By Alec Portier
Fact-checked by Cathy Taylor
Horror films have evolved far beyond traditional ghost stories and slasher flicks. The genre now boasts a range of unique subgenres that deliver fresh perspectives on fear. Here are ten oddly specific horror subgenres that you might not be familiar with.
10. New Weird Horror
Coined by Tenebrous Press in 2021, New Weird Horror blends chaotic genre elements with social themes. Films like Resolution (2012) and Antibirth (2016) challenge categorization, leaving viewers questioning reality and narrative. This subgenre embraces the bizarre, offering an experience that’s both mind-bending and unsettling.
9. Folk Horror
Folk horror immerses viewers in rural settings steeped in ancient pagan traditions, creating a palpable sense of dread. Films such as Hagazussa (2017) and November (2017) explore how local customs can become terrifying when outsiders disrupt the status quo. This subgenre thrives on atmosphere rather than jump scares.
8. Eco-Horror
Eco-horror critiques humanity’s environmental impact, imagining retribution from nature. Films like In the Earth (2021) and The Beach House (2019) explore themes of ecological horror, tapping into contemporary anxieties about climate change while delivering unique scares.
7. Giallo
Originating in Italy during the 60s and 70s, Giallo combines horror, thriller, and mystery with vibrant visuals. Characterized by black-gloved killers and twisted plots, films like The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (1971) showcase psychological depth and stylistic flair, offering a refreshing take on the murder mystery.
6. Backwoods Horror
Backwoods horror plays on the fear of isolation and unfamiliarity in rural settings. Films such as The Interior (2015) and Preservation (2014) delve into the primal dread of encountering unfriendly locals and the terror of being lost in the wilderness, amplifying the tension between urban and rural cultures.
5. Phobia Horror
Phobia horror centers on specific, often unusual fears, crafting narratives around them. Crawl (2019) explores claustrophobia and alligator fear, while The Pool (2018) combines drowning fears with animal attacks. This subgenre provides tailored nightmares that resonate deeply with those who share these anxieties.
4. Cannibal Horror
Cannibal films delve into the taboo of human consumption, often exploring psychological dimensions. While classics like Cannibal Holocaust remain controversial, modern films like We Are What We Are (2013) and Ravenous (1999) add depth to the narrative, examining themes of tradition and survival.
3. J-Horror and K-Horror
Japanese and Korean horror films have evolved beyond mainstream hits like Ringu and Ju-On. Works like Noroi: The Curse (2005) and The Wailing (2016) incorporate cultural themes and unique storytelling methods, offering complex and immersive horror experiences that differ significantly from Western cinema.
2. Cosmic Horror
Cosmic horror, inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, explores humanity’s insignificance in an indifferent universe. Films like The Endless (2017) and The Void (2016) feature incomprehensible entities and existential dread, emphasizing themes of madness and the unknown.
1. Extreme Cinema
Extreme cinema pushes the boundaries of horror with graphic violence and artistic ambition. Films such as Martyrs (2008) and Raw (2016) tackle heavy socio-political themes, often sparking controversy due to their graphic content. This subgenre maintains a cult following for its commitment to exploring taboo subjects and eliciting genuine discomfort.
These subgenres reveal the rich diversity within horror, each offering a unique lens through which to explore our deepest fears and societal anxieties.