Bruno Pugh
The 1970s reshaped horror cinema, leaving audiences terrified and sleepless. Some of the most iconic and fear-inducing films of all time came from this era and pushed boundaries in ways that still resonate today. From shocking visuals to disturbing psychological themes, these 15 films are more than just scary—they’re a haunting experience.
The Exorcist (1973)
This film tells the chilling story of a young girl possessed by a demonic force, her once-innocent face twisted into something truly terrifying. The Exorcist’s intense and shocking scenes caused fainting and mass hysteria in theaters when it was released, and is still considered one of the scariest films ever made.
Halloween (1978)
Michael Myers—the silent, masked killer—becomes the stuff of nightmares in Halloween. His relentless pursuit of teenage babysitters leaves viewers gripping their seats. John Carpenter’s eerie score only adds to the terror, making this slasher flick a cornerstone of 70s horror.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Few films are as raw and relentless as this one. A group of friends stumbles upon Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding maniac. The film’s gritty, documentary-style approach only enhances the dread and leaves audiences gasping for air. You’ll never look at rural road trips the same way again.
Suspiria (1977)
This haunting Italian horror by Dario Argento is as visually stunning as terrifying. Following a ballet student who encounters a supernatural nightmare, Suspiria blends vibrant colors with shocking violence to create an unsettling dreamscape that’s impossible to escape.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Zombies invade America in George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, turning a shopping mall into a battleground for survival. With groundbreaking gore effects and biting social commentary, this film became a blueprint for future zombie films.
Don’t Look Now (1973)
Grief, mystery, and the supernatural collide in this psychological horror. Set in Venice, Don’t Look Now keeps viewers on edge with its eerie atmosphere and devastating twist ending. Notably, the red coat of a mysterious child becomes a haunting symbol throughout the film.
Jaws (1975)
More than a thriller, Jaws taps into primal fears. The great white shark lurking beneath the water made beachgoers across the world second-guess swimming in the ocean. Spielberg’s masterpiece turned a simple predator into the ultimate terror.
Carrie (1976)
Stephen King’s debut novel became an iconic horror film. Carrie is a chilling tale of bullying, revenge, and telekinetic powers. The prom scene is forever etched in horror history, blending shock and tragedy into one unforgettable moment. It definitely makes you think twice before crossing the quiet ones.
Alien (1979)
In space, no one can hear you scream. Ridley Scott’s Alien terrified audiences with its slow-building tension and unforgettable creature design. The claustrophobic setting of the spaceship, combined with a vicious alien on the loose, creates a nerve-wracking survival story.
The Omen (1976)
When a boy is marked as the Antichrist, evil begins to unfold. The Omen delivers slow, creeping dread with supernatural occurrences, disturbing deaths, and an unsettling sense that doom is inevitable. Are you brave enough to meet Damien, the child of Satan?
Black Christmas (1974)
Often mentioned as the first true slasher film, Black Christmas follows some sorority sisters stalked by a deranged killer during the holiday season. The suspenseful pacing and chilling phone calls make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man is an unnerving dive into a pagan cult on a remote island. As the film’s detective searches for a missing girl, he unravels a sinister plot, culminating in one of horror’s most shocking finales. It’s folklore horror at its unsettling best.
Phantasm (1979)
Surreal and bizarre, Phantasm is unlike any other 70s horror film. The story of two brothers who uncover a sinister mortician in their town twists reality and dreams, truly blending science fiction with horror. Prepare for a truly otherworldly experience with this one!
The Brood (1979)
David Cronenberg’s The Brood pushes psychological horror to disturbing extremes. A disturbed woman’s repressed anger manifests into horrifying creatures. The unsettling blend of science fiction and body horror creates a film that is both disturbing and fascinating.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Based on true events, The Amityville Horror explores the haunting of a family home that’s plagued by violent spirits. Its chilling atmosphere and jump-scares keep viewers on edge, while the real-life inspiration makes the film all the more terrifying.