The horror genre has evolved significantly over the years, with several films shaping its direction and leaving a lasting impact on both the industry and popular culture. Here are five of the most influential horror movies of all time:

1. Psycho (1960) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Often credited as a game-changer in the genre, Psycho redefined horror by bringing psychological horror into mainstream cinema. The infamous shower scene, along with its intense score, and Norman Bates’ character, left a lasting impact on how fear was depicted onscreen. It also helped to lay the groundwork for the slasher subgenre.

2. The Exorcist (1973) – Directed by William Friedkin

A landmark in horror history, The Exorcist is considered one of the scariest films ever made. Its portrayal of demonic possession and exorcism, coupled with disturbing special effects, shocked audiences and paved the way for supernatural horror films. The film was also one of the first horror films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

3. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – Directed by George A. Romero

This independent film introduced the modern concept of the zombie to popular culture. Night of the Living Dead revolutionized horror with its raw portrayal of societal collapse and civil unrest, blending political commentary with grotesque horror. It’s the foundation for the zombie subgenre that remains hugely popular today.

4. Halloween (1978) – Directed by John Carpenter

John Carpenter’s Halloween solidified the slasher subgenre, inspiring a wave of imitators. The film’s low-budget success and its use of a masked, unstoppable killer set a formula that many slasher films followed. It also introduced Michael Myers, one of horror’s most iconic characters.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – Directed by Tobe Hooper

A gritty, terrifying experience, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked audiences with its visceral brutality and realistic atmosphere. It played a pivotal role in the rise of exploitation horror and inspired countless films that pushed boundaries in terms of gore, fear, and realism.

These films have left indelible marks on the genre, influencing countless directors and subgenres, and remain essential to the history of horror cinema.