Horror Films That Redefined the Genre

George A. Romero is hailed as the Godfather of the zombie genre, with his 1968 film Night of the Living Dead establishing the foundational rules and social commentary that influenced future horror filmmakers, including Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead. Horror as a genre allows for a unique blend of absurdity and brilliance, where films like Deep Blue Sea subvert expectations and elevate campiness through clever twists and performances. New horror film The Substance serves as a metaphor for societal beauty standards, drawing from director Coralie Fargeat's personal experiences and featuring a gory narrative about aging and self-image. The legacy of influential horror films often overshadows their remakes, as seen with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which has gained appreciation over time despite initial criticism. While some horror movies are immortalized as classics or infamously bad, others linger forgotten, only to be re-evaluated as underrated gems. Overall, the horror genre's capacity for innovation continues to captivate audiences, blending humor, social commentary, and shock value in unique ways.