Horror explores disturbing and dark subject matter, often intending to disturb, frighten, or scare the viewer. The genre has ancient origins, rooted in folklore and religious traditions, and has evolved to encompass a diverse array of storytelling styles and themes.
The "paradox of horror" lies in the fact that being scared, under the right circumstances, can be very enjoyable. Horror films allow individuals to challenge their fears and confront their anxieties in a controlled setting. They also offer a unique blend of suspense, thrills, and terror that can leave audiences on the edge of their seats, which contributes to their popularity.
The horror genre encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each offering a
unique take on fear and terror.
Some of the notable horror subgenres include:
Combines horror themes with comedic elements, using humor to lighten the mood.
Plays into the unknown of the human experience, often involving demons, religion, and supernatural forces.
Focuses on emotional and psychological disturbances rather than relying heavily on jump scares or gore. They include serious themes, artistic sensibility, and thought-provoking storytelling.
Combines elements of horror and drama, focusing on creating a sense of fear and unease while also delving into complex human emotions and relationships.
Emphasizes the gory, visceral, and often extreme elements of horror.
Focus on extreme violence, gore, and sadism, often involving prolonged scenes of torture and suffering.
Involves stories of haunted houses or other locations where the setting itself is tied to the horror.
Revolves around monsters, creating fear through their appearance or actions.
Involves supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, witches, or demons.
Typically focus on a masked or costumed killer who stalks and murders multiple victims, typically in a graphic and brutal manner.
Involves zombies, undead creatures, usually in an apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic world.