The 1970s were a historic time for horror movies. Some of the best and most iconic horror films of all time were released during this decade, including haunting favorites like Halloween, The Wicker Man, and The Exorcist. Many of these delightfully scary films even went on to launch massive franchises, guiding the future of the genre for many years to come. From fearsome creatures to deranged killers, the ’70s had something to offer for all types of horror lovers.
Of course, not every film from that era could be as well-known as Jaws or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Plenty of incredible horror movies from the ’70s have been largely forgotten, not because of their quality, but merely because they ended up being overshadowed by the more iconic films of the decade. Although they may not be the most recognizable ones, these horror movies from the 1970s offer lots of gore, creative stories, and plenty of heart-pounding scares to satisfy any fan of the genre.
10
Alice, Sweet Alice (1976)
Directed By Alfred Sole
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Alice, Sweet Alice
R
HorrorMystery
Alice, Sweet Alice is a horror film that follows a young girl named Alice who is accused of murdering her sister at their communion ceremony. As the investigation unfolds, Alice’s family and the police try to uncover the truth behind the tragic event, leading to a shocking revelation.
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Release Date
November 13, 1976
Runtime
108 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
Linda Miller
, Mildred Clinton
, Paula E. Sheppard
, Niles McMaster
, Jane Lowry
Director
Alfred Sole
Writers
Rosemary Ritvo
, Alfred Sole
Budget
340000.0
Studio(s)
Harristown Funding
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Originally titled Communion, the 1976 film, Alice, Sweet Alice, combines elements of psychological terror and slasher movies to create a thrilling horror extravaganza. Directed by Alfred Sole, the chilling events of this film play out in Paterson, New Jersey in the year 1961. When nine-year-old Karen is brutally killed during her First Communion, all eyes turn to her twelve-year-old sister, Alice. When more people begin turning up dead, the community must begin to wonder what this child could truly be capable of.
Made on a budget of only $350,000, Alice, Sweet Alice proves that movies don’t need outlandish creatures and overwhelming special effects to be absolutely terrifying. The film employs an unnerving style similar to that of Psycho, as well as the other Alfred Hitchcock movies that inspired it. With a cast including Linda Miller, Mildred Clinton, and Brooke Shields (in her film debut), Alice, Sweet Alice promises to horrify its viewers with its disturbing perspective on the true evil that lurks within certain people.
9
The Sentinel (1977)
Directed By Michael Winner
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The Sentinel
R
HorrorMysteryFantasy
The Sentinel, released in 1977, follows fashion model Alison Parker as she moves into a Brooklyn Heights apartment filled with eccentric tenants. Confronted by unsettling events, Parker seeks to unveil the ominous secret behind her new residence’s troubling inhabitants.
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Release Date
January 7, 1977
Runtime
92 minutes
Cast
Chris Sarandon
, Cristina Raines
, Martin Balsam
, John Carradine
, José Ferrer
, Ava Gardner
, Arthur Kennedy
, Burgess Meredith
, Sylvia Miles
, Deborah Raffin
, Eli Wallach
, Christopher Walken
, Jerry Orbach
, Beverly D’Angelo
, Gary Allen
, Tresa Hughes
, Kate Harrington
, Jane Hoffman
, Elaine Shore
, Hank Garrett
, William Hickey
, Jeff Goldblum
, Nana Visitor
, Tom Berenger
, Richard Dreyfuss
Character(s)
Michael Lerman
, Alison Parker
, Prof. Ruzinsky
, Fr. Francis Matthew Halloran
, Priest of the Brotherhood
, Helen Logan
, Monsignor Franchino
, Charles Chazen
, Gerde Engstrom
, Jennifer
, Detective Gatz
, Det. Rizzo
, Michael Dayton
, Sandra
, Malcolm Stinnett
, Rebecca Stinnett
, Anna Clark
, Lillian Clotkin
, Emma Clotkin
, James Brenner
, Perry
, Jack
, Girl at end (as Nana Tucker)
, Man at end
, Man on sidewalk talking to girl in red sweater (uncredited)
Director
Michael Winner
YouTube Trailer
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What would you do if you discovered that the building you just moved into was actually the gateway to Hell? This chilling question lies at the center of The Sentinel, an unsettling 1977 horror film directed by Michael Winner. Cristina Raines stars as Alison Parker, a woman who persistently struggles with trauma from her childhood, only to have her existence become far more complex than she ever imagined when she makes some shocking discoveries about her new apartment.
While the story and effects are certainly very captivating, what really helps The Sentinel shine are the performances. Raines shines as Alison, managing to convey a dazzling array of emotions within the film’s relatively brief runtime. Many prominent stars also appear in the film in supporting roles, making the film thoroughly enjoyable for all types of cinema lovers. Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum, and Beverly D’Angelo are among the major stars who had early-career appearances in this spooky film.
8
The Legend Of Hell House (1973)
Directed By John Hough
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The Legend Of Hell House
PG
Horror
The Legend of Hell House follows a group of researchers, including a physicist and two mediums, as they investigate the notoriously haunted Belasco House. Directed by John Hough and based on Richard Matheson’s novel, the film immerses viewers in an atmospheric and eerie exploration of paranormal phenomena and the psychological toll it takes on the investigators.
Release Date
June 15, 1973
Runtime
95 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
Roddy McDowall
, Gayle Hunnicutt
, Pamela Franklin
, Clive Revill
, Roland Culver
, Peter Bowles
, Michael Gough
Director
John Hough
Writers
Richard Matheson
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For decades, the idea of the haunted house has been a staple of the horror genre. A classic example of a movie making the most out of this trope is The Legend of Hell House. Released in 1973, this eerie film follows a group of investigators who agree to stay in the former home of a mad murderer in an attempt to get to the bottom of the strange events that have unfolded on the grounds. Before long, it becomes all too clear that something supernatural is at play and that not everyone will make it out of the house alive.
The Legend of Hell House is directed by John Hough, whose knack for suspense is certainly put to good use throughout the film. Pamela Franklin and Roddy McDowall are among the stars, although the film actually features a rather small cast. This works in the movie’s favor, though, as it allows the audience to feel a stronger connection to each character, making their peril all the more frightening. The Legend of Hell House may be one of many haunted house stories, but it is far from a forgettable one.
7
Martin (1977)
Directed By George A. Romero
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Martin
Martin is a 1976 horror film directed by George A. Romero. It follows a young man, who believes he is a vampire, as he struggles with his blood-craving urges while living with his elderly cousin in a small Pennsylvania town. The film examines themes of identity and isolation.
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Release Date
July 7, 1978
Runtime
95 minutes
Cast
Christine Forrest
, Lincoln Maazel
, John Amplas
Director
George A. Romero
George A. Romero may have made a name for himself with his Night of the Living Dead Movies, but they are definitely not the filmmaker’s only exploration of the horror genre. In 1977, Romero switched his focus from zombies to vampires with his twisted film, Martin. Martin stars John Amplas as the titular character, a young man who lives his life under the rigid belief that he is, in reality, a bloodsucking vampire. This strange belief guides Martin to perform horrifying, gruesome acts, which he views as an essential function of who he is.
Martin stands out from other horror movies of the ’70s thanks to its profoundly unique premise. Romero’s fascinating direction and writing will not only scare its viewers, but will make them think deeply about what they have just seen. With an ending that remains shocking no matter how many times it is seen, Martin is a refreshingly unique vampire movie that will leave audiences with several chilling questions about what it means to be a monster.
6
Let’s Scare Jessica To Death (1971)
Directed By John Hancock
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Let’s Scare Jessica to Death
PG
HorrorMysteryDrama
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, directed by John D. Hancock, follows Jessica, recently discharged from a mental institution, as she settles into a country house with her husband and friend. Her fragile state is further shaken by the presence of a mysterious girl and the ominous forces that begin to unfold around her.
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Release Date
August 27, 1971
Runtime
89 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
Zohra Lampert
, Barton Heyman
, Kevin O’Connor
, Gretchen Corbett
, Alan Manson
, Mariclare Costello
Character(s)
Jessica
, Duncan
, Woody
, The Girl
, Sam Dorker
, Emily
Director
John D. Hancock
Writers
John D. Hancock
, Lee Kalcheim
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Horror movies often thrive on making their viewers feel the same sense of fear being experienced by the characters. John Hancock’s 1971 horror feature, however, forces viewers to sympathize with a different unsettling feeling: uncertainty. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death offers an eerie portrait of a psychologically unstable woman who begins believing that she is being tormented by something supernatural and very dangerous. When more and more strange circumstances begin to arise, it becomes increasingly difficult for Jessica to discern what is real.
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death triumphs in its ability to effectively confuse its audience whenever it wants to. When watching a horror movie, a sense of certainty can be a great comfort to viewers, even in particularly frightening circumstances. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death eliminates that certainty, making viewers unsure of who they can trust, and what is actually real. This constant ambiguity makes the film a haunting story that is bound to stick in viewers’ minds long after the credits stop rolling.
5
The Vault Of Horror (1973)
Directed By Roy Ward Baker
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The Vault of Horror
R
Horror
The Vault of Horror is a 1973 British horror anthology film and a sequel to Tales from the Crypt. It features five strangers trapped in a basement vault who reveal their recurring nightmares, which involve themes of vampires, dismemberment, eastern mysticism, insurance scams, and deadly artistry.
Release Date
March 16, 1973
Runtime
83 minutes
Cast
Anna Massey
, Terry-Thomas
, Glynis Johns
, John Forbes-Robertson
, Curd Jürgens
, Dawn Addams
, Ishaq Bux
, Michael Craig
, Edward Judd
, Robin Nedwell
, Geoffrey Davies
, Tom Baker
, Denholm Elliott
, Terence Alexander
, Erik Chitty
, Mike Pratt
, Jerold Wells
, Marianne Stone
, Frank Forsyth
, Jasmina Hilton
, Arthur Mullard
, Geraldine Hart
, John Witty
, Tony Hazel
, Maurice Kaufmann
Character(s)
Donna Rogers (segment 1 “Midnight Mess”)
, Arthur Critchit (segment 2 “The Neat Job”)
, Eleanor Critchit (segment 2 “The Neat Job”)
, Wilson (segment 2 “The Neat Job”)
, Sebastian (segment 3 “This Trick’ll Kill You”)
, Inez (segment 3 “This Trick’ll Kill You”)
, Fakir (segment 3 “This Trick’ll Kill You”)
, Maitland (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Alex (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Tom (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Jerry (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Moore (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
, Diltant (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
, Fenton Breedley (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
, Old Waiter (segment 1 “Midnight Mess”)
, Clive (segment 1 “Midnight Mess”)
, Waiter (segment 1 “Midnight Mess”)
, Jane (segment 2 “The Neat Job”)
, Male Customer (segment 1 “Midnight Mess”)
, Indian Girl (segment 3 “This Trick’ll Kill You”)
, Gravedigger (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Landlady (segment 4 “Bargain in Death”)
, Gaskill (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
, Voodoo Man (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
, Bob Dickson (segment 5 “Drawn and Quartered”)
Director
Roy Ward Baker
Writers
Milton Subotsky
YouTube Trailer
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Horror fans may be familiar with Tales from the Crypt, but not nearly as many know about its 1973 follow-up feature, The Vault of Horror. Like its predecessor, The Vault of Horror is an anthology film, offering five self-contained horror stories, each one presenting its own horrifying message. Because of how it is structured, viewers do not need to have seen Tales from the Crypt in order to thoroughly enjoy all the frightening scenarios the film presents. Each story is framed as the personal nightmare of one of five men trapped in a mysterious underground lair.
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The Vault of Horror is perfect for fans of short-form horror stories, similar to those presented in The Twilight Zone. Although the different segments cover a wide range of topics (everything from vampires to magical paintings), each one is as horrifying as the next. The film’s unusual structure guarantees that there will be something perfect for all types of horror lovers, regardless of which subset of the genre is their personal favorite.
4
Long Weekend (1978)
Directed By Colin Eggleston
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Long Weekend
Not Rated
HorrorMysteryThriller
Long Weekend is an Australian psychological thriller released in 1979. It follows a suburban couple who venture to a remote beach for a camping trip, only to encounter increasingly hostile natural elements. The film explores themes of environmental tension and human disconnection from nature.
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Release Date
March 29, 1979
Runtime
92 minutes
Cast
Briony Behets
, John Hargreaves
, Mike McEwen
, Roy Day
, Michael Aitkens
, Sue Kiss von Soly
, Colin Eggleston
Character(s)
Marcia
, Peter
, Truckie
, Old Fisherman
, Barman
, City Girl
, Marcia’s Lover (voice) (uncredited)
Director
Colin Eggleston
Writers
Everett De Roche
YouTube Trailer
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Revenge stories are certainly not too uncommon when it comes to the horror genre. Numerous films depict people (or supernatural figures) going to extreme, deadly lengths to ensure that justice is served. However, Colin Eggleston’s 1978 feature, Long Weekend, put a clever spin on this idea. In a surprising twist, the entity seeking revenge in this unsettling film is nature itself. When a bitter couple relentlessly abuses the environment around them while on a camping retreat, nature has no choice but to rise up and exact its own bloody revenge.
Long Weekend may have been filmed and set in Australia, but its message applies to the entire world; don’t mess with nature, unless you want nature to mess with you. The film offers a brutal depiction of the violent consequences of abusing the environment, one that emphasizes the true power of the natural world. Long Weekend is unique in the way it actually sides with the supposed “antagonist,” with the main human characters each doing very little to gain any real sympathy from the audience, making the film’s brutal second half all the more satisfying.
3
Black Christmas (1974)
Directed By Bob Clark
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7/10
Black Christmas
R
HorrorMysteryThriller
Black Christmas is a 1974 horror movie from A Christmas Story director Bob Clark. The Canadian slasher centers on sorority girls who are stalked and killed by a crazed killer during the holiday season. Throughout the film, the teenagers get strange and threatening calls from the killer known as Billy. Black Christmas recieved mixed reviews upon release but has since become a cult classic.
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Release Date
December 20, 1974
Runtime
98 Minutes
Cast
Olivia Hussey
, Keir Dullea
, Margot Kidder
, John Saxon
, Andrea Martin
, Marian Waldman
Director
Bob Clark
Writers
Roy Moore
Budget
$686,000
Studio(s)
Film Funding Ltd.
, Vision IV
, Canadian Film Development Corporation
, Famous Players
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
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In recent years, many filmmakers have capitalized on the unnerving juxtaposition of setting a horror movie during Christmastime. The 1974 Canadian slasher movie, Black Christmas, however, explored the idea before it became popularized. This gory holiday film follows the deadly events that unfold within a sorority house where the girls are celebrating Christmas. Things take a deadly turn for the sorority when they start receiving suspicious phone calls, and the residents begin winding up dead. Little do they know that the killer has been inside all along, leading to Black Christmas‘ perfect ending.
Though it is about as far from being a “lighthearted Christmas movie” as possible, Black Christmas offers a consistently exciting experience, one that is perfect for horror lovers to enjoy when the holiday season rolls around. Where the film thrives the most is in its use of suspense. By immediately being shown that the killer is inside the house, the audience knows right away that this Christmas party is not going to have a happy ending. It is only a matter of time before the festive celebration turns deadly.
2
The Creeping Flesh (1973)
Directed By Freddie Francis
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The Creeping Flesh
PG
HorrorScience Fiction
The Creeping Flesh follows a scientist who theorizes that evil is a bloodborne disease and experiments with a mysterious skeleton to protect his daughter. He hopes to prevent the insanity that afflicted his wife from affecting her, but his efforts lead to unforeseen consequences.
Release Date
February 12, 1973
Runtime
92 minutes
Cast
Lorna Heilbron
, Peter Cushing
, Christopher Lee
, George Benson
, Catherine Finn
, Hedger Wallace
, Duncan Lamont
, Kenneth J. Warren
, Larry Taylor
, Harry Locke
, Robert Swann
, Jenny Runacre
, David Bailie
, Michael Ripper
, Alexandra Dane
, Marianne Stone
, Tony Wright
, Dan Meaden
, Maurice Bush
, Martin Carroll
Character(s)
Penelope Hildern
, Emmanuel Hildern
, James Hildern
, Waterlow
, Emily
, Doctor Perry
, Inspector
, Charles Lenny
, Chief Asylum Warder
, Barman
, Young Aristocrat
, Marguerite Hildern
, Young Doctor
, Carter Wearing Derby
, Bar Girl
, Woman Doctor
, Sailor
, Lunatic
, Karl
, Warder
Director
Freddie Francis
Writers
Peter Spenceley
YouTube Trailer
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Set in the midst of the Victorian Era, The Creeping Flesh is an inventive horror film about a back-from-the-dead evil. Released in 1973, this British horror film features a scientist recounting his discovery of a mysterious ancient skeleton. This proved to be no simple paleontological discovery, though, as the skeleton would grow flesh and resume its evil ways when exposed to water. A series of misguided experiments and a poorly timed rainstorm quickly turn The Creeping Flesh into a horror story for the ages.
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Thanks to its fascinating premise and a compelling performance by Christopher Lee, The Creeping Flesh is a captivating showcase of what ’70s horror was all about. The film takes an interestingly scientific approach to the evil at its center, remaining determined to offer concrete explanations of the supernatural forces it presents, instead of merely relying on the audience to blindly accept them. Of course, this approach only makes the reanimated creature all the more terrifying when it achieves its potential.
1
Tourist Trap (1979)
Directed By David Schmoeller
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8/10
Tourist Trap
PG
HorrorMysteryThriller
Where to Watch
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Release Date
March 16, 1979
Runtime
90 minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
Chuck Connors
, Jocelyn Jones
, Jon Van Ness
, Robin Sherwood
, Tanya Roberts
, Dawn Jeffory
Director
David Schmoeller
Writers
David Schmoeller
, J. Larry Carroll
Expand
Part of what made the ’70s such an exciting era for horror were the delightfully twisted premises of some of its movies. David Schmoeller’s 1979 feature, Tourist Trap, perfectly encapsulates the outlandish nature of the horrific ideas being turned into films during this decade. This spooky slasher film follows a group of young adults who find themselves trapped in a dangerous setting when their car breaks down on a secluded road. Matters get even more complicated when the group is tormented by a group of mannequins and other objects being controlled by a killer with psychokinetic abilities.
Tourist Trap is a deeply unique horror film, but it still manages to include practically every iconic element of the genre: a deranged killer, a group of frightened victims, a creepy setting, and more. The film takes all of these beloved elements and infuses them with its own terrifying twist, creating an experience that is horrifying from beginning to end. Tourist Trap may not be the most well-known horror film of the ’70s, but it is one that is quite difficult to forget.