Horror movies are one of the more popular genres in films as they can keep the audience at the edge of their seat. While most films these days focus on the jump scare, there are actually plenty of types that define the horror movie genre. These range from supernatural ghosts to unstoppable killers, but when it comes down to it, they’re all good for one thing: scaring us. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best horror movie types in the industry.
Slasher
According to thetoptens.com, slasher films are a staple in modern horror movies.
This type of film usually revolves around a serial killer hunting down a group of people and taking them down one by one. Famous movies under this category are “Scream,” “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Unlike other fictional horror tropes, slasher films are a bit more realistic as there have been similar incidents in real life. Perhaps the realism could be the reason why this horror type became so popular?
Urban Legend
In line with the slasher film, urban legends usually rely on rumors to get the plot rolling. Before the murders actually happen, a scary story or rumor circulates around an area which the protagonist(s) eventually get caught into. Famous films under this horror type are “Urban Legend,” “Candyman,” “The Ring,” and “Carved.” The killer in question could either be a human trying to recreate the urban legend or the horrific creature from the stories.
Found Footage
Rather an underrated movie type, found footage films are movies shot in the first-person point of view. You step into the shoes of the cast themselves usually through a camera they brought along. Famous movies under this type are “Blair Witch,” “Paranormal Activity,” “Quarantine,” and “Cloverfield.” These movies try to mess with your head and rely less the on plot to drive the movie.
Instead, viewers are treated to strange and disturbing footage in compensation for the unusual narrative.
Psychological
Psychological Horror Films are slowly becoming popular as they can easily confuse and bewilder the viewer. There are still plenty of things we don’t know about the human mind, and psychological horror films use the unknown to try and explore the darker side of the psyche.
Famous films under this horror type are “The Shining,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Black Swan,” and “Psycho.” If you’re looking for a movie that messes with your mind, look no further than psychological horror films.
Possession
Ending off our list, we have possession films which have been picking up popularity over the recent years. These films have deep religious traits and are usually associated with demons and the devil. Movies under this genre are “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” “The Evil Dead,” “The Devil Inside,” and “Deliver Us from Evil.”
