The 1970s were the golden age for horror movies, producing some of the most influential and genre-shaping films in horror. Here’s a look at the top 10 horror movies of that decade, each a masterpiece that has left a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.
10. Black Christmas (1974)
Bob Clark’s “Black Christmas” is a pioneer in the slasher film genre, laying the groundwork for many of the horror tropes that fans have come to love today. Set in a sorority house during the holiday season, the film’s eerie atmosphere, chilling phone calls, and unseen, omnipresent killer create a sense of dread that is both palpable and enduring. The film’s influence can be seen in countless slasher films that have gone on to claim popularity in the slasher genre.
9. Carrie (1976)
Brian De Palma’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, “Carrie,” is a poignant and terrifying tale of a bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers. Sissy Spacek’s portrayal of Carrie White is both sympathetic and chilling, and the film’s climactic prom scene is one of the most memorable in horror cinema.
8. The omen (1976)
Richard Donner’s “The Omen” explores the terrifying notion of the Antichrist incarnate in the form of a young boy. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick deliver compelling performances as parents grappling with the realisation that their child may be pure evil. Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-winning score and the film’s ominous atmosphere contribute to its chilling impact.
7. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s “Alien” blends sci-fi with horror to create a claustrophobic, terrifying masterpiece. The story of the Nostromo crew’s encounter with a deadly extraterrestrial life form is driven by strong performances, particularly by Sigourney Weaver as the iconic Ellen Ripley and H.R. Giger’s nightmarish creature design.
6. Suspiria (1977)
Dario Argento’s “Suspiria” is a visually stunning and sonically haunting film that has become a cornerstone of Italian horror. The story of an American ballet student who uncovers a coven of witches at a prestigious dance academy is brought to life with bold colours, elaborate set designs, and a jarring score by Goblin, creating a dreamlike, almost hallucinatory experience.
5. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
George A. Remero’s “Dawn of the Dead” is a seminal work in the zombie subgenre. Set in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse, the film combines social commentary with intense horror and gore. Its innovative special effects, done by the great Tom Savini, and thoughtful exploration of consumerism have made it a lasting influence on both horror films and pop culture.
4. Jaws (1975)
While often remembered as a blockbuster adventure, Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” is, at its heart, a horror film. The tale of a great white shark terrorising a small beach town is masterfully suspensful, thanks to Spielberg’s expert direction and John Williams’ iconic score. The film’s ability to instill a primal fear of the water remains unmatched.
3. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s “Halloween” introduced the world to Michael Myers, one of the most terrifying and iconic villains in cinematic history. With Jamie Lee Curtis in her breakout role as Laurie Strode, the film’s suspenseful direction, minimalist score, and innovative use of point-of-view shots have made it a template for the slasher genre, laying the road for some of our favourite horror films today.
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is a relentless, nightmarish journey into terror. The film’s gritty, documentary-style realism, combined with its shocking violence and unsettling atmosphere, makes it, for pure horrors sake, one of, if not the greatest horror movie ever made, terrifying generations of viewers to this day.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin, “The Exorcist” is perhaps the most iconic horror film of all time. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, the film’s tale of demonic possession and the desperate efforts of a mother and two priests to save a young girl remains deeply unsettling. Its groundbreaking special effects, chilling sound design, and powerful performances, particularly by Linda Blair and Max Von Sydow, have cemented its status as a genre-defining classic.
Conclusion
The 1970s were a transformative decade for horror, pushing boundaries and exploring new thematic and stylistic territory. These films not only terrified audiences but also laid the groundwork for the genre’s future, influencing countless filmmakers and continuing to inspire fear and fascination today.
