2. Supernatural Horror
Supernatural horror films utilize supernatural phenomena as central plot points,
usually focusing on ghosts and demons.
These films usually take place in an urban setting, revolving around ordinary
people, however than can also be set in remote locations, such as secluded houses
or farms.
Films in this subgenre usually contain some sort of religious theme, since the
stories often involve demonic possession, exorcism, and ideas of the afterlife. The
Devil also makes regular appearances.
Notable films in this subgenre include Poltergeist, The Exorcist and The Omen.
3. Slasher
Slasher films revolve around a serial killer who systematically picks off the
other characters. Many of these killers have a supernatural element to them,
such as Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street), who kills people in their
dreams. However, many of the killers are just ordinary people, such as
Norman Bates (Psycho) and Ghostface (Scream).
Other notable films in this genre include Friday the 13th, Halloween and The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
4. Body Horror
Body Horror films focus on the destruction or
degeneration of the body, in order to scare the
audience through shock and disgust.
David Cronenburg is one of the most notable
directors within this subgenre, famous for films
such as The Fly, Dead Ringers and Videodrome.
5. Zombie Film
Zombie films are based around interpretations of
the zombie. These interpretations can vary from
corpses brought back to life, to mindless people
acting on animal instincts.
These films usually focus on the ‘zombie
apocalypse’, in which the world is destroyed a by a
zombie epidemic.
Notable films in this subgenre include Night of the
Living Dead, 28 Days Later and White Zombie.
6. Comedy Horror
Comedy horrors are films that incorporate elements
from the both the horror genre, as well as comedy
films, intending to be both frightening and funny.
These films usually parody and satirize the
conventions of other horror films.
Notable films include Shaun of the Dead, Army of
Darkness and Scream.
7. Gothic Horror
Gothic horror films are films based around ideas
of The Gothic. At times, they involve a romance
story that unfolds in a horror scenario. The sets
for these films is often Gothic architecture.
Notable films are Dracula, Sleepy Hollow and
Nosferatu
