WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time: A comprehensive guide to the best horror movies ever made (epub, mobi, pdf, fb2 download)
WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time
If you are a fan of horror movies, you might have heard of WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time. This is a book that compiles and ranks the 75 horror films that have shaped and defined the genre over the decades. The book is written by Caitlin Marceau, a horror writer and editor who has worked with WatchMojo for several years. In this article, we will give you a sneak peek into the book and tell you why you should read it.
WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time download epub mobi pdf fb2
What is WatchMojo and how did they rank the horror films?
WatchMojo is a media company that produces online video content on various topics, such as entertainment, pop culture, sports, music, gaming, and more. They are best known for their top 10 lists that cover everything from the best movies and TV shows to the worst fashion trends and celebrity scandals. WatchMojo has over 23 million subscribers on YouTube and over 40 billion views on their videos.
One of their most popular categories is horror, where they have created hundreds of videos on different aspects of the genre. They have ranked the best horror movies by year, by decade, by subgenre, by country, by franchise, by villain, by scene, by twist, and more. They have also explored the history, evolution, influence, and impact of horror films on culture and society.
WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time is a culmination of their expertise and passion for horror. The book is based on their video series of the same name, which was released in October 2019 to celebrate Halloween. The book expands on the video series by providing more details, insights, trivia, and analysis on each film. The book also includes some exclusive content that was not featured in the video series.
How did WatchMojo rank the horror films? According to the book's introduction, they used a combination of factors, such as critical acclaim, box office success, cultural impact, legacy, innovation, and influence on other films and filmmakers. They also considered the opinions and feedback of their viewers, who voted and commented on their videos. They acknowledge that ranking horror films is a subjective and controversial task, and that their list is not definitive or final. They invite readers to share their own opinions and preferences, and to enjoy the book as a celebration of horror.
The top 10 most influential horror films according to WatchMojo
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top 10 most influential horror films according to WatchMojo. These are the films that have left an indelible mark on the genre and have inspired countless other films and filmmakers. Here is a brief summary of each film, with its release date, director, genre, plot, and impact.
The Exorcist (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist is widely regarded as one of the scariest and most influential horror films of all time. Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, the film tells the story of a young girl named Regan who is possessed by a demonic entity, and the two priests who try to exorcise her. The film features iconic scenes of Regan's disturbing behavior, such as levitating, spinning her head, vomiting green slime, and speaking in different languages. The film also explores themes of faith, doubt, evil, and redemption.
The Exorcist was a huge commercial and critical success, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and becoming the highest-grossing horror film of its time. It also sparked a wave of interest in demonic possession and exorcism in popular culture, as well as controversy and backlash from religious groups and censors. The film spawned several sequels and prequels, as well as a TV series. The film also influenced many other horror films that deal with possession, such as The Omen, The Conjuring, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and Hereditary.
Psycho (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is considered one of the masterpieces of horror and cinema in general. Based on the novel by Robert Bloch, the film follows Marion Crane, a secretary who steals money from her employer and flees to a secluded motel run by Norman Bates, a shy and awkward young man who has a strange relationship with his mother. The film features one of the most famous scenes in film history: the shower scene, where Marion is stabbed to death by a mysterious figure. The film also has one of the most shocking twists in film history: Norman's mother is actually dead and he is the killer who dresses up as her.
Psycho was a groundbreaking film that challenged the conventions and expectations of horror and storytelling. It was one of the first films to show graphic violence and sexuality on screen, as well as to kill off its main character halfway through the story. It also introduced the concept of the slasher genre: a masked or hidden killer who stalks and kills unsuspecting victims with a knife or other weapon. The film influenced many other horror films that followed the slasher formula, such as Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, and Saw.
The Shining (1980)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is based on the novel by Stephen King, although it deviates significantly from the source material. The film follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes a job as the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel during the winter. He moves in with his wife Wendy and his son Danny, who has psychic abilities that allow him to see visions of the hotel's past and future. As Jack becomes increasingly isolated and influenced by the hotel's evil forces, he descends into madness and tries to kill his family.
The Shining is a masterpiece of psychological horror that creates an atmosphere of dread and suspense through its cinematography, music, editing, and performances. The film features many memorable scenes and images that have become part of horror culture, such as Jack's maniacal grin through the door he has axed open ("Here's Johnny!"), Danny riding his tricycle through the hotel corridors ("Redrum"), Jack typing "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" over and over again ("All work..."), and the twins in the hallway ("Come play with us"). The film also inspired many theories and interpretations about its meaning and symbolism.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Halloween (1978)
Directed by John Carpenter, Halloween is one of the most influential and successful slasher films of all time. The film follows Laurie Strode, a teenage girl who is stalked and attacked by Michael Myers, a masked killer who escaped from a mental institution and returned to his hometown on Halloween night. The film features Jamie Lee Curtis in her debut role as the iconic final girl, and Donald Pleasence as Dr. Loomis, Michael's psychiatrist who tries to stop him. The film also introduces the theme music composed by Carpenter himself, which has become synonymous with horror.
Halloween was a low-budget film that became a huge hit at the box office and with critics. It established many of the tropes and conventions of the slasher genre, such as the masked and unstoppable killer, the final girl who survives by fighting back, the use of POV shots and jump scares, and the moral code that punishes promiscuous and irresponsible teens. The film spawned a long-running franchise with 11 sequels and reboots, as well as many imitators and homages.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Directed by Tobe Hooper, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the most controversial and influential horror films of all time. The film follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibalistic killers in rural Texas, led by Leatherface, a hulking man who wears a mask made of human skin and wields a chainsaw. The film features graphic scenes of violence and gore, as well as a gritty and realistic style that makes it feel like a documentary.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was banned or censored in many countries for its extreme content. It also faced criticism from animal rights groups for using real animal corpses and blood in some scenes. However, the film also received praise from critics and audiences for its originality, creativity, and social commentary. The film influenced many other horror films that deal with cannibalism, torture, and rural horror, such as The Hills Have Eyes, Hostel, Wrong Turn, and The Devil's Rejects.
Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is one of the most popular and influential horror films of all time. Based on the novel by Peter Benchley, the film follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter who team up to stop a giant great white shark that is terrorizing a seaside town. The film features iconic scenes of the shark attacking people on the beach, on a boat, and in the water, as well as memorable lines such as "You're gonna need a bigger boat" and "Smile, you son of a bitch". The film also has one of the most recognizable theme music composed by John Williams.
Jaws was a blockbuster hit that broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of its time. It also received critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards. It is widely credited as the first summer blockbuster and the template for Hollywood's high-concept filmmaking. The film also sparked a public fear of sharks and a fascination with marine life. The film spawned three sequels and numerous parodies and references.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Directed by Jonathan Demme, The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most acclaimed and influential horror films of all time. Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the film follows Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who enlists the help of Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but cannibalistic serial killer who is imprisoned in a maximum-security asylum. She hopes to gain his insight into another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, who skins his female victims. The film features outstanding performances by Jodie Foster as Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Lecter, as well as chilling scenes of their psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Alien (1979)
Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien is one of the most influential and successful sci-fi horror films of all time. The film follows the crew of the Nostromo, a spaceship that responds to a distress signal from a remote planet. There, they encounter a hostile alien creature that infiltrates their ship and hunts them down one by one. The film features Sigourney Weaver in her breakout role as Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor and heroine of the film. The film also features the iconic design of the alien by H.R. Giger, a biomechanical nightmare that has become a symbol of horror.
Alien was a huge hit at the box office and with critics. It was praised for its suspenseful and claustrophobic atmosphere, its innovative and realistic special effects, its strong and diverse characters, and its feminist and subversive themes. The film spawned a franchise with five sequels and two prequels, as well as many comics, novels, video games, and merchandise. The film also influenced many other sci-fi horror films that deal with extraterrestrial threats, such as The Thing, Predator, The Fly, Event Horizon, and Cloverfield.
The Thing (1982)
Directed by John Carpenter, The Thing is a remake of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World, which was based on the novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr. The film follows a group of American researchers in Antarctica who encounter a shape-shifting alien organism that can assimilate and imitate any living being. The film features Kurt Russell as MacReady, the leader of the group who tries to find and destroy the alien. The film also features amazing practical effects by Rob Bottin and Stan Winston, who created grotesque and horrifying creatures that defy logic and anatomy.
The Thing was initially a flop at the box office and with critics, who criticized its excessive gore and nihilistic tone. However, over time, the film gained a cult following and recognition as one of the best horror films ever made. It was praised for its paranoid and tense atmosphere, its complex and ambiguous characters, its stunning and creative effects, and its bleak and open-ended conclusion. The film influenced many other horror films that deal with body horror, isolation, and distrust, such as The Fly, The Blob, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Faculty, and The Mist.
The other 65 influential horror films in the book
Of course, WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time does not only cover the top 10 films. It also covers 65 other films that have made an impact on the genre in different ways. Here is a table with the titles and release dates of the remaining films in the book, grouped by decades:
Decade Titles --- --- 1920s Nosferatu (1922), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), The Phantom of the Opera (1925) 1930s Frankenstein (1931), Dracula (1931), King Kong (1933), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Freaks (1932) 1940s Cat People (1942), I Walked with a Zombie (1943), The Wolf Man (1941) 1950s Godzilla (1954), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Blob (1958), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) 1960s Rosemary's Baby (1968), Peeping Tom (1960), Eyes Without a Face (1960), Carnival of Souls (1962) 1970s Carrie (1976), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Suspiria (1977), The Omen (1976), The Wicker Man (1973), Eraserhead (1977) 1980s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Poltergeist (1982), Evil Dead II (1987), An American Werewolf in London (1981), Hellraiser (1987), Re-Animator (1985), Videodrome (1983) 1990s Scream (1996), The Blair Witch Project (1999), Ringu (1998), Candyman (1992), Audition (1999) 2000s Saw (2004), The Ring (2002), 28 Days Later (2002), The Sixth Sense (1999), The Others (2001), The Descent (2005), Paranormal Activity (2007), Let the Right One In (2008) 2010s Get Out (2017), The Conjuring (2013), It Follows (2014), The Babadook (2014), The Cabin in the Woods (2012), The Witch (2015), Hereditary (2018) Why you should read WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time
If you are a horror fan, you might be wondering why you should read WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time. After all, you might have already seen most of the films on the list, or you might disagree with some of their choices. However, we think that there are many reasons why you should give this book a chance. Here are some of them:
You will learn more about horror history, culture, and trends. The book provides a comprehensive and chronological overview of the evolution and development of the horror genre, from its origins in silent films to its current state in digital media. You will discover how horror films reflect and respond to the social, political, and technological changes of their times, as well as how they influence and inspire other forms of art and entertainment.
You will discover new films to watch. The book covers a wide range of horror films from different countries, eras, subgenres, and styles. You will find films that you might have never heard of or seen before, as well as films that you might have overlooked or dismissed. You will also find films that challenge your expectations and preferences, and that might surprise you with their quality and originality.
You will appreciate the art and craft of horror filmmaking. The book provides detailed and insightful analysis on each film, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, their themes and messages, their techniques and effects, their performances and direction, and their legacy and impact. You will learn about the behind-the-scenes stories and trivia of each film, as well as the challenges and controversies they faced. You will also learn about the vision and talent of the filmmakers who created these films, and how they shaped and defined the genre.
In conclusion, WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time is a must-read for any horror fan who wants to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the genre. It is a book that celebrates horror as a diverse, dynamic, and influential form of storytelling that has entertained and terrified generations of audiences.
FAQs about WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about WatchMojo's 75 Most Influential Horror Films Of All-Time:
Where can I buy the book? You can buy the book online from WatchMojo's official website or from Amazon. You can also find it in some bookstores or libraries.
How can I download the book in different formats? You can download the book in different formats such as epub, mobi, pdf, or fb2 from various websites that offer free or paid ebooks. However, we recommend that you buy the book from a legitimate source to support the author and publisher.
What are some of the controversial or surprising choices in the book? Some of the controversial or surprising choices in the book are: Peeping Tom (1960), which was reviled by critics and audiences for its voyeuristic violence; Eraserhead (1977), which was rejected by many distributors for its bizarre and surreal imagery; The Blair Witch Project (1999), which was marketed as a true story based on found footage; Get Out (2017), which was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars despite being a horror film; and The Thing (1982), which was initially a flop but later became a cult classic.
How can I use the book as a guide for watching horror films? You can use the book as a guide for watching horror films by following its chronological order or by choosing films based on your interests or preferences. You can also use the book as a reference for finding more information or opinions on each film. You can also use the book as a challenge for yourself or your friends to watch all 75 films in the book.
jo's Top 100 Movies of All Time. You can find more information and updates on their website and social media platforms.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned something new about horror films. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below. Thank you for your time and attention. 71b2f0854b