13 of the Most Influential Horror Films
Erin Hoyles
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The Exorcist (1973):
William Friedkin’s supernatural horror based on the novel of the same name continues to shock audiences to this day. It tells the story of a young girl suffering from demonic possession and definitely pulls no punches. Winning two Academy Awards and inspiring multiple child possession movies, The Exorcist was the first of its kind in its no holds barred approach to violence against children. With an iconic soundtrack and incredible special effects, especially for the time, this movie tops many “best of” lists.
Psycho (1960):
Including an Alfred Hitchcock movie on this list was a no-brainer; however, choosing which one was a little more challenging. Known for his use of “the twist,” Hitchcock was one of the most iconic contributors to the horror genre. This movie tells the story of a murderous hotel owner with significant mommy issues and is home to one of the most legendary movie scenes of all time… the shower scene. One of the very first examples of the slasher sub-genre, Psycho and its famous director inspired many that came after it.
Night of the Living Dead (1968):
Whether you love it or hate it, nobody can deny the impact that George Romero had on the horror genre. The first zombie film of its kind, Night of the Living Dead, was responsible for much of the iconic zombie imagery that we know today, from the mindless drones that move in packs to the flesh-eating monsters that crave brains. While the movie itself could be considered “campy,” its subtext shouldn’t be underestimated. Romero often used his films as vehicles for powerful statements about society at large.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TAGtIQvebs
