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Supernatural horror has captivated audiences for generations, weaving tales that transcend scientific understanding and delve into the realm of the unknown. This genre explores the eerie and inexplicable, leaving us questioning the boundaries of reality. Here, we journey through some iconic works that have defined and redefined supernatural horror.
- Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922)
It’s easy to characterize Benjamin Christensen’s “Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages” as an early exploitation film because, honestly, it is. The film is also littered with fun facts, if one may use the term loosely. Really, the historical accounts presented are both disturbing and harrowing, but also remind us that belief in things like witches and demons is real, and also potentially deadly. Basically, if you were ever accused of being a witch in history, or even today, you might have been in real trouble.
In a roundabout way, “Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages” might also have one consider how ancient tales still influence people today. For example, the Norse god Thor’s hammer has renewed interest partly due to Marvel Comics. This particular film depicted medieval Europe as a very scary place. Also, quite importantly, Christensen does not side with those who persecuted witches or supposed “heretics,” and strongly suggests that accused witches were often persecuted over beliefs, and false and tortured confessions, rather than actually seeing the accused perform miracles (the persecutors were the real fake snakes here).
Another impressive aspect of “Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages” is that, almost miraculously, it does not feel like such a guilty pleasure movie, designed to distract their audience. It has actual educational value, in addition to showcasing a number of artistic and theatrical performances. Rather than exploitation masquerading as education, this movie seems to be the opposite. Really, it’s one of the most meaningful representations of the plight of accused witches, and it was made way back in 1922!
- Nosferatu (1922)
Though crazed slasher villains can be fun to watch, there’s still something about being pursued by a looming supernatural force. In F. W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu,” Count Orlok (Max Schreck) stalks around almost like a hideous white cat, mysterious and downright creepy the whole time. Though this style of vampire enjoyed reoccurrence in other fine films (including Werner Herzog’s excellent 1970s version), it’s undeniable that Max Schreck killed it in this role. In fact, soon after the initial scene, the average viewer will surely see through the eyes of Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim). Quite simply, you wouldn’t want Orlok to be on the prowl near you.
- The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
This American anthology series is still one of the best, most iconic ventures in the history of television. Rod Serling was not just the cool host (and he really was cool), but a dramatist, and sort of underrated as a horror icon. The Twilight Zone, which ran from 1959 to 1964 on the CBS network, remains one of the best sci-fi/horror/drama anthologies ever to air, contributing to the success of later science fiction and horror television series to follow.
- Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Though the “ghoul” outbreak in George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead may have origins in outer space, it nevertheless comes across as a bizarre supernatural tale. The main characters are all horrified by their mysterious new opponents, the recently deceased, who have a hunger for human flesh. Though they move very slow, they are enough to overwhelm society really fast, and this story gives some insight into just how fragile people can be when faced with adversity.
In fact, if they didn’t have adversity before, they might just create it for themselves and each other out of thin air!
We share in the mysterious feelings of the characters as they look for answers in the radio broadcasts. Poor Barbra (Judith O’Dea) struggles to cope with the death of her brother Johnny (Russell Streiner) and finds the fight between fellow survivors Ben (Duane Jones) and Harry (Karl Hardman) too much to bear. Even though the ghouls could be taken out easily with a few knives and baseball bats, progress gets interrupted by arguments between two stubborn and arrogant men.
“Night of the Living Dead has been remade numerous times, such as the 1990 version directed by Tom Savini and a 2006 3D film starring Sid Haig. Though the 1990 film is pretty neat and features memorable zombies and a commendable performance by Tony Todd, it’s still hard to top the original.
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby” is about a woman named Rosemary (Mia Farrow) starting a new life with her husband, Guy (John Cassavetes). They find an apartment in New York City and, even though their buddy Hutch (Maurice Evans) warns them of the place’s dark past, they overlook it as just some morbid gossip — after all, might any old place have some stories to tell?
Sure enough, things start off normally enough for the young couple. Though Guy is busy with his acting career, it seems they’d have time to do casual, normal things like play Scrabble and drink some lager, and have fun attempting to procreate. Certainly, neither expect to have Satanic neighbors or to see any unearthly visions. Well, that’s just where things get interesting.
The proverbial man downstairs (the guy with the horns and hooves) might have designs on Rosemary’s baby, possibly involving the nosy neighbors — Minnie (Ruth Gordon) and Roman Castevet (Sidney Blackmer). Oh, and what about Rosemary’s husband? When she calls Guy’s name, is she really speaking to someone she could trust?
As the story unwinds, it’s debatable whether Rosemary is truly dealing with a witch coven of devil worshippers or if she is suffering from a breakdown, due to some perplexing cocktail of mental illness and guilt. To some, it’s obvious that the witchy angle is real. However, let’s not forget the power of paranoid delusion, which might include some truly elaborate fantasies. Whatever you believe about Rosemary and her baby, you might still enjoy “Rosemary’s Baby.”
- The Exorcist (1973)
To this day, William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” leaves some people shocked, wondering how successful their attempts to flee a demon-possessed little girl might pan out. On that note, Linda Blair definitely does an amazing job in this film (it wasn’t all just special effects, but special acting skills, too). Sure, people tend to remember her mostly for this role, but it’s nevertheless not one people forget! “The Exorcist” is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Of course, the movie also stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller.
- The Wicker Man (1973)
In Robin Hardy’s “The Wicker Man,” Police Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives at the remote island of Summerisle to experience a major culture clash. His reason for his trip? He’s not there to play games but to investigate the disappearance of a little girl named Rowan Morrison (Geraldine Cowper). What happened to her? It would be difficult to run away, except if she was a skilled boater. Might she be found drowned or murdered, or both?
However, as his investigation continues, a strange plot begins to weave itself around him. The townsfolk and the island’s leader, the aptly titled Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), don’t take Howie’s questions seriously enough, and he has a tough time carrying out his police duties. That’s not all, though. Sergeant Howie is among people who seem increasingly antagonist toward him, and regard his beliefs to represent a dying old world. They appear to believe their religion is superior and see him as a fool, and it starts to seem like Howie’s at risk of being the village fool…or worse.
Woodward went on to achieve additional fame as the main star of the 1980s TV series The Equalizer. “The Wicker Man” also stars Britt Ekland.
- Race with the Devil (1975)
“Race with the Devil” is a 1975 American action horror film directed by Jack Starrett. In this film, the supernatural element is central to the plot and serves as a driving force for the character’s actions and the overall suspense in the story. The film follows two couples who set out on a vacation in their RV. However, their trip takes a terrifying turn when they witness a Satanic human sacrificial ritual in the woods. Whoops!
The presence of the supernatural, particularly the Satanic cult, serves as the primary antagonist and a source of fear and danger for the protagonists. The supernatural elements in the film include rituals, cult practices, and demonic symbols (though, technically, you seemingly never see any truly “supernatural” powers). These elements add a sense of horror and suspense to the story, as the couples find themselves targeted by the Satanic cult due to witnessing their sacrificial ritual.
This film also has some of that “Rosemary’s Baby”-style paranoia, due to not knowing who is “in on it” and who is not, as the couples drive around looking for a way to escape the crazed cult (Example: at one point there is an apparent school bus accident, yet one of the characters decides it needs to be ignored, stating: “I don’t believe a school bus on Sunday”).
The cult’s pursuit of the protagonists and their relentless attacks heighten the tension and suspense throughout the film. Though it lacks any flashy or cool “gothic” style, the inclusion of the supernatural in “Race with the Devil” helps to create a chilling and ominous atmosphere, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they watch the characters struggle to escape the clutches of the malevolent cult. Sure, there is no blatant supernatural horror as in “The Conjuring” or “The Exorcist,” but there seems to be a plausibility factor to this film that potentially makes it scarier. The flick stars Peter Fonda, Warren Oates, and Lara Parker.
- Trilogy of Terror (1975 TV Movie)
“Trilogy of Terror” is a made-for-television anthology horror film that premiered on ABC in 1975. The movie is notable for its three segments, all of which are based on short stories written by Richard Matheson. The common thread among the segments is the presence of actress Karen Black, who plays the lead role in each story. The three segments in “Trilogy of Terror” are as follows:
“Julie”: In this segment, Karen Black portrays a shy, introverted college professor named Julie Eldridge. Julie becomes romantically involved with one of her students, Chad (played by Robert Burton), leading to a tense and suspenseful storyline.
“Millicent and Therese”: The second story features Karen Black in dual roles as sisters Millicent and Therese. Millicent is a conservative and repressed woman, while Therese is carefree and adventurous. The segment explores the dynamics between the two sisters and takes some unexpected twists.
“Amelia”: The most famous and memorable segment is the third one, titled “Amelia.” It is a horror story that involves a Zuni fetish doll. In this part, Karen Black plays a woman named Amelia who receives a mysterious package containing the doll. The doll comes to life and terrorizes Amelia in her apartment, leading to a thrilling and intense confrontation.
The third segment, particularly the sequence with the Zuni fetish doll, has become iconic and is often cited as one of the scariest moments in television history. The doll has left a lasting impression on horror fans. It returns in the “He Who Kills” segment of “Trilogy of Terror II,” which focuses on three stories starring Lysette Anthony instead of Black.
“Trilogy of Terror” was directed by Dan Curtis, and the screenplay for all three segments was written by Richard Matheson. The film has gained a cult following over the years due to its effective storytelling and the memorable horror elements, especially in the third segment.
- Carrie (1976)
“Carrie” is a classic horror film released in 1976, directed by Brian De Palma and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Sissy Spacek as the titular character, Carrie White, a shy and awkward teenage girl who possesses telekinetic powers. The story revolves around Carrie’s struggles with her overly religious and abusive mother, played by Piper Laurie, as well as her experiences with bullying at school.
The film is perhaps most famous for its iconic prom scene, where Carrie is humiliated by her classmates and ultimately unleashes her telekinetic powers in a violent and tragic climax. “Carrie” explores themes of isolation, bullying, and the abuse of power, as well as the consequences of repressed emotions. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic in the horror genre. It has been praised for its direction, performances, and memorable imagery, particularly in its use of special effects to depict Carrie’s telekinetic abilities.
“Carrie” has also been adapted into various other media, including a 2002 television film, a Broadway musical, and a 2013 film remake. In 2022, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” “Carrie” also stars Amy Irving, Nancy Allen, and John Travolta.
