which decade was the best for horror films?

warning AI helped make this since it is hard to do the research and write it for every year for 40 years, so if that pisses you off its fine if you chose to not read this, i still worked really hard on the parts that i did do.

1970s

the 1970s were an important decade for horror films with several classics that changed the genre here are notable horror movies from the 1970s then we will be deciding if this was a good year

1970 wasn't a very good year for horror we had a bunch that nobody has probably heard of like Equinox and many more that dont have reported box offices we also had vampire lovers which people loved and count yorga vampire and House of dark shadows and Mark of the devil and Dorian gray and cry of banshee and a few Italian horror films the Average Review Score: 54.9% and since all of these movies were super cheap they dont have reported box offices.

now i just invented a new rule if it doesn't have a reported box office I am not naming it but it will still eb included in my average review score. In 1971 it has a 14 million dollar box office despite getting mixed reviews.

• Average Review Score: 64.4%

• Average Box Office: $14 million

in 1972 we got the introduction of the horror legend wes craven wes craven with last house on the left which got mixed reviews and a box office of 3.1 million we also got frogs which failed critically, we also got blacula which failed critically, and made 1 million. so this year wasnt very good for horror movies

• Average Review Score: 62.6%

• Average Box Office: $2.05 million

in 1973 we got the exorcist which is one of the most famous horror movies of all tme if not one of the most famous movies of all time which was a huge success, getting great reviews and a box office of nearly a billion adjusted for todays dollars. we also got the horror classic the wicker man which did good critically and dont look now which people also liked. this is the first good year for horrror in this list

• Average Review Score: 80.3%

• Average Box Office: $441.3 million

in 1974 we have the horror classic the texas chainsaw massacre and black christmas another horror classic and its alive making this a pretty good year for horror

Average Review Score: 61.1%

Average Box Office: $14.03 million

in 1975 we got the famous movie jaws and race with the devil which both made a lot of money and got positive reivews. making this a pretty good year for horror.

• Average Review Score: 76.8%

• Average Box Office: $238.17 million

in 1976 we got carrie which started a large amount of Stephen King adaptions and was succesful at the box office. then we have the omen which is one of my favorites and was succesful both critically and box office wise. then we have burnt offerings which got mixed reviews and a low box office.

• Average Review Score: 71.8%

• Average Box Office: $32 million
  

then in 1977 we have the horror classic suspiria which people love and another wes craven classic the hills have eyes which did well at the box office. we also have eraserhead and the sentinel which neither of them even made 10 million. overall this was a pretty good year for horror

• Average Review Score: 76.5%

• Average Box Office: $12 million

in 1978 we have arguably the most famous horror movie of all time halloween which was succesful critically and box officely and same with Dawn of the dead and invasion of the body snatchers and i spit on your grave and pirranha and magic

• Average Review Score: 77.1%

• Average Box Office: $40.16 million

in 1979 we have alien which people love but i don't and phantasm and Amityville horror and Dracula and when a Stranger Calls which were all successful at the box office. but this was a pretty bad year for Horror in terms of reviews but good in terms of box office.

• Average Review Score: 63.4%

• Average Box Office: $51.26 million

overall without this decade the world in horror wouldnt be the same and this decade changed the horror genre in so many ways inventing many new ideas that would be inspirational for movies every year since it was good for the box office and pretty good for the reviews

• Average Review Score: 69.1%

• Average Box Office: $69.43 million ​

1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for horror films with several iconic movies that shaped the genre. Here are notable horror movies from the 1980s, and we will be deciding if this was a good decade.

1980

1980 wasn't a great year for horror. We had "The Shining," which was loved and had a box office of $47 million. "Friday the 13th" was a commercial success with a $59.8 million box office, and "The Fog" also did well critically and made $21.4 million. Overall, a mix of successes and lesser-known films.

• Average Review Score: 73.7%

• Average Box Office: $42.07 million

1981

In 1981, we saw "The Evil Dead" with a high review score of 95% but a low box office of $2.6 million. "An American Werewolf in London" was critically acclaimed and made $30.6 million, while "Friday the 13th Part 2" did okay at the box office with $21.7 million but had poor reviews. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 70.3%

• Average Box Office: $18.3 million

1982

1982 brought us "Poltergeist," a big hit both critically and financially with $76.6 million. "The Thing" was loved critically but only made $19.6 million, and "Creepshow" had decent reviews and made $21 million. Overall, a good year for horror.

• Average Review Score: 81%

• Average Box Office: $39.1 million

1983

1983 saw "Christine" with a review score of 69% and a box office of $21 million. "Videodrome" was critically acclaimed but made only $2.1 million. "Sleepaway Camp" had good reviews and made $11 million. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 75.7%

• Average Box Office: $11.37 million

1984

1984 was a strong year with "A Nightmare on Elm Street" being a critical and commercial success, making $25.5 million. "Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter" did well at the box office with $32.9 million but had poor reviews. "Gremlins" was a major hit, making $153.1 million.

• Average Review Score: 66%

• Average Box Office: $70.5 million

1985

1985 gave us "Day of the Dead" with strong reviews and a box office of $34 million. "Re-Animator" was critically acclaimed but made only $2 million. "Fright Night" had great reviews and made $24.9 million. Overall, a good year for horror.

• Average Review Score: 89.3%

• Average Box Office: $20.3 million

1986

In 1986, "Aliens" was a huge hit both critically and financially, making $183.3 million. "The Fly" was also successful, making $60.6 million, and "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" had good reviews but a very low box office of $609,939. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 92.7%

• Average Box Office: $81.5 million

1987

1987 featured "Hellraiser," which had mixed reviews but made $14.6 million. "The Lost Boys" did well both critically and financially, making $32.2 million, and "Evil Dead II" was a critical success but made only $5.9 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 80.7%

• Average Box Office: $17.6 million

1988

1988 saw "Child's Play," which was successful critically and made $44.2 million. "Beetlejuice" was a major hit, making $73.7 million, while "Pumpkinhead" had mixed reviews and made $4.4 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 73.7%

• Average Box Office: $40.8 million

1989

1989 brought "Pet Sematary" with mixed reviews and a box office of $57.5 million. "Leviathan" had poor reviews and made $15.7 million, while "The Fly II" also had poor reviews but made $38.9 million. A mixed year for horror.

• Average Review Score: 40%

• Average Box Office: $37.4 million

Overall, the 1980s were a transformative decade for horror, producing many classics that are still loved today. The genre saw both high critical acclaim and strong box office performance.

• Average Review Score: 75.7%

• Average Box Office: $48.5 million

1990s

The 1990s brought a mix of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and slasher films. Here are notable horror movies from the 1990s, and we'll see if this was a good decade.

1990

1990 wasn't the best year for horror. "Misery" did well critically and made $61.3 million. "Jacob's Ladder" had decent reviews and a box office of $26.1 million, while "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" had mixed reviews and made $41.5 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 77.6%

• Average Box Office: $43 million

1991

In 1991, we had "The Silence of the Lambs," a huge success both critically and financially, making $272.7 million. "Cape Fear" also did well, making $182.3 million, while "Child's Play 3" had poor reviews and made $20.5 million. Overall, a good year.

• Average Review Score: 64.6%

• Average Box Office: $158.5 million

1992

1992 brought "Bram Stoker's Dracula," which was successful both critically and financially, making $215.9 million. "Candyman" did well critically and made $25.8 million, while "Alien 3" had poor reviews but made $159.8 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 65.6%

• Average Box Office: $133.8 million

1993

1993 was a mixed year with "Jurassic Park" being a massive hit, making $1.046 billion. "Army of Darkness" had decent reviews and made $21.5 million, while "Cronos" was critically acclaimed but made only $621,392. Overall, a mixed year.

• Average Review Score: 85.3%

• Average Box Office: $359.7 million

1994

In 1994, "Interview with the Vampire" had mixed reviews but made $223.7 million. "Wes Craven's New Nightmare" was critically acclaimed but made only $19.8 million, and "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" had poor reviews but made $112 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 60.6%

• Average Box Office: $118.5 million

1995

1995 featured "Se7en," a huge success both critically and financially, making $327.3 million. "Species" had poor reviews but made $113.3 million, while "The Prophecy" also had poor reviews and made $16.1 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 57%

• Average Box Office: $152.2 million

1996

1996 was a strong year with "Scream" being a major success both critically and financially, making $173 million. "The Craft" had mixed reviews and made $55.6 million, while "From Dusk Till Dawn" also had mixed reviews and made $25.8 million. Overall, a good year.

• Average Review Score: 66.3%

• Average Box Office: $84.8 million

1997

1997 was a mixed year with "Event Horizon" having poor reviews and making $26.7 million. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" did well financially, making $125.6 million, while "The Devil's Advocate" had mixed reviews but made $152.9 million. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 45%

• Average Box Office: $101.73 million

1998

1998 brought "Ringu" (Japan), which was critically acclaimed and made $19.4 million. "Blade" had mixed reviews but made $131.2 million, and "Urban Legend" had poor reviews but made $72.5 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 52.7%

• Average Box Office: $74.37 million

1999

1999 saw "The Blair Witch Project," a huge success both critically and financially, making $248.6 million. "The Sixth Sense" was another major hit, making $672.8 million, while "Stir of Echoes" had decent reviews and made $21.1 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 80.6%

• Average Box Office: $314.17 million

Overall, the 1990s had a mix of hits and misses, but the decade produced several iconic horror films that continue to influence the genre.

• Average Review Score: 67.2%

• Average Box Office: $154.7 million

2000s

The 2000s saw a resurgence of the horror genre with remakes, original hits, and some memorable franchises. Here are notable horror movies from the 2000s, and we'll see if this was a good decade.

2000

2000 wasn't a strong year for horror. "Final Destination" was a hit, making $112.9 million, and "What Lies Beneath" did well both critically and financially, making $291.4 million. "Hollow Man" had mixed reviews but made $190.2 million. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 55.7%

• Average Box Office: $198.2 million

2001

In 2001, "The Others" was successful both critically and financially, making $209.9 million. "Thirteen Ghosts" had poor reviews but made $68.5 million, and "Jeepers Creepers" had mixed reviews and made $59.2 million. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 61.3%

• Average Box Office: $112.53 million

2002

2002 brought "The Ring," which was a major hit, making $249.3 million. "28 Days Later" was critically acclaimed and made $82.7 million, while "Resident Evil" had poor reviews but made $103 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 66.3%

• Average Box Office: $145.67 million

2003

2003 saw "Freddy vs. Jason," which had poor reviews but made $116.6 million. "Underworld" had mixed reviews and made $95.7 million, while "28 Days Later" continued to perform well. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 63.5%

• Average Box Office: $102.1 million

2004

2004 was a good year with "Saw," which was a major hit, making $103.9 million. "Dawn of the Dead" was also successful, making $102.3 million, and "Shaun of the Dead" was critically acclaimed and made $30 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 72.7%

• Average Box Office: $78.73 million

2005

In 2005, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" had mixed reviews but made $144.2 million. "Hostel" did well, making $80.6 million, and "The Descent" was critically acclaimed and made $57.1 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 63.7%

• Average Box Office: $94.0 million

2006

2006 brought "Silent Hill," which had poor reviews but made $100.6 million. "The Hills Have Eyes" had mixed reviews and made $70.7 million, while "Slither" was critically acclaimed but made only $12.8 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 56.7%

• Average Box Office: $61.4 million

2007

2007 saw "Paranormal Activity," a huge success both critically and financially, making $193.4 million. "1408" was also successful, making $132 million, and "The Mist" did well critically and made $57.3 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 78%

• Average Box Office: $127.56 million

2008

2008 featured "The Strangers," which had mixed reviews but made $82.4 million. "Cloverfield" was successful both critically and financially, making $172.4 million, while "Let the Right One In" was critically acclaimed but made only $11.2 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 74.3%

• Average Box Office: $88.67 million

2009

2009 brought "Drag Me to Hell," which was a critical success and made $90.8 million. "Paranormal Activity 2" did well, making $177.5 million, and "Zombieland" was a major hit, making $102.4 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 79.7%

• Average Box Office: $123.57 million

Overall, the 2000s were a successful decade for horror, with a mix of critical and commercial hits that helped revive the genre.

• Average Review Score: 64.3%

• Average Box Office: $112.5 million

2010s

The 2010s saw a new wave of innovative horror films with original ideas and fresh takes on classic themes. Here are notable horror movies from the 2010s, and we'll see if this was a good decade.

2010

2010 wasn't a strong year for horror. "Insidious" did well, making $99.5 million, and "Let Me In" was critically acclaimed but made only $24.1 million. "Paranormal Activity 2" had mixed reviews but made $177.5 million. Overall, a decent year.

• Average Review Score: 70.7%

• Average Box Office: $100.37 million

2011

In 2011, "The Cabin in the Woods" was critically acclaimed and made $66.5 million. "Insidious" continued to perform well, making $99.5 million, while "Paranormal Activity 3" did well both critically and financially, making $207 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 74.7%

• Average Box Office: $124.33 million

2012

2012 brought "Sinister," which had mixed reviews but made $82.5 million. "The Woman in Black" did well, making $127.7 million, while "Paranormal Activity 4" had poor reviews but made $142.8 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 50.7%

• Average Box Office: $117.67 million

2013

2013 was a strong year with "The Conjuring" being a major success, making $319.5 million. "Evil Dead" had mixed reviews but made $97.5 million, while "World War Z" was a huge hit, making $540 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 71.7%

• Average Box Office: $318.97 million

2014

2014 featured "The Babadook," which was critically acclaimed but made only $10.3 million. "Annabelle" had poor reviews but made $257.1 million, while "Oculus" did well critically and made $44 million. A mixed year overall.

• Average Review Score: 67%

• Average Box Office: $103.8 million

2015

In 2015, "It Follows" was a critical success but made only $23.3 million. "The Witch" did well, making $40.4 million, while "Insidious: Chapter 3" had mixed reviews but made $113 million. A decent year overall.

• Average Review Score: 81.3%

• Average Box Office: $58.9 million

2016

2016 brought "The Conjuring 2," a major hit both critically and financially, making $320.4 million. "Don't Breathe" did well, making $157.8 million, while "10 Cloverfield Lane" was critically acclaimed and made $110.2 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 86%

• Average Box Office: $196.13 million

2017

2017 was a great year with "Get Out" being a major success both critically and financially, making $255.4 million. "It" was a huge hit, making $701.8 million, and "Split" did well, making $278.5 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 86.7%

• Average Box Office: $411.23 million

2018

2018 featured "Hereditary," which was critically acclaimed and made $80.2 million. "A Quiet Place" was a major hit, making $340.9 million, while "Halloween" did well both critically and financially, making $255.6 million. A strong year overall.

• Average Review Score: 88%

• Average Box Office: $225.57 million

2019

2019 brought "Us," which was a critical success and made $255.1 million. "It Chapter Two" had mixed reviews but made $473.1 million, while "Doctor Sleep" did well critically but made only $72.3 million. A strong year overall. and Midsommar which was successful and annebelle comes home which was also succesful.

• Average Review Score: 77.6%

• Average Box Office: $266.83 million

Overall, the 2010s were a transformative decade for horror, with innovative films that pushed the genre forward and achieved both critical and commercial success.

• Average Review Score: 76.2%

• Average Box Office: $178.9 million

Overall Averages for All Decades

• 1980s Average Review Score: 75.7%

• 1980s Average Box Office: $48.7 million

• 1990s Average Review Score: 67.2%

• 1990s Average Box Office: $154.7 million

• 2000s Average Review Score: 64.3%

• 2000s Average Box Office: $112.5 million

• 2010s Average Review Score: 76.2%

• 2010s Average Box Office: $178.9 million

Each decade brought its own unique contributions to the horror genre, reflecting the evolving tastes and trends in film. From the groundbreaking classics of the 1980s to the innovative and commercially successful hits of the 2010s, horror has continued to captivate and terrify audiences around the world.