The Texas Chain Saw Massacre among 5 notable horror movies turning 50 this year

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre among 5 notable horror movies turning 50 this year

As a seasoned gamer with a heart for horror and an appreciation for cinematic history, I must say that delving into the horrors of 1974 has been quite the chilling journey! It’s fascinating to see how these films have not only stood the test of time but also influenced generations of filmmakers.


1974 marked a crucial year in the evolution of the horror genre, as it saw the debut of groundbreaking slasher movies such as Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and Bob Clark’s “Black Christmas”. These films laid important foundations for future generations of horror movies, leaving an indelible impact on classics like “Halloween”, “The Hills Have Eyes”, “Evil Dead”, and others.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” in 2024, we’ll be examining other horror films released that same year which will also reach their golden milestone in five years.

1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Often hailed as one of the greatest and most impactful slasher films ever made, Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” paved the way for numerous horror movies that followed, setting a foundation for over four decades. This movie introduced us to an exceptional (yet underappreciated) final girl named Sally Hardesty, portrayed by Marilyn Burns. Additionally, it brought the iconic character Leatherface into the horror genre’s vocabulary.

2. Black Christmas

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but mention the impactful role Director Bob Clark played in shaping Canadian cinema with his iconic films. Sometimes overshadowed, yet deserving of recognition, “Black Christmas” stands out as one of the earliest examples of the slasher genre, even predating John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” Luckily, this film has grown a dedicated fanbase over time and has been reimagined not once but twice, in 2006 and more recently in 2019.

Revisiting Black Christmas from a modern perspective in 2024, it’s striking to observe how forward-thinking the film was for its time. The central character, Jess (played by Olivia Hussey), is portrayed as contemplating an abortion and discussing it openly within the movie – a topic that was uncommon and daring during its release.

3. It’s Alive

Among director Larry Cohen’s most impactful films, the movie titled “It’s Alive” stands out as one of the earliest examples in the genre of “evil children,” appearing even before movies like “The Omen” and “Children of the Corn.”

The 1974 movie gave birth to several sequels, such as “It Lives Again” and “It’s Alive 3”. In 2008, a German director named Josef Rusnak re-created the film, but it was met with negative reviews. Although “It’s Alive” may not rank among horror movie greats, it is known for one of the most terrifying child characters in horror films.

4. Phase IV

Back in the year ’74, when I was just a kid with a controller in hand, horror flicks like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and “Black Christmas” sent chills down my spine. Yet, some movies from that era didn’t lose their charm over time; they even grew more popular thanks to their devoted fanbases. One such movie, “Phase IV”, a sci-fi twist on the giant invading ants tale, was among them. It managed to capture the hearts of many, largely due to its appearance on “Mystery Science Theater 3000”.

5. Vampyres

As a young bisexual woman growing up in a small town where acceptance was scarce, I found solace and representation in a rather unusual place – a British horror film about lesbian vampire lovers. Over the years, this movie has faced its share of criticism for its portrayal of female sexuality, but to me, it was more than just a film; it was a beacon of acceptance and understanding during a time when I felt lost and misunderstood. It’s no surprise that this movie has cultivated a dedicated cult following since its release, as it continues to resonate with those who find themselves on the fringes of society. For me, it will always hold a special place in my heart as a formative film that helped shape my identity and gave me hope for a more inclusive world.

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2024-08-01 00:25

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