100 Greatest Horror Films of All Time According to Slant Magazine
Horror
Horror is one of the most enduring and popular genres in the world of cinema. Known for its ability to evoke fear, dread, and excitement, horror has captivated audiences for decades. But what exactly is the horror genre? What makes it so appealing to so many people? And why do viewers keep coming back for more, despite the often terrifying content? This article delves into the essence of horror films, exploring their key elements, the psychological impact they have on viewers, and the reasons behind their enduring popularity.
What is the Horror Genre?
Horror is a genre that seeks to elicit a negative emotional response from the audience by playing on their fears, anxieties, and deepest insecurities. The primary aim of horror films is to instill fear, whether it's through supernatural elements, psychological manipulation, or physical threats. The genre is incredibly diverse, encompassing everything from ghost stories and slasher films to psychological thrillers and creature features.
Key elements of the horror genre include:
- Fear and Suspense: Central to any horror film is the creation of a sense of fear and suspense. The unknown, the unexpected, and the unseen are often more terrifying than what is explicitly shown.
- Supernatural or Uncanny Elements: Many horror films involve supernatural forces or events that defy the laws of nature, heightening the sense of unpredictability and fear.
- Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Horror often explores the darker aspects of human nature, forcing characters (and viewers) to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
- Psychological Tension: The best horror films delve into the psyche of their characters, using psychological manipulation to create a deeper, more unsettling experience for the audience.
The Appeal of Horror Films
So why do people enjoy watching horror films? There are several psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the genre's appeal.
- Adrenaline Rush: Watching a horror film is akin to riding a rollercoaster. The fear and tension create a surge of adrenaline, giving viewers a thrill without the real-world consequences. The controlled environment of a movie allows people to experience fear in a safe way, which can be exhilarating.
- Catharsis: Horror films provide a way for viewers to confront and process their fears in a controlled setting. By facing fictional horrors, people may feel a sense of catharsis, releasing pent-up emotions and anxieties.
- Exploration of the Unknown: Humans are naturally curious, and horror films often tap into this curiosity by exploring the unknown and the taboo. Whether it’s the mysteries of the supernatural or the darkest aspects of human nature, horror allows viewers to venture into realms they would never dare to in real life.
- Social Experience: Watching horror films can be a communal activity, with viewers sharing the experience of fear and excitement together. The shared experience of being scared can create strong emotional bonds, whether it's watching with friends or discussing the film afterward.
The Role of Suspense in Horror
One of the most crucial elements in horror films is suspense, often considered the lifeblood of the genre. Suspense is the feeling of anticipation or worry that the audience feels when waiting for something to happen. It’s the slow build-up of tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Suspense is created through various techniques:
- Pacing: Slow pacing, where the film deliberately takes its time to reveal the horrors, can heighten the sense of dread. It allows the audience's imagination to run wild, often leading to a more intense experience.
- Music and Sound Effects: The use of eerie music or sudden, sharp sounds can jolt the viewer and build tension. The absence of sound can also be powerful, as it creates an unsettling silence that hints at impending danger.
- Lighting and Shadows: Dark, shadowy environments are a staple in horror films. The lack of visibility forces the audience to imagine what might be lurking just out of sight, creating a constant sense of unease.
- Uncertainty and Ambiguity: Horror films often play with the unknown, leaving certain elements unexplained or ambiguous. This lack of clarity can keep viewers guessing and create a lingering sense of fear even after the film has ended.
The horror genre is a complex and multifaceted area of cinema that offers a unique emotional experience for its audience. It plays on our most primal fears, using suspense, psychological tension, and the exploration of the unknown to create a deeply engaging experience. Despite—or perhaps because of—the fear it invokes, horror remains a beloved genre, offering both thrills and insights into the darker sides of human nature. Whether through the adrenaline rush, the cathartic release, or the communal experience of being scared, horror films have an enduring appeal that shows no signs of waning.
100 Greatest Horror Films of All Time According to Slant Magazine
1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
3. Psycho (1960)
4. The Shining (1980)
5. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
6. Suspiria (1977)
7. Nosferatu (1922)
8. Carrie (1976)
9. Freaks (1932)
10. Halloween (1978)
11. Deep Red (1975)
12. The Fly (1986)
13. Repulsion (1965)
14. Pulse (2001)
15. Peeping Tom (1960)
16. I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
17. The Thing (1982)
18. Videodrome (1983)
19. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
20. Eraserhead (1977)
21. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
22. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
23. Possession (1981)
24. The Exorcist (1973)
25. Vampyr (1932)
26. The Innocents (1961)
27. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
28. Cat People (1942)
29. They Live (1988)
30. The Leopard Man (1943)
31. Under the Skin (2013)
32. Trouble Every Day (2001)
33. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1978)
34. Alien (1979)
35. Carnival of Souls (1962)
36. Don’t Look Now (1973)
37. Evil Dead II (1987)
38. Dead Ringers (1988)
39. The Wicker Man (1973)
40. Hour of the Wolf (1968)
41. The Last House on the Left (1972)
42. The Phantom Carriage (1921)
43. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
44. Jaws (1975)
45. Poltergeist (1982)
46. Frankenstein (1931)
47. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
48. The Vanishing (1988)
49. Eyes Without a Face (1960)
50. The Brood (1979)
51. A Page of Madness (1926)
52. Onibaba (1964)
53. The Tenant (1976)
54. Audition (1999)
55. The Fall of the House of Usher (1928)
56. The Fog (1980)
57. Inland Empire (2006)
58. The Seventh Victim (1943)
59. Day of the Dead (1985)
60. Kwaidan (1964)
61. Blood and Black Lace (1964)
62. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
63. The Birds (1963)
64. Re-Animator (1985)
65. Halloween II (2009)
66. Dressed to Kill (1980)
67. Diabolique (1955)
68. Wolf Creek (2005)
69. The Old Dark House (1932)
70. Opera (1987)
71. Deathdream (1972)
72. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
73. Antichrist (2009)
74. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
75. Tenebre (1982)
76. The Thing from Another World (1951)
77. Scream (1996)
78. God Told Me To (1976)
79. The Howling (1981)
80. Kill, Baby…Kill! (1966)
81. Near Dark (1987)
82. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
83. Häxan (1922)
84. The Haunting (1963)
85. Who Can Kill a Child? (1972)
86. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
87. The Devils (1971)
88. Angst (1983)
89. Let the Right One In (2008)
90. Gremlins (1984)
91. Black Cat (1934)
92. The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
93. Raw (2016)
94. Martyrs (2008)
95. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
96. Alice, Sweet Alice (1976)
97. A Bay of Blood (1971)
98. Climax (2019)
99. The Host (2006)
100. Get Out (2017)
