What is a Horror Film?
A horror film is a genre of film that attempts to elicit fear from the audience by manipulating their emotions with suspense, shock, and terror Horror films typically feature protagonists (heroes) who are pitted against mysterious and powerful forces (usually of supernatural or supernatural origin). These films often employ dark and gothic imagery, providing a visceral experience that is intended to evoke feelings of dread, terror, and anxiety in the viewer.
Many horror films are designed to take the audience on a journey through a dark and eerie atmosphere, often with elements of psychological horror creeping in as the story unfolds. The plots of horror films tend to revolve around the protagonists struggling to survive the forces of evil, while also dealing with their own inner demons. From classic slasher films to edgy psychological thrillers, horror films have become a staple of our shared cultural experience.
The Five Best Examples of Horror Films
1. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name is a modern classic in the horror genre. Jack Nicholson stars as Jack Torrance, a disturbed writer who takes a caretaker job at a remote mountain resort with his wife and son. As tensions rise in the isolated environment, Jack slowly descends into madness, leading to a terrifying climax as he attempts to murder his family. The Shining is widely regarded as one of the scariest horror films of all time, thanks to Kubrick’s masterful direction and Nicholson’s memorable performance.
2. The Babadook (2014) – Jennifer Kent’s debut feature film is a brilliant psychological horror story about a single mother, Amelia (Essie Davis), and her son, Sam (Noah Wiseman). When Sam brings home a mysterious book called ‘The Babadook’, strange events begin to occur and Amelia’s mental state begins to deteriorate. This film is an effective exploration of the psychological toll of motherhood, and its implications for mother-child relationships.
3. The Conjuring (2013) – James Wan’s horror masterpiece follows the story of the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) as they investigate a haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island. Wan’s film is a terrifying experience, as the Warrens confront a sinister force bent on destroying their family.
4. Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning social horror film follows the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a black man who is invited to his white girlfriend’s family estate. When he arrives, he soon discovers that something sinister is going on, and he must find a way to escape. Get Out takes the concept of horror beyond supernatural and physical scares, creating a thought-provoking and socially relevant film.
5. Halloween (1978) – John Carpenter’s classic slasher film follows the story of Michael Myers (Nick Castle), a disturbed serial killer who returns to his hometown to exact revenge on the teenage babysitter, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). This low-budget slasher is considered to be one of the most influential horror films of all time, and it established many of the tropes and cliches that are still seen in horror films today.
Overall, these five films represent some of the best examples of the horror genre, each offering a unique approach and perspective. With its range of themes, settings, and suspenseful plot twists, horror films provide a thrilling and entertaining experience for viewers.