Horror Movie Reviews
Here you will find links to individual films in my horror movie reviews database, ordered by release date for your convenience. Included are slasher movies, monsters, vampires, werewolves, and all varieties of silver screen horrors. Some of these are my favorite movies and, as you will see, some are not. Whether you think the scariest horror villain is Michael, Billy, Jason, or Freddy, I encourage you to leave comments and let me know what you love or hate about each movie.
This list grows every month, so please check back often. If you wish to see a movie reviewed which is not listed here, hop over to our Facebook group or shoot me an email.
The 1970’s and Earlier – Horror Movie Reviews
One of the darkest eras in horror history, the 1970’s brought us Jaws, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Black Christmas, and The Last House on the Left.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The 1970s marked a significant era in the history of horror movies, characterized by a shift towards more intense and visceral storytelling. This decade witnessed the emergence of groundbreaking films that would shape the genre for years to come.
“Night of the Living Dead” (1968): Although technically released at the tail end of the 1960s, George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” had a profound impact on horror films of the 1970s. This low-budget independent film introduced the concept of flesh-eating zombies and showcased a social commentary that resonated with audiences.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974): Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” was a seminal film that pushed the boundaries of horror. It followed a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals, led by the iconic Leatherface. The film’s raw and gritty atmosphere, combined with its realistic violence, solidified its status as a cult classic.
“Jaws” (1975): Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” unleashed a new kind of horror, one that preyed on our fear of the unknown lurking beneath the water’s surface. This blockbuster hit introduced the concept of a relentless and enormous great white shark terrorizing a small coastal town, instilling fear in viewers and cementing Spielberg’s reputation as a master storyteller.
“Carrie” (1976): Based on Stephen King’s novel, Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” depicted the story of a high school misfit with telekinetic powers. This supernatural horror film blended elements of psychological trauma and teen angst, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and launching Sissy Spacek’s career.
“Halloween” (1978): John Carpenter’s “Halloween” set the standard for slasher films and popularized the trope of the relentless and unstoppable killer. The film followed the masked murderer Michael Myers as he terrorized a small town on Halloween night. The movie’s suspenseful atmosphere and iconic score made it a horror classic.
“The Exorcist” (1973): Directed by William Friedkin, “The Exorcist” remains one of the most influential and terrifying horror films of all time. The story details the demonic possession of a young girl and the subsequent battle between good and evil. With its shocking and controversial scenes, the film became a cultural phenomenon, challenging audiences’ notions of horror and religion.
“Alien” (1979): Ridley Scott’s “Alien” blended science fiction and horror to create a tense and claustrophobic experience. The film followed the crew of a spaceship as they encountered a deadly extraterrestrial creature. With its iconic creature design and suspenseful narrative, “Alien” became a landmark film in both genres.
The Gory 80’s – Horror Movie Reviews
Let the blood flow! The 1980’s were all about over-the-top gore and maniacs wearing hockey masks.
Friday the 13th Part II (1981)
Friday the 13th Part VI (1986)
The 1980s were characterized by a surge in slasher films, supernatural thrillers, and the rise of iconic horror movie franchises. This decade brought forth a plethora of memorable films that left lasting impacts on the genre, including:
“Friday the 13th” (1980): Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, “Friday the 13th” introduced audiences to the legend of Jason Voorhees and spawned a long-running franchise. The film followed a group of camp counselors being stalked and brutally murdered at Camp Crystal Lake. Its success paved the way for a slew of slasher films that dominated the decade. Fun fact: Jason Vorhees is NOT the killer in the original movie.
“The Shining” (1980): Based on Stephen King’s novel and directed by Stanley Kubrick, “The Shining” is a psychological horror masterpiece. Starring Jack Nicholson as a caretaker who descends into madness while wintering at the isolated Overlook Hotel, the film delved into themes of isolation, addiction, supernatural forces, and the breakdown of the human psyche.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984): Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduced the iconic villain Freddy Krueger, a razor-gloved dream killer. The film blurred the lines between reality and nightmares, making it a standout entry in the slasher genre. Freddy Krueger became a horror movie icon, and the franchise spawned numerous sequels and remakes, none as hair-raising as the original.
“Poltergeist” (1982): Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, “Poltergeist” combined supernatural horror with a family-centered narrative. The film followed a suburban family plagued by malevolent spirits that abducted their daughter. With its memorable scenes and impressive visual effects, “Poltergeist” became a classic in the horror genre.
“The Evil Dead” (1981): Sam Raimi’s low-budget horror film “The Evil Dead” captivated audiences with its relentless and gory depiction of demonic possession. The story followed a group of friends who faced a horrifying onslaught of evil in a remote cabin. This cult favorite spawned a franchise and showcased Raimi’s unique directorial style.
“The Fly” (1986): Directed by David Cronenberg, “The Fly” was a remake of the 1958 film of the same name. Starring Jeff Goldblum, the film explored the consequences of a scientist’s teleportation experiment gone wrong, resulting in his slow transformation into a grotesque insect-human hybrid. “The Fly” combined body horror with a tragic love story, earning critical acclaim.
“Hellraiser” (1987): Written and directed by Clive Barker, “Hellraiser” introduced audiences to the sadomasochistic Cenobites and their leader, Pinhead. The film explored themes of pleasure, pain, and the blurred lines between ecstasy and torment. With its unique mythology and striking visuals, “Hellraiser” spawned a successful franchise.
These films represent just a fraction of the notable horror movies released in the 1980s. This decade saw the rise of iconic horror franchises, the exploration of psychological terror, and an abundance of memorable characters that have since become ingrained in popular culture.
Post-Slasher Modern Era – Horror Movie Reviews
The post-slasher modern era might be defined by the self-aware classic, Scream, but the 1990’s and 2000’s brought us plenty of high grade horror.
When a Stranger Calls Back (1993)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
With the slasher era gone but not forgotten, the 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of self-aware horror and new twists on old concepts.
1990s:
“Misery” (1990): Directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King’s novel, “Misery” tells the story of a writer held captive by an obsessed fan. The film delves into psychological horror and earned critical acclaim for Kathy Bates’ chilling performance.
“Scream” (1996): Directed by Wes Craven, “Scream” revitalized the slasher genre by blending self-awareness, humor, and suspense. The film follows a masked killer terrorizing a small town, while paying homage to horror tropes. Scream’s success led to multiple sequels and became a cultural phenomenon.
“The Blair Witch Project” (1999): This found-footage horror film, directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, presented a fictional story of students lost in the woods while investigating a local legend. The innovative marketing campaign and realistic presentation created a sensation and popularized the found-footage subgenre.
2000s:
“The Sixth Sense” (1999): Although released at the end of the 1990s, M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Sixth Sense” had a significant impact on the horror genre of the 2000s. The film follows a young boy who can communicate with the dead and his encounters with a troubled spirit. The movie became a critical and commercial success, redefining supernatural thrillers.
“The Ring” (2002): Gore Verbinski’s “The Ring” is a remake of a Japanese horror film and centers around a cursed videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it. The film became a box office hit and popularized the trend of American remakes of Asian horror films.
“Saw” (2004): Directed by James Wan, “Saw” introduced the sadistic Jigsaw Killer and his intricate, torturous traps. The film spawned a successful franchise known for its gruesome and twisted narratives, making “Saw” synonymous with the “torture porn” subgenre.
“28 Days Later” (2002): Directed by Danny Boyle, this British film explored a post-apocalyptic world overrun by “infected” humans. It blended horror and suspense with social commentary, reviving the zombie genre with fast-paced, rage-infected creatures.
“Paranormal Activity” (2007): This found-footage supernatural horror film, directed by Oren Peli, followed a couple who experienced increasingly disturbing events in their home. Shot on a micro-budget, “Paranormal Activity” became a massive success, leading to numerous sequels and revitalizing the found-footage subgenre.