary movie. Here are the popular subgenres of horror films viewers can enjoy year round.

10 Popular Subgenres of Horror Films 

Demonic possession.

Sometimes thought of as supernatural horror, this subgenre plays into the unknown of the human experience. Demons have been part of historical storytelling for centuries. They represent evil in many forms including mythical, religious and supernatural. One of the most known demonic movie examples of all time is William Friedkin’s 1973 movie The Exorcist . Pazuzu , the main demon, is never actually mentioned in the movie, but is arguably the best-known demon of today’s horror movies. As the star character in The Exorcist , Pazuzu is an ancient mythological demon in Mesopotamia who possessed Regan MacNeil played by Linda Blair. The movie skyrocketed Pazuzu to Hollywood fame and helped shape the demonic genre of horror in modern moviemaking.

Paranormal horror is closely related to the demonic subgenre in that it focuses on characters who aren’t living beings. Spirits and ghosts spook viewers and create fear without a physical presence on screen. For example, furniture moves without anyone touching it or a chill passes through the air out of nowhere. Those are elements of paranormal activity that can be from a demon spirit, supernatural power or ghost. Paranormal Activity , The Conjuring , The Amityville Horror , The Omen , Carrie , and Poltergeist are all examples from the Paranormal subgenre.

Vampires, aliens, and giant sea creatures are all antagonists in the Monster movie genre. Unlike their supernatural counterparts, monsters can wreak havoc on a community of people in one fell swoop. Monsters terrorize and kill whatever is in their path and use their strength and size to destroy. Universal Studios popularized the monster genre in Hollywood from the 1930s and ‘50s with Frankenstein, Dracula, the Creature of the Black Lagoon, and many other iconic monsters. Before Universal found success in making horror films, it wasn’t considered a big player during Hollywood’s early years. Once they discovered that audiences loved to be thrilled and simultaneously terrorized by giant monsters, the studio built a media franchise around their monster movies. Today, when you visit the Universal Studios backlot, you’ll see a giant mural with popular monsters painted on an outdoor wall.

Slasher movies focus on villains who are human. Slasher villains are usually serial killers and typically have a high body count by the end of the movie. They stalk their victims and brutally murder the film’s protagonist(s) and anyone who gets in their way. Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees (better known as Jason) are iconic slasher villains in horror film history. John Carpenter’s 1978 cult classic movie Halloween ushered in the era of masked serial killers as part of the slasher movies genre. Audiences are particularly terrified by the slasher genre because of how close to reality these fictionalized villains make viewers feel.

Zombie movies cross multiple horror subgenres. One part monster movie, one part possession, zombie thrillers make a perfect cocktail of terror. Somehow they are the most difficult villain to kill off and just keep coming back for more. These corpse-like characters are cannibalistic by nature and can infect their victims with a single bite. Shows like The Walking Dead created a cult following for the zombie genre of horror. With 11 seasons spanning from 2010 to 2021, The Walking Dead TV series showcased a horrifying post-apocalyptic story of zombie invasions. The success of the show has kept audiences interested in zombie horror that will likely continue for years to come.

Gore (Splatter)

Also known as the splatter genre, gore is all about the portrayal of graphic violence. Blood, guts and body trauma are classic elements in gore movies. Films in the gore category rely heavily on special effects to disfigure body parts. New filmmakers can experiment with effects and get creative with theatrical makeup. This genre is the most gratuitous of all horror films when it comes to violence and the dismemberment of characters. Classic examples of gore movies include Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead and Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever .

Witches have a long history of mischief in folklore. They use the power of magic to cast spells on their victims turning them into all kinds of tortured beings. Similar to the paranormal genre, witchcraft uses supernatural elements to create fear. Movies like The Witch and Susperia are great examples of the terror caused by witches.

English literature popularized vampire stories, which were basically just ghost stories of the dead returning to haunt the living. It wasn’t until the slowburn success of Dracula that helped launch vampire stories into the mainstream. There have been countless low-budget Dracula movies throughout the years including Horror of Dracula , The Brides of Dracula , Dracula’s Dog . One of the more successful vampire movies (besides, the Twilight Series) is Neil Jordan’s adaptation of the 1976 novel Interview with a Vampire . A young Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt play vampires. The film focuses on Lestat (Cruise) and Louis (Pitt), beginning with Louis’s transformation into a vampire by Lestat in 1791.

Psychological

Psychological horror is not about what we see on the screen but how it makes us feel. This genre plays tricks on the viewers’ mind by creating paranoia. A viewers’ emotional state is heavily influenced by psychological horror. Since this type of horror can feel a little too real compared to the other genres (gore and monsters), people may walk away feeling uneasy. The main characters in these types of horror movies are mentally unstable or emotionally disturbed to the point of being violent. One of the best examples of the psychological horror genre is Stanley Kurbrick’s The Shining starring Jack Nicholoson. From the beginning of the movie you can see Jack Torrence slowly turn more mad with each developing scene.

Comedic horror is possibly the most fun of all horror movies out there. It’s a subgrene that is equally funny as it is scary. It takes the viewer to complete opposite ends of the horror spectrum resulting in a rollercoaster of emotions. Classic examples of comedy-horror films include Scream , Shuan of the Dead , and The Cabin in the Woods.

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The Codes and Conventions of Horror Films

Introduction.

Horror films often feature the dark and ominous atmospheres of dimly lit rooms, nightmarish music, and characters who should not be venturing down into their basements alone. Perhaps the house is cursed by malevolent spirts or the rural community is being terrorised by a masked maniac.

We enjoy watching horror films because they provoke a pleasing sort of terror.

It does not matter if the story takes place in an old graveyard, the haunted woods at the end of the lane, or in the vacuum of deep space where no one can hear you scream. The film just has to be scary. That is why Brigid Cherry (2009) argued the “function of horror to scare, shock, revolt or otherwise horrify the viewer” was more important to the definition of the genre compared to “any set of conventions, tropes or styles”.

As filmmakers continue to find new ways to frighten the audience, we are going to focus on the essential conventions and aesthetics of the genre , its enduring appeal, and why companies continue to profit from horror films.

The Iconography of Horror Films

Iconography refers to the pattern of signs which are closely associated with certain genres. We already know horror films are set in bleak and gloomy locations, such as haunted houses, abandoned buildings, small towns, and remote cabins in the woods. There is usually a sense of isolation and confinement in these dark spaces. The audience will expect to hear the wind howling across the desolate landscape and the old floorboards to creak with every step.

The poster for The Conjuring uses some of codes and conventions of horror to grab the audience’s attention. First, the title denotes paranormal tricks and demonic possession. The references to Saw and Insidious establishe the director’s genre credibility. Of course, the lonely farmhouse looks forsaken along the rough and misty trees. This isolation increases the sense of threat because its occupants will be helpless against the evil forces.

Perhaps the most sinister signifier is the noose tied to the bare and misshapen tree. Did you notice the shadow of the girl? The combination of these elements is the punctum designed to strike fear into the audience.

Finally, the macabre tone is reinforced by heavy, grey sky and the dying leaves scattered across the field. The poster is certainly trying to make the audience feel uneasy and want to experience this nightmare for themselves.

Many horror posters will contain variations of this fusion of codes – their settings and props will be just as menacing. We might see incomplete glimpses of the monster, such as a close up of its hideous fangs or its shadow cast against the wall, so its reveal will be shocking when it appears the big screen.

In his discussion on genre, Steve Neale (1980) wrote “all the resources of the costume and make-up department are mobilised” in horror films to “frighten and terrify” the audience. These monsters are coming to get you, Barbara.

Most of the characters will not make it to the closing credits, but another common trope in horror movies is the “final girl”. She is the last survivor of a group of friends who defeats villain. Inevitably, there will be plenty of guts and gore along the way.

Technical Codes

Imagine paying a penny in the early days of cinema to see the black and white film stock being projected onto the large screen. There is no doubt that flickering, spectral quality made the characters and settings seem scarier. Even more recent films shot on digital cameras, such as The Blair Witch Project or 28 Days Later , can give the footage a gritty reality which will terrify the audience.

The genre has always exploited a range of filmmaking techniques to elicit fear.

Music and Sound Effects

A lot of effort and innovation goes into creating a scary mix of dialogue, effects, and music.

Orchestral scores are a familiar, unnerving presence in horror films. Dissonant chords and demonic whispers help create the unsettling atmospheres and deepen our understanding of the characters. How many times have you heard the music build to a crescendo during moments of high tension, such as a frenetic chase scene, or jump scares punctuated by sudden and jarring sounds? Composers will also use motifs to signal the arrival of certain events – epitomised by John William’s famous theme each time the shark appears in Jaws .

Another famous piece of music is Bernard Hermann’s score for Psycho which uses an amazing range of deep bass sounds and screeching violins to great effect. Perhaps the budget was only enough for string instruments. This article by Aaron Gilmartin is a good introduction to the composition and contains relevant extracts from the film.

Synthesisers became popular in horror films produced in the 1980s because they were more cost-effective. Listen to John Carpenter’s distinctive theme for Halloween – its disturbing pattern of pulses will have you looking over your shoulders. 

Music can enhance the emotional impact of a horror film, but diegetic sound is just as important. When the protagonist moves down the dark hallway of the farmhouse, the audience will expect to hear the nerve-tingling creaks of old floorboards – the awful silence in between each footstep should emphasise the character’s vulnerability. The sound of a distant clock ticking can develop a sense of impending danger and the awful buzz of chainsaw will surely disturb any viewer.

An interesting example is the motion tracking beep in Aliens when the increasing speed indicates the vicious monsters are getting closer and closer.

This scene also stresses the importance of dialogue. Private Hudson counts down to 6 and Ripley exclaims, “That can’t be. That’s inside the room.” The effective use of sound can be the difference between a good horror film and a truly terrifying one.

Lighting Design

Lighting sets the tone of the film. Bright and well-lit scenes feel safe, comforting and uplifting. By contrast, dark and dimly lit spaces create a sense of uncertainty and danger by playing on our natural fear of the unknown. When a character is alone in the dark, they are cut off from others which should make them seem more vulnerable.

Filmmakers also use deep shadows to obscure details and only show glimpses of the horror. Leaving the signifier to the viewer’s imagination can be more terrifying than actually seeing the monster or villain.

Light can be just as effective in creating a sense of dread and unease. A harsh spotlight might draw attention to a character’s face, making their frightened expression more intense for the viewer, or a flicking strobe light could highlight the monster’s erratic movements. Have you ever held a torch under your face while you told your friends a ghost story? This effect is called uplighting.

Consider the lighting design in this scene from The Conjuring which relies on light bulbs and matches to terrify the audience.

Derived from the Italian words chiaro (light) and scuro (dark), the term chiaroscuro refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark in a composition. In horror films, the effect can make the viewer feel incredibly anxious about what is lurking in those shadows.

This iconic shot from The Exorcist makes excellent use of the technique.

The image of Father Merrin arriving at the home to perform the exorcism was used all over the world for the film’s original poster. Symbolising the intense battle between good and evil, the chiaroscuro draws our attention to the connection between the silhouetted priest and the room where the demon has possessed the innocent girl.

By manipulating light and shadow, filmmakers can deliver a cinematic experience that is both visually striking and emotionally terrifying.

Framing the Horror

In cinematography, framing refers to the way the image is composed within the boundaries of the screen. Filmmakers have to decide what to include in the shot and how to arrange those elements in the frame to elicit the right response from the audience.

Wide shots are used to establish the setting, but they can also encode a sense of isolation and vulnerability by showing the characters in large, empty spaces. If a director wants the audience to connect with a character’s fear, they can tighten the camera into a close up of their face. Close ups are often used to highlight details of a monster’s face or body to make it more terrifying. The audience might even feel like they are the ones being hunted by the monster when the director cuts to a point-of-view shot.

Low-angle shots can make the villains appear larger and more powerful, while high-angle shots can make victims seem small and exposed. Tilted angles are disorientating and disrupt our comfortable view of the world.

Camera Movement and Editing

The process of selecting, arranging, and manipulating the different shots into a congruent narrative or visual sequence is called editing. These decisions can make or break a horror film. Have a look at the opening shots of It Follows .

The wide frame pans around the suburban street suggesting there is some sort of invisible danger stalking the young girl. There is a tremendous sense of dread encoded in that shot. The first take lasts an unnerving one minute and fifty seconds before we cut to an interior shot of the car. It is an over the shoulder shot. When Annie turns around to see if she is being followed, the fear is obvious in her eyes.

The third shot is another wide frame. She looks completely lost in that horizon between the sand and black sky. Even in the next shot, which is tighter on the character, encodes her vulnerability.

Annie reacts to the hidden threat, and we cut to a POV shot. The lights of the car make it appear demonic, especially the red taillights. Perhaps the evil force is hidden in the empty spaces either side. Then there is the shock cut. The appearance of her broken body is sudden and unexpected. Horrifying.

In this next sequence, the protagonist is in school when she notices a strange figure in the distance.

The slow push in, which moves the audience closer to the window, is intercut with Jay’s increasing anxiety. The more the old woman dominates the frame, the greater the threat. Jay’s distress is reinforced by the close up and then wide frame of her awkwardly leaving class.

The Steadicam follows her around the school corridor. This camera movement suggests she is disorientated by her distress, especially the image of her walking away from the lens cutting to a shot of her walking towards the audience.

When she realises the old woman is in the corridor, the smoother camera dolly pulls back in each shot, almost invading the audience’s space. The series of quick cuts intensifies the conflict between the characters.

The Interplay of Codes

Steve Neale (1980) argued cinema was a “semiotic process” and meaning was constructed through the “interplay of codes”. Horror films are “specific variations” of these codes. It is the combination of scary visual elements, frightening music and diegetic sound, careful lighting design, and cinematography which provokes that pleasing sort of terror we want to experience when we sit down in our comfortable seats to watch a horror film.

The Narrative of Horror

Horror films explore a variety of themes that tap into our deepest fears and anxieties, raise questions regarding our mortality and what lies beyond, and depict the darker aspects of human nature. Some stories explore the psychological impact of trauma, often featuring characters who are struggling with past events or mental illness. Other films feature a vengeful antagonist seeking revenge for perceived wrongs, creating a sense of moral ambiguity and justice.

Neale (1980) suggested “the disruptions in horror films are often violent”. The gruesome monster attacks the isolated village, a wicked demon takes possession of an innocent child, or a crazed killer begins their terrible revenge on the group of teenagers. Moving the narrative into a state of disequilibrium , these inciting incidents are “often linked to questions about being human and what is natural”.

The narratives obviously rely on action codes – the protagonist closes the bathroom cabinet to reveal the stalker is standing behind them or the vicious dogs chase our heroes through the foggy cemetery.

The Conjuring’s poster also draws attention to the film’s use of enigma codes with the reference to the “true case files of the Warrens”. The two demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren, agree to investigate the origins of the dark forces which are haunting the farmhouse. They soon discover the terrible story of the witch and her unholy sacrifices to the devil.

The Japanese horror film Ringu is also driven by enigma codes because the protagonist is a journalist who sets out to uncover the truth about a series of bizarre deaths. The clues lead her the tragic story of Sadako who could project her rage onto video tapes.

We might try to classify horror films into the genre of order because the central conflicts are “externalized, translated into violence, and usually resolved through the elimination of some threat to the social order”. In many early Hollywood studio productions, the monsters were defeated by the end of the story, providing reassuring and confident messages to the audience. More recently, in The Conjuring , for example, the curse is lifted and the witch is condemned to hell. Despite The Mist’s incredibly grim ending, the army are exterminating the creatures and saving the world.

Thomas Schatz (1981) suggested a “genre film’s resolution may reinforce the ideology of the larger society”. He also emphasised the narratives could “challenge and criticize” our values. Perhaps that is why horror films tend to have more ambiguous conclusions.

A great example is when Damien turns to the camera in The Omen , breaking the fourth wall, and smiles at the audience. The image of the devil relishing his victory leaves us with despair.

Horror Subgenres and Hybrids

Cherry (2009) argued the horror genre was “constantly shifting” with “new conceptual categories in order to keep on scaring the audience”. Her outline of these subgenres is a good summary of the different forms of horror.

The Gothic refers to films based on classic tales of horror, often adapting pre-existing horror monsters or horrifying creatures from novels and mythology. Cherry classified films which involved “interventions of spirits, ghosts, witchcraft, the devil, and other entities into the real world” as supernatural, occult and ghost films.

Psychological horror films explore psychological states and psychoses, including criminality and serial killers. Monster movies feature invasions of the everyday world by natural and extra-terrestrial creatures leading to death and destruction. Slashers portray groups of teenagers menaced by a stalker, set in domestic and suburban spaces. There are also body horror and splatter films, including postmodern zombie stories.

Filmmakers borrow codes and conventions from other genres, such as science fiction, war and even westerns, to find new ways of terrifying the audience.

Finally, Cherry noted “what might be classed as the essential conventions of horror to one generation may be very different to the next”, so the genre will continue to diversify and fragment.

What Makes Horror Films Appealing?

Horror films are constructed to provoke negative emotions from the audience. Some people find the stories too scary and distressing to be enjoyable, but others are eager to experience that thrill of being frightened for many different reasons. Some horror franchises even have dedicated fandoms .

Going to the cinema for a good scare is a chance to escape the horrors in our own lives. In terms of the uses and gratifications theories, this motivation is called diversion. As well as being entertaining, watching a horror film with family or friends can create a shared experience and develop our personal relationships. It is almost a rite of passage for two young lovers on a romantic date to protect each other from the frightening images on the big screen.

Horror films can also be life-affirming because they empower the audience to confront and process their fears in a safe environment. Many story arcs conclude when the evil presence is destroyed, and a new equilibrium is established. Seeing the protagonist defeat the supernatural villain might inspire us to overcome the lack in our own lives.

There might be even deeper psychological explanations for our desire to watch horror films. For instance, Sigmund Freud (1919) argued the “uncanny” signifiers in fairy tales, such as severed hands and re-animation of the dead, could help readers resolve some of the emotional disruptions they experienced in childhood. He also suggested the supernatural themes challenged our rational view of the world and allowed us to imagine spaces beyond our own mortality: “it is no matter for surprise that the primitive fear of the dead is still so strong within us and always ready to come to the surface at any opportunity”.

Sometimes horror films raise interesting questions about our values and ideologies . For instance, The Dawn of the Dead is set in a large shopping mall and is an obvious criticism of our culture of consumerism. Other films might present concerns about the collapse of morality in society.

Of course, some people are simply fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature. When it comes to the gory and visceral horror stories, some thrill-seekers like to push the limits of what is acceptable.

Finally, we can appreciate horror films for their artistic value, especially when filmmakers challenge the conventions of the genre and produce something new.

Scary Profits

Although the industry seems full of creativity and glamour, making films comes with huge financial risks. Some productions will generate significant profits while many others will suffer substantial losses.

Keith Barry Grant (1986) described how the “profit-motivated studio system” in Hollywood “adopted an industrial model based on mass production” and attempted to exploit “commercially successful formulas”. If a particular style of film did well at the box office, the studios would try to replicate that success in their next feature. For instance, Universal Pictures developed Dracula , Frankenstein , and The Mummy in the early 1930s to satisfy the audience’s increasing demand for fantasy horror films. These hits were soon followed by the inevitable sequels Dracula’s Daughter , Son of Frankenstein , and a series of stories based on Kharis, an Egyptian mummy.

In his analysis of the Hollywood studios, David Hesmondhalgh (2013) described three important strategies the production companies used to “minimise the danger of misses” and ensure a return on their investment. This formatting process included a focus on star power, genre films and the development of franchises.

Neale (1980) suggested we liked to repeat our experiences of genre films because “pleasure lies in both the repetition of the signifiers and the fundamental differences”, so producers know there is always an audience ready for the next scary story. It is also worth noting horror films have a clear identity which can make the advertising message more effective.

Importantly, horror films do not need large production budgets. They usually have shorter run times which means less footage needs to be shot and edited. If the story takes place in a single location, such as a haunted house, the production company might save money on fewer sets. The producers can also reduce costs by featuring lesser-known actors.

As long as the genre remain profitable, producers will continue to make horror films.

Cherry, Brigid (2009): “Horror”. Freud, Sigmund (1919): “The Uncanny”. Grant, Barry Keith (1986): “Film Genre Reader”. Hesmondhalgh, David (2013): “The Cultural Industries”. Neale, Steve (1980): “Genre”. Schatz, Thomas (1981): “Hollywood Genres Formulas, Filmmaking, and The Studio System”.

Further Reading

Music Videos and Genre

Iconography

Steve Neale and Genre Theory

Genres of Order and Integration

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Defining the Horror Genre in Movies and TV

The horror genre in film and television is one of the most popular money makers. let's dig deeper. .

If you were going to bet on an original movie to be a box-office hit, what genre would you pick? The truth is, there is only one genre that again and again provides hits across both film and television. It's horror.

Even before Jason Blum became one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood, horror has been a valuable bet. Alfred Hitchcock dabbled in the darkness with Psycho , but prior to Norman Bates, we had the Universal monster movies and things like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari .

The horror subgenres are aplenty, and we'll get to them later.

Horror has been around since someone could hold a movie camera. And it's not just on the big screen. We also had shows like The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt scaring our pants off at home.

So today I want to look at the horror genre in movies and television. We'll explore examples, look at current things on the air and in theaters, and talk about why these stories continue to terrify and entertain us.

The Horror Genre Definition

Horror is a genre of film and television whose purpose is to create feelings of fear, dread, disgust, and terror in the audience. The primary goal is to develop an atmosphere that puts the audience on edge and scares them.

Where does the word "horror" come from?

The term actually came from the Old French word " orror," which meant “to shudder or to bristle.”

Horror filmmaking has roots in religions across the world, local folktales, and history. It's a universal genre. Every culture has its scary stories and fears. These elements are meant to exploit the viewer and engage them with the possibility of death and pain.

Most importantly, to be a true horror project, your story should deal in the supernatural. Death, evil, powers, creatures, the afterlife, witchcraft, and other diabolical and unexplainable happenings must be at the story's center.

There is some debate over whether this stuff needs to be supernatural to divide horror from thriller... but we will let you work that out in the comments.

Creeping Around the Horror Genre in Movies and TV

Ghouls, ghosts, slashers, creatures, and gore. Horror film and television focus on adrenaline rides for the audience that dial up the blood, scares, and creative monsters. Horror is always re-inventing old classics, like adding fast zombies and CGI creatures. It also is seen as the most bankable genre with a huge built-in audience.

Horror movies and shows consistently do well.

They have passionate fans, launch successful franchises, and get people excited.

The History of Horror in Film and TV

Even before the earliest cameras were made, people were telling spooky stories.

What was the first horror movie ever? Well, as far as we know, the first horror movie was made by French filmmaker Georges Melies, and was titled Le Manoir Du Diable (AKA The Devil's Castle/The Haunted Castle ). It was made in 1896 and was only about two minutes long.

What's striking to me is that even then, we had certain tropes. That movie contained a flying bat, a medieval castle, a cauldron, a demon figure, and skeletons, ghosts, and witches. There was even a crucifix to destroy the evil.

These kinds of movies and TV shows were initially inspired by literature from authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley.

Horror has existed as a film genre for more than a century. And things keep changing with the times.

Horror films often reflect where we are as a society and are a good way to track progress and social consciousness.

Check out the infographic below that shows the evolution of the horror film and TV shows.

Tropes and Expectations

The final girl, the "not dead yet" scare, and the dystopian endings.

Horror is famous for having story beats that we come to expect, like jumpscares. Filmmakers must lean into them, but also find ways to subvert. You have subsets of these tropes like haunted houses, slashers, zombies, evil creatures, and others. Each comes with a set of rules.

Scream famously subverts many of these tropes by making its characters aware of them, in a meta sense. This keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. Anyone could die in this world, and anyone could be the killer.

Another film that subverts slasher tropes is Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon . In it, characters address things like the apparent superpowers slashers have. How do they always seem to be one step behind the heroine? It makes for a very different kind of horror film.

Elements of Horror

People go to these movies and shows because they want to feel their heart beating out of control. They want the scare, but also the relief and enjoyment that comes after.

What are some basic elements they might expect?

General elements include ghosts , extraterrestrials , vampires , werewolves , demons, Satanism , evil clowns , gore, torture, vicious animals, evil witches , monsters, giant monsters , zombies, cannibalism , psychopaths , and serial killers.

Horror Subgenres

Horror is a genre that encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each with its own unique themes, tropes, and styles. Here are some of the most notable subgenres within horror:

• Gothic Horror: Known for eerie settings such as haunted castles, it emphasizes terror and suspense. Notable works include Dracula and Frankenstein .
• Psychological Horror: This subgenre focuses on the unstable psychological states of characters. Films like Psycho and The Shining are prime examples.
• Slasher Horror: Features a serial killer as the antagonist who systematically murders people. Key films in this category are Halloween and Friday the 13th .
• Supernatural Horror: Involves supernatural entities like ghosts and demons. Classic examples are The Exorcist and Poltergeist .
• Science Fiction Horror: A mix of science fiction and horror, often featuring aliens or dystopian futures. Alien and The Thing stand out in this subgenre.
• Body Horror: Centers on the distortion or transformation of the human body. Films such as The Fly and Hellraiser exemplify this style.
• Found Footage Horror: The film is presented as discovered video recordings. Notable examples include The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity .
• Monster Horror: Focuses on mythical or scientifically mutated monsters. Iconic films in this subgenre are Godzilla and Jaws .
• Zombie Horror: Features zombies, typically resulting from an epidemic. Night of the Living Dead and 28 Days Later are key films in this category.
• Survival Horror: Emphasizes survival in hostile environments. Examples include The Descent and The Ruins .

Each of these subgenres brings a unique flavor to the horror genre, offering a diverse range of terrifying experiences for audiences.

Horror is such a malleable genre that you can mash it up with almost anything. There are subgenres that involve different kinds of monsters, and there are subgenres that pull in other elements. You can see movies and shows that involve comedy, body, folk history, found footage, Gothic elements, natural elements, slasher, teen, psychological, gore, and many others I'm sure you'll tell me about in the comments.

Here's what you really need to know. There are four main horror areas: Killers, Monsters, Paranormal, and Psychological Horror.

Everything else kind of fits underneath them.

What are Horror Genre Characteristics?

Horror film and TV shows are designed to frighten and panic audiences. You want people leaving theaters or hiding while watching shows because you've invoked our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale.

The AMC site defines horror as, "Whatever dark, primitive, and revolting traits that simultaneously attract and repel us are featured in the horror genre. Horror films are often combined with science fiction when the menace or monster is related to a corruption of technology, or when Earth is threatened by aliens. The fantasy and supernatural film genres are not synonymous with the horror genre, although thriller films may have some relation when they focus on the revolting and horrible acts of the killer/madman. Horror films are also known as chillers, scary movies, spookfests, and the macabre."

Examples of the Horror Genre in Movies and TV

When we look at movies and TV show within this genre it's hard to narrow down the perfect list of examples. There are so many horror moves and TV shows to pick from, but I wanted to highlight a few here.

I think these are shows and films that you can classify as straight horror, no mashups.

First, Netflix just dropped The Haunting of Bly Manor , a spiritual sequel to their The Haunting of Hill House . From the mind of Mike Flanagan , it takes typical haunted house stories and turns them into a series.

Overall, horror on TV is hard, because you have to develop it in multiple episodes. Usually, mashups work best here, so there's more to talk about. Something like Lovecraft Country excels by using every episode to dig deeper into the horrors of Lovecraft.

When it comes to the cinema, there are thousands I can pick from.

We have horror adaptations like The Shining , or from Mike Flanagan again... Doctor Sleep .

I think Hitchcock's Psycho was so important to the jumps and scares we see today. Or a slow burn like The Sixth Sense , which rocketed the genre forward and helped it be taken seriously again. That hadn't really happened since The Exorcist .

How about Mary Harron 's take on the dark underbelly of corporate America in American Psycho ? There is a wealth of fresh perspectives to be found in the work of horror directors like Karyn Kusama , Coralie Fargeat, and Jennifer Kent.

Of course, we can look at franchises like Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream and even The Conjuring and see how horror takes off and becomes part of the cultural lexicon.

Movies and shows like this take off because audiences cannot get enough of the thrills and chills. Whether it's the spooky season or now, horror can take over and keep people on edge. You can release these movies around any time of year, and they can be a hit.

You can put them on streamers and find their audience.

And you can mash them up with every other genre and create something new and exciting.

Mash-up Potential for the Horror Genre

Some subgenres of horror film include comedy horror, folk horror, body horror, found footage, holiday horror, psychological horror, science fiction horror, slasher, supernatural horror, Gothic horror, natural horror, zombie horror, and teen horror.

These all open you up to mashing up other genres with horror. Creative mixes help capture the horror audience and put a spin on the tropes.

Think about movies like The Mummy , which adds adventure. Or even something like Shaun of the Dead , which adds comedy.

Or what about a show like Dexter ? Police procedural meets serial killer.

Summing up the Horror Genre in Movies and TV

It's hard to look at a genre like this and not feel the awe of human terror. We have so many things we are afraid of, and we put them all out into the open for audiences to relate to. Horror is evolving as more and more people get voices.

We read and see new stories every day. Horror is one of our most interesting genres because it continues to change with the times. It's always in flux, and it's always going to be with us.

From the works of Jordan Peele to a movie like Promising Young Woman , horror allows you to get something off your chest and find audiences who relate. So what do you have to say? And can you say it with blood spatter?

Horror might be for you.

What's next? Learn every film genre !

Film and TV genres affect who watches your work, how it's classified, and even how it's reviewed. So how do you decide what you're writing? And which genres to mash-up? The secret is in the tropes.

Click the link to learn more!

Dig this spooky post? Then check out the rest of our Horror Week coverage for more tips, tricks, and terrifying takes.

• What Does the Horror Genre Mean to Two Legendary Horror Masters? ›
• What Is the Cosmic Horror Genre in Film and TV? (Definitions and Examples) ›
• The Ultimate Guide to Horror Subgenres ›
• Genre type list ›
• What Is the First Horror Film? | No Film School ›
• About - What is Horror? - LibGuides at The Westport Library ›
• What Is Horror Fiction? Learn About the Horror Genre, Plus 7 ... ›
• Horror film - Wikipedia ›

What the Tortoise and the Hare Can Teach You About Your Filmmaking Career

Slow and steady wins the race. .

I have always been a real fan of Aesop's fables. I think they're excellent stories for kids that teach valuable lessons, but I also think they're excellent places to go back to when you're an adult. Not only are they free intellectual property you can adapt, but I think they really carry a lot of metaphors that translate well to the film and television business.

Maybe the most important one is the story of the tortoise and the hare.

I think it has to be the most famous of Aesop's fables, with the boy who cried "wolf" coming in a close second.

Today I wanted to refresh your memory on the allegory and go over why it matters so much when looking at your career as a filmmaker.

Let's dive in.

The Tortoise and the Hare Allegory

For those of you who may never have learned this story, I posted an image from a free children's fable book below. But here is a refresher for the audience.

It's the story of a turtle who lives in the forest and has a quiet and humble life. There's a rabbit, or hare, who lives in the same forest who does everything fast. The rabbit boasts and boasts that he can beat anyone in the forest to a race. One day, getting tired of the rabbit's boasts, the tortoise claims he can get somewhere faster than the rabbit.

They decide to race. When they begin the route, the rabbit jumps out to an early lead, but his lead is so large that he keeps getting distracted. Eventually, the rabbit sits down and takes a nap. The turtle, who is never off course, catches up to the rabbit, passes him, and wins the race.

The rabbit wakes up and realizes he's lost because, while being fast, he was lazy and easily distracted.

The turtle wins not because he was the fastest, but because he paced himself and never took his eyes off the prize.

The moral? Slow and steady wins the race.

The Tortoise and the Hare for Filmmakers

I have written about the rejection you find in Hollywood before, but with every pass on a script or project that falls apart, I think there's got to be a refocusing. I got some frustrating news earlier, and rather than tweet about it or throw a tantrum, I am reading Aesop's fables.

Because in screenwriting, directing, producing, and all the other nuanced jobs within film and television, one maxim holds true...

Slow and steady wins the race.

Now, I cannot promise you that this business is a meritocracy. Or that you will become Steven Spielberg if you just keep going, but I do think there is a degree of stubbornness mixed with the ability to learn and soldier on that gets you much farther in Hollywood than you think.

See, we often hear about the wunderkinds who are hot right out of the gate. The people who have famous parents or sell a bunch of scripts overnight, or the indie darling who jumps right into directing a well-known studio franchise.

But the fact of the matter is, most people working in Hollywood are just workers. People who took the tortoise's route to success.

They kept their heads down, they weathered the storms, and they just kept right on working until they crossed the finish line.

As the saying goes, Hollywood is not a sprint, it is a marathon. I know lots of people who start out hot and then fade away. I think I have talked about it here before, but my original managers and agents are no longer in the biz. I somehow outlasted them, as amazing as it might seem.

And even with new reps and projects that excite me, I'm still just plugging away, following the path to success. I am doing this because I know in Hollywood there is no definitive finish line.

In Hollywood, you are always on the tortoise's journey. If you try to be a hare, you burn out quickly. Instead, the writer and director and producer way of life is just to keep pushing, over and over, even when there's a hill, sleet, snow, fire, coronavirus, and everything that comes with it. There is not one line you cross that makes you successful forever.

There is just a marathon you run and run and run.

And I hope any of these posts help you along the way.

What's next? Get our free screenwriting eBook !

So much of what we're talking about on No Film School when it comes to screenwriting is summarized in our new eBook. It also helps guide you through a 10-week writing plan that will get your script actually finished.

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How To Write A Horror Movie Essay

• October 28, 2024

Writing an essay about a horror film presents unique challenges. A horror movie essay requires an in-depth knowledge of its traditions, themes, and tactics compared to articles about other genres. Not only should its plot and characters be assessed critically, but its psychological and emotional impacts, cultural context of production, and suspense/thriller potential should also be assessed thoroughly. This tutorial will assist in crafting a perceptive horror film essay that will draw your reader in while showing your ability to analyze information critically.

In case you need academic assistance, see who can “ do my math homework for me ”.

Understanding the genre: setting the stage for your analysis

Before beginning to write your horror essay, you must gain a comprehensive knowledge of the genre. Horror films aim to elicit tension, fear, and shock among their audiences by exploring subjects about the paranormal, unknown, or darker sides of humanity. Knowing which subgenre of horror the film belongs to (psychological horror, body horror, slasher aspects, or otherworldly thrills) will aid your analysis process.

Create a brief introduction to the horror genre and subgenre your movie belongs to – be it a psychological thriller, contemporary slasher movie, or traditional ghost story? Knowing where your film fits within this giant genre will set the stage for readers and make your critique simpler for them to comprehend.

Analyzing the plot: the structure of fear

At the core of every movie is its plot. Horror films require particular care in examining how their narrative creates tension. Be sure to provide an engaging synopsis that emphasizes critical ideas in your plot from the very start – mainly if any audience members may still need to see the film! Avoid giving away spoilers by providing just an outline at first; this may allow some audience members to enjoy your horror flick without missing any surprises!

Beginning by providing a brief synopsis of the plot, initiate analysis by discussing character and setting introductions as they build tension. Consider how well the filmmaker builds tension through timing, pace, and twists; does the storyline defy expectations or stick to conventional horror structure; consider how successfully surprise and predictability are balanced within this movie; both elements must remain interesting for horror viewers.

Character development: heroes, villains and victims

Horror films rely on characters for success. Their development and representation, whether as fearless protagonists, villainous antagonists, or innocent victims, is critical to creating an emotionally engaging film experience. Your article should discuss how characters are introduced and grow throughout the film.

Discuss the protagonist and their journey, along with their reactions to horrifying situations they experience, in-depth. Does the movie follow the cliched depiction of “final girl/boy,” or does it depict more complex characters? Also, look into what makes monsters or villains scary: their outward appearance, aura of mystery, or how much fear they instill into other people. Additionally, explore supporting character roles; do they contribute significantly to narrative development, or are they just cannon fodder? Your essay should examine whether these supporting players add anything special or add anything special that adds atmosphere throughout a film.

Cinematography and atmosphere: crafting a world of terror

An engaging horror film’s atmosphere relies on visual and aural components that keep audiences on edge, including editing, sound design, and cinematography techniques employed to build suspense and instill fear in audiences. Filmmakers employ many techniques, including editing, sound design, and cinematography, in order to generate suspense and instill fear; discuss in your essay how these technical aspects contribute to making an effective horror flick.

Discuss how shadows and lighting, often essential to creating an unsettling or sinister atmosphere, contribute to creating suspenseful environments. Examine how camera angles add an unnerved sensation or uneasiness. Horror movies rely heavily on sound effects, from creepy silences before jump scares to creepy music that accents scenes; explore their impact on tone and suspense as well as suspenseful editing techniques such as sudden cuts, extended views, and revelations that give viewers an unforgettable horror experience. Your study should demonstrate how all components come together to create this immersive, frightful viewing experience!

Themes and symbolism: beyond the surface scares

Horror films often explore deeper themes and social commentary while providing jump scares, usually employing symbolism to convey beliefs ranging from criticism of society standards to fear of the unknown. You should identify and assess these main ideas within the movie before writing your article on its presentation.

Think about how each character, location, and event in the film symbolically speaks to viewers; for instance, a persistent murderer might represent past wrongs coming back to haunt us or unresolved pain, while a haunted home could represent suppressed memories or unacknowledged pain. Discuss how these symbols impact viewers as part of its more prominent theme – you could provide viewers with greater comprehension beyond its initial frightening potential by delving deeper into its themes and symbolism.

It is time to write your own essay!

Write a summary of your main points and supporting evidence towards the end of your essay. Reiterate how the movie fits into the horror genre, with its success at terrifying viewers, exploring topics, and holding their attention. Conclude by assessing whether it works well as a horror film or not, and why. Consider how its performance stands up against others in its category while considering whether it offers anything unique or different.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Horror — The Main Concepts of Horror Films

The Main Concepts of Horror Films

• Categories: Horror

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Published: Nov 8, 2019

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