17+ Best 1970s Horror Movies (List)

The 1970s was a decade that witnessed a significant shift in the horror genre.

Filmmakers began to explore new themes and techniques, resulting in a wave of groundbreaking and influential horror movies.

From psychological thrillers to supernatural tales, the 1970s produced some of the most memorable and enduring horror films of all time.

Best 1970s Horror Movies

The 1970s was a groundbreaking era for horror, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and exploring new styles and themes, including psychological horror, slasher films, and occult themes.

Here are some of the best horror movies from the 1970s:

“The Bird with the Crystal Plumage” (1970)

Director: Dario Argento

A giallo film that follows an American writer in Rome who witnesses an attempted murder.

“The Last House on the Left” (1972)

Director: Wes Craven

A disturbing film about two teenagers who are kidnapped and tortured by a group of psychopathic criminals.

“Don’t Look Now” (1973)

Director: Nicolas Roeg

A psychological horror film about a couple in Venice haunted by their deceased daughter.

“The Exorcist” (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

One of the most famous horror films of all time, it tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity.

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)

Director: Tobe Hooper

A group of friends falls victim to a family of cannibals in this influential horror film.

“Jaws” (1975)

Director: Steven Spielberg

A great white shark terrorizes a New England resort town in this blockbuster thriller.

“Deep Red” (1975)

Director: Dario Argento

A musician witnesses the murder of a famous psychic and becomes involved in the investigation.

“Carrie” (1976)

Director: Brian De Palma

A bullied high school girl discovers she has telekinetic powers.

“Suspiria” (1977)

Director: Dario Argento

A ballet dancer uncovers sinister secrets in a prestigious dance academy.

“Eraserhead” (1977)

Director: David Lynch

A surreal horror film that explores themes of parenthood and industrialization.

“Halloween” (1978)

Director: John Carpenter

A masked killer stalks a small town in this seminal slasher film.

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978)

Director: Philip Kaufman

A remake of the 1956 film, this version explores themes of identity and conformity.

“Dawn of the Dead” (1978)

Director: George A. Romero

Survivors of a zombie apocalypse take refuge in a shopping mall.

“Nosferatu the Vampyre” (1979)

Director: Werner Herzog

A stylistic remake of the 1922 silent film, with Klaus Kinski as Count Dracula.

“Alien” (1979)

Director: Ridley Scott

A science fiction horror film about a deadly extraterrestrial creature stalking a spaceship.

“Zombie” (1979)

Director: Lucio Fulci

An Italian zombie film known for its gore and special effects.

“The Amityville Horror” (1979)

Director: Stuart Rosenberg

A family moves into a house with a violent history and experiences supernatural occurrences.

Each of these films from the 1970s contributed to the evolution of the horror genre, exploring new themes and techniques that would influence future filmmakers.

Below we look into the best 1970s horror movies, exploring their impact on the genre and why they continue to captivate audiences today.

Table of Contents

The Exorcist (1973)

One cannot discuss the best horror movies of the 1970s without mentioning “The Exorcist.”

Directed by William Friedkin, this supernatural horror film follows the story of a young girl possessed by a malevolent entity.

“The Exorcist” shocked audiences with its intense and graphic depiction of demonic possession, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema at the time.

The film’s chilling atmosphere, exceptional performances, and groundbreaking special effects made it an instant classic and a cultural phenomenon.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Another iconic horror film from the 1970s is “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

Directed by Tobe Hooper, this low-budget slasher film introduced audiences to Leatherface, one of the most terrifying and memorable villains in horror history.

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of violence, creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film’s raw and visceral style, combined with its exploration of themes such as family dysfunction and the loss of innocence, solidified its status as a horror classic.

Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is often credited with popularizing the slasher subgenre and establishing many of its tropes.

This influential horror film follows the story of Michael Myers, a masked killer who stalks and murders teenagers on Halloween night.

“Halloween” is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, memorable score, and the iconic performance of Jamie Lee Curtis as the resourceful final girl.

The film’s success spawned numerous sequels and remakes, cementing its place in horror history.

Suspiria (1977)

“Suspiria,” directed by Dario Argento, is a visually stunning and atmospheric horror film that has gained a cult following over the years.

Set in a prestigious ballet academy, the movie follows a young American student who uncovers a dark and supernatural secret.

“Suspiria” is known for its vibrant color palette, haunting score by Goblin, and surrealistic visuals.

The film’s dreamlike atmosphere and artistic approach to horror set it apart from other movies of its time, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Wicker Man (1973)

Directed by Robin Hardy, “The Wicker Man” is a British horror film that combines elements of mystery, folk horror, and psychological thriller.

The movie follows a devout Christian police sergeant who investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island.

“The Wicker Man” is praised for its intelligent storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and memorable performances, particularly by Christopher Lee.

The film’s shocking climax and exploration of pagan rituals have made it a cult classic and a standout entry in 1970s horror.

Carrie (1976)

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “Carrie” is a supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma.

The movie tells the story of a high school outcast with telekinetic powers who seeks revenge on her tormentors.

“Carrie” is celebrated for its powerful performances, particularly by Sissy Spacek in the titular role, and its exploration of themes such as bullying and the destructive power of repression.

The film’s iconic prom scene and its blend of horror and coming-of-age elements have solidified its place in horror history.

The Omen (1976)

“The Omen,” directed by Richard Donner, is a chilling supernatural horror film that follows the story of a young boy who may be the Antichrist.

The movie explores themes of religion, fate, and the nature of evil, delivering a suspenseful and atmospheric experience.

“The Omen” is known for its memorable death scenes, eerie score, and the exceptional performance of Harvey Stephens as Damien.

The film’s success led to several sequels and remakes, but the original remains a standout entry in 1970s horror.

Don’t Look Now (1973)

Directed by Nicolas Roeg, “Don’t Look Now” is a psychological thriller that combines elements of horror and supernatural.

The film follows a grieving couple who travel to Venice after the death of their daughter, only to encounter mysterious and disturbing events.

“Don’t Look Now” is praised for its atmospheric cinematography, intricate editing, and the powerful performances of Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland.

The movie’s exploration of grief, premonition, and the blurred line between reality and imagination make it a haunting and thought-provoking watch.

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Directed by Wes Craven, “The Hills Have Eyes” is a brutal and intense horror film that follows a family stranded in the desert and hunted by a group of cannibalistic mutants.

The movie is known for its unrelenting violence, gritty atmosphere, and the tension it builds throughout.

“The Hills Have Eyes” explores themes of survival, family, and the primal instincts that emerge in extreme situations.

The film’s impact on the horror genre can still be felt today, and it remains a favorite among fans of 1970s horror.

Black Christmas (1974)

“Black Christmas,” directed by Bob Clark, is often considered one of the first slasher films and a precursor to the subgenre’s popularity in the following decades.

The movie takes place during the Christmas season and follows a group of sorority sisters who are stalked by an unknown killer.

“Black Christmas” is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and its subversion of traditional horror tropes.

The film’s influence can be seen in later slasher classics such as “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th.”

FAQs – Best 1970s Horror Movies

1. What are some other notable horror movies from the 1970s?

Aside from the ones mentioned in this article, other notable horror movies from the 1970s include “Jaws” (1975), “Alien” (1979), “Dawn of the Dead” (1978), “Phantasm” (1979), and “The Last House on the Left” (1972).

2. Why were horror movies in the 1970s so influential?

Horror movies in the 1970s were influential because they pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema.

Filmmakers began exploring new themes and techniques, resulting in groundbreaking movies that challenged audiences and paved the way for future horror films.

3. What made “The Exorcist” such a groundbreaking film?

“The Exorcist” was groundbreaking due to its intense and graphic depiction of demonic possession.

The film shocked audiences with its realistic special effects and chilling atmosphere, setting a new standard for horror movies and becoming a cultural phenomenon.

4. How did “Halloween” popularize the slasher subgenre?

“Halloween” popularized the slasher subgenre by establishing many of its tropes, such as the masked killer, the final girl, and the suspenseful atmosphere.

The film’s success inspired numerous imitators and sequels, solidifying the slasher genre’s place in horror cinema.

5. What sets “Suspiria” apart from other horror movies of the 1970s?

“Suspiria” stands out from other horror movies of the 1970s due to its visually stunning and artistic approach to horror.

The film’s vibrant color palette, haunting score, and surrealistic visuals create a unique and immersive experience for viewers.

6. Why is “The Wicker Man” considered a cult classic?

“The Wicker Man” is considered a cult classic due to its intelligent storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and memorable performances.

The film’s shocking climax and exploration of pagan rituals have made it a favorite among horror enthusiasts.

7. What makes “Carrie” a standout horror film?

“Carrie” stands out as a horror film due to its powerful performances, exploration of themes such as bullying and repression, and its blend of horror and coming-of-age elements.

The film’s iconic prom scene has become one of the most memorable moments in horror cinema.

8. How did “The Omen” explore themes of religion and evil?

“The Omen” delves into themes of religion and evil by following the story of a young boy who may be the Antichrist.

The film raises questions about fate, the nature of evil, and the role of religion in society, creating a chilling and thought-provoking experience.

9. What makes “Don’t Look Now” a haunting psychological thriller?

“Don’t Look Now” is a haunting psychological thriller due to its atmospheric cinematography, intricate editing, and the powerful performances of its lead actors.

The film’s exploration of grief, premonition, and the blurring of reality and imagination leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

10. How did “The Hills Have Eyes” contribute to the horror genre?

“The Hills Have Eyes” contributed to the horror genre by delivering a brutal and intense experience that explores themes of survival, family, and primal instincts.

The film’s unrelenting violence and gritty atmosphere have influenced subsequent horror movies.

11. What makes “Black Christmas” significant in the history of slasher films?

“Black Christmas” is significant in the history of slasher films as one of the first movies to popularize the subgenre.

The film’s suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and subversion of traditional horror tropes laid the groundwork for future slasher classics.

12. Are these movies still relevant and enjoyable for modern audiences?

Yes, these movies are still relevant and enjoyable for modern audiences.

Their impact on the horror genre can still be felt today, and their storytelling, atmosphere, and themes continue to captivate viewers.

13. Are there any remakes or reboots of these movies?

Several of these movies have been remade or rebooted over the years.

For example, “The Exorcist” has had a television series adaptation, while “Halloween” has had multiple sequels and reboots. However, the original versions of these films remain the most celebrated and influential.

14. What is the legacy of 1970s horror movies?

The legacy of 1970s horror movies is their lasting impact on the genre.

These films pushed boundaries, introduced new themes and techniques, and inspired future generations of filmmakers.

They continue to be celebrated as some of the best examples of horror cinema.

15. Where can I watch these 1970s horror movies?

Many of these movies are available for streaming on popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

Additionally, they can be found on DVD or Blu-ray, and some may be screened at special events or film festivals dedicated to horror cinema.

Summary – Best 1970s Horror Movies

The 1970s was a transformative decade for the horror genre, giving birth to some of the most iconic and influential movies in the genre’s history.

From supernatural tales to slasher films, the 1970s offered a diverse range of horror experiences that continue to captivate audiences today.

Movies like “The Exorcist,” “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” and “Halloween” pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema, shocking and thrilling audiences with their intense storytelling and groundbreaking techniques.

Other films like “Suspiria,” “The Wicker Man,” and “Don’t Look Now” showcased the artistic potential of horror, using atmospheric visuals and thought-provoking themes to create a lasting impact.

The 1970s also saw the emergence of the slasher subgenre, with films like “Carrie,” “The Omen,” and “Black Christmas” setting the stage for the slashers that would dominate the following decades.

Whether it was through psychological terror, supernatural elements, or visceral violence, the best 1970s horror movies left an indelible mark on the genre.

They continue to be celebrated for their innovation, storytelling, and ability to tap into our deepest fears and anxieties.

These films serve as a testament to the power of horror cinema and its ability to entertain, provoke, and resonate with audiences across generations.

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