Horror movies have been around pretty much since there were movies. There are probably many who would argue when the "golden age" of horror happened. They might all be valid, but one of my favorite eras was the 70s.
The 1970s were a golden era for horror, with filmmakers pushing boundaries, experimenting with new styles, and creating some of the most iconic and terrifying movies ever made. Whether you're a seasoned horror fanatic or just dipping your toes into the genre, these 10 films from the '70s are absolute must-sees. So grab your popcorn (and maybe a pillow to hide behind) and let's dive into the decade that defined horror.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
Let's kick things off with the movie that shocked audiences around the world. You simply cannot talk about movies of the 70s without this one. "The Exorcist" isn't just a horror movie; it's a cultural phenomenon. Directed by William Friedkin, this film about a young girl possessed by a demon still holds up as one of the scariest movies of all time. The head-spinning, the pea soup, the spine-chilling voice of the demon—everything about this movie is iconic. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on a true horror masterpiece.
2. Halloween (1978)
Before there was Michael Myers, there was no such thing as a slasher flick as we know it today. John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced us to the unstoppable masked killer and the final girl trope with Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie Strode. The minimalist score, the creeping camera work, and the tension that builds throughout make this a must-watch for any horror fan. Plus, it’s the perfect movie to set the mood for Halloween night.
3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Gritty, raw, and utterly terrifying, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is not for the faint of heart. Tobe Hooper’s low-budget masterpiece is all about atmosphere, and that atmosphere is one of pure, unrelenting dread. Leatherface and his family of cannibals will haunt your nightmares long after the credits roll. This film isn’t just scary—it’s a full-on assault on your senses.
4. Suspiria (1977)
Dario Argento's "Suspiria" is a feast for the eyes and ears. This Italian horror film is famous for its vibrant colors, haunting score by Goblin, and surreal, dream-like atmosphere. The story follows an American ballet student who enrolls in a prestigious academy only to discover it's run by a coven of witches. "Suspiria" is less about jump scares and more about creeping you out with its unsettling beauty and nightmarish logic. There are some who say this is the scariest movie of all time. Not sure I entirely agree, and it took me a while to warm up to this film, but I now see why it's a must-see.
5. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
George A. Romero revolutionized the zombie genre with "Night of the Living Dead," but he perfected it with "Dawn of the Dead." Set in a shopping mall overrun by zombies, this film is both a gore-filled horror flick and a biting social commentary on consumerism. The practical effects are top-notch, and the social satire bites as hard as the zombies do.
6. The Omen (1976)
What do you do when your adopted son turns out to be the Antichrist? That’s the terrifying premise of "The Omen." Directed by Richard Donner, this film is filled with suspense and eerie, unforgettable scenes. From the chilling score by Jerry Goldsmith to the infamous decapitation scene, "The Omen" is a film that delivers on both scares and atmosphere. In 2024 the movie The First Omen came out and quickly became the best of the series and one of the finest horror movies of this year. Overall, the Omen series before this year is pretty lame in retrospect, but no review of 70s horror can be without it.
7. Carrie (1976)
Based on Stephen King’s first novel, "Carrie" is a haunting tale of teenage angst and supernatural powers. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film follows the story of Carrie White, a shy high school girl with telekinetic abilities. The prom scene is one of the most iconic moments in horror history, and Sissy Spacek’s performance as Carrie is nothing short of legendary. It’s a heartbreaking and horrifying look at the cruelty of adolescence.
8. Alien (1979)
Is it sci-fi? Is it horror? "Alien" is a bit of both, and it’s absolutely terrifying. Ridley Scott’s masterpiece takes place on the spaceship Nostromo, where the crew encounters a deadly alien creature that picks them off one by one. The film is a masterclass in building tension, with the claustrophobic setting and H.R. Giger’s horrifying creature design making it a must-see for any horror fan. You've already seen me rant and rave about my love of this movie.
9. Don’t Look Now (1973)
This one’s a bit of a slow burn, but trust me, it’s worth it. "Don’t Look Now," directed by Nicolas Roeg, is a haunting psychological horror film about a grieving couple who travel to Venice after the tragic death of their daughter. The film is famous for its unsettling atmosphere, disorienting editing, and one of the most shocking endings in horror history. It’s a film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it. There is also a very intense love scene that many have said was not entirely simulated.
10. Black Christmas (1974)
Before "Halloween" came along, there was "Black Christmas." Directed by Bob Clark, this Canadian slasher film is often credited as one of the first in the genre. Set in a sorority house during the holiday season, "Black Christmas" is a creepy, suspenseful tale of a killer stalking a group of young women. The phone calls from the killer are downright chilling, and the ending will leave you with goosebumps.
The '70s were a decade that redefined horror, giving us some of the most memorable and influential films in the genre's history. Whether you're looking for supernatural scares, psychological horror, or straight-up slasher madness, these movies have something for every horror fan. So, if you haven’t seen them yet, now’s the time to start binge-watching. Just make sure to leave the lights on!
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