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With its terror-inducing storylines and often sickening visuals, the horror genre has become a significant and long-lasting presence in cinema. It offers moviegoers a vast range of experiences and feelings, from heart attack-inducing suspense to sometimes hilariously impossible situations, making it one of film’s most distinctive and ever-changing genres. Over the years, it has pushed the limits of storytelling and served as a supportive creative landscape for innovation. 

From its early years to now, horror has been an evolving partner in film making. The transformation of horror films is obvious when comparing contemporary horror movies to those of the 1930s, a time that set the foundation for the evolution of horror movies and contributed to what we now see on our screens. Universal Pictures emerged as a significant player, introducing iconic characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and The Mummy, portrayed by great actors like Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Films like “Dracula” (1931) and “Frankenstein” (1931) transported audiences to eerie, gothic landscapes, where atmospheric settings, haunting musical scores, and captivating performances combined to evoke fear and dread. This period of horror filmmaking excelled in creating an unsettling atmosphere that left room for viewers’ imaginations to run wild, establishing the foundation that continues to influence modern horror cinema today. For instance, eerie and foreboding music remains a hallmark of the horror genre, we see this in the Stephen King remake of “IT” which uses music effects that give a nod to the cinematic horror moves of the past. 

The horror-comedy subgenre has recently seen a resurgence, with notable examples like “The Addams Family” and paying homage to timeless classics such as “Young Frankenstein,” released in the 1970s. Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” is a clever mix of visual horror elements and humor, creating a bewildering and terrifying experience. Renowned New York Times theatre critic Vincent Canby aptly described “Young Frankenstein” as “astonishingly witty,” highlighting its ability to merge the incongruous worlds of horror and comedy seamlessly. 

The evolution of horror goes hand in hand with changes in filmmaking techniques and reflects society’s fears and anxieties across the decades. From the gothic horrors of the 1930s to the agitating and self-aware narratives of modern-day horror, the genre continues to develop and change itself. Horror movies function as a mirror that captures viewers’ nightmares and concerns while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects. 

Gradually, the horror movie genre moved away from the fantastical characters of “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” and delved into ‘psychological horror’ in the 1970s. One of the most notable psychological horror films is “The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and adapted from the Stephen King novel published in 1977. “The Shining” is a good example of using psychological elements to create an anxiety-inducing and unsettling experience for viewers, leaving them on the edge of their seats. Rather than relying on a barrage of gory, murderous scenes, Kubrick focuses on ‘creepiness,’ which permeates the entire film. 

Another fascinating development during the 1970s was the blending of multiple horror subgenres in films like “The Tourist Trap” (1979). While often categorized as one of the first “slasher movies,” it weaves in supernatural horror elements, with young friends stranded on their way to a holiday being hunted down, tortured, and murdered by supernatural mannequins. 

The introduction of supernatural elements into horror movies became more prevalent during this decade as seen in the acclaimed movie “The Exorcist,”(1973) which many consider the scariest horror movie of all time. The use of the supernatural element in horror movies works well as it instills a kind of uncontrollable fear in viewers. The supernatural is still an unknown area of life, one that cannot be explained by science. It presents itself as a possible horrifying reality to viewers who cannot reason with the concept. 

Moving into the 1980s and beyond, horror films continued to evolve and change to suit the times and their audiences. The popularity of ‘slasher movies,’ continued to grow. “Scream,” released in 1996, became a cult classic with numerous sequels and an extremely large following of fans. The film’s appeal can be attributed to its relatable characters, real-life settings, and clever mix of horror and hilarity. This mix of fear and laughter created a unique and captivating experience for audiences, making “Scream” one of the highest- grossing horror movies until “Halloween” redefined the genre a few years later. 

Many may argue that the appeal of “Scream” and similar films lies in their ability to draw viewers in while making them feel comfortable with the horror they are witnessing. This balance between fear and humor has become a hallmark of the slasher subgenre. 

LSU professor Josh Grimm with extensive experience in media and sci-fi horror, offers valuable insights into how sci-fi, and horror seamlessly intertwine. Grimm explains that contemporary horror, often called ‘new horror,’ represents an evolution from traditional horror. He notes that there was a period when the film industry struggled to adapt to changing audience fears, transitioning from external threats to more intimate terrors, often lurking next door. 

Grimm also explained that the shift from traditional horror to new horror delves into what society genuinely fears. It signifies a move away from the grotesque and gothic elements seen in classics like “Young Frankenstein” to the metacommentary found in recent films like “Ex Machina.” These newer films explore subtler themes, such as evolving perceptions of life and consciousness. These ideas evoke a different fear that resonates more deeply with modern audiences. 

Grimm emphasizes that in the realm of new horror, every film must acknowledge that viewers are well-versed in horror conventions. This awareness compels directors to overturn expectations and stay innovative. “Ex Machina” is an excellent example of new horror, a sci-fi film centered on creating artificial life. Grimm highlights that what truly terrifies the audience is not the creation of life itself, but the flaws inherited from its creator. These flaws reflect the audience’s deeper insecurities, making “Ex Machina” a thought-provoking and unsettling experience. 

Reflecting on “Ex Machina,” Grimm compares the classic mad scientist trope, he observes that, much like the timeless story of Frankenstein, the true horror lies not in the artificial beings but in the imperfections and morals of their creator. The film successfully unsettles viewer expectations while honoring established tropes in older films such as Frankenstein. 

Horror continually evolves, reflecting society’s deepest fears, and is ready to explore the next set of anxieties that haunt our minds. Horror’s ability to adapt and reflect our ever-changing world of fear guarantees its popularity that will continue to enthrall movie goers for years.