The Best Years For Horror Movies In History

Key Takeaways

Horror movies confront social fears and deliver powerful jump scares, sparking widespread interest and attracting devoted fans each year.
Pioneering films like
Nosferatu
and
The Exorcist
have shaped horror cinema by setting new benchmarks and sparking controversy.
The horror genre experienced a resurgence in 1990s and 2000s, with iconic movies like
Scream, The Sixth Sense,
and
The Ring
captivating audiences.

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the darkest corners of horror cinema, I must say that these years highlighted in this text have left indelible marks on my fright-filled journey. From the chilling tales of Japanese folklore that sent shivers down my spine in 2002 to the groundbreaking horror franchises that took root in 2013 and continued their terrifying growth in 2018, these years have provided some truly unforgettable scares.

Year after year, worldwide production sees the emergence of numerous chilling horror films. Although many fail to capture the attention of mainstream moviegoers, some receive a grand theatrical debut. Horror movies have been an essential component of cinema since its inception. They challenge viewers with scenes featuring deranged killers, fearsome monsters, and otherworldly entities; horror is cinema that confronts.

Each year brings a fresh crop of horror films, but some seasons are particularly noteworthy due to exceptional releases. Occasionally, a single movie can cause seismic shifts within the industry, while other years yield several timeless classics. Horror, as a genre, is incredibly potent and versatile, tackling significant themes, addressing deep-seated social anxieties, or providing electrifying jump scares. At its core, horror embodies the essence of cinema and captivates countless viewers annually.

8 1922

Setting The Standard For Years To Come

The Best Years For Horror Movies In History

Notable Movies: Nosferatu

1922 marked the debut of a chilling German Expressionist movie, Nosferatu, that would become the blueprint for all future horror films. This masterpiece, brought to life by F. W. Murnau, may not have been the initial horror film, but it undeniably left an indelible mark on cinema’s early years.

In an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula titled “Nosferatu”, the infamous vampire Count Orlock, portrayed by Max Schreck, haunts a small town, spreading an ominous pestilence among its inhabitants. Similar to other German Expressionist works, this film was born out of the aftermath of World War I. Many actors and crew members had served on the battlefield and endured unspeakable horrors, which are reflected in every scene of “Nosferatu”, making it an enduring classic that continues to influence contemporary cinema.

7 1973

Controversy Comes To Cinema

Notable Movies: The Exorcist, The Wicker Man, Don’t Look Now

1973 would undeniably be a remarkable year for horror movies from my perspective, as it was the year that “Don’t Look Now” graced our screens. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, this film delved into heavy themes of grief and guilt, following the story of two parents who are mourning the loss of their daughter after a heart-wrenching accident. However, it was not the harrowing subject matter that stirred up controversy; instead, an explicit sex scene in the movie caused quite a ruckus within the industry and among censors.

In an exceptional performance, Edward Woodward as Sergeant Howie embarks on a hunt for a missing girl in the chilling movie “The Wicker Man,” a quest that culminates in one of cinema’s most startling conclusions. On the other hand, it was “The Exorcist” that sparked the most controversy in 1973. This horror masterpiece, filled with scenes that were highly controversial, particularly the infamous crucifix scene, led to nationwide debates on censorship and good taste due to its portrayal of a young girl possessed by a demon.

6 1990

Horror Goes Mainstream

Notable Movies: Misery, Arachnophobia, It, Night of the Living Dead, The Witches, Ghost, Jacob’s Ladder

1990 marked a significant shift in Hollywood’s film industry, with several mainstream movies venturing into the horror genre. Kathy Bates gave audiences chills with her portrayal of an overzealous fan in “Misery,” and Tim Curry left lasting scars on many as the menacing clown in “It.”

During that time, Patrick Swayze was the lead in the hugely successful movie “Ghost”. This timeless romantic film had scenes reminiscent of traditional horror with spirits in distress pulling souls to hell. In another film, Anjelica Huston delivered a memorable performance as The Grand High Witch in “The Witches”, while “Arachnophobia” served as a reminder of the reason people fear spiders.

5 1996

Horror Returns Stronger Than Ever

Notable Movies: Scream, From Dusk Til Dawn, The Craft, The Frighteners, Thinner

1996 marked a significant turnaround in the waning popularity of horror films with the release of the blockbuster hit, Scream. This film, which paid tribute to slasher movies from the ’80s, sparked new life into the genre. It paved the way for other successful teen horror movies, including I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, and The Faculty.

1996 marked the ascension of independent cinema, with Quentin Tarantino being the leading figure on Hollywood’s elite roster. Robert Rodriguez’s movie From Dusk Till Dawn combined the gritty, edge-of-your-seat suspense films prevalent at the time with a low-budget horror flick brimming with gore, offering an entertaining, over-the-top take on vampires. This movie is as cool as it is bloody. (Paraphrased)

4 1999

Horror Takes Over Hollywood

Notable Movies: Sixth Sense, Blair Witch Project, End of Days, Stigmata, Audition

As we moved towards the end of the last decade, I found myself right in the middle of a game-changing trend: the rise of found footage films. This shift was kickstarted by none other than the sensational success of “The Blair Witch Project”. Now, imagine this isn’t just a movie, but an immersive role-playing experience. I’m part of a team of adventurous friends, diving headfirst into the mystery surrounding the local legend of the Blair Witch, only to find ourselves hopelessly lost in the woods.

As the new millennium approached, many films with a doomsday theme started appearing in cinemas. Notable among these were “Stigmata” and “End of Days,” a big-budget horror film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, it was “The Sixth Sense” that truly stole the show that year, introducing us to the talents of director M. Night Shyamalan and young actor Haley Joel Osment.

3 2002

J-Horror Reins Supreme

Notable Movies: Dark Water, Ju-on The Grudge, The Ring, 28 Days Later, Dog Soldiers, Bubba Ho-Tep

2002 stands out as a pivotal year in the annals of horror cinema. The Japanese horror genre took center stage with the American remake of “The Ring.” Simultaneously, “Dark Water” and “The Grudge,” two timeless J-Horror productions, sent shivers down the spines of horror enthusiasts globally. These outstanding Asian horror films served as a refreshing deviation for Western audiences. Rooted in Japanese mythology, they portray genuinely unsettling supernatural entities.

In the meantime, Danny Boyle revitalized the formerly dormant zombie genre with his unique perspective in the movie titled 28 Days Later. The film chronicles Cillian Murphy’s journey after emerging from a coma to discover that people have been afflicted by a highly destructive rage virus. This film significantly boosted Boyle’s reputation as one of Britain’s most talented contemporary directors.

2 2013

The Beginnings Of Major Horror Franchises

Notable Movies: The Conjuring, The Purge, Insidious: Chapter 2, Evil Dead, Only Lovers Left Alive, Under The Skin

2013 witnessed a surge in the popularity of horror films at the box office. The movie “The Conjuring” unveiled fresh horror icons, Annabelle and The Nun, to audiences worldwide. Rooted in real-life events, “The Conjuring” franchise left an indelible impact on the annals of horror cinema. Simultaneously, Blumhouse Productions was making a significant dent in the horror genre with their releases like “The Purge” and “Insidious: Chapter 2”.

2013 was an exceptional year, marked by the unveiling of Fede Alvarez as a formidable force in horror with his remarkable remake of Evil Dead. Simultaneously, in independent cinema, Jim Jarmusch presented Only Lovers Left Alive – a chic gothic tale about vampires that exudes style from every scene. Furthermore, Scarlett Johansson delivered an outstanding performance as a seductive alien in Jonathan Glazer’s innovative film, Under The Skin.

1 2018

Horror Remains On Top

Notable Movies: Hereditary, A Quiet Place, Annihilation, Suspiria, Halloween, Possum

2018 saw the continued reign of horror movies at the box office, boasting several notable releases. Ari Aster burst onto the scene with “Hereditary,” a chilling horror tour de force that quickly became a timeless classic. Meanwhile, “A Quiet Place” created quite a stir due to its nerve-wracking, edge-of-your-seat moments, in which Emily Blunt endeavors to shield her children from terrifying creatures who can detect their presence by sound.

Meanwhile, the arthouse movie Possum proved that experimental horror was still alive. Alex Garland returned with his surreal cosmic horror nightmare, Annihilation. This stunning movie saw Natalie Portman lead an investigation into a strange region known as The Shimmer, where something unnatural is mutating the plants and animals. This standout year also saw the return of a major franchise with Halloween, where Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her iconic role as Laurie Strode.

2024-08-24 20:54