Best Horror Films of the 1970s
- HaHa Horrors
- May 12
- 14 min read
The 1970s redefined horror — transforming it from spooky fun into something raw, unsettling, and deeply artistic. This was the decade that shattered taboos, pushed boundaries, and turned horror into a serious cinematic force. Whether through grindhouse grit or polished terror, the '70s delivered nightmares that felt uncomfortably real and permanently influential.
Horror by Year: Explore the 1970s
Horror Trends That Defined the 1970s
Gritty realism and true crime influence (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Deranged)
Occult and religious horror explosions (The Exorcist, The Omen)
The rise of the auteur horror director
Folk horror and rural dread (The Wicker Man, Let's Scare Jessica to Death)
Psychological and surreal horror (Don’t Look Now, Eraserhead)
The birth of the modern blockbuster with Jaws
10 Essential Horror Films from the 1970s
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist (1973) plunges viewers into a terrifying ordeal when young Regan MacNeil, the daughter of actress Chris MacNeil, begins to exhibit increasingly disturbing and violent behavior. Doctors are baffled by her condition, leading a desperate Chris to seek help from Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist wrestling with his own faith. As Regan's possession intensifies, displaying unnatural strength, speaking in guttural voices, and exhibiting repulsive acts, Karras becomes convinced that a demonic entity is at work.
Reluctantly, the Catholic Church grants permission for an exorcism, assigning the experienced Father Lankester Merrin to lead the ritual, with Karras assisting. In a grueling battle of wills, the two priests confront the powerful demon Pazuzu within Regan's possessed body. The demon unleashes psychological and physical torment, exploiting the priests' vulnerabilities. Ultimately, in a selfless act of sacrifice, Father Karras provokes the demon to possess him instead of Regan, and then throws himself out of a window to his death, freeing the young girl from the evil entity.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) throws a group of young friends into a nightmare when they venture into rural Texas. En route to visit an old homestead, they encounter a disturbing hitchhiker who hints at gruesome happenings in the area. After dropping him off, they become stranded near a dilapidated farmhouse while searching for gas. This seemingly isolated place is the lair of a cannibalistic family, including the hulking, chainsaw-wielding Leatherface.
One by one, the friends fall victim to the family's brutal attacks, their idyllic road trip devolving into a desperate fight for survival. Sally Hardesty becomes the central focus as she endures relentless pursuit and horrifying encounters with Leatherface and his deranged relatives. The film culminates in a chaotic and terrifying chase as Sally narrowly escapes the clutches of the family, the chilling roar of Leatherface's chainsaw fading into the desolate Texas landscape, leaving her traumatized and the audience deeply disturbed.
Jaws (1975)
Jaws (1975) unleashes terror on the peaceful summer resort town of Amity Island when a massive great white shark begins a series of deadly attacks on swimmers. Police Chief Martin Brody, a recent transplant from New York City, wants to close the beaches to ensure public safety, but he is met with fierce resistance from Mayor Larry Vaughn, who fears economic ruin during the lucrative tourist season. As the body count rises, Brody enlists the help of grizzled professional shark hunter Quint and young, enthusiastic oceanographer Matt Hooper.
The unlikely trio embarks on a perilous sea voyage aboard Quint's boat, the Orca, to hunt down the monstrous predator. Their initial attempts to capture the shark fail, highlighting its immense size and cunning. In a climactic and harrowing confrontation, the Orca is damaged, and Quint is tragically killed. Brody and Hooper are left to face the relentless shark alone. Ultimately, Brody manages to destroy the creature by shooting a pressurized scuba tank lodged in its mouth, saving Amity Island but forever changing its perception of the seemingly tranquil ocean.
Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978) establishes a chilling atmosphere in the seemingly safe suburban town of Haddonfield, Illinois. Fifteen years after brutally murdering his sister on Halloween night, Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown. Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael's former psychiatrist who understands the pure evil within him, desperately tries to warn the town, but his pleas largely go unheeded. As Halloween night falls, Michael stalks and terrorizes a group of unsuspecting teenagers, particularly Laurie Strode, a babysitter who senses an ominous presence.
Unbeknownst to Laurie and her friends, Michael methodically hunts them, his silent and relentless pursuit creating a palpable sense of dread. He dispatches Laurie's friends in increasingly violent ways, leaving her to confront the embodiment of pure evil alone. Despite her bravery and resourcefulness, Michael proves to be a seemingly unstoppable force. The film culminates in a terrifying showdown where Laurie, with the unexpected intervention of Dr. Loomis, manages to temporarily subdue Michael, though his ultimate fate remains ambiguous, leaving a lingering sense of unease and the implication that evil cannot be truly contained.
Suspiria (1977)
Suspiria (1977) plunges American ballet student Suzy Bannion into a nightmarish world upon her arrival at the prestigious Tanz Dance Akademie in Germany. Strange occurrences plague the school from the outset: a former student is brutally murdered, unsettling whispers echo through the halls, and Suzy feels increasingly ill and disoriented. The academy's staff, led by the stern Madame Blanc and the enigmatic Miss Tanner, appears evasive and secretive, fostering an atmosphere of growing unease and paranoia.
As Suzy delves deeper into the academy's mysteries, she uncovers a terrifying secret hidden beneath its elegant facade. With the help of another student, Sara, she discovers that the Tanz Dance Akademie is a front for a coven of powerful witches, with Madame Blanc being their malevolent leader. The bizarre rituals, unexplained deaths, and oppressive atmosphere are all part of their dark practices. In a surreal and violent climax, Suzy confronts the head witch, ultimately destroying her and breaking the coven's hold over the academy, though not without enduring a descent into pure, visceral horror.
The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man (1973) follows devoutly Christian Police Sergeant Neil Howie as he travels to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan Morrison. Lord Summerisle, the charismatic leader of the island community, and the islanders themselves, profess ignorance of Rowan's whereabouts. However, Howie quickly discovers a pagan society with customs and beliefs starkly contrasting his own, including open sexuality and rituals centered around nature and fertility.
As Howie persists in his investigation, he uncovers a web of lies and strange occurrences, realizing that the islanders are deliberately concealing something from him. He learns that Rowan is not dead but has been chosen as a human sacrifice for their upcoming harvest festival, intended to appease their gods and ensure a bountiful yield. In a shocking and horrifying climax, Howie is revealed to be the intended sacrifice himself, lured to the island under false pretenses. He is trapped inside a giant wicker man effigy and burned alive as the islanders sing and celebrate their gruesome ritual, his pleas and faith offering no salvation against their unwavering pagan devotion.
Alien (1979)
Alien (1979) throws the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo into a terrifying fight for survival in the cold vacuum of space. While returning to Earth, the ship intercepts a mysterious signal from a desolate planet. Upon investigation, a landing party discovers a derelict alien spacecraft filled with strange, leathery eggs. One of the eggs hatches, and a parasitic creature attaches itself to the face of an officer, Kane, rendering him unconscious.
Back on board, the facehugger detaches, seemingly harmless, but soon after, a monstrous alien creature bursts from Kane's chest, killing him. The rapidly growing and relentlessly hostile Xenomorph begins to stalk and systematically eliminate the crew members within the confines of the ship. Ripley, the warrant officer, emerges as the determined protagonist, using her intelligence and courage to evade and eventually confront the seemingly indestructible creature. In a desperate final act, she manages to lure the alien into an airlock and eject it into space, becoming the sole survivor of the Nostromo's horrific encounter.
Don’t Look Now (1973)
Don't Look Now (1973) weaves a deeply unsettling and atmospheric tale of grief and the fragility of perception. Following the tragic drowning death of their young daughter in Venice, John and Laura Baxter remain in the city while John works to restore an old church. Both are grappling with their loss in different ways when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is a blind psychic who claims to have seen their daughter and relays messages from beyond the grave.
Initially skeptical, John becomes increasingly disturbed by a series of strange occurrences and unsettling premonitions, including fleeting glimpses of a figure resembling his daughter in a red coat. Laura, on the other hand, finds solace in the sisters' pronouncements. As John becomes more fixated on these visions and his attempts to rationalize them, he descends into a labyrinth of psychological unease. The film culminates in a shocking and tragic twist as John, pursuing the figure in the red coat he believes to be his daughter, is confronted with a horrifying reality that underscores the deceptive nature of appearances and the devastating power of grief.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Dawn of the Dead (1978) plunges a small group of survivors into a brutal and chaotic post-apocalyptic world overrun by flesh-eating zombies. Following a rapid and inexplicable societal collapse, television executive Fran Parker, her boyfriend Stephen Andrews, and two SWAT team members, Roger and Peter, escape the escalating chaos in a stolen helicopter. They seek refuge in a seemingly secure shopping mall outside the city, a consumerist paradise now ironically serving as a fortress against the undead hordes.
Initially, the mall offers a sanctuary and an abundance of supplies, allowing the group to establish a semblance of normalcy. However, their fragile peace is shattered by the increasing number of zombies drawn to the mall's activity, as well as the arrival of a violent biker gang intent on looting. The survivors are forced to defend their haven in increasingly bloody and desperate confrontations, highlighting the primal struggle for survival and the breakdown of social order. The film ends with a precarious and uncertain future, as a pregnant Fran and Peter fly off in the helicopter, leaving behind the overrun mall and the stark reality of a world consumed by the living dead.
Carrie (1976)
Carrie (1976) tells the tragic and terrifying story of Carrie White, a shy and socially isolated teenage girl living with her fanatically religious and abusive mother in a small Maine town. Carrie endures constant bullying and humiliation from her classmates, who mock her naivety and awkwardness. Unbeknownst to them, Carrie possesses powerful telekinetic abilities that manifest during moments of intense emotional distress.
When Carrie is unexpectedly invited to the senior prom by a kind classmate, Tommy Ross, she sees it as a chance for acceptance and a normal teenage experience. However, her cruel tormentors orchestrate a final, devastating prank, drenching her in pig's blood on stage. This ultimate act of humiliation unleashes Carrie's full telekinetic fury. In a horrifying and cathartic rampage, she uses her powers to exact brutal revenge on her tormentors and the school, causing widespread destruction and death. The film culminates in a tragic and iconic final scene, solidifying Carrie's status as a sympathetic yet terrifying figure.
Hidden Gems You Might’ve Missed
Martin (1977)
Martin (1977) presents a unique and unsettling take on the vampire mythos. The film centers on Martin Matthias, a young and troubled man who believes himself to be an 84-year-old vampire. He is sent to live with his elderly and religious cousin, Tata Cuda, in a small, isolated Pennsylvania town, who reinforces his delusion and attempts to ward him off with garlic and crucifixes.
Unlike traditional vampires, Martin doesn't possess supernatural powers. Instead, he sedates his victims with tranquilizers and then drinks their blood, often using a razor blade. He views his actions as a compulsion and struggles with the reality of his existence, blurring the lines between fantasy and a grim, violent reality. As Martin continues his predatory behavior, the film explores themes of isolation, delusion, and the societal fear of the "other," leaving the audience to question whether Martin is truly a supernatural creature or simply a deeply disturbed young man acting out a dark fantasy.
The Brood (1979)
The Brood (1979) delves into the disturbing intersection of psychological trauma and physical manifestation. Frank Carveth becomes increasingly concerned about his estranged wife, Nola, who is undergoing an experimental and unconventional form of psychotherapy called "psychoplasmics" at the Somafree Institute. Under the care of the enigmatic Dr. Hal Raglan, Nola's repressed rage and emotional turmoil begin to physically manifest as small, deformed children who violently attack those she harbors resentment towards.
As the body count rises and the bizarre nature of the killings becomes apparent, Frank investigates Somafree and the unsettling methods employed by Dr. Raglan. He discovers the horrifying truth: Nola is literally giving birth to these "children of rage," who act as extensions of her subconscious fury. The film escalates into a terrifying and visceral confrontation as Frank tries to protect his young daughter, Candice, from Nola and her monstrous offspring, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable display of the destructive power of unchecked emotional trauma
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971) follows Jessica, a fragile woman recently released from a mental institution, as she moves with her husband, Duncan, and their friend, Woody, to a secluded, dilapidated farmhouse in rural Connecticut. Hoping for a fresh start and a return to normalcy, Jessica finds her anxieties resurfacing as strange occurrences begin to plague their new home. She experiences unsettling visions, hears mysterious whispers, and feels an increasingly pervasive sense of unease, blurring the lines between reality and her fragile mental state.
Adding to the tension is the enigmatic presence of a strange, silent squatter named Emily, who seems to have an unsettling influence on Jessica and the others. As Jessica's grip on reality weakens, she becomes convinced that something sinister is lurking in the surrounding woods and that she is being targeted by a supernatural force, possibly linked to a local legend of a vampire who drowned in the nearby lake. The film masterfully creates a pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and ambiguity, leaving the audience to question whether Jessica's fears are a manifestation of her lingering psychological trauma or if there is indeed a genuine, terrifying threat surrounding her.
Deathdream (1974)
Deathdream (1974), also known as Dead of Night, offers a chilling and unconventional take on the returning soldier narrative blended with horror elements. Andy Brooks, a young man presumed dead in the Vietnam War, mysteriously returns home to his family in a small Florida town. Initially overjoyed, his parents, Charles and Christine, soon notice a disturbing change in their son. Andy is withdrawn, unresponsive, and exhibits increasingly erratic and violent behavior.
As a series of gruesome murders begins to plague the town, Christine becomes convinced that Andy's return is connected to these horrific events. Andy's physical condition deteriorates, and he displays an insatiable thirst, hinting at a vampiric or undead nature. The film explores the themes of grief, denial, and the psychological toll of war, suggesting that Andy's trauma has manifested in a monstrous way. The once-beloved son becomes a terrifying figure, forcing his family to confront the horrifying reality of his transformation and the deadly consequences for their community.
The Sentinel (1977)
The Sentinel (1977) follows Alison Parker, a fashion model who moves into a creepy and isolated top-floor apartment in a historic Brooklyn brownstone after a traumatic experience. Her attempts to rebuild her life are quickly undermined by unsettling occurrences and the bizarre behavior of her eccentric neighbors. Strange noises, shadowy figures, and a pervasive sense of dread begin to erode her sanity and make her question her surroundings.
As Alison investigates the building's history and the unusual tenants, she uncovers a terrifying secret. The apartment building serves as a gateway to hell, and the seemingly harmless blind priest who lives on the top floor is actually the sentinel, tasked with preventing demonic forces from crossing over into the human world. Alison's arrival and her fragile emotional state make her the intended successor to this gruesome duty. The film culminates in a nightmarish descent into a literal vision of hell, where Alison confronts the building's true nature and her horrifying destiny.
Influential Directors & Creators
Wes Craven
Wesley Earl Craven (1939-2015) was an influential American filmmaker renowned for his significant contributions to the horror genre. Raised in a strict religious household, Craven initially pursued academia, earning degrees in English and philosophy before transitioning to film. His career began in the early 1970s with controversial but impactful films like The Last House on the Left and The Hills Have Eyes, establishing his penchant for exploring societal anxieties through visceral horror. Craven achieved mainstream success and redefined the slasher genre with A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984), introducing the iconic Freddy Krueger. He continued to innovate with the self-aware horror of the Screamfranchise in the 1990s, solidifying his legacy as a master of suspense and a keen observer of cultural fears.
George A. Romero
George Andrew Romero (1940-2017) was a groundbreaking American-Canadian filmmaker who single-handedly revolutionized the horror genre with his seminal work in zombie films. Beginning with the low-budget but immensely influential Night of the Living Dead (1968), Romero established the modern concept of the zombie as a flesh-eating ghoul, a trope that continues to dominate popular culture. His subsequent "Dead" films, including Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Day of the Dead (1985), not only delivered visceral horror but also incorporated sharp social commentary on consumerism and militarism. Beyond the zombie genre, Romero directed other notable horror films like Martin and Creepshow, solidifying his legacy as the "Godfather of the Dead" and a master of using horror as a lens for societal critique.
Dario Argento
Dario Argento (born 1940) is an Italian filmmaker celebrated as a master of the horror and giallo genres. Beginning his career as a screenwriter, including Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West, Argento transitioned to directing with The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970), a film that helped define the giallo style – a blend of mystery, thriller, and horror characterized by stylish visuals, suspenseful plots, and often brutal violence. He gained international recognition with films like Deep Red (1975) and the visually stunning and atmospheric Suspiria (1977), known for its vivid colors and unsettling scores by Goblin. Argento continued to create influential horror films throughout the decades, including Tenebrae (1982) and Opera (1987), solidifying his reputation for highly stylized and often surreal horror that has inspired countless filmmakers.
Tobe Hooper
Willard Tobe Hooper (1943-2017) was an impactful American film director recognized for his visceral contributions to the horror genre. He burst onto the scene with the groundbreaking and disturbing The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), a low-budget masterpiece that redefined horror for a generation. Hooper showcased his range by helming the commercially successful and critically acclaimed supernatural thriller Poltergeist (1982). Throughout his career, he explored diverse horror themes, from the creature feature Eaten Alive to the science fiction horror of Lifeforce, yet it was his early, gritty work that cemented his reputation as a bold and influential voice in horror filmmaking.
David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg (born 1943) is a highly influential Canadian filmmaker renowned for his unique and often disturbing exploration of body horror, technology, and psychological themes. Beginning with low-budget experimental films like Shivers (1975) and Rabid (1977), Cronenberg quickly established his signature style, characterized by visceral imagery, intellectual depth, and a fascination with the grotesque transformation of the human form. He gained international acclaim with films such as The Brood (1979), Scanners (1981), and Videodrome (1983), which delved into anxieties surrounding disease, genetic manipulation, and the impact of media on reality. Cronenberg continued to push boundaries with later works like The Fly (1986), Dead Ringers (1988), and Crash (1996), solidifying his reputation as a visionary and provocative director whose films often blur the lines between the physical and psychological, leaving a lasting impact on the horror and science fiction genres.
John Carpenter
John Carpenter (born 1948) is a highly influential American filmmaker celebrated for his distinctive contributions to the horror, science fiction, and action genres. Beginning his career with the low-budget but impactful Dark Star (1974), Carpenter quickly established his signature style, characterized by minimalist cinematography, atmospheric synth scores (often composed by himself), and a knack for building suspense. He achieved mainstream recognition with the classic slasher film Halloween (1978), which became a cultural phenomenon and set the template for countless horror movies. Carpenter continued to create iconic and enduring films like the claustrophobic science fiction horror of The Thing (1982), the dystopian action of Escape from New York (1981), and the supernatural thriller They Live (1988), solidifying his reputation as a master of genre filmmaking with a unique visual and sonic aesthetic.
Legacy of 1970s Horror
The 1970s didn’t just entertain — it challenged. It forced audiences to confront social collapse, psychological trauma, and existential dread. The genre came of age in this decade, setting the stage for the slasher craze, creature features, and body horror revolutions of the '80s. If the '70s made horror dangerous, the '80s made it iconic. Next up: gore, VHS, and genre-defining legends.