The history of horror films spans from 1890 to the present. Early influential films included Georges Melies' 1896 film "Le Manoir du Diable", considered one of the first horror films. The development of sound technology in the 1930s enhanced the experience of horror films. Iconic films like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" were released in 1931, exploiting audiences' growing interest in monsters. Subsequent decades of horror films continued to reflect and comment on current events and social issues, with genres like psychological horror, slasher films, and remakes becoming popular at different times. Horror expanded beyond films into successful television shows in the 2000s.

1. History of Horror
George Brinan + Marcus Osinfolarin

2. 1890-1920’s
The best known horror film that came with the original few is the silent film ‘Le
Manoir du Diable’ directed by Georges Melies, which is sometimes referred to
as the first ever horror film.
In 1910 Edison Studios produced the first ever film version of ‘Frankenstein’
which can be referred to as the most famous/successful horror film of all time.
German film makers would significantly influence later films in the horror genre.
‘The Golem’ directed by Paul Wegener and ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ directed
by Robert Wiene, had a particularly large impact on the horror genre.

3. 1930’s
Horror was said to have been reborn in the 1930’s mainly due to the
improvements in sound technology greatly enhancing the cinema experience.
Sound can make or break a horror film therefore it was vital for production
companies to utilise the sound technology they had available. Sound can
help build suspense and tension and gives the audience a new threat within
the film.
Two of the most famous horror films were released in 1931, ‘Frankenstein’
and ‘Dracula’. They come about because of the new found love, from
audiences, for monsters or creatures in horror films.
Frankenstein was focused on an experiment gone bad, in which a terrifying
creature was formed from mixed body parts.

4. 1940-1950’s
The 1940’s saw the internalization of horror films. i.e. horror films being
produced and distributed in the same country.
. As hard as the Americans tried to not become like europe it was difficult to
separate themselves from their european roots who linked there recent released
to world war two.
From 1940 movies had a powerful envoy from the dark side. Now there were
more recognizably human faces attached to evil. Those who had fought of both
sides in WW2, the development of the atomic bomb and death camp and also
mad scientists who’s activities would have certainly been more unnerved than
Victor Frankenstein.
Many new movies in the 1950’s referenced the news at the current time. This
included using the themes of animals taking over the world who generated
chaos and disaster towards the human race. These included “Godzilla”, “The fly”
and early attempts of “King Kong”.

5. 1960-1970’s
Again horror movies in the 1960’s referenced news and developments of news
outside of the horror history. This included converting the conventions of
previous horror films and making females the villains.
Horror movies of the 1970’s reflect on the grim mood of the decade. After an
exciting year of the 1960’s with its sexual and cultural revolutions. The seventies
were somewhat less interesting. Although unlike the 1960’s the 1970’s bought
back the big budget films. They addressed respectable horror dealing with
societal issues and once again psychological fears. Children are the focus of
horror in the 1960’s.
In the 1970’s the enemy was within your own home. This was certain in several
films. including the famous “The Shining”, “The Omen” and “The Exorcist”“

6. 1980-1990’s
In the 1980’s horror movies developed due to the advancement in visual effects,
with gory, violent scenes becoming more popular with audiences worldwide.
The 1980’s also saw the introduction of the UK’s ‘Video Nasties’ act which saw
various horror movies banned in the UK. The hysteria caused by the video nasty
act had a much wider effect than just the UK and saw a number of movies
unnecessarily censored around the world.
The 1990’s opened up a whole new way of scaring an audience which was to
use psychological horror.
Some problems arose and moved the horror market backwards during the 90’s.
Firstly, the horror genre wore itself out with the proliferation of constant slash
and gore films in the eighties.
Furthermore the audience, which once couldn’t get enough of blood and
morbidity of the previous decade, grew up, and the replacement audience for
films of an imaginative nature were being captured instead by the expansion of
science-fiction and fantasy films, courtesy of special effects that came with
advances made in CGI.

7. 2000-2010’s
Whilst January 1st, 2000 came and went without much mishap, many
commentators have identified the true beginning of the 21st century as
September 11th, 2001. The events of that day changed global perceptions of
what is frightening, and set the cultural agenda for the following years.
Horror shows have become more prominent on television with shows such as
The Walking Dead and American Horror Story experiencing massive profits and
widespread viewership. Whilst many popular horror films have had successful
television series made.