Terrifying Classics of the 1970s Horror Scene

The 1970s were a wild time for horror, a decade that shook up the genre with bold ideas and unforgettable scares. It was an era where filmmakers pushed boundaries, blending raw fear with social commentary, giving us some of the most iconic movies that still haunt us today.

From gritty slashers to supernatural chills, the ’70s delivered stories that dug deep into our fears, often reflecting the unease of the times. Whether it was the rise of new directors or the birth of legendary monsters, these films set the stage for modern horror. Let’s dive into the 20 best horror movies from this unforgettable decade, ranked from 20 to 1.

20. ‘The Brood’ (1979)

David Cronenberg’s ‘The Brood’ is a chilling dive into psychological horror. A woman undergoing experimental therapy unleashes her rage through monstrous, child-like creatures that attack those around her.

The film blends body horror with emotional turmoil, exploring trauma and repression. Its creepy atmosphere and unsettling imagery make it a standout, showing Cronenberg’s knack for turning inner fears into physical nightmares.

19. ‘The Wicker Man’ (1973)

A devout policeman investigates a missing girl on a remote Scottish island in ‘The Wicker Man’. He’s drawn into a bizarre pagan community with dark secrets.

The slow-burn tension and clash between rigid faith and wild rituals create a haunting vibe. Christopher Lee’s commanding performance as the island’s leader adds a layer of eerie charm to this cult classic.

18. ‘Black Christmas’ (1974)

‘Black Christmas’ follows a group of sorority sisters terrorized by a mysterious killer during the holiday season. The phone calls they receive are chilling, filled with twisted threats.

This Canadian gem helped kickstart the slasher genre, with its creepy point-of-view shots and tense pacing. Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder shine, making it a must-watch for fans of early slashers.

17. ‘Don’t Look Now’ (1973)

In ‘Don’t Look Now’, a grieving couple moves to Venice after losing their daughter, only to encounter strange visions and a psychic warning of danger. The city’s eerie canals amplify the dread.

Nicolas Roeg’s direction weaves grief and suspense into a haunting tapestry. Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie deliver raw, emotional performances, making this a deeply affecting horror tale.

16. ‘Phantasm’ (1979)

‘Phantasm’ centers on a young boy who discovers a sinister undertaker, the Tall Man, stealing bodies for otherworldly purposes. The surreal plot is packed with flying silver spheres and creepy ghouls.

Don Coscarelli’s dreamlike storytelling and bizarre visuals give it a unique edge. It’s a wild, unsettling ride that became a cult favorite for its oddball horror.

15. ‘The Last House on the Left’ (1972)

Wes Craven’s debut, ‘The Last House on the Left’, follows two girls kidnapped by brutal criminals, leading to a grim tale of violence and parental revenge. It’s raw and unflinching.

The film’s gritty realism and moral questions hit hard, setting a template for exploitation horror. Its intensity makes it a tough but pivotal watch in ‘70s horror.

14. ‘Ganja & Hess’ (1973)

‘Ganja & Hess’ tells the story of an anthropologist turned vampire after being stabbed with a cursed dagger. His new lover joins him in a surreal, blood-soaked journey.

This blaxploitation horror film mixes art-house style with themes of identity and addiction. Duane Jones and Marlene Clark’s performances make it a haunting, underseen gem.

13. ‘The Omen’ (1976)

A diplomat adopts a boy in ‘The Omen’, only to suspect he’s the Antichrist as deaths pile up around him. The film’s ominous tone keeps you on edge.

Gregory Peck anchors this supernatural thriller with gravitas, while the creepy kid, Damien, became a horror icon. Its blend of faith and fear is chillingly effective.

12. ‘The Amityville Horror’ (1979)

‘The Amityville Horror’ follows a family moving into a Long Island home plagued by demonic forces tied to a real-life murder. Strange events escalate fast.

James Brolin and Margot Kidder sell the terror of a house that feels alive with evil. Based on a controversial true story, it’s a spooky staple of the decade.

11. ‘Salem’s Lot’ (1979)

In ‘Salem’s Lot’, a writer returns to his hometown to find vampires taking over. He teams up with locals to fight the growing undead threat.

This Stephen King adaptation, directed by Tobe Hooper, nails small-town dread. Its made-for-TV roots don’t dull its creepy vampire action, making it a fan favorite.

10. ‘Deep Red’ (1975)

A musician witnesses a murder in ‘Deep Red’, sparking a bloody hunt for a serial killer. Dario Argento’s Italian giallo is a masterclass in style and suspense.

The film’s vivid colors and shocking kills keep you hooked. David Hemmings leads with intensity, while the twisty plot makes it a thrilling puzzle.

9. ‘Nosferatu the Vampyre’ (1979)

Werner Herzog’s ‘Nosferatu the Vampyre’ reimagines the silent classic, with Klaus Kinski as a ghastly Dracula spreading plague and fear. It’s both beautiful and terrifying.

The film’s haunting visuals and slow, dread-filled pace create a gothic masterpiece. Kinski’s performance is magnetic, making this vampire tale unforgettable.

8. ‘Eraserhead’ (1977)

‘Eraserhead’ follows a man navigating a nightmarish world while caring for a deformed baby. David Lynch’s debut is a surreal descent into anxiety and despair.

Its black-and-white visuals and eerie sound design build a suffocating atmosphere. This cult classic is less about jump scares and more about existential dread.

7. ‘Carrie’ (1976)

A shy teen with telekinetic powers faces bullying and a fanatical mother in ‘Carrie’. Her rage unleashes one of horror’s most iconic climaxes.

Sissy Spacek’s raw performance and Brian De Palma’s tense direction make it a powerhouse. The prom scene alone cements its place in horror history.

6. ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (1978)

In ‘Dawn of the Dead’, survivors of a zombie outbreak hide in a mall, battling the undead and their own desperation. George A. Romero’s sequel is a gore-filled classic.

The film mixes visceral horror with sharp commentary on consumerism. Its relentless pacing and practical effects still hold up, thrilling zombie fans.

5. ‘Suspiria’ (1977)

A young dancer arrives at a German ballet academy in ‘Suspiria’, uncovering a coven of witches. Dario Argento’s masterpiece drips with color and dread.

The film’s dreamlike visuals and Goblin’s haunting score create pure terror. Jessica Harper’s vulnerable performance pulls you into this stylish nightmare.

4. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)

‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ follows friends who stumble into a cannibalistic family’s clutches in rural Texas. Leatherface’s chainsaw becomes a horror legend.

Tobe Hooper’s gritty realism and relentless tension make it feel all too real. Marilyn Burns’ screams echo long after, marking this as a slasher cornerstone.

3. ‘Halloween’ (1978)

A masked killer, Michael Myers, stalks a small town in ‘Halloween’, targeting teen Laurie Strode. John Carpenter’s lean thriller redefined the slasher genre.

Jamie Lee Curtis shines as the ultimate final girl, while the eerie score amplifies every scare. Its simplicity and suspense make it timeless.

2. ‘Alien’ (1979)

In ‘Alien’, a spaceship crew faces a deadly creature that hunts them one by one. Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror blends claustrophobia with cosmic fear.

Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley became a genre icon, fierce and resourceful. The xenomorph’s design and H.R. Giger’s art make this a chilling masterpiece.

1. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

A young girl’s demonic possession in ‘The Exorcist’ pushes her mother and two priests to confront unimaginable evil. William Friedkin’s film is a gut-punch of fear.

Linda Blair’s terrifying transformation and the film’s raw intensity shook audiences. Its exploration of faith and horror still feels unmatched, earning its top spot.

Which ‘70s horror flick still gives you chills, or did we miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!