Horror Movies

The horror cinematic genre is characterized by the attempt to make the viewer experience dread, fear, terror, or horror. Its plots often involve the intrusion of an evil force, event or personage, sometimes of supernatural origin, on the mundane world and the consequences thereof.

Some of the most common elements include vampires, zombies and other forms of resurrected (with adverse consequences) corpses, werewolves, ancient curses, ghosts, demons and/or demonic possession, Satanism, evil children, slashers, animals attacking humans, inanimate objects brought to life by black magic or twisted science, haunted houses, cannibals, and malicious extraterrestrials.

Specific stories and characters, often derived from classic literature, have also proven popular, and inspired many sequels, remakes, and copycats. These include Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolf Man and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The horror film is often associated with low budgets and exploitation, but major studios and well-respected directors have made intermittent forays into the genre.

Its marginal status has caused it to receive much critical dismissal or moral condemnation over the course of film history, but during the past few decades, new generations of critics, more inclined to take popular genres seriously, have given horror substantial attention and analysis, especially with regard to its perceived subversive content.

Over the same period, it has become more than ever a source of controversy, as its level of graphic violence has increased and accusations of misogyny have been leveled, especially by feminist critics.

Some horror films exhibit a substantial amount of coexistence with other genres, particularly science fiction, fantasy and the thriller. The lines between horror and these other categories are often a subject of debate among fans and critics.