Horror sub genres

Japanese horror

This genre usually focus' mostly on psychological horror particularly concentrating on the paranormal and poltegeist aspect. These films are influenced by the ancient horror stories that have been pasted down through history. Japanese horror tends to be paranormal as, according to that traditional Japanese beliefs,  all humans have a spirit or soul which leaves the body after death.

There have been many American remakes of these Japanese horror films such as the film 'The Ring'. It was released in 2002, two years after the Japanese version.

Action horror 

This sub-genre follows the horror theme but also includes aspects from action films which can be frantic chases, guns, bombs, explosions etc. Supernatural characters that are usually found in action horror films can be vampires and zombies as these are still in the human body, meaning the protagonist can be chased and fight evil. An example of a action horror film is a vampire film called 'From dusk till dawn' which was released in 1996.

 Body horror

A film has this sub-genre when there are the disturbing amputations of human limbs involved which could be when human body parts are used in the construction of a new monster. These films tend for follow three stages; equilibrium, disequilibrium and conclusion. They disturb viewers as scenes can be shown cutting limbs off. An example of a film of this sub-genre is called 'The invasion', released in 2007.

Comedy horror

This is the combined elements of humour and horror which is common to crosses over with black comedy also. The first comedy-horror film to be made was 'The legend of the sleepy hollow'. Another example is 'Shaun of the dead' which is a comedy version of 'Dawn of the dead'.

Gothic horror

Some of the earliest horror movies made were of this sub genre as it can consist of and be set in old places such as castles, dungeons. Romance can also be combined with it. Bram Stoker came up with the gothic horror film 'Dracula' which is said to be the most popular film of this type of horror genre. 

Romance horror

There are many films of this genre. This can cross over with other sub genres as during the horror film, there can be a love story also occurring throughout. A modern romantic horror would be the 'Twilight' films. There are five films made and it is this a vampire film which tells a love story but also includes the gruesome characteristics vampires are given.

Natural horror

This normally excludes humans being the evil characters but makes animals, sea creatures, insects etc the killers. it can also overlap with science fiction and action films. An example of a film of this sub genre and is 'Jaws'. Steven Spielberg is one of the most well known directors to create films of this sub genre as he directed 'Jaws', released in 1975.

Psychological horror

This sub genre is based on tension and relies on the characters fears, beliefs and emotional instability. They can be based on a humans mental instability such as a character becoming possessed. 'The exorcist' and again, 'The ring' are example of this sub genre. 

Supernatural horror

Renters around the supernatural elements, such as ghosts, gods, goddesses and miracles. They are known as being quite suspenseful as they emphasise the unknown and what could be real but you would never know. The afterlife and devils are known to be included as they are spiritual. This genre can cross over with others, creating hybrids such as a supernatural comedy. The film 'Ghost' is a popular example of a supernatural film.

Slasher horror

These films involve a lot of violence and murders who tend to me a psychopathic serial killer. This killer tends to carry a certain type of weapon making it significant to the killer. For example; if a hammer was found in the garden, the character would have frightening suspicions of it being the killer. Its tends to overlap with crime.