Horror has been a huge part of the film industry for decades, with some coming along that have a uniqueness that has inspired sequels and imitations.
Any fan of the genre should watch these four iconic films from the 70s to the 2000s that brought something new to horror.
Halloween (1978)
“Halloween” is an iconic movie for its generation.
It was one of the first American slasher films when it was released in 1978, competing with movies like “Friday the 13th” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
What makes “Halloween” stand out from other slasher films is its ability to create suspense with a low budget.
“Halloween” is based on fictional killer Michael Myers who escapes a mental institution to return to his hometown of Haddonfield to stalk and murder teenagers while his psychiatrist, Dr. Loomis, tries to stop him.
Laurie Strode, the main protagonist in “Halloween,” must survive the killer after he sees her at his childhood home.
“Halloween” currently has 13 movies in its franchise.
Poltergeist (1982)
“Poltergeist” was a 1982 movie that stood out to the horror film fanatics because of the unique and creative ways it demonstrated paranormal activity.
During a famous swimming pool scene in “Poltergeist,” Craig Reardon, the special effects artist, decided to use real skeletons because it was cheaper than plastic ones.
“I thought they were plastic,” said actor JoBeth Williams, “but I later found out they were real skeletons. It was a real nightmare.”
“Poltergeist” will always be an iconic franchise in the horror genre because of its unique style, actors, and the way the movie is portrayed. “Poltergeist” is not only a horror movie, but it also teaches the viewers why supernatural entities act the way they do and why they get famous names such as: Demon, Phantom, Spirit and Ghost.
IT (1990)
“IT” became an iconic miniseries when it was released in 1990.
Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace and based on novels by Stephen King, “IT” is known for the famous clown Pennywise, acted by Tim Curry
The psychological horror movie features Pennywise haunting a fictional small town and causing the random disappearances of younger adults & kids. Every 27 years, the clown preys upon fearful children.
“IT” was praised for its ability to film a dual timeline story, showing the teenagers as adults in flashbacks.
A group of teenagers are tasked with the role of defeating this feared clown while it tries to eat them. How will they defeat it?
Paranormal Activity (2009)
“Paranormal Activity,” is a supernatural horror film that was a hit for its generation.
Released in 2009, “Paranormal Activity” is iconic for its ability to create a unique horror film in a short time with a low budget, creating constant suspense throughout the movie.
“Paranormal Activity” shows how much can be done with a $15,000 budget. The movie was shot in a week and was filmed in the house of the director, Oren Peli.
People that have watched “Paranormal Activity” like to say “less is more.” The film relies on a slower pace, building tension through the story rather than jump scares.
