The 10 Most Influential Horror Movies of the 1970s

The 1970s were a transformative decade for horror cinema, a period when the genre shed its gothic roots and embraced visceral, psychological, and societal fears. This era birthed films that not only terrified audiences but also redefined horror’s scope, influencing generations of filmmakers. From supernatural dread to slasher mayhem, the decade’s most influential horror movies—like The Exorcist, Halloween, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—set new standards for terror. In this 3,300-word exploration, we’ll dive into these groundbreaking films, their innovations, and their lasting impact on the genre.

1. The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by William Friedkin and adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, The Exorcist is often hailed as the scariest movie ever made. The story follows the possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) and the desperate efforts of two priests (Max von Sydow and Jason Miller) to save her soul. With its shocking imagery—Regan’s head-spinning, projectile vomiting—and a chilling score by Mike Oldfield, the film pushed horror into uncharted territory.

The Exorcist was a cultural phenomenon, earning $441 million worldwide and sparking debates about faith, evil, and the occult. Its use of subliminal imagery and practical effects, like the levitation scenes, set a benchmark for supernatural horror. The film’s influence is seen in countless possession movies, from The Conjuring to The Exorcism of Emily Rose, proving its enduring power to unsettle.

2. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s Halloween birthed the modern slasher subgenre with a minimalist masterpiece. Shot on a $325,000 budget, it follows babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she’s stalked by the masked killer Michael Myers on Halloween night. Carpenter’s iconic synth score and the relentless POV shots created a template for suspense that countless films would emulate.

Grossing over $70 million, Halloween proved low-budget horror could dominate the box office. It introduced the “final girl” trope and the unstoppable masked killer, influencing Friday the 13th, Scream, and beyond. Its suburban setting made horror feel immediate and personal, cementing its status as a genre cornerstone.

3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a raw, nightmarish descent into rural terror. A group of friends encounters a cannibalistic family, led by the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, in a film that feels like a documentary gone wrong. Shot on a shoestring budget of $140,000, its grainy 16mm look and unrelenting tension amplify the dread.

Despite bans and controversy, the film grossed $30 million and redefined horror with its gritty realism and lack of supernatural elements. Leatherface became an icon, and the film’s influence on slashers and “hillbilly horror”—think The Hills Have Eyes and Wrong Turn—is undeniable. Its legacy lies in showing that horror could be as real as the world outside your window.

4. Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws turned a simple premise—a great white shark terrorizing a beach town—into a cinematic juggernaut. Roy Scheider stars as Sheriff Brody, joined by Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw, in a battle against nature’s perfect predator. John Williams’ ominous two-note score and the mechanical shark “Bruce” (despite its malfunctions) created a visceral experience.

Earning $470 million, Jaws invented the summer blockbuster while proving horror could thrive outside traditional settings. Its “less is more” approach—delaying the shark’s reveal—heightened suspense, influencing creature features like Alien and The Thing. The film tapped into primal fears of the unknown, making the ocean a new frontier for terror.

5. Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott’s Alien fused sci-fi and horror into a slow-burn nightmare. The crew of the Nostromo, including Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, faces a lethal xenomorph after a distress call gone wrong. H.R. Giger’s biomechanical creature design and the film’s claustrophobic spaceship setting redefined monster movies.

With $104 million in earnings, Alien proved horror could be sophisticated and atmospheric. Its chestburster scene remains one of cinema’s most shocking moments, while Ripley’s survivalist grit inspired strong female leads in horror. The film’s influence spans Prometheus, Dead Space, and countless imitators, blending genres with surgical precision.

6. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, a sequel to Night of the Living Dead (1968), elevated the zombie subgenre with biting social commentary. Survivors hole up in a shopping mall as the undead swarm, a metaphor for consumerism run amok. Tom Savini’s groundbreaking gore effects—exploding heads, disembowelments—set a new standard for visceral horror.

The film’s $55 million haul and unapologetic violence inspired zombie classics like 28 Days Later and The Walking Dead. Romero’s blend of satire and survival horror showed the genre could critique society while delivering thrills, making Dawn a pivotal work in horror’s evolution.

7. Suspiria (1977)

Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a visually stunning descent into supernatural terror. Jessica Harper plays Suzy Bannion, an American dancer uncovering a witches’ coven at a German ballet academy. The film’s lurid Technicolor palette, Goblin’s haunting score, and surreal violence create a fever-dream atmosphere.

Though not a box office titan, Suspiria’s arthouse approach influenced horror’s aesthetic possibilities, from Midsommar to The Witch. Its emphasis on style over plot showed that mood and imagery could terrify as much as narrative, cementing Argento’s legacy in giallo and beyond.

8. Carrie (1976)

Brian De Palma’s Carrie, based on Stephen King’s novel, brought psychological horror to the forefront. Sissy Spacek stars as Carrie White, a telekinetic teen tormented by her peers and religious mother (Piper Laurie). The climactic prom scene—drenched in pig’s blood and fiery vengeance—is a masterclass in escalating dread.

Grossing $33 million, Carrie popularized King’s works onscreen and introduced the “outsider’s revenge” trope seen in later films like The Craft. Its blend of empathy and terror made it a touchstone for character-driven horror, proving the genre could explore human fragility alongside supernatural spectacle.

9. The Omen (1976)

Richard Donner’s The Omen tapped into 1970s fears of satanism with a chilling tale of the Antichrist. Gregory Peck plays Robert Thorn, an ambassador who discovers his adopted son, Damien, is evil incarnate. Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-winning score and shocking deaths—like the nanny’s hanging—heighten the film’s ominous tone.

With $60 million in earnings, The Omen capitalized on the post-Exorcist appetite for religious horror. Its influence on demonic child narratives, from Rosemary’s Baby follow-ups to The Babadook, underscores its role in shaping supernatural thrillers. The film’s polished production elevated horror’s mainstream appeal.

10. The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes unleashed a brutal tale of survival against a cannibalistic clan in the Nevada desert. A suburban family’s vacation turns deadly, forcing them to fight back in a primal showdown. The film’s low-budget grit and unflinching violence echo Texas Chain Saw while adding a layer of class warfare.

Earning $25 million, it solidified Craven’s reputation before A Nightmare on Elm Street. Its “civilized vs. savage” dynamic influenced survival horror like The Descent and The Purge, proving that human monsters could be as terrifying as supernatural ones.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a crucible for horror, forging films that shattered conventions and redefined fear. The Exorcist and The Omen plunged into supernatural dread, while Halloween and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre birthed the slasher boom. Jaws and Alien turned nature and space into stalking grounds, and Dawn of the Dead critiqued society through gore. These movies didn’t just scare—they innovated, blending raw terror with cultural resonance. Their influence echoes in modern horror, from blockbuster franchises to indie gems, proving the decade’s legacy is as immortal as the monsters it unleashed.

10 FAQs About the Most Influential Horror Movies of the 1970s

1. Why were 1970s horror films so groundbreaking?

   
   

   They reflected societal fears—Vietnam, cults, consumerism—while embracing new filmmaking techniques and unshackled creativity.

2. What made The Exorcist so controversial?

   
   

   Its graphic depictions of possession and religious themes sparked outrage, bans, and even fainting in theaters.

3. How did Halloween influence the slasher genre?

   
   

   It introduced the masked killer, final girl, and suburban setting, becoming a blueprint for Friday the 13th and Scream.

4. Why is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre considered realistic?

   
   

   Its documentary-like style, inspired by Ed Gein, and minimal gore (despite perception) made it feel authentic.

5. How did Jaws change the movie industry?

   
   

   It pioneered the summer blockbuster, proving horror could draw massive crowds with suspense over gore.

6. What set Alien apart from other horror films?

   
   

   Its sci-fi setting, slow pacing, and Giger’s unique creature design blended genres in a revolutionary way.

7. How did Dawn of the Dead critique society?

   
   

   The mall setting symbolized consumerism, with zombies as mindless shoppers—a satire still relevant today.

8. Why is Suspiria considered an arthouse horror film?

   
   

   Its vivid colors, abstract narrative, and experimental score prioritize atmosphere over traditional storytelling.

9. How did Carrie shape female-led horror?

   
   

   It gave depth to a tormented heroine, influencing complex female characters in films like Hereditary.

10. What role did The Hills Have Eyes play in Wes Craven’s career?

    
    

    It established his knack for raw, confrontational horror, paving the way for Nightmare and Scream.