This is the season for horror movies, but with so many options, should you watch “classic” horror movies from the past or new scary flicks? You can’t go wrong with either option, but I’ll do my best to assist you.
The purpose of the horror genre of storytelling is to frighten, shock, and excite its audience. Horror often features a villain or monster that reflects societal anxieties. This being is known as the “other”, a phrase used to describe someone who is feared because they are strange or unclear.
This is another reason why the horror subgenre has evolved so much over time. Horror evolves along with societal norms and anxieties. Let’s see the detailed explanation of classic and modern horror films in this article.
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Are old Horror Movies better?
What do “Halloween”, “Scream”, “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, and “The Shining” all have in common? They’re classic horror flicks that we always find ourselves viewing, especially at this time of year. These are the greatest sorts of horror movies, far superior to those made nowadays.
The modern horror genre can never measure up to the classics. The influence these films have had on the film business and Halloween culture is unparalleled. There hasn’t been a year since 1978 when there hasn’t been a Michael Myers mask in a Halloween store. The popularity of this picture, and many others like it, will always be important throughout October.
Take “The Shining” as an example. Even if you haven’t watched it, you’ve probably seen the part where Jack Nicholson sticks his head through the busted door and says, sinisterly, “Here’s Johnny!”
These films serve as a model for current horror films and television series. Stephen King’s “It” premiered in 1990, with a 2017 remake and 2019 sequel, following the story of Pennywise, a clown who emerges from the sewer every 27 years.
Almost every original hit horror film is followed by a sequel, which ultimately expands into a whole series. People’s attempts to rework and recast the film to modernize the plot will never succeed.
Nothing compares to the original casts of these films, especially since they were made in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The dress, screenplay, performers, and even film quality give them a ‘homey’ and welcoming sense that makes them so unique.
Even though I never saw these films when I was younger, they scream nostalgia to me. The nostalgia is not from my youth, but from a simpler time before cell phones. During that period, movies like these were the scariest people had ever seen. These films do not have to rely on the prevalent themes of gore and psychological fear found in contemporary cinema. They’re merely genuine thrillers that were so famous because they did something never done before.
The original pursuit sequences are far more “realistic” than the possessions and bizarre plotlines of today’s flicks. The recurring motif in true horror of strange, older guys following/stalking young ladies isn’t the most far-fetched notion, especially from the perspective of a female. Just watch “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to see what I mean.
I believe that the soundtracks of these films are among the greatest and most underappreciated aspects of them. Music in the backdrop of scenes may either make or destroy a film. The dramatic and legendary music of “Halloween” would not be the same without it. It would always begin playing at the appropriate periods to keep you on the edge of your seat, developing tension and anxiety. When picking which horror movie to watch on a frightening night, opt for the classics. You won’t regret it.
What defines Modern Horror?
Today’s unsettling horror films will always be better than those from the past. Consider the incredible production, intricate stories, and meticulous execution. This is the real terror. Although “The Shining” was an excellent movie for its period, it wouldn’t get great ratings if it were released now.
Simply said, it isn’t terrifying, and waiting for the action to kick up feels like it takes two hours. Because it was the greatest available in 1980, it is revered in today’s society. Watching “The Shining” is something you do for memories rather than fear.
If you’re in the mood for a scare, “Jigsaw” is the perfect movie to watch. This 2017 horror movie represents the pinnacle of twisted horror. Since 2004, the “Jigsaw” franchise has released several films, each one more terrifying than the last.
For those who are unaware, “Jigsaw” tells the story of a chaotic killer who imprisons strangers in a highly risky escape room. The victims awaken in a cramped gray room with a locking helmet on, and while they scramble to remove it, a saw begins to advance toward their heads. This scene is the movie’s hallmark twist. It is very unsettling.
The 2017 film “Get Out” is another excellent illustration of one of the genuine horror movies. This film truly is a gem. As viewers witness the horrifying events take place, it delves deeply into their mental condition. While “The Shining” only won two prizes, “Get Out” won 24.
These contemporary horror films feed nightmares. There are a lot of levels, and the production crew leverages their profound understanding of the psyche to haunt the viewer long beyond Halloween. The 2019 film “Us” is a prime illustration of a horrifying cinematic marvel.
The film starts with a kid at a fair, which seems regular enough, but the lighting, camera angles, and music give the spectator a spooky feeling. Us has a strange ending that leaves viewers with many questions. These particulars are just not as frightful since the production team during the “classic” era did not devote as much effort to them.
Modern movies’ use of special effects notably helps them claim the title of scariest horror. “The Conjuring” and “Paranormal Activity” are two excellent instances of recent supernatural films that outperform older ones. These movies’ editing makes everything seem authentic, and the more authentic it appears, the scarier it is.
Let’s look at some movie awards to see that I am not the only one who believes that more recent horror films are better: The 2017 version of “It” won eight accolades, as opposed to the 1990 version’s three. “Us” received a stunning 77 accolades, whereas “Scream” from 1996 only received 11. Both “The Conjuring” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” have 15, while none has 2. Including “Get Out” and “The Shining” in the totals changes the ratio to 124 to 18.
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That disparity in numbers alone demonstrates the superiority of more recent horror films. So, skip the classics and head right for contemporary films if you’re searching for a terrifying movie to see on October 31.
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