5 of the best 1970s horror movies

As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast who’s spent countless sleepless nights huddled under blankets while watching these cinematic masterpieces, I must say that the 1970s was indeed a golden era for horror films. The genre took a terrifying turn for the better during this time, with fewer restrictions on violence and a surge of creativity that continues to influence modern horror movies.

2021 has seen a refreshing update in the horror movie genre, with several unexpectedly successful releases that have rekindled my appreciation for it. This year’s offerings, such as “The Substance”, “Longlegs”, and “Terrifier 3”, among others, have been impressive, and some even pay tribute to classic horror films of yesteryears.

1970s was a significant period in the evolution of horror, as it saw a loosening of restrictions on graphic violence. This shift propelled horror films into a new realm of excellence, with many of the decade’s offerings becoming some of the greatest films ever made and laying the groundwork for the modern horror genre. I’d like to delve into some of the top movies from that era and explore their impact on contemporary horror cinema.

The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist” is a film that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most terrifying ever made. It pioneered the genre of demonic possession and left a lasting impact on numerous subsequent films. There are several sequels and adaptations of “The Exorcist“, with an upcoming movie penned and directed by Mike Flanagan.

The story “The Exorcist” revolves around a young girl named Regan, who appears to have been taken over by a supernatural entity following her interaction with a Ouija board. Her mother initially takes her to various doctors due to suspected neurological issues, but soon comes to understand that the situation does not align with conventional medical explanations. In desperation, she turns to a priest for help, who subsequently performs an exorcism.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

The classic zombie horror film, “Dawn of the Dead,” was directed by George A. Romero, who previously brought us “Night of the Living Dead” (1968). Zombie films remain a perennial favorite, constantly evolving to keep us on edge. While there’s no scarcity of excellent zombie movies, “Dawn of the Dead” has left an indelible mark, inspiring numerous sequels and adaptations.

Dawn of the Dead adheres to the typical formula of zombie movies by depicting the undead rising. This contagion sweeps through the nation, affecting far too many for eradication. Characters Roger, Stephen, Fran, and Peter seize a helicopter in an attempt to flee the city. Remarkably, they find refuge in a shopping mall, where their days are spent evading the undead.

Alien (1979)

The Alien series, renowned as one of the largest horror franchises, keeps expanding. This very year saw the release of Alien: Romulus in cinemas, which turned out to be a massive hit, and there are rumors circulating about a follow-up production.

In the depths of space, the story unfolds around the team aboard the spaceship Nostromo. They’re roused from sleep by a mysterious signal, its meaning unknown to them. Eager to assist, they venture out, but soon tragedy strikes as one crew member gets contaminated with an alien offspring. The creature, now loose on their expansive vessel, begins systematically hunting and eliminating the crew members.

Jaws (1975)

Jaws is often overlooked as a terrifying horror film because it strays from conventional horror tropes. Yet, this movie sent shivers down the spines of countless viewers and instilled a deep-seated fear of the ocean. Steven Spielberg crafted an iconic cinematic experience that left its mark on history, spawning four additional films (though some prefer to disregard their existence).

The story Jaws revolves around Police Chief Martin Brody’s pursuit of a notorious great white shark responsible for a series of gruesome attacks. Despite his efforts to ensure the townsfolk’s safety, Mayor Larry Vaughn remains reluctant to shut down the beach during the summer peak season, which attracts numerous tourists.

Carrie (1976)

Originally, the film “Carrie” was derived from a book written by Stephen King and published in 1974. This movie garnered considerable success during its initial release and is often acclaimed as the finest adaptation of a Stephen King novel to the big screen. However, the remake released in 2013 failed to captivate audiences, falling short compared to the original’s appeal. Now, “Carrie” is set to return in a television series, with Mike Flanagan overseeing its production.

At her high school, Carrie White is often ostracized and endures regular torment from her peers, along with harsh words from her mother. Yet, one of her classmates feels sympathy for her and persuades her boyfriend to invite Carrie to the prom. Unfortunately, the popular girls are punished for their mistreatment of Carrie and are barred from attending the dance. Seeking retribution against Carrie, these girls devise a scheme to embarrass her at the prom, unaware that she possesses psychokinetic abilities.

Other popular movies from the 1970s:

The Omen (1976)
The Wicker Man (1973)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Halloween (1978)
Suspiria (1977)
House (1977)
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Eraserhead (1977)
Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

2024-11-16 21:25