The Pioneering Horror Movies of Every Decade

1920s: Nosferatu (1922)

Nosferatu set a haunting precedent for the horror genre, introducing the world to the iconic vampire Count Orlok, portrayed with eerie intensity by Max Schreck. Director F.W. Murnau's innovative use of shadow and light created an atmosphere of dread and suspense, establishing a visual language that would resonate throughout the decades to come.

Dr. Caligari

The film's portrayal of the undead and its sinister portrayal of the unknown set a standard for horror storytelling, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.

Frankenstein-1931-Boris-Karloff-The-Monster

1930s: King Kong (1933)

King Kong redefined the horror genre with its larger-than-life portrayal of the monstrous and the unknown. The film's groundbreaking special effects brought the colossal ape to vivid, terrifying life, captivating audiences with its spectacle and emotional resonance.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956

Director Merian C. Cooper's epic vision and the tragic story of Kong's doomed fate left an indelible mark on horror cinema, setting a new standard for creature features and larger-than-life storytelling.

Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates with his taxidermy behind him in Psycho.

1940s: Cat People (1942)

Cat People delved into the psychological depths of horror, exploring the primal fears and supernatural elements that lurk within the human psyche. Director Jacques Tourneur's atmospheric direction and the film's subtle, suggestive approach to horror elevated it as a masterclass in psychological suspense.

Janet Leigh screaming in Psycho in the infamous shower scene

The film's exploration of primal instincts and the unseen terrors of the mind set a new standard for psychological horror, paving the way for future psychological thrillers to come.

Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates smiling in Psycho pic

1950s: The Blob (1958)

The Blob emerged as a cult classic that embodied the fear of the unknown and the unstoppable force of nature. Director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.'s creature feature introduced audiences to a gelatinous, amorphous entity that devoured everything in its path, instilling a sense of primal terror and suspense.

Regan's head spins in The Exorcist

The film's portrayal of an insatiable, alien threat and its impact on a small town set a new standard for creature features and apocalyptic horror, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

The Exorcist: Regan in bed.

1960s: Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Rosemary's Baby delved into the depths of psychological horror, weaving a tale of occult terror and maternal dread. Director Roman Polanski's meticulous direction and the film's slow-burning, atmospheric tension established it as a landmark in psychological horror, delving into the unseen forces of evil and the manipulation of reality.

The Exorcist 1973

The film's exploration of supernatural terror and the insidious nature of evil set a new standard for occult horror, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring future filmmakers.

Regan rises from her bed in The Exorcist

1970s: The Omen (1976)

The Omen emerged as a chilling portrayal of supernatural horror and the foreboding presence of evil. Director Richard Donner's haunting vision and the film's exploration of religious terror and apocalyptic prophecy established it as a benchmark in supernatural horror, delving into the depths of religious mythology and the relentless pursuit of innocence.

The Torrance family driving in the car in The Shining

The film's portrayal of malevolent forces and the ominous signs of impending doom set a new standard for religious horror, leaving an enduring impact on the genre and influencing future filmmakers.

Jack Nicholson's Jack Torrance stares out a window in The Shining

1980s: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A Nightmare on Elm Street redefined the horror genre with its innovative portrayal of dream-induced terror and the enigmatic figure of Freddy Krueger. Director Wes Craven's imaginative direction and the film's surreal, nightmarish sequences established it as a groundbreaking entry in psychological horror, delving into the subconscious fears and the blurring lines between dreams and reality.

Jack Nicholson's Jack Torrance Knocking on the Door in The Shining

The film's exploration of the subconscious and the haunting presence of Freddy Krueger set a new standard for psychological horror, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre and inspiring future filmmakers.

Casey is on the phone in her kitchen, with a scared look on her face in Scream.

1990s: The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of supernatural horror and the psychological toll of unresolved trauma. Director M. Night Shyamalan's visionary storytelling and the film's intricate, emotional narrative established it as a milestone in supernatural horror, delving into the depths of human emotion and the unseen forces that linger beyond the veil of death.

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) staring ahead and in tears in Get out

The film's exploration of unresolved trauma and the haunting presence of the supernatural set a new standard for supernatural horror, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring future filmmakers.

Sophie Wilde becoming possessed in Talk To Me.

2000s: The Descent (2005)

The Descent plunged audiences into the depths of primal terror and the claustrophobic horrors of the unknown. Director Neil Marshall's visceral direction and the film's relentless, heart-pounding suspense established it as a pinnacle in survival horror, delving into the fears of isolation and the relentless pursuit of survival.

The film's exploration of primal fear and the unyielding terror of the unknown set a new standard for survival horror, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre and inspiring future filmmakers.

2010s: The Witch (2015)

The Witch immersed audiences in the atmospheric dread of supernatural horror and the chilling presence of malevolent forces. Director Robert Eggers' meticulous attention to historical accuracy and the film's slow-burning, unsettling tension established it as a benchmark in period horror, delving into the unseen terrors of folklore and the relentless pursuit of purity.

The film's exploration of historical horror and the haunting presence of malevolent forces set a new standard for period horror, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and influencing future filmmakers.