Do Horror Movies Need to Improve Or Are We in the Golden Age of the Genre?
Source: Pixabay
According to findings by Statista, horror movies were placed fourth in 2021 for the amount of revenue that was generated at the box office. A total of £40.8 million was grossed that year, behind the likes of action- and comedy-themed flicks. These figures suggest that the horror theme is still well-received by the British public, and further findings appear to back that up.
However, are we living in the “Golden Age” of horror films, or does the genre need to be improved?
Horror’s Golden Age
Horror is a theme that is no longer reserved for Halloween. It’s a genre that has started to enter the mainstream as it has become more popular worldwide. There has been a steady rise in the number of films that have been produced following this niche. An article written for Virgin Media revealed that the book ‘The Horror Report’ had found that more than 1,000 horror flicks had been created between 2000 and 2016, with just 200 having been produced by the turn of the millennium.
It’s possible to argue that its place in popular culture has helped it to grow as much as it has and become an attractive proposition for moviemakers looking to create a new box office hit. There are several forms of paraphernalia that are based on the scary aspects that horror can bring, as there are other entertainment mediums to have been created.
Several books and novels exist that centre around the gore and gothic aspects that can be associated with the characters and elements widely acknowledged as part of the genre, as there are TV shows and games, too. The gaming industry has capitalised on its popularity, releasing games across various niches. Whether it be video games, mobile games, or even casino games that can be played on the sites that have been listed at BonusFinder Canada as being those with the most attractive promotions, it’s possible for an enthusiast of the theme to find a title that combines gameplay with a scare factor.
Perhaps, the rise of new subgenres has helped the genre thrive in modern times and arguably contributed to its ‘Golden Age’. Horror flicks in decades gone by can be argued to have been a little similar in terms of their plots or the way that they were portrayed. They also featured actors that no one knew, sometimes making them difficult to watch. Fast-forward to some of the films that have been released more recently, and it’s clear they have gone in a different direction, especially with people like Jordan Peele looking to disrupt the industry with “Get Out” and “Us”.
Source: Pixabay
Do horror movies still need to improve?
While horror movies are getting better and becoming more immersive for audiences, there are cases where it’s possible to suggest that they still need to improve.
The theme is predictable in its most basic element, as people know what they will get, with many plots having already been shown. At the same time, while the genre is as popular as it is, it is also very unlikely to become mainstream. It has even been described as the ‘black sheep of cinema’ on the Evolution of Horror podcast, as it’s not something that everyone will always enjoy.
The film industry appears to be creating new titles more regularly than before, which is good. However, if they aren’t more inventive, the niche might become too formulaic and predictable for even the biggest horror fans to enjoy.
Final Words
Horror appears to have entered its “Golden Age” and is getting better with recent releases. However, the cinema industry must ensure that it can continue to keep the genre unpredictable in terms of plots, as this will help keep audiences on their toes and pique their interest in the theme more so than those that follow a story that they have seen told numerous times before.