The History of Horror

Horror films have captivated audiences for over a century, evolving alongside advancements in technology and changes in cultural fears. The genre's roots can be traced back to the silent film era, with early classics like Le Manoir du Diable (1896), often considered the first horror film. During the 1920s, German Expressionist films such as Nosferatu (1922) and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) set the foundation for atmospheric storytelling and unsettling visuals. Hollywood joined the fray in the 1930s with iconic Universal Monster films like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy, creating legendary characters that remain popular to this day. The genre evolved through the decades, reflecting societal anxieties—postwar fears birthed sci-fi horror in the 1950s, the 1960s ushered psychological terror with Psycho (1960), and the 1970s delivered gritty, groundbreaking films such as The Exorcist (1973) and Halloween (1978). By the 1980s, the rise of slasher films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th paired gore with iconic villains. The 2000s and beyond have seen the genre expand into diverse subgenres, from supernatural thrillers to elevated horror, with films like Get Out (2017) exploring social themes. Horror films continue to evolve, proving that they are not just about scares but also a mirror reflecting the fears and desires of society.