2. DEFINITIONS
• Horror may have various definitions as it can relate to many moods and
experiences.
It can be defined as:
- An intense feeling of fear, disgust or shock.
- A ‘thing’ causing such a feeling.
- Something unpleasant, disagreeable or ugly.
3. THE 1930S
• The first horror movies were introduced in the 1930s. It became popular as
audiences were big fans of the thrills and horrors the movies brought. The film
industry began to experience the suspense and tension of the films.
Examples of Horror Movies in the 1930s:
- The Dracula was the first horror movie created (with sound)
- In 1931, Frankenstein was created.
- In 1939 the Son of Frankenstein was created.
4. THE 1940S
• Horror movies in the 1940s were mainly in America due to the second world war taking
place meaning places such as Britain were restricted from watching films of horror.
Examples of Horror Movies in the 1940s:
- Sequels of The Dracula and Frankenstein ran throughout the 40s.
- The Mummy’s Hand which was created in 1940.
- The Curse of the Cat People was created in 1942.
- The Mummy’s Tomb also created in 1942.
- The Wolf Man which was created in 1943.
5. THE 1950S
• 1950s horror films widened in audience as more people in Europe were watching
and enjoying horror movies. Further techniques such as stop-motion was used to
make them come to life. Monster based films became very popular.
Examples of Horror Movies in the 50s:
• In 1957 ‘The curse of Frankenstein’ was the first film in colour which emphasised blood and
violence etc. Furthermore, in 1957 the film ‘Night of the Demon’ was a psychological thriller
by Jack Dunure.
6. THE 1960S
• In the 1960’s horror films increased and they were more open to nudity, violence and
strong language. Teenagers felt that horror movies became more realistic leading
the genre of horror to become more popular. Hollywood started to produce
psychological horror more frequently.
Examples of Horror Movies in the 60s:
In 1968 a film called ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ was created and it was labelled as one of the scariest
films of all time to date.
7. 1980S
• Horror was losing a lot of its mainstream appeal, leading teenagers to become the
main audience for the genre. The increasing realism of special effects were now more
popular and 80’s originated films were given names such as “inside out: body
horror”.
• 1980- Friday the 13th, directed by Sean S. Cunningham
• Nightmare on Elm street created by John Carpenter which had much success.
• 1881- Thomas Harris created Red Dragon, making Dr. Hannibal Lector, one of the most iconic
serial killers
• An American Werewolf in London, directed by John Landis. It also received an Oscar for Best
Make-up for the living and the dead.
