INFLUENTIAL FILM EXAMPLES OF

SUPERNATURAL HORROR

The earliest horror films were Gothic - meaning that they were usually set in spooky old mansions, castles, dark and shadowy locales. Their main characters have included: the “unknown,” supernatural or grotesque creatures, vampires, demented madmen, devils, unfriendly ghosts, monsters, demons, zombies, evil spirits, the “possessed,” werewolves and diabolical presence of evil.

Horror films developed out of a number of sources such as: folktales with devil characters, witch craft, fables, myths, ghost stories, Grand Guignol/melodramas, and Gothic or Victorian novels.

The Exorcist (1973)When a teenage girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter.

The Poltergeist (1982)Strange and creepy happenings beset an average California family, when ghosts commune to them through the television set. Initially friendly and playful, the spirits turn unexpectedly menacing. The daughter goes missing, so the family turns to a parapsychologist and eventually an exorcist for help.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)Several people are hunted by a cruel serial killer who kills his victims in their dreams. While the survivors are trying to find the reason for being chosen, the murderer won't lose any chance to kill them as soon as they fall asleep.

Paranormal Activity (2013)Soon after moving into a suburban home, Katie and Micah become increasingly disturbed by what appears to be a supernatural presence. Hoping to capture evidence of it on film, they set up video cameras in the house.

Orphan (2009)Devastated by the loss of their unborn baby, Kate and John decide to adopt a child. At the orphanage, both feel drawn to a little girl, and soon the couple take their new daughter home. But when a dangerous series of events unfolds, Kate begins to suspect that there is something evil lurking behind the child's angelic exterior.

The Omen (1976)American diplomat adopts Damien when his wife delivers a stillborn child. They investigate Damien’s background and realise his adopted son may be the Antichrist.