From the minds of two masters of horror, Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock, comes a comprehensive guide to the scariest movies of the '70s. The 1970s marked a turning point in the horror genre, with groundbreaking films that introduced new subgenres and iconic characters. Let's explore the top 10 scariest movies of the '70s according to Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, a recent ranking by CBR, and an article by No Film School.
Stephen King's List:
1. 'The Exorcist' (1973) - A nightmare-inducing tale of demonic possession that continues to terrify audiences to this day.
2. 'Halloween' (1978) - The film that defined the slasher genre and introduced the iconic characters of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.
3. 'Carrie' (1976) - A victim-fights-back story with a telekinetic twist, showcasing the horrors of high school bullying.
4. 'The Omen' (1976) - A chilling tale of an evil child who may be the Antichrist, featuring memorable and haunting scenes.
5. 'Jaws' (1975) - The film that brought the horror of a man-eating shark to the big screen, creating a sense of dread and fear of the ocean.
Alfred Hitchcock's Favorite Movie:
Alfred Hitchcock's favorite movie of the '70s was 'The Exorcist' (1973). In an interview with Dick Cavett, Hitchcock praised the film for its ability to create a sense of dread and terror from beginning to end. He considered it a masterpiece of horror.
CBR's Ranking:
According to a recent ranking by CBR, here are the top 10 scariest movies of the '70s:
1. 'Halloween' (1978)
2. 'The Exorcist' (1973)
3. 'Carrie' (1976)
4. 'The Omen' (1976)
5. 'Jaws' (1975)
6. 'Last House on Dead End Street' (1977)
7. 'Don't Look Now' (1973)
8. 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978)
9. 'What Have You Done to Solange?' (1972)
10. 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974)
These films pushed the boundaries of horror, delivering terrifying experiences and leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
The 1950s were the Golden Age of Westerns, with the decade leaving audiences with some of the greatest installments the genre has to offer. Films like 'Giant,' 'Shane,' and 'High Noon' set the standard for character-driven narratives and memorable visuals in 1950s Westerns. The Western genre was one of the most popular genres in the 1950s, serving as blockbuster tentpoles with mass appeal. Some of the best Westerns of the 1950s include 'Giant,' 'Winchester '73,' 'The Searchers,' 'Johnny Guitar,' '3:10 To Yuma,' 'High Noon,' 'Rio Bravo,' 'Bad Day At Black Rock,' 'Shane,' and 'The Naked Spur.' These films featured impressive ensemble casts, gripping anthologies, tense dramas, and visionary filmmaking. They explored social messages, showcased action sequences, and presented thought-provoking themes. The Westerns of the 1950s had a lasting impact on American cinema and continue to be influential in the genre.
The article 'The 40 Best Psychological Thrillers of All Time, Ranked' by Collider ranks and highlights the top psychological thrillers of all time. Some of the notable films mentioned include 'Peeping Tom' (1960), 'Manhunter' (1986), 'Dead Ringers' (1988), 'Don't Look Now' (1973), 'Shock Corridor' (1963), 'Jacob's Ladder' (1990), 'The Sixth Sense' (1999), 'Misery' (1991), 'Blue Velvet' (1986), 'Donnie Darko' (2001), 'Shutter Island' (2010), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Rebecca' (1940), 'Gaslight' (1944), 'Caché' (2005), 'Get Out' (2017), 'Gone Girl' (2014), 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' (1962), 'Black Swan' (2010), and 'The Shining' (1980). Each film is briefly described, highlighting its significance in the psychological thriller genre.
The success of Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 sparked Hollywood's interest in making more modern-day westerns and road movies. The unexpected worldwide success of Bonnie and Clyde blindsided the Hollywood film industry, which then spent the next half-decade attempting to adapt to the changing tastes of the new youth audience it had apparently captured. The studios wanted a slice of the money to be made. Some of the notable films from this period include Dennis Hopper's Bonnie and Clyde, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, and Two-Lane Blacktop.
Foreign Horror Movies:
In addition to the '70s classics and psychological thrillers, foreign horror movies also made a significant impact during this decade. While Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock did not specifically mention foreign films in their lists, it's worth exploring some of the best foreign horror movies of the '70s. Here are a few notable ones:
- 'Suspiria' (1977) - An Italian horror film directed by Dario Argento, known for its vibrant colors and atmospheric tension.
- 'The Wicker Man' (1973) - A British horror film that explores pagan rituals and features a memorable performance by Christopher Lee.
- 'Deep Red' (1975) - Another Italian horror film by Dario Argento, known for its stylish visuals and intense murder mystery.
These foreign horror movies added a unique flavor to the genre and are still celebrated for their artistic and chilling qualities.
American horror novelist Grady Hendrix shares his favorite Hong Kong horror films. His top picks include:
1. The Boxer's Omen (1983, directed by Kuei Chih-hung) - a psychedelic black magic movie with visually mind-blowing and mentally scarring duels.
2. Red to Kill (1994, dir. Billy Tang Hin-shing) - a horrific slasher movie about a necrophiliac who stalks mentally disabled adults.
3. Dumplings (2004, dir. Fruit Chan Gor) - a deeply upsetting film about a fading Hong Kong television actress who discovers a secret formula for staying alive forever by eating dumplings made from dead babies.
4. Bio Zombie (1998, dir. Wilson Yip Wai-shun) - a fast-paced and funny horror comedy set in a shopping arcade in Hong Kong.
5. Mr Vampire (1985, dir. Ricky Lau Koon-wai) - a classic horror-comedy that established the genre of 'hopping vampire' movies in Hong Kong.
Whether you're a fan of Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, psychological thrillers, classic Westerns, revisionist Westerns, or Hong Kong horror films, these movies offer a diverse range of cinematic excellence.