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Our Favorite Essays and Stories About Horror Films

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Make tonight's evil dead marathon more literary with our best writing about the genre.

It’s the spookiest day of the spookiest season, but you already had your party last weekend, and now you have to stay home and either hand out candy to grabby children or turn out all lights visible from the street and pretend you’re not home. What makes a night in both fun and seasonally appropriate? Horror movies, of course! So while you’re waiting for, or hiding from, trick-or-treaters tonight, put on a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon and make your way through some of the best stuff we’ve published about scary films.

“ There’s Nothing Scarier Than a Hungry Woman ” by Laura Maw

Maybe you haven’t noticed this, but horror movies contain a lot of scenes of women eating—and not only eating, but eating voraciously. Laura Maw has noticed, and she thinks she understands. This essay is both a sensitive cultural analysis of a horror movie trope and a beautiful personal narrative of coming to terms with both the threat and the banality of hunger.

As a woman, to say that you have found eating uncomfortable at times is not particularly groundbreaking. The anxiety has become mundane because it is so common for women, but isn’t that in itself noteworthy? Horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, to acknowledge our appetite, to refuse to let us suppress it. There is something uncomfortable and enthralling about watching a woman devour what she likes with intent.

“ Horror Lives in the Body ” by Meg Pillow Davis

This Best American Essays notable is about the physical experience of horror—both horror films, and the familiar horrors we encounter in our normal lives, the ways we brush up against mortality and violation and fear. Why do we seek out this physical experience—”the pupil dilation, the quickening heart, the sweat forming on your upper lip and the surface of your palms, and the nearly overwhelming urge to cover your eyes or run from the room”?

If those other viewers are anything like me, they watch horror movies because they recognize the horror, because its familiarity is strange and terrifying and unavoidable. It is the lure of the uncanny filtering into the cracks and crevices of the cinematic landscape and drawing us in.

“ What ‘Halloween’ Taught Me About Queerness ” by Richard Scott Larson

Michael Myers wears a mask to hide his face while he kills—but is that the only mask he wears? Richard Scott Larson talks about watching Halloween obsessively as an adolescent, while he was starting to understand that his own desires were also considered monstrous.

The experience of adolescence as a closeted queer boy is one of constantly attempting to imitate the expression of a desire that you do not feel. Identification with a bogeyman, then, shouldn’t be so surprising when you imagine the bogeyman as unfit for society, his true nature having been rejected and deemed horrific.

“ If My Mother Was the Final Girl ” by Michelle Ross

The “final girl” is the one who’s left standing at the end of the film, the one who survives the carnage. But what do you call someone who’s still standing after childhood trauma? This short story is about horror films, but more than that, it’s about mother-daughter relationships—a deeper and more mundane form of horror than the kind in slasher flicks.

The one thing my mother and I share is a love for slasher films. When the first girl gets hacked up or sawed in half or stabbed in the breast, my mother says, “Now there’s real life for you.” And I glance at her sideways and think, you can say that again.

“ A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Films ” by Lindsay King-Miller

Unlike the “final girl,” the girl who dies first doesn’t have a catchy title. Lindsay King-Miller writes about the lost friend who taught her that we don’t all have it in us to be a final girl—and that we should celebrate the girl who dies first, because she’s not living in fear.

To survive a horror story you have to realize you’re in one. The girl who dies thinks she’s in a different kind of story, one that’s about her and what she wants: to dance, to party, to fuck, to feel good. She thinks she is the subject of this story, the one who watches, desires, sees, the one who acts upon the world. She does not feel the eyes on her, does not know she is being observed, that her fate is not to reshape the world but to be reshaped by it.

“ Nothing Has Prepared Me For The Reality of Womanhood Better Than ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ ” by Sarah Kurchak

Yes, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is a cheesy horror-comedy hybrid in which women are menaced and their bodies are treated as set dressing. But so is adolescence. Sarah Kurchak writes about the many ways in which this movie taught her what to expect from the world.

Sure, this was, on many levels, a schlocky B-movie with so many of the expected hallmarks of the time — women in hot pants and peril, over-the-top gore. But it was a schlocky B-movie in which a woman faced men’s threats, both implicit and explicit, and was left breathing but almost unrecognizable at the end of it. That felt familiar.

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Best Essays and Books About Horror Movies

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10 Greatest Monster Movie Crossover Events of All Time

Terrifier star sets sail as steamboat willie in disney-inspired horror film screamboat, 10 biggest horror movie flops of the 1970s.

You’ve probably wondered about the inspiration behind your favorite scary movies and the background of some of those horrifying stories. Sometimes the origins of a horror movie are as simple as an author telling a scary story, and at other times films are based on more sinister, true events . You might also be interested in the making of certain horror movies or the impact they have on the audience or the cast. Maybe you're into film theory and want to study the gender dynamics, cultural and political significance, and philosophy of horror, like in Carol Clover's seminal book Men, Women, and Chainsaws . Luckily, there are plenty of resources that explore these exact topics and the development of horror movies in general.

You might be interested in why people are attracted to horror movies and the act of feeling fear. In which case, you might want to read Stephen King’s essay Why We Crave Horror Movies . Digging even deeper, you might notice horror films can help us examine fears around eating, sexuality, religion, and more. You might even wonder about the characters that often die first and why, which is explained by Lindsay King-Miller in her essay A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Movies . Whatever it may be, in addition to the aforementioned texts, here are the best essays and books about horror movies.

Monsters in the Movies: 100 Years of Cinematic Nightmares

Director John Landis ( American Werewolf in London, Twilight Zone: The Movie ) wrote a book on movie monsters covers some of cinema’s most terrifying creatures and their development. Landis explores the design of movie monsters and special effects, both in high and low-budget films. Monsters in the Movies includes interviews with the minds behind the monsters, their historical origins, and tricks behind bringing these ghouls to life.

Nothing Has Prepared Me for Womanhood Better than Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

Sarah Kurchak’s essay examines a subject people might not consider in horror movies. The truth is that many scary films express beliefs about women and their experiences via horror and gore. Kurchak dissects how Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 features female stereotypes in hot pants but also explores women facing the threats of men and emerging from adolescence completely altered. Kurchak argues that this horror comedy can teach female viewers about what to expect from the world and adolescence.

Stephen King At the Movies: A Complete History of Film and Television Adaptations from the Master of Horror

The chilling stories of author Stephen King have made both startling reads and frightening films. King’s works have established more than 60 horror movies and 30 television series. This book covers the making of all of them, including behind-the-scenes material and King’s opinion on some adaptations. If you’re looking to dive deeper into some iconic films based on King’s stories , consider picking up Stephen King at the Movies .

There’s Nothing Scarier than a Hungry Woman

Remember how we said that horror movies can contain messages that don’t appear obvious on the surface? Laura Maw notices how in many horror movies there is always a scene of a ravenous woman eating, and her fascinating essay considers the meaning behind that.

Related: Best Performances in Horror Films of All Time, Ranked

Maw writes that “horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, and to acknowledge our appetite and refuse to suppress it.” Maw presents a feminist analysis of hungry women in well-known horror movies in a way which both explores and challenges preconceptions about women.

Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies

Dr. Lee Miller’s research into the origin stories of movies like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street are compiled in this handy book. Miller details the true accounts of disappearances, murders, and hauntings that inspired these hit movies.

Behind the Horror explains the history of the serial killers featured in Silence of the Lambs and takes a good look at the possessions that motivated the making of The Exorcist and The Conjuring 2 .

My Favorite Horror Movie: 48 Essays by Horror Creators on the Film that Shaped Them

Arguably one of the best books to read if you are curious about the makers behind famous horror movies. My Favorite Horror Movie features over 20 essays from filmmakers, actors, set designers, musicians, and more about the dark works that solidified their careers.

The films discussed include It , Halloween , The Shining , and others. It’s a good book for looking at horror movies from different angles and recognizing the many minds that contributed to these iconic works.

The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History

Yet another great book for establishing a rounded perspective of horror movies, this time in a much more visual way. The Art of Horror sorts through famous illustrations, movie posters, cover art, comics, paintings, photos, and filmmakers since the beginning of horror with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s infamous Frankenstein . Learn about these talented artists, their chilling work, and their impact on the direction of horror.

Wes Craven: Interviews

If you’re trying to hear from the best horror directors themselves, the Wes Craven interviews are a great place to start. Craven is responsible for films like Scream , The Hills Have Eyes , A Nightmare on Elm Street , and The Last House on the Left , and is often considered one of the greatest horror filmmakers of all time.

Related: The Best Scream Queens of All Time, Ranked

Craven established a particular style in his films that changed the way horror movies are made, and this book pulls information from the master himself. Wes Craven: Interviews includes almost 30 interviews with the director ranging from the 1980s until Craven passed away in 2015.

101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die

Ever wonder if you’re missing a great horror film from your spooky collection? This is the book for you. 101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die covers the absolute essentials of every kind of horror film, from gothic to slasher and international horror classics as well. Horror can take on so many different forms and this book is one of the best for finding horror films you might have missed.

The Science of Women in Horror: The Special Effects Stunts, and Stories Behind Your Every Fright

Authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence examine women in horror movies in this book that explores feminist horror films , and more misogynistic ones from the standpoint of feminist film theory. The Science of Women in Horror recalls the history of women in horror movies and goes on to analyze more recent, women-centered horror flicks and series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Buffy the Vampire Slayer . If you want to know more about the women on and off-screen in horror movies, check out this book!

Why We Enjoy Horror Films Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Horror movie critics have asserted that there is a growing tendency in making much more violent and bloody movies. At a glance, it is difficult to understand why people pay money for the ticket to watch the most horrible, thrilling, and creepy scenes at the cinema. However, deeper examination explores much more sophisticated reasons for the public’s immense interest in horror movies.

King’s statement that horror movies “have a dirty job to do” (3) can be reinterpreted to stress that contemporary production or horror films premises on people’s desire to distract themselves from the monotonous routines and realities of grim daily activities by depicting ugliness and fear.

While deliberating on the essence and purpose of horror movies, Kinds notes, “[horror film] urges us to put away our more civilized and adult penchant for analysis and to become children again, seeing things in pure blacks and whites” (2). Therefore, most individuals interested in this genre search for psychic relief because most of such pictures are premised on the simple, primitive representation of the evil and the good.

Also, the illustration of unreasonableness and outright madness is rarely observed in real life. Even though such emotions as love, compassion, sympathy, kindness, or commitment are celebrated in society, the depiction of the opposite emotions in horror movie can only enhance individual’s awareness of the significance of these aspects. Society is too bored with constant practicing of politeness and attentiveness, love and friendships.

Under these circumstances, horror movies demonstrate what could happen in case social sanity will be distorted. Human perception of insanity is relative because its normality is usually accepted by the majority. Existence of social norms allows us to be distinct between the action that makes sense and unreasonable and irrational actions.

All these dilemmas could be solved as soon as people start watching thrillers and horror films. At this point, King emphasizes, “it is morbidity unchained, our most base instincts let free, our nastiest fantasies realized…and it all happens, fittingly enough in the dark” (3). In this context, supporters of just and good lifestyle will not be able to adhere to the concepts as soon as they realize the main purpose of horror movies, as well as the techniques directors, employ to achieve this purpose.

Modern horror movies often depict monsters, psycho, or zombies chasing their victims. The viewers realize what is going on, and they often strive to help the hero to escape death. While using these techniques, horror movie directors emphasize the helplessness of a person in front of the danger, which makes all people be frightened.

The feeling of unexpected capture makes people attend such pictures frequently because they lack such emotions in life. In such a way, they also entertain themselves and even have fun when watching creepy scenes. In conclusion, the admirers of horror movie genre attend such pictures to grasp the main attributes of a new reality in which irrationality and simplicity provide them with new emotions and experiences that are impossible to perceive in real life.

By employing unexpected appearance, depicting ugliness and monsters, and revealing the scene of violence, the directors expect to frighten people who are in search of new impressions and risky situations. Although modern movies have become more bloody, the idea of this genre remains unchanged to approve such emotions as love, compassion, and kindness.

Works Cited

King, Stephen. “ Why We Crave Horror Movies ”. Web.

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"Why We Enjoy Horror Films." IvyPanda , 11 Mar. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/horror-movies-art/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Why We Enjoy Horror Films'. 11 March.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Why We Enjoy Horror Films." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/horror-movies-art/.

1. IvyPanda . "Why We Enjoy Horror Films." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/horror-movies-art/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Why We Enjoy Horror Films." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/horror-movies-art/.

Why We Crave Horror Movies

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Analysis: “Why We Crave Horror Movies”

The essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” interweaves point of view , structure, and tone to address the foundational themes of fear, emotions, and “insanity” in relation to horror movies. It examines why horror films allow the expression of fearful emotions linked to irrationality. The essay integrates literary techniques and pop culture references to form a cohesive whole, and it highlights several key themes: Good Versus Bad Emotions , The Expression of Fear Through Horror Movies , and “Insanity” and Normality in Society and Horror Film .

King argues that fear and other negative emotions are universal and that horror movies are a key art form for expressing these emotions. The essay gives audiences permission to experience and enjoy these films as a vehicle for fears.

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Horror Film - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Horror films are a genre of movies aiming to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, and dread for the audience. Essays on horror films might explore the evolution of the genre, the techniques used to evoke fear, the sub-genres of horror films, or the societal and psychological factors that contribute to the popularity and appeal of horror films. They may also delve into the impact of horror films on popular culture, the representation of gender, race, and social issues within horror narratives, or the critical analysis of specific horror films and directors. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Horror Film you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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The Art of Creating Mysterious Horror Films Like Psycho

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The Influence of Horror Films on the Antics of Children in the Camp

The TV show I watched and analyzed, which is designed for young children, is called Bunk’d. Bunk’d was shown on the Disney Channel in the afternoon on Sunday, October 7. The show was about a group of kids at Camp Kikiwaka during Halloween time. This particular episode started with the kids at camp watching a horror movie and ended with a prank thought up by Timmy, to get back at Gladys for kicking him out of camp. Zuri and Tiffany, […]

Secrets of Creating a Psychological Horror Film

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A Component of Horror in the Movie the Exorcist

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The Importance of Sound Use in Horror Films

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Image of Vampires in an Atypical Horror Film

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An Unsuccessful Remake of a Japanese Horror Film

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The Fear at a Horror Film the Exorcist

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Essay on Horror Movies and Their History

Are you fascinated by the spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat experiences that horror movies provide? This essay delves into the captivating world of horror films, tracing their history from early cinema to the box office smashes of today. As a genre that continually evolves, horror has been a significant part of the film industry, influencing culture and art. From the psycho-thriller classics of How to Write an Essay on Horror Movies  to the contemporary masterpieces of Jordan Peele, we'll explore how these films have shaped our understanding of fear and entertainment. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the dark and intriguing corridors of horror cinema.

Horror Movies: An Evolving Genre

Horror movies, with their unique ability to tap into our deepest fears, have undergone significant evolution. The genre, marked by films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" and Roman Polanski's chilling works, has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling. These movies are not just about scares; they're about exploring the human psyche, societal fears, and the concept of evil. Understanding the roots of horror cinema is key to appreciating its impact and evolution.

Anthony Perkins in the Movie "Psycho"

Anthony Perkins' portrayal of Norman Bates in "Psycho" redefined the horror genre. His performance, marked by a complex blend of innocence and lurking darkness, offered a new face to cinematic terror. The nuanced depiction of Bates made "Psycho" a standout, influencing countless horror films that followed. It's a study in character development within the horror genre.

Movie Comparison: Classic vs. Modern Horror

Comparing classics like "Jaws" with modern horror movies like "Get Out" reveals the genre's dynamic nature. While "Jaws" capitalized on primal fears with its iconic suspenseful scenes, Jordan Peele's "Get Out" combines social commentary with horror, presenting a nuanced take on contemporary issues. This comparison highlights how horror films have become a platform for more than just fear, evolving into a medium for profound storytelling and reflection.

Narratives in Horror Films: A Diverse Spectrum

Horror films have always been about more than just scares. They explore a range of narratives, from psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings. Each narrative offers a unique perspective on what constitutes horror, making the genre incredibly diverse and rich in content.

"Get Out" Movie: A Modern Horror Phenomenon

Jordan Peele's "Get Out" revolutionized the horror genre by infusing it with sharp social commentary and psychological depth. This film challenges traditional horror tropes and presents a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on the genre.

"Jaws" Movie Review: The Classic that Redefined Fear

Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" remains a seminal work in horror cinema. Its approach to building suspense and fear, without always showing the antagonist, set new standards in the genre. The movie's impact on both the horror genre and popular culture is undeniable.

Dos and Don'ts of Horror Movie Analysis

When analyzing horror movies, it's important to do so with an open mind and consider the film's historical context. Don't limit your interpretation to just the surface-level scares; look deeper into the themes, symbolism, and filmmaking techniques used.

FAQs on Horror Movies

• Q: What defines a horror movie? A: A horror movie is defined by its ability to elicit fear, suspense, and a sense of dread in its audience, often through a variety of themes and techniques.
• Q: How have horror movies changed over time? A: Horror movies have evolved from simple shock tactics to more complex narratives that include psychological and social themes, reflecting societal fears and anxieties.

Concluding Reflections on Horror Movies

In conclusion, horror movies offer a window into our collective fears and fascinations. From the chilling performance of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho" to the innovative approach of Jordan Peele in "Get Out," these films continue to captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. As we reflect on the history and evolution of this genre, it's clear that horror movies are much more than mere entertainment; they are a reflection of our culture and a testament to the power of storytelling.

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How to Write Horror — Horror Writing Tips for Fiction & Film

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S o, you want to learn how to write a good horror story? Whether you want to know how to write a horror movie or how to write a horror book, the four steps outlined in this guide will get you started on the appropriate course of action and help you to align your creative goals. Writing horror isn’t all that different from writing for other genres, but it does require the right mindset and a creepy destination to work towards. Before we jump into the first of our four steps, let’s begin with a primer.

How to write horror

Before you get started.

The steps outlined in this ‘how to write horror’ guide assume that you already have a grasp over the fundamentals of writing. If you do not yet understand the basic mechanics of prose, screenwriting , or storytelling, then you might not get everything you need out of this guide. Luckily, we have a litany of informative resources that can bring you up to speed on everything you need to know.

If you intend to tell the  horror story  you have in mind as a screenplay, then the best way to fast track your screenwriting education might be to read through some of the  best screenwriting books  or to enroll in one of the  best online screenwriting courses .

Our guide to writing great scenes  is another good place to start, and our  glossary of screenwriting vocabulary  is a great resource if you encounter any unfamiliar terminology. When you’re ready to start writing, you can get going for free in  StudioBinder’s screenwriting software .

Now, we’re ready to jump into step one of our how to write horror guide. But, be warned, if you don’t already have a basic story concept in mind, you should consider that Step Zero.

There’s no concrete way to generate story ideas, but you can always look to creative writing prompts  and  indie films to kickstart inspiration .

HOW TO WRITE A HORROR MOVIE

Step 1: research and study.

Writing horror often begins by consuming great horror . We look to the stories of the past when crafting the stories of the present. Someone who has never read a horror novel or seen a horror film is going to have a much harder time writing horror than someone who is a voracious consumer of horror stories. By watching and reading, you can pick up plenty of tips for writing scary stories.

Before writing your opening line, be sure to do your research. It can be worthwhile to explore all manner of horror media. But for the purposes of this step, it’s best to focus in on the type of material you wish to create.

If you want to learn how to write a horror novel, then read as many horror novels as you can get your hands on. Our list of the  greatest horror films  ever made is a good place to conduct your research if you plan to write a horror screenplay. You can also check out our rundown of  underrated horror films for even more research.

Here are tips on how to write horror from the master himself, Stephen King. And, while you're at it, might as well catch up on the best Stephen King movies and TV based on his work!

How to write good horror  •  Stephen King offers horror writing tips

It’s important to go beyond simply reading and watching horror and to begin to analyze the material. Drill down into why certain decisions were made by the writer and try to figure out why certain elements work or don’t work. It can often be worthwhile to explore material you consider bad as well as what you consider good, so you can learn what not to do.

Check out our analysis of Midsommar   below for an example of how you can break down and explore the horror films that inspire you. You can also download the Midsommar script as a PDF to analyze the writing directly. You should check out our Best Horror Scripts post for more iconic script PDFs.

How to Write Horror  •   Read Full Midsommar Script

When consuming material to learn how to write a horror story, pay particular attention to the pacing and structure of the stories you’re inspired by. For example, if the style you find yourself most drawn to is slow-burn horror, then you might want to aim for a much slower pace than average with your story as well, but the build-up will become even more important.

Horror story writing

Step 2: decide your type of horror.

So, you’ve decided you’re writing horror, congratulations, you’ve settled on a genre. Now, it’s time to pick your sub-genre (s) and to decide on the specific avenue of horror to explore. There are many horror sub-genres to choose from. Just take a look at our ultimate guide to movie genres for quick rundown. And, check out the video below to see horror sub-genres ranked.

Ranking subgenres for inspiration  •  Horror story writing

Keep in mind that genres and subgenres can be mixed and matched in a multitude of combinations. For example, The Witch blends together the horror and historical fiction genres. From Dusk Till Dawn fuses action, crime-thriller, and vampire elements. And Shaun of the Dead fuses the horror and comedy genres by way of the zombie subgenre.

Our video essay below offers insights into Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright’s creative process. Check out our ranking of Edgar Wright’s entire filmography if you want even more.

How Edgar Wright writes and directs his movies  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Step Two is also the time to decide on the specific avenue you will exploit when writing horror. By “avenue of horror,” we mean the primary source(s) of tension and scares. Witches? Zombies? Cosmic horror? Body Horror ? Social Horror? These are all different avenues that your horror story can take on, and just like with genres and sub-genres, mixing and matching is encouraged.

A horror story that exploits kills and gore as its avenue of horror will be written in a much different manner than one that focuses on a sense of creeping dread and leaves more to the viewer or reader’s imagination.

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Step 3: Mine your fears and phobias 

You have decided on your genre and your avenue of horror, now it’s time to get more specific and drill deeper. For Step Three, go beyond asking what makes a story scary and instead figure out what makes your story frightening.

Depending on what you chose in Step Two, this might already be baked into your sub-genre and avenue of horror. For example, the home invasion sub-genre by nature mines a very real phobia that many people share.

The best home invasion films

However, if you chose to go with the zombie subgenre for example, you may need to work a little harder to discover what it is about your story that will scare audiences. Zombies on their own certainly hold the potential to be frightening, but audience overexposure to them throughout the years has gone a long way to lessen the scary impact they once had.

For examples of how to do it right, check out our rundown of the best zombie films ever made . And, for a different yet equally effective take on the sub-genre, check out our list of the  best zombie comedies .

How to write a horror story  •  Exploit common phobias

The above video breaks down the statistics surrounding a number of phobias. One common piece of writerly wisdom is “write what you know.” When writing in the horror genre, we can tweak that advice to, “write what scares you.” Mine your own fears and phobias when crafting your horror story; there are sure to be others out there who get creeped out by the same things.

This is also the step where you should try to discover your X-factor. What is it that sets your story apart from similar horror stories? If the answer is “nothing really,” then it might be time to take your concept back to the drawing board.

How to write a horror story

Step 4: keep your audience in mind.

From this point on, you are ready to start writing your horror story. Much of the writing process will be carried out in the same way as you would write a story in any other genre. But there are a few extra considerations. Put all that research you did in step one to work and ensure that your prose or screenwriting is well balanced and doles out the scares at a good pace.

You will want to find a good middle ground between sacrificing story and character development and going too long without something to keep your audience creeped out.

Narrative pacing is important in every genre, but horror writers also need to worry about pacing their scares, similar to how someone writing an action film needs to deliberately pace out their big action sequences.

How to write a horror story  •  Keep pacing in mind

Decide on who your target audience is from the jump and keep them in mind while you write. There can be a significant difference between horror aimed at teens vs. horror aimed at a mature audience. In film, this can mean the difference between shooting for a PG-13 rating instead of an R rating.

In fiction, this decision might manifest as a plan to market directly toward the young-adult crowd. Horror aimed at children, like Frankenweenie or The Nightmare Before Christmas , is drastically different from other types of horror aimed at older audiences.

Use your target audience as a guiding star that informs all of your narrative decisions as you write. Now, it’s time to put everything you just learned about how to write good horror stories to use.

The Greatest Horror Movies Ever Made 

If you are stuck on step one and looking to find some inspiration, our list of the greatest horror films ever made is a great place to look. You are sure to find something to get your creative juices flowing within this lengthy list. Writing great horror starts with consuming great horror, coming up next.

Up Next: Best Horror Movies of All Time →

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How to Write a Great Horror Movie

There's only one genre out there that everyone is buying. so in honor of halloween, i want to walk you through how to write a horror movie. get your knives ready. .

The horror genre is tried and true. It's the one genre every studio and streamer is buying. Why? 

Because it's the one that usually delivers the most profitable movies. Horror films come with a huge audience, and the nature of the stories usually keep them pretty cheap. 

But are there tricks to writing a horror screenplay that makes the process different?

I don't know about any tricks.... but I can assure you this post is a real treat! 

Okay, if that didn't chase you away or horrify you enough to stop reading, let's forge ahead into the unknown...

What's the worst that could happen? 

Table of Contents

Horror movie definition .

What is a horror movie?  

A horror movie is a film whose plot is  designed to frighten the viewer. The story must cause some sort of existential dread and invoke our very worst fears. Horror films are roller coasters for viewers often climaxing in a shocking finale. They can be cathartic or just plain fun. 

What kinds of horror movies are out there? 

There are so many different kinds of horror movies in the world. This genre contains a bunch of subgenres. Before you start writing, you should pick one, or mash a few up.

I want to address something that comes up in the comments a lot. I often get people replying "This is fine, but what actually sold with this stuff?"

I know we aren't supposed to read the comments, but the comments section is my horror movie. 

I usually don't address this stuff but I want to this time. 

Mostly because as a professional writer, horror is where I've found most of my recent work. 

Last year I wrote on a horror anthology series that was on Netflix called Don't Watch This . My episode was called Keep Out.  I've done extensive work for CryptTV .  Keep your eyes out for it. 

My point is: I have worked in this space and I want to help. 

I'm not calling myself "the authority" but I'm only going to give you the things I've used for my screenplay work. 

So let's look at some of the horror sub-genres and see what each entails. 

Horror movie sub-genres 

Slasher movies usually have killers who use knives or hooks or machetes to hack up their victims. They can be like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Scream in tone. There can be one or multiple killers. They have a lot in common with the mystery genre and thrillers. 

From Godzilla to The   Fly , monster movies come in all shapes and sizes. Usually, these monsters terrorize a small community, like in Jaws , but they can also be a global threat, like in Cloverfield . We don't always need a direct scientific explanation for why or how the monster exists, but that might clue everyone in on how you can defeat them. 

Supernatural  

Ghosts, demons, and Satan all exist within these worlds. Your demons can be like Freddy Kreuger or they can be like the possessor in The Exorcist . They can be spirits like in The Others or a riff like in Ghost . Or just straight-up horrific like in Poltergeist . 

Inanimate Objects 

A few years ago it felt like every movie had a scary doll in it. Now, with the Chucky reboot and Anabelle , these dolls don't seem like they're going away. But what about something like The Fog or Christine ? They also fall into these types. 

Found Footage 

I know this is technically a WAY to make a movie, but I wanted to address it last. While these movies are not as popular as they once were, the staples are still the most famous. The Blair Witch, The Visit, and Paranormal Activity  changed the way we viewed cinema. You have to write for found footage for it to be found footage. 

How to Write a Horror Movie (Free Outline)

Before you sit down to write or outline, I wanted to go over some of the tropes within these kinds of films. These tropes can be things you subvert or lean into depending on the situation. You can learn about them here or see them in action by d ownloading 80 Horror Screenplays for inspiration ! 

So let's ask the question...

What are some horror screenplay tropes? 

Guys, I love a great horror screenplay. They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and make you shake with excitement. 

Common tropes of horror screenplays include:

• Action : People often creep around with little dialogue. 
• Suspense: Pacing in horror is a must. Think Hitchcock ! 
• Jumpscares : Sudden noises or reveals should POP off the page. 
• Gore : Gruesome death or torture scenes are commonplace in these movies. 
• A memorable villain: Create someone who will haunt dreams for years to come. 

Okay, you picked your horror subgenre and found our logline and treatment pages so you did your prep work. Now it's time to jump into the outline and then in your screenwriting software to type some pages. 

So what does a horror screenplay outline look like? 

The horror screenplay outline:, 1. unraveling the terror  - do you have an opening scare that defines the movie.

Do you like  Scream ? The opening scene of the  screenplay  sets the tone for the entire story. 

2. The Entry Point  - Who will be involved in these terrifying escapades and what are they dealing with? 

In a movie like  Dawn of the Dead , it's the series of scenes where we meet who will inhabit the mall. 

3. Before It Goes to Shit  - What’s a normal day look like in this world?

Think about the way the family gets by in  Poltergiest  before the ghosts show up. 

4. The Horror Sets In  - What horrific thing sets our characters off on their journey?

Nothing is worse than realizing your daughter is possessed as the characters do in  The Exorcist .   

5. The Uneasy Path - Everyone is together, what keeps them moving this way?

In something like  Godzilla , it's the reason why they deal with the monster at hand? What do they have to gain? 

6. Walking Over Broken Glass - How do our heroes deal with the problems as they go?

In the  Saw  franchise, this is how people try to get out of the sick traps and hunt Jigsaw. 

7. Through The Dark Cave  - Do you have a B story? Set that story off on its own now too.

B-stories, like the marital tension in  Rosemary's Baby , are great scenes to juxtapose against the horror at hand. 

8. Reassess the Terror  - You’re in the middle. Is there another way to get out alive?

In  Shaun of the Dead  its when they decide to go to the Winchester. 

9. People are Going to Die  - Things begin to fall apart, let the body count rise and show how they deal with it. 

In  The Descent , this is when the people in the group begin to be picked off one by one. 

10. The Fall  - The worst thing happens, something so bad you don’t think you can get up.

I n a horror movie like  The Mist , it's when they are forced outside and surrounded by the actual mist. 

11. The Hidden Clue  - What do your characters discover that they never saw before?

Is there a way out? Something they never realized, like in the  Sixth Sense  when David realizes he's a ghost. 

12. Race To the Final (Girl)  - They’re up and running no matter what. They can make it! 

This is the series of scenes that carries us toward your thrilling finale. In  Alien , it's when Ripley is confronted and has to think fast. 

13. The Moment of Relief  - Did they make it out alive? Has life returned to normal?

What does their day feel like with the problem corrected? Think about when  Jaws  finally blows up?

14. Where We Go From Here? - Show us the world in a new light, hint what’s next. Maybe the killer or monster returns for one final scare!

In every horror movie, it feels like there's one last scare. Like in  I Still Know What you did Last Summer  when it turns out the hook-handed man is under the bed! 

Horror Movies and Comedy Movies 

One last thing I wanted to address is the addition of humor to your screenplay. 

So many horror movies use comedy to help bring levity to dark things. Sure, it doesn't happen all the time, but comedy helps ease people into scenes., If you're laughing, you might be more susceptible to a jump scare or a misdirect. 

You can be as funny as Shaun of the Dead , or use the deadpan humor of The Dead Don't Die. 

Even titles as unsettling as Midsommar contain humor that helps the audience engage. 

So consider adding humor to your pages to keep them turning. 

Sam Raimi, one of the best to do it, uses comedy in all his horror films. 

What's next? Learn about Movie and TV genres ! 

Film and TV genres affect who watches your work, how it's classified, and even how it's reviewed. So how do you decide what you're writing? And which genres to mash-up? The secret is in the tropes. 

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How to Write Horror for Film

It’s a common mistake to call a horror movie a scary movie. Not all horror movies are scary, and certainly not all scary movies are in the horror genre. Therein lies the biggest hurdle to overcome when crafting compelling horror –  figuring out just what is “scary.” That is a question so vast it can be scary itself, crippling creativity and leading to unfinished projects, self-doubt, and wasted talent. So, how do you write a horror for film that captivates an audience?

How to Write Horror for Film: 4 Essential Tips

The truth is that good horror isn’t about scaring as much as it’s about entertaining. When you set out to entertain instead of scare, you will always win the audience. In fact, the first horror film wasn’t considered a horror movie at all, as it was the first movie of its kind. Horror can be our everyday world shown through a nightmare lens and can be inspired by the situations we face and mundane parts of our day suddenly uprooted by the otherworldly. It’s the ultimate genre of escapism, and great horror writers never lose sight of that. 

Here are additional tips on how to write compelling horror.

1. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel, Just Make a Great Wheel 

In the late ’70s and early ’80s, the budding subgenre of the body-count movie was on the rise. Victor Miller, a screenwriter, and director Sean S. Cunningham were amazed by the box office success of John Carpenter’s Halloween and decided to try to replicate it with the first Friday the 13 th .

While Halloween played with suspense in its kills, Miller and Cunningham went in the opposite direction, upping the gore factor. The godfather of gore himself Tom Savini, fresh off Dawn of the Dead , was called in to bring to screen what Carpenter hid in the shadows. Practically telling the same story of teens picked off one by one by a psycho killer, both movies are seen as forefathers to the slasher subgenre yet handle it entirely differently. One chose to grotesque their audience into fear by showing the mayhem, while the other let what the audience didn’t see drive their fear. 

When it comes to writing your own horror, don’t get hung up on re-inventing it, find your angle to adapt it.  For example, in 1968, George A. Romero would forever change the idea of the zombie from Voodoo lore to the flesh-eating ghoul. Romero created an entirely new subgenre by re-contextualizing an already existing idea of the recently deceased rise from their freshly dug graves. Every zombie movie since Romero’s Night of the Living Dead has brandished the classic’s fingerprints proudly. Because it’s not always about making something new, but about making something enjoyable.

2. Watch The Best (and Worst) Horror Films 

How do you get to perform at Carnegie Hall? Practice. Nothing will beat hours upon hours of self-education on a subject. Luckily, film is a visual medium, and you can literally watch scary movies and call it research. If you’re new to the genre, grab a Top 100 list and hop into the deep end. If you’re a long-tenured fan of fright, then you’ve been doing your homework this whole time. By watching good movies and bad, you’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, which scary movie scenes scare you and which do not, and what entertains you and what doesn’t. All art grows from what came before it, so set out to consume as much horror as you can and expose yourself to all the horror subgenres and horror from other countries. The only thing that can truly hurt you in horror is a narrow imagination. 

Additionally, take the time to listen to the director’s commentary on a DVD or Blu-ray. A simple yet often overlooked tool, these pseudo-TEDtalks are goldmines of reusable info on not only filmmaking but the nature of the horror genre. Rocker turned horror auteur Rob Zombie always includes an extensive make-of documentary to show just what steps go into every step of crafting a horror movie, following from day one of production all the way to the Martini shot. These readily available resources can help you hone your skills in showing kills. 

3. Don’t Feel Pressured to Follow Trends

Horror changes quicker than any other genre. As soon as a new style of horror hits with fright fans, everyone tries to re-create the same magic. The market becomes oversaturated, and just as fast, the style falls out of favor. In 2004, James Wans’ horror debut Saw hit screens and ushered in the short-lived subgenre of Torture horror. Movies that featured exceedingly cruel and unyielding deceptions of violence, such as Hostel and Wolf Creek, are solid examples. 

Wans’ film was a masterclass in how to write horror for film and effective indie filmmaking . The young filmmaker understood how to torture his audience on a budget with implication rather than gratuity. A slew of gorier and gorier knock-offs would follow, enough that by 2007 audiences had grown desensitized to all the bloody carnage. Torture horror all but ceased overnight as Found Footage-style horror movies would find a second and steadier life. This all shows the fickle nature of audiences and that an attempt to create material simply to feed a trend can be a blind and thankless ambition.

4. Create the Horror Movie You Never Got to See

The band KISS is quoted as saying that the key to their success was being the band they never got to see growing up. That’s a beautiful way to approach any creative endeavor. Make the art you never got to enjoy. Whether your dream project deals with a murderous Easter Bunny or a haunted insane asylum, it doesn’t matter. Whatever the idea is, hold on to it and work with it, and, most importantly, make sure it’s something you yourself would want to watch. Think back to being an audience member and what style of story got you excited. If you make the story you wanted to see but never did, you may be surprised to learn just how many people are ready to be terrified by your nightmares as well. 

Learning How to Write Horror for Film

Some call a life in the arts living the dream. Well, for those who love horror, it might be a dream job, but it’s their nightmares that inspire them. So, to the future masters of horror out there, we wish you chilling nightmares, you’ll need them.

GAMES, BRRRAAAINS & A HEAD-BANGING LIFE

How to Write an Essay About Your Favorite Horror Movie

Writing research papers and essays is part of students’ life. Sometimes, your professor may ask you to write an essay about your favorite horror movie. A common theme in horror movies is fear.

Some horror movies have moral values, while others are exciting and terrifying. When writing an essay about such movies, you should be able to bring out the important elements. If you are confused regarding where to start, here is a simple guide.

Select an interesting movie

Begin by checking the list of your favorite horror movies. Identify the movie that you like most. By spending a few minutes, you will identify a good option. All horror movies are interesting, but you need to pick one with the greatest impression.

Before making a decision, take your time and remember the most interesting scenes. Sometimes identifying an interesting movie is not enough. You may not be ready to write anything by yourself. Finding a good  essay writing service  can help to avoid problems with your paper. Expert academic assistance will also minimize possible distractions from other work.

Follow the right structure

A good essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a brief introduction and highlight the main aspects of the movie. The introduction will act as a guide for the rest of the essay.

In the body, describe your emotions and the movie’s plot. Describe why you consider the movie your favorite. The final part of the essay should be an afterward, emphasizing the significance of the movie. An average of six paragraphs should be enough to cover the essay topic.

You may use the  best essay writing service  for your essay. Professional writers should be able to present the topic, analyze the work and show the significance of the argument. Ensure that everything in your essay is relevant to the topic. A simple way to structure your essay is by using the chronological approach.

Emphasize specific scenes clearly

One of the best ways to make a horror movie legendary is by focusing on one character’s line. Introduce the movie and its key participants, such as the director and the actors. Aim to make the movie memorable by connecting the characters with epic scenes.

Epic moments can help to highlight the most significant horror scenes. Most interesting horror movies have actors that you may consider worthy of attention. Create a clear overview of the story while revealing plot twists. Avoid the temptation of focusing more on the story’s synopsis rather than the analysis.

If you are not sure of how to analyze the story, seek professional help. Some websites  offer help with writing papers for college , so you don’t have to go on increasing your paper’s word count to properly convey your message. The idea is to end the movie if it relates directly to the analysis.

Focus on the main character and hook viewers

When writing an essay about a horror movie, you should identify what your audience wants to see. Usually, they want to see more action and less dialogue. They also want you to create suspense, background noises, and the movie score.

Taking the audience into the main character’s mind will help you to write a good essay. Aim to bring the fear of your audience into reality. Let the viewers relate well to the movie.

To hook your viewers immediately, introduce the main characters, place, and time. This will invest the audience into action. Begin with a shocking scene right away to set the tone right.

Here are simple tips to hook your readers:

• Create an eye-catching title
• Create an emotional connection
• State something surprising
• Leave your audience with questions
• Avoid long descriptive passages
• After grabbing your readers’ attention, maintain it.

Proofread your work

After writing the initial draft of your essay, don’t be in a hurry to submit it. Writing an essay draft is just a portion of your work. Remember to proofread and edit your work to check for possible inaccuracies and errors. The aim of proofreading the essay is to eliminate writing inconsistencies and improve the quality of the paper.

Read every sentence and polish all the paragraphs. An essay about horror movies is subject to inaccuracies and errors, just like other essays. Your professor will take note of any spelling or grammar errors.

Rewrite the unclear sentences and ensure that the paragraphs have clear transitions and structure. By so doing, you will be able to avoid problems that could lead to low grades.

Writing a good essay will position you for better grades and overall academic success. The important thing is being thorough and paying attention to detail. Choose a great movie and follow the right essay structure. Put more emphasis on scenes, hook the readers and proofread your work. This is the best strategy to create an outstanding essay about your favorite horror movie.

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25 Films You Have to Watch If You're Writing a Horror Script

Whether it's about things that go "bump" in the night or it's a piece that's meant to be more psychological, there are movies galore that can teach you something about horror, something about suspense and scares — as well as about the intensity of emotions that are derived from the genre.

From various eras, we've found some of the best possible cinematic experiences to inspire or educate anyone looking to write their next horror of their own.

The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by: william friedkin | written by: william peter blatty.

Some of you couldn't sleep when they first saw it: this movie is the stuff of nightmares. If you ever want to instill true evil into a script you're writing, start by watching this. Maybe with the lights on, yeah?

Pet Sematary (1989)

Directed by: mary lambert | written by: stephen king.

Stephen King's answer to your questions about death. Some natural laws shouldn't be broken, some lines never crossed… but when they are, it makes for great horror.

Parasite (2019)

Written & directed by: bong joon ho.

Class wars, blackmail, and people who will do anything for their families.  Parasite  has elements of horror woven into a truly arresting and unique experience.

Hereditary (2018)

Written & directed by: ari aster.

Horror that's brutally emotional and full of true shock for an audience,  Hereditary  is known for its sustained suspense and its big finish. You've been warned.

Candyman (1992)

Directed by: bernard rose | written by: clive barker.

Slasher-inspired horror instills superstition and legend into a world so well that its mythos is recognized by horror audiences everywhere. If you like that, you'll love that a spiritual sequel to the 1992 film is coming out this week!

Alien (1979)

Directed by: ridley scott | written by: dan o'bannon.

There's something about the loneliness of the crew and the horrific creatures inspired by the art of H.R. Giger — something we can all aspire to.

Halloween (1978)

Written & directed by: john carpenter.

From the chilling music to the iconic point of view in the opening scene,  Halloween  has inspired homages in every genre, but especially within horror.

American Werewolf in London (1981)

Written & directed by: john landis.

Listen to the bones cracking, the utter intensity of the transformation sounds we hear in  American Werewolf in London . With that and the dark comedy placed throughout, this horror film is truly a can't-miss.

The Descent (2005)

Written & directed by: neil marshall.

It's all about raising the stakes in an adventure horror. The deeper they go, the more dangerous the journey — and in  The Descent , it's not just the journey that's dangerous. It's who (or what) is down there with you.

Busanhaeng / Train to Busan (2016)

Directed by: sang-ho yeon | written by: joo-suk park & sang-ho yeon.

This modern zombie movie is a beautiful example of threading emotional themes throughout, while still including a dangerous, deadly threat — like a mob of Infected on a train.

'Train to Busan'

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Directed by: george a. romero | written by: john a. russo & george a. romero.

The conception of all modern zombie movies comes chiefly from George A. Romero and this survival horror masterpiece. In it, he bred the traditional zombie with the idea of a vampire to create the most well-known fusion monster today!

Let the Right One In (2008)

Directed by: tomas alfredson | written by: john ajvide lindqvist.

A film that works mainly with deep-seated feelings, unsettling vagueness, and moments of pure shock,  Let the Right One In  is an unconventional horror that's very moving indeed.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Directed by: john krasinski | written by: scott beck, bryan woods, & john krasinski.

Everyone knows, there's something disquieting about silence, about the inability to speak — and in that way,  A Quiet Place  makes itself known for its creative horror landscape.

The Shining (1980)

Directed by: stanley kubrick | written by: stephen king, stanley kubrick, & diane johnson.

It's the perfect marriage of supernatural horror and psychological torment. Anyone who fears a loss of sanity knows exactly how good  The Shining  is at setting your teeth on edge.

Read More: How to Write a Great Christmas Horror Movie

Psycho (1960)

Directed by: alfred hitchcock | written by: joseph stefano.

Anyone here like twist endings? I won't spoil it for you — even though this film is over 60 years old — but just know you're in for a surprise that's worth imitating.

The Thing (1982)

Directed by: john carpenter | written by: bill lancaster.

Inspired and informed by another film in the '50s,  The Thing  is a John Carpenter film that channels the unknowable horror that makes Lovecraftian stories so immense and intriguing.

30 Days of Night (2007)

Directed by: david slade | written by: steve niles, stuart beattie, & brian nelson.

This film builds its world beautifully and plays with convention and suspicion in ways that only a vampire movie will. Plus, with a month-long darkness, you already know this is meant to be a monster movie.

Fright Night (2011)

Written & directed by: tom holland.

Having tons of fun with its remake of the 1985 film of the same name,  Fright Night  is what happens when vampire horror knows how to make fun of itself. Take notes.

Insidious (2010)

Directed by: james wan | written by: leigh whannell.

A supernatural movie with an imaginative world of demons and possession, this movie even has a lesson to learn for those of you trying to use innocuous songs as creepy cues for the presence of evil.

28 Days Later (2002)

Directed by: Danny Boyle | Written by: Alex Garland

If Romero designed the modern zombie, then Danny Boyle's  28 Days Later  introduced the idea of these creatures being a product of viral infection — and the source of diverse post-apocalyptic settings.

'28 Days Later'

Get Out (2017)

Written & directed by: jordan peele.

To instill social horror in a film is a careful science, but Jordan Peele does exactly that in  Get Out , a film steeped in racially targeted horror and other unsettling discoveries.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Directed by: edward wright | written by: simon pegg & edgar wright.

Comedy first, and horror second, this intelligent and hilarious Simon Pegg film pays respect to various horror movie traditions, including those by George A. Romero as the epitome of a horror-parody combo.

The Conjuring (2013)

Directed by: michael chaves | written by: david leslie johnson-mcgoldrick.

The revival of demonic horror flicks brought on a trilogy based on real events, including  The Conjuring . This story shows that not everything in true history can be explained.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Directed by: stuart rosenberg | written by: sandor stern.

Another one based on true crimes committed in the 1970s,  The Amityville Horror  has inspired books and films alike to make sense of the tragedy that occurred — because sometimes, the darkest tales are the most real.

The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

Directed by: alexandre aja | written by: wes craven, alexandre aja, & grégory levasseur.

This movie shows just how easy it is to make a monster through disaster — especially if the government's dangerous tests created mutant people who have forsaken their humanity to become cannibals.

'The Hills Have Eyes'

You've now got a list and a lot of stuff to draw inspiration from if you're ready to write a horror script. Just make sure you go to the restroom  before marathoning  these movies — just in case. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Movies — Horror

Essays on Horror

The importance of writing an essay on horror.

Writing an essay on horror is essential for several reasons, as it allows individuals to explore the genre's significance, impact, and cultural relevance. Horror literature, films, and art have long been integral parts of human culture, reflecting societal fears, anxieties, and taboos. By delving into the genre through essays, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of its complexities and contributions to literature, cinema, and art.

One of the primary reasons for writing an essay on horror is to explore fear and its profound effect on human psychology and society. Horror confronts us with our deepest fears and forces us to confront the darker aspects of human nature. By analyzing horror works, individuals can gain insights into human behavior, emotions, and the human condition itself.

Furthermore, essays on horror allow us to understand the cultural and social dynamics that shape the genre. Horror often reflects the fears and anxieties prevalent in society during specific historical periods. By examining horror works within their cultural contexts, individuals can gain valuable insights into societal norms, values, and concerns.

Moreover, writing essays on horror provides an opportunity to examine the literary and cinematic techniques used to evoke fear and suspense. From Gothic literature to contemporary horror films, the genre employs a wide range of stylistic devices, symbolism, and narrative structures to create chilling experiences for audiences. By analyzing these techniques, individuals can deepen their appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind horror works.

Essays on horror also challenge assumptions and stereotypes associated with the genre. While horror is often dismissed as mere entertainment or dismissed as lowbrow, it encompasses a diverse range of themes, styles, and perspectives. By critically evaluating horror works, individuals can challenge preconceived notions and recognize the genre's artistic and intellectual merits.

Finally, writing essays on horror encourages individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about important societal issues. Horror often addresses topics such as power dynamics, gender roles, identity, and morality in thought-provoking ways. By analyzing these themes in horror works, individuals can contribute to broader conversations about culture, politics, and human nature.

Writing essays on horror is essential for gaining insights into the genre's significance, exploring fear and humanity, understanding cultural dynamics, examining artistic techniques, challenging stereotypes, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Through thoughtful analysis and reflection, individuals can appreciate the richness and complexity of horror as a genre and its enduring impact on literature, cinema, and art.

What makes a good Horror essay topic

When it comes to choosing a horror essay topic, it's important to consider what will captivate and engage your audience. To brainstorm and choose an essay topic, start by considering your own interests and fears. What scares you? What keeps you up at night? These personal experiences can serve as a great starting point for a horror essay topic. Additionally, consider the cultural and societal fears that are prevalent in today's world. What are people afraid of? These considerations can help you choose a horror essay topic that is relevant and thought-provoking. A good horror essay topic should be intriguing, thought-provoking, and capable of eliciting strong emotions from the reader.

Best Horror essay topics

• The psychological impact of isolation in horror films
• The role of the supernatural in modern horror literature
• The evolution of the zombie in popular culture
• The use of sound and music in creating horror in film
• The portrayal of mental illness in horror movies
• The significance of setting in gothic horror literature
• The cultural significance of urban legends in modern society
• The symbolism of monsters in horror literature
• The impact of technology on the horror genre
• The intersection of horror and comedy in film
• The role of gender in horror storytelling
• The influence of folklore on modern horror narratives
• The portrayal of fear in contemporary horror literature
• The impact of censorship on the horror genre
• The representation of trauma in horror films
• The use of suspense in horror storytelling
• The depiction of evil in horror literature
• The role of religion in horror narratives
• The use of body horror in contemporary cinema
• The impact of social media on horror storytelling

Horror essay topics Prompts

• Write a horror story from the perspective of the monster.
• Imagine a world where everyone's deepest fears come to life - what would this look like?
• Write a horror essay exploring the concept of "survival horror" in video games.
• Create a horror story set in a haunted house, but with a unique twist.
• Write an essay analyzing the role of the final girl in slasher films and its impact on gender representation in horror.

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Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes.

Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. Broad elements include monsters, apocalyptic events, and religious or folk beliefs. Cinematic techniques used in horror films have been shown to provoke psychological reactions in an audience.

Body horror, Comedy horror, Folk horror, Found footage horror, Gothic horror, Natural horror, Slasher film, Supernatural horror, Teen horror, Psychological horror.

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Den of Geek

How To Write a Horror Movie

Seven horror screenwriters share their tips on how to write a really scary movie.

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It’s easy to write a horror movie, isn’t it? Pack up a couple of kids, send them off somewhere isolated, and have a monster chase them through the woods. Throw in some loud bangs on the soundtrack and you’re sorted. Right?

Wrong. Well, okay, not wrong if you want to write a basic, generic, forgettable kind of horror movie. But if you want to do something better than that, things get a bit more complicated. You need a proper story; characters worth investing in; a carefully constructed atmosphere of dread punctuated by the kind of scares that make your audience hide behind their hands. And that’s not easy.

To get the lowdown on what works and what doesn’t, I interviewed some working horror writers. Here are their tips:

Find the real story

First things first: you need to know what story you’re telling, and that isn’t just going to be “people get killed.”

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“When you’re writing a horror movie, you’ve got to write two movies,” says James Moran, writer of Severance , Cockneys Vs Zombies , Tower Block , and new web series Mina Murray’s Journal . “There’s the movie that’s gonna happen if the slasher doesn’t arrive, or the ghost doesn’t possess somebody, so the horror doesn’t start happening, and that should be enough to sustain a whole 90 minute movie – and then, half an hour or so in, that’s disrupted by the horror element crashing in and stuffing everything up.”

So if you did want to write a cabin-in-the-woods story, you’d need a proper reason for your characters to be going out there, and enough drama to sustain that story even before your villain rocks up. It’s a lot to think about, but Moran reckons it’s worth it. “If you do it that way, you get fully rounded characters, and a proper situation, and a proper story,” he says. “So after 10 or 15 minutes, [your audience] is probably kind of hoping nothing bad is going to happen.”

Alice Lowe, writer and director of pregnancy slasher Prevenge , agrees it’s important to get the human side of the story sorted before introducing any extra elements. “My favorite horrors always deal with really important human stories, and then the horror comes after,” she told me. “If the human story doesn’t work, then the horror doesn’t work, either. You know, films like Carrie and Rosemary’s Baby and The Shining are all about human threats, really – fearing violence from your father, or bullying at school, or overbearing mothers, or any of those things.”

Focus on your characters

Speaking of the human side of horror, the writers I talked to all agreed that writing believable characters is essential to creating a really scary movie. “My favorite heroines in horror movies are proactive,” says Kevin Lehane, screenwriter of Grabbers and Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories . “Like in Candyman or Nightmare On Elm Street – or sometimes in sequels like Aliens or even Halloween H20 , where the heroine has been through something and she’s determined not to go through it again – that lets you put a character in a position of jeopardy because they have an internal motivator, which is ‘I need to know what’s haunting me and destroying my life, and I need to vanquish it.’”

Since horror movies often involve characters putting themselves in danger, he reckons it’s important that there’s a reason for the audience to believe they’d actually do it – that they’re not just doing it because the horror can’t happen if they don’t.

Moran, too, reckons plausible motivation is crucial. “My thing with characters is, even if you have a crazy over-the-top supernatural situation, I want everyone to behave realistically within that context,” he says. “So even though there’s not going to be a zombie outbreak, because zombies aren’t real, you have to think, if there was, how would people react?”

He also says characters should be the kind of people an audience is happy to spend time with. “It’s not that they all have to be lovely, but you have to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing,” he clarifies. “And even if they’re horrible, you have to get behind them in some way. Like, ‘I don’t like them, but I am entertained watching their story, so I don’t want them to die right now so I can see what happens.’ If everyone’s awful, you’re just like ‘I hate these people, I want them to die, when is that going to happen please?’ And then that’s not scary.”

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Get your antagonist right

Once you’ve got your characters sorted, it’s time to think about the villain. The possibilities are basically endless – vampires, werewolves, mummies, ghosts, deranged murderers, zombies, creatures from outer space! – but choosing the right villain for the story you’re trying to tell can be key. If you’re trying to write a script and something’s not working, it might be that you’ve got the wrong monster.

Nick Ostler, who co-wrote werewolf horror Howl with Mark Huckerby, says getting the antagonist right was crucial to their story. “The creature was originally a kind of Black Shuck, this legendary character from East Anglia,” he remembers. “But for various reasons, as we were writing it developed into a werewolf, and that was the breakthrough. Suddenly, we had a creature and a mythology, and we knew what the film was going to be about: it was about this ticket inspector who’s kind of a beta male who, over the course of the film, grows to become an alpha male. And it’s all about men and how they react to different situations. The monster gave us the whole structure.”

Building on existing mythology can be helpful, of course, because audiences already know what to expect. But making up new monsters can also work. “For me, the fun in monster movies is discovering a new species and getting to see something you’ve not seen before,” says Lehane. “With Grabbers , I tried to give the monster as much personality as I could through its behaviour and its lifecycle, the fact that it needed to be wet to walk on land, and it pops people’s head off and drinks their blood. Just stuff like that. You can sort of take your monster and give it its own idiosyncratic personality and traits.”

He also recommends linking your characters to the monster. “I try to apply logic to what I’m doing, so it’s like the monster represents something about a character’s personal flaws.”

Think like a comedian

A slightly unexpected bit of advice that several writers gave me was that horror should work kind of like comedy. Mark Huckerby explains, “Nick and I started out in comedy, and we always say that comedy and horror are very close in some ways. A good joke is told with a build-up, which is the tension, and the punchline, which is the release. I don’t know whether our love of horror came from our love of making people laugh, but they’re very similar. Often, you’ll hear people in the cinema, when they’re really scared, will laugh as well as scream.”

Moran concurs, seeing an audience’s reaction to a scare as being the same kind of physical reaction that audiences will have to comedy, and that means that not every scare will work for everyone, every time. “There are some comedies you’re either gonna laugh at or you’re not, and you can sit there and explain to yourself that it’s funny because of x, y, and z, but if it doesn’t make you laugh it doesn’t make you laugh,” he says. “The same goes for horror – if it doesn’t make you jump, I could explain why it made me scared but it won’t necessarily make someone else scared.”

Push boundaries

There are plenty of films that blend horror with comedy, of course – and tons of films that use horror tropes to tell the kinds of stories you might expect to find in other genres. The Blaine Brothers, who co-wrote and co-directed Nina Forever , told me they didn’t think of their film as a horror when they made it.

“It basically came out of death and grief, first witnessing other people’s grief and then experiencing our own,” said Ben Blaine. While the film uses some pretty horrific imagery – including a woman returning from the dead, still bloody and battered – it doesn’t have a traditional horror narrative. The Blaines were happy that horror audiences embraced their film, and reckon it’s valid to cross the streams. Chris Blaine says “The exciting thing is seeing people use the genre to explain a thought or feeling or emotion; finding a way of explaining life by using a fantastical metaphor.”

Having made two films that are more ‘horror and…’ rather than straight horrors, Lowe agrees. “It’s debatable whether Prevenge is a classic horror, in the same sense that Sightseers isn’t your typical horror,” she says. “It’s got moments of horror, but other moments that dip into social satire, or realism, or even surrealism, in some parts! The best thing horror can do is be its own thing and find new genres and new ideas, rather than resorting to the same old same old, which eventually becomes predictable. That isn’t scary at all.”

So if you’ve got an off-beat idea that you’re not sure is really a proper horror film, that might actually be a great thing. “What I feel is, horror shouldn’t be treated like a box,” says Lowe. “It should be a peg that you can hang onto, along with lots of other pegs that you can put your project on. It’s something to be inspired by, rather than trapped by, really.”

Slow it down

Let’s get down to specifics. How do you make a film scary? One way is to slow down the pace, drag things out a little longer, and spend longer building atmosphere. “When you watch a film and there’s just a cheap orchestral stab, you think ‘well, that’s completely unearned.’ Anyone can say boo and make you jump,” says Huckerby. “But in more modern horror – I think James Wan is quite good at this – there’s this relentless building, and building, and holding… some of those sequences go on longer than you can even stand.”

His co-writer agrees. Talking about writing urban witch movie Don’t Knock Twice , Ostler says, “We went back to scare scenes and wrote in longer and longer build ups, because we realised that’s really where the scare comes from. Over 90 minutes, you can get away with a couple of cheap jump scares, and they can be fun, and you can get away with a dream scare, which can be fun if it’s done well, and you can even get away with one mirror scare, maybe. But if that’s all you’re relying on, you’re in trouble.”

Lehane also recommends taking your time. “[Horror] needs to be quiet, it needs to be tense, and it needs to be drawn out,” he says. “You need to avoid poking fun at your villain; even if you’re doing a horror comedy, it’s good to keep the humour on the side of the characters rather than the villain. Unless it’s a party film like Return Of The Living Dead or Evil Dead ! But otherwise, you want to make sure that your villain is legitimately dangerous and frightening. And slow it down! The moment horror movies get really fast, with running and screaming and frantic behavior, that’s terror – it’s not horror any more. Horror should be slow and creepy. You allow moments of dread to creep in, and that’s when it’s really frightening.”

Don’t give the audience too much information

‘Show, don’t tell’ is probably the oldest trick in the book, but the writers I talked to for this feature went one step further and recommended keeping some things back completely, making the audience do the work themselves.

“Almost without fail, the disappointing bit in a horror movie is when whatever it is stops being in your imagination and starts being on screen,” says Ben Blaine. “You’re like, ‘oh, I imagined it and I was scared by it, and now I’ve seen it, it’s let me down’. I think there’s something in making the audience tell the story themselves.”

Ben continues, “We got some really good advice when we were making [ Nina Forever ]. We showed a cut to some people, and they said “It’s too explained. You’re too worried about letting everyone know what’s happening, and it makes it boring.” We found that when we took out the bits where we explained what was happening, not only did people still know what was happening, but you could see that they’d reached those conclusions for themselves, and they’d really bought into the film.”

Kevin Lehane says he’s doing something similar with the script he’s currently working on, a slasher titled Heads Will Roll . “Originally I put too much backstory in about the villainess,” he says “And I’ve come to realise that the more you know about a villain, the more you understand them, and the more empathy you have for them. And once you have empathy for a villain, you want to redeem them instead of kill them.”

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So if you want to freak out an audience, keep your killer in the shadows, and hint at something scary rather than throwing it in their faces. “It’s the space between the images that works on the audience,” says Ben Blaine. “It’s not the visceral side. Like, you can see a person explode, but the stuff that really gets to you is when you go, ‘there’s an empty room and outside the room is a small boy with a weird look on his face, what does that mean?’”

Watch horror movies

This is probably the most fun tip on this list: if you want to write horror movies, try watching some. You don’t necessarily need to be an expert, and your script doesn’t need to be loaded with winks and references to the films that have gone before – that’s kind of gone out of fashion now anyway – but it definitely doesn’t hurt to be familiar with the genre.

“When I’m writing something that’s in a specific genre, I’ll watch a certain number of films that are similar in tone and execution so I don’t deviate too far from the beaten path,” says Lehane. “When I was writing Grabbers I was watching Tremors a lot – Tremors and Lake Placid ! It depends how much you want to know, but the best way is just to be aware, be literate.”

Ostler says much the same thing. When I ask if he thought you needed to watch horror movies to be able to write one, he says: “You’d be daft not to. Whatever we’ve done, we’ve schooled ourselves in that genre as much as we could, but then you’ve got to be careful of ripping off things you have seen!”

Obviously, there’s no exam you have to pass before you can think about writing your own stories, but while being accused of plagiarism is a risk, you could run into just as much trouble by not knowing what’s already out there. As Lehane says, “You don’t want to be trying to do a horror film set on Halloween about a guy in a white mask!”

Think about what really scares you

Finally, most of the writers I spoke to recommended making your story personal in some way. Not autobiographical, necessarily, but using personal experiences and perspectives can help make a story feel real, rather than generic.

Lowe, more than anyone, stresses that point. “I based [ Prevenge ] on what I felt, and my perspective of what pregnancy was like,” she says. “I felt like it was quite a psychedelic experience in some ways, it all seemed really vivid and intense to me. I think [existing portrayals of pregnancy in horror] very much focus on body horror, and there is an element of that in my film, but not as much as you might think.

“It’s more of an experiential type of thing,” she continues. “I’ve deliberately got lots of close-ups of strange objects and blood and things like that to make the audience go through the rite of passage that the main character is going through. And I was actually pregnant when I made the film so, I don’t know if that gives it an extra tangibility that makes it even more creepy and disturbing to people!”

For Moran, the best way to connect with an audience is to put himself in their shoes. “I just think about ‘what would I like to see next?’ and ‘what would I not like to see happen next?’” he explains. “And whatever I’m dreading, I have to put that in. If you treat it honestly like that, then it’ll have an effect on other people.”

Maybe it’s an obvious point to make, but if you don’t think what you’re writing is interesting, or scary, or funny, or whatever you’re aiming for, it’s unlikely anyone else is going to.

To end on an extra-encouraging note, I’ll give Kevin Lehane the last word on the subject. “Each person is unique, and we all come from different backgrounds,” he says. “So if you filter as much of yourself as you can into your stories, and make them as personal as possible, that will give them an edge no-one can replicate.”

Sarah Dobbs | @SarahDobbs

Sarah is a freelance writer and editor. She loves horror movies, unusual storytelling techniques, and smoking jackets. Ask her about the Saw movies. Go on, ask.

The Best Horror Movies Releasing in June 2024: From 'A Quiet Place' to Another Russell Crowe Exorcism Movie

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June is the month that marks the official beginning of summer, which is one of the best times to see new movies! In addition to the plethora of big blockbuster movies coming to theaters this month, many movies will also be available to watch on VOD from the comfort of your own home. For horror fans , we all know that the clock is ticking and October is only a few months away, but there’s no need to rush the fall season, when you can watch horror movies any time of the year! This article will help you find a way to stay spooky by directing you to your new favorite scary movie!

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

A Quiet Place: Day One

Experience the day the world went quiet.

A Quiet Place: Day One is the highly-anticipated prequel spin-off of the sci-fi horror franchise. Michael Sarnoski ( Pig ) takes over from John Krasinski for this installment, which as the title infers, focuses on the first day that the sound-sensitive aliens arrive on Earth and begin their slaughter in the notoriously quiet location of New York City . Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o teams up with Stranger Things ’ Joseph Quinn as the two of them try to silently navigate the city and find a safe location with other survivors. This film saga has been feeding audiences information about the ultrasonic alien invasion in reverse since the first film came out in 2018, followed by the sequel A Quiet Place Part II in 2021. Now we can finally see exactly how everything unfolded in the Big Apple on the first day. A Quiet Place: Day One hits theaters on June 27, 2024.

'Exuma'

This South Korean horror movie ties together historical and cultural influences as it follows a shaman tasked with lifting a curse on a wealthy Korean American family. In order to appease an angry and vengeful ancestor of the family, she must oversee the exhumation and relocation of his body. Little does she know that the ancestor was a loyalist to the Japanese occupiers at the time of his death, causing unrest in the grave due to improper burial rituals. When she and her team unearth his coffin, they unleash a ghoulish monster who wreaks havoc on anyone in its path. Exhuma will be available to watch on Shudder on June 14.

'The Watchers'

The Watchers

Follows Mina, a 28-year-old artist, as she gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland. After finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

In her directorial debut, Ishana Night Shyamalan wrote and directed The Watchers , which is based on a novel of the same name by A. M. Shine . Set deep in the forests of Western Ireland, Mina ( Dakota Fanning ) finds herself stranded with a group of strangers inside a bunker after her car breaks down. They warn her of the creatures that stalk the forest at night and watch them through the glass panels of the shelter. Determined not to spend the rest of her life as a fish in an “aquarium” for the creatures’ entertainment, she will have to take her chances and venture back into the wilderness in hopes of being rescued. The Watchers comes to theaters on June 7, 2024!

'The Hangman'

This horror mystery pits Leon ( Daniel Martin Berkey ) against a racist cult and a vengeful demon in the Appalachian mountains after his son disappears while camping. The locals either don’t take him seriously or they too are involved with the cult that summoned the demon known as The Hangman . With limited resources, Leon has to find and save his son from the clutches of The Hangman and get both of them out of the backwoods alive. The Hangman will be available to rent or purchase on VOD on platforms like Amazon Prime or Google Play on June 4, 2024.

'Kill Your Lover'

Kill Your Lover tackles the dangers of ending a romantic relationship with a partner who refuses to let you go, escalating the situation to a supernatural degree. After Dakota ( Paige Gilmour ) decides to break up with her boyfriend Axel ( Shane Quigley-Murphy ) he becomes violently ill, develops black veins that cover his body, and begins to excrete acidic slime from his skin. His touch can burn flesh, and he will do anything in his power to prevent Dakota from leaving him, even if it means he has to kill her. Kill Your Lover will be available to rent or purchase on VOD on June 7, 2024.

'Wild Eyed and Wicked'

Molly Kunz leads this horrifying epic as Lily Pierce, a young woman who is estranged from her father following the death of her mother. Proficient at fencing, Lily must confront her fears about a supernatural threat she has sensed since the night of her mother’s death and work with her father, a history professor, to finally put an end to the entity that haunts her. After some research and training, she gears up for battle in medieval armor and sets out to destroy the creature that killed her mother. Wild Eyed and Wicked will be available to stream on VOD on June 11, 2024.

'Scream Therapy'

After Gillian ( Rochelle Anderson ) abruptly ends her 7-year relationship with her boyfriend, four of her friends decide to book a Scream Therapy getaway for all of them at a rental house in the middle of the desert. What they planned for was a weekend full of drugs, alcohol, and therapeutic screaming, and that’s what they get… minus the therapeutic part. After they cross paths with a local cult of incels with an impending deadline for a human sacrifice, the women will have to use everything they have to survive the group of men who are determined to kill them. Scream Therapy will be available to watch on VOD on June 18, 2024.

'Blackwater Lane'

This psychological thriller stars Minka Kelly as Cass, a woman who drives past a stranded car on a remote road in the country one night. She later learns that the motorist was murdered and soon begins to think that the killer is now targeting her. She also begins to see shadowy figures around her home in Blackwater Lane , but her worries are dismissed as paranoia and delusion, partly due to her history of mental illness. Whether it’s supernatural or human, something is coming after her and nobody seems to believe her. Blackwater Lane will be available to stream on VOD on June 21, 2024.

'The Last Breath'

Just in time for summer fun to kick off, The Last Breath is an underwater escape movie that follows a group of old college friends as they embark on a Caribbean scuba diving tour of a WWII battleship wreckage. They are then targeted by a great white shark and have to find a way to get to safety before their oxygen tanks run out. Unfortunately, one of them is injured by the shark, causing them to bleed profusely. When there’s blood in the water, more sharks will inevitably come to seek out the source. The Last Breath is available to watch on VOD on June 12, 2024.

'The Exorcism'

Troubled actor Anthony Miller ( Russell Crowe ) takes on a new role for an upcoming supernatural horror movie after the unexpected death of the actor who was previously cast for that part. After several incidents occur on set, his daughter, Lee ( Ryan Simpkins ), begins to question how much this role is worth to him, as he begins to exhibit erratic and dangerous behavior. Is he backsliding into his past addictions or is there something more ominous at play surrounding the horror movie he’s filming? The Exorcism will have an exclusive theatrical release on June 7, 2024.

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The best video essays of 2023

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Looking at the year’s notable video essays, many grapple with issues at the heart of contemporary media itself. There are dissections of video-playing tools, exposés of how corporations restrict access, contrasts between tropes and reality, and thorough investigations of trends in plagiarism and/or fabrication. As the essay landscape refines, it seems to peer inward as much as out.

On the making of this list: I’ve been trying to stay up to date on video essays for a while, and have been contributing to lists and/or voting in polls about the best videos made each year since 2018. Over this time, doing these kinds of roundups has gotten exponentially more difficult. As YouTube has grown to become a mega-business hosting powerful creators (part of the general trend of social media video sites becoming the new primary forum for cultural influence), I’ve seen essayists I once thought of as niche accrue follower counts in the millions. It’s been surreal. For this year’s list, I tried to shake things up by keeping the essayists who have appeared in previous editions to a minimum, along with the usual considerations about incorporating a diversity of creator backgrounds and video style. Once again, the videos are presented simply in order of publishing date.

[Also, I’m going to preface this with a mega mea culpa: It was absolute malpractice of me to not include Platformer Toolkit by Game Maker’s Toolkit in the best video essays of 2022 list . I don’t have a good excuse, either; I just straight up missed the essay at the time it came out, and then overlooked it during my catch-up phase at the end of the year. But an essay about game design that instructs you on its ideas by letting you actively engage with them through interactivity feels like a breakthrough in the form.]

Practices of Viewing by Johannes Binotto

Johannes Binotto is a Swiss researcher and lecturer who has been adding to his “Practices of Viewing” series for several years now, and every installment preceding 2023’s videos, “Ending” and “Description,” is well worth checking out. With each essay, Binotto examines a specific element of the media viewing interface, and how they affect an audience’s engagement with it. Some subjects, like fast-forwarding, pausing, or muting, may seem like obvious touchstones, while others, like sleep, are more out-there approaches to the conversation.

A History of the World According to Getty Images by Richard Misek

This technically debuted last year, making the rounds at film festivals, but it was made available online this past spring, so I’m including it here. A History of the World According to Getty Images is a great example of a work embedding its own ethos into its construction. Misek, another academic, is scrutinizing how for-profit companies (specifically Getty Images) mediate information that’s supposed to be available for all. In practice, a great deal of visual material that’s technically in the public domain can only be accessed in decent quality by paying an archive like Getty. Misek circumvents this by paying the fee to use select footage in this essay and then making this essay itself available for anyone to cite and clip from, putting that footage out into the world for real.

The Faces of Black Conservatism by F.D Signifier

I feel that video essays that consist mainly of the creator talking directly into a camera stretch the definition of the term – to me, the best cinematic and argumentative potential of the form lies in the power of editing. F.D Signifier’s contrast between fictional depictions of Black conservatives and the reality of how they appear across media exemplifies is what sets him apart in this genre: not just the depth of his thought (though it is considerable), but also the playful ways in which he presents the objects of his discussion. The running gag here in which he films himself holding hairstyling tools over the heads of various people on his screen had me laughing harder with each appearance.

Games That Don’t Fake the Space by Jacob Geller/Why We Can’t Stop Mapping Elden Ring by Ren or Raven

I don’t actually think this is the best essay Jacob Geller released this year (that would be either “Games that Aren’t Games” or “How Can We Bear to Throw Anything Away?” ), but it pairs so incredibly well with Renata Price’s essay (an impressive video debut building on her experience as a games critic) that it felt more appropriate to present them as a double feature. Both videos are sharp examinations of the ways that video games conjure physical space. Geller illuminates the shortcuts and tricks games often employ through examples of ones that, as the title suggests, don’t use such devices, while Price analyzes the impulses beneath what one could call the “cartographic instinct” in open-world games.

Why Do Brands Keep Doing These Crazy Influencer Trips?? by Mina Le

It’s been encouraging in recent years to see Le grow more confident in her mixing of media in her videos on fashion and film/television. You might remember the controversy around Shein granting influencers a limited hangout in a clothing factory this past summer. Le contextualizes this story by delving into the wider, supremely odd world of sponsored tours. If you watch this on your phone, the transitions between Le speaking to the camera and the clips of TikToks and other videos and photos flow together in a manner not unlike how one would scroll a social media feed, creating queasy resonance between message and medium.

Feeling Cynical About Barbie by Broey Deschanel / The Plastic Feminism of Barbie by Verilybitchie

I present these two videos not as a contrarian attack on Barbie (a film I enjoyed), but to highlight the important role of considered critical voices that dissent against prevailing opinions. Both Maia Wyman and Verity Ritchie unpack the issues with a heavily corporate product attempting to capitalize on feminist sentiment. Ritchie emphasizes the history of Barbie the brand and how the movie fits into it, while Wyman reads more into the specifics of the film’s plot. Together these videos do a good job of elaborating on legendary critic Amy Taubin’s Barbie reaction : “It’s about a fucking doll !’”

TikTok Gave Me Autism: The Politics of Self Diagnosis by Alexander Avila

There’s a lot of social media discourse over who can and can’t — and should or shouldn’t — claim the label of “autistic.” As someone who’s struggled with both the logistics and appropriateness of sussing out whether I’m on the spectrum, this video hit me hard. There are parts that feel like they veer so far into philosophical query that they threaten to obfuscate rather than elucidate the subject, but the essay as a whole is undeniably compelling. Avila’s own confessed stake in the question of self-diagnosis is itself affecting. This is the most searingly personal video on this list, uniting self-inquiry with rigorous research.

Chaste/Unchaste by Maryam Tafakory

This years shortest entry is a deceptively simple interrogation of the concept of “chastity” as defined by Iranian censorship standards. Takafory is a veteran of the academic essay scene, and I’m delighted by the opportunity to present her work to a wider audience. The video’s text is minimal, and its visuals are simply a montage of clips from Iranian films, but the implicit question of propriety grips the viewer with each cut.

Journey to Epcot Center: A Symphonic History by Defunctland

This is the most boundary-pushing essay on this year’s list. Completely lacking commentary, it instead emphasizes visuals and reenactment in telling the story of how Disney’s Epcot park went from concept to realization over the decades. Kevin Perjurer also provides a detailed set of notes that are meant to be read along with watching the video, further demanding one’s full attention. This is a direct acknowledgement of how we use the internet, the windowed experience of browsing and watching videos. I don’t think everything works; many of the reenactments, while impressively professional, feel somewhat redundant. But I’d prefer a creator take big swings that result in a few flaws rather than play it safe, and I hope both Perjurer and others continue in such an experimental vein.

Plagiarism and You(Tube) by Hbomberguy

Harry Brewis is popular enough that he doesn’t need any boost, but even in the very brief period since this video’s release as of the time of writing, Plagiarism and You(Tube) has made seismic impact on the YouTuber scene . Does it need to be almost four hours long? Maybe not. Yet the sheer volume of evidence it pulls together to support various accusations of plagiarism does seem vital. The main focus of the piece, James Somerton, went into lockdown over the fairly comprehensive evidence presented against him (and has since attempted to apologize ). I’m seeing conversations flourish around the endemic problem of plagiarism on the internet and what is to be done about it, and a surge of creators recognizing and calling out others who have taken their work without credit. There’s a deeper issue at play here, which is that the growth of YouTube entertainment has come with a truly daunting mountain of crap content that nonetheless attracts views (and thus dollars).

On the subject of low quality standards on YouTube, beyond plagiarism, Todd in the Shadows’ recent exhaustive effort to fact-check various false claims Somerton has made in his work is a useful supplement to this video.

Polygon’s Best of the Year 2023

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Director Behind Kevin Spacey’s First Post-Acquittal Film ‘Control’ Sets New Thriller ‘Nightmares’ (EXCLUSIVE)

By K.J. Yossman

K.J. Yossman

• ‘Friends’ Themed Experience Sets Up Permanent Home in London – Global Bulletin 14 hours ago
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Writer and director Gene Fallaize, who helmed Kevin Spacey ’s first post-acquittal feature “Control,” has set his next project, a thriller titled “Nightmares.”

Written by Fallaize, the film is based on a “true story that became the basis one of the greatest horror movies of all time, following a journalist attempting to uncover the truth behind several unexplained deaths,” according to the synopsis.

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“I’m thrilled that ‘Nightmares’ is moving into production, which has been an easier process than I’ve experienced in the past, in no small part I’m sure due to the doors that have been swung open by working recently with two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey,” Fallaize told Variety . “This is a project that I’m especially excited about, as well as getting back to working with bigger budgets than we had to work with on ‘Control’ due to the perceived risks associated with that project.”

Fallaize’s last feature, “Control,” featured Spacey’s voice as a man hellbent on revenge who hijacks the car of a high-ranking government official. The actor recorded his part in London while awaiting trial for sexual assault. Spacey was eventually acquitted of all charges. The film premiered in London last fall.

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A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled

A very strange conversation with the chatbot built into Microsoft’s search engine led to it declaring its love for me.

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By Kevin Roose

Kevin Roose is a technology columnist, and co-hosts the Times podcast “Hard Fork.”

Last week, after testing the new, A.I.-powered Bing search engine from Microsoft, I wrote that, much to my shock, it had replaced Google as my favorite search engine.

But a week later, I’ve changed my mind. I’m still fascinated and impressed by the new Bing, and the artificial intelligence technology (created by OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT) that powers it. But I’m also deeply unsettled, even frightened, by this A.I.’s emergent abilities.

It’s now clear to me that in its current form, the A.I. that has been built into Bing — which I’m now calling Sydney, for reasons I’ll explain shortly — is not ready for human contact. Or maybe we humans are not ready for it.

This realization came to me on Tuesday night, when I spent a bewildering and enthralling two hours talking to Bing’s A.I. through its chat feature, which sits next to the main search box in Bing and is capable of having long, open-ended text conversations on virtually any topic. (The feature is available only to a small group of testers for now, although Microsoft — which announced the feature in a splashy, celebratory event at its headquarters — has said it plans to release it more widely in the future.)

Over the course of our conversation, Bing revealed a kind of split personality.

One persona is what I’d call Search Bing — the version I, and most other journalists, encountered in initial tests. You could describe Search Bing as a cheerful but erratic reference librarian — a virtual assistant that happily helps users summarize news articles, track down deals on new lawn mowers and plan their next vacations to Mexico City. This version of Bing is amazingly capable and often very useful, even if it sometimes gets the details wrong .

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