40 Facts About Horror Con

The Origins of Horror

Horror has a rich history that spans centuries. Here are some intriguing facts about how it all began.

1. 01The first horror story is often credited to Horace Walpole. His 1764 novel, "The Castle of Otranto," is considered the first Gothic horror novel.
2. 02Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" (1818) is one of the earliest examples of science fiction horror. It tells the story of a scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts.
3. 03Edgar Allan Poe is a key figure in horror literature. His works, like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," are classics.
4. 04The term "horror" comes from the Latin word "horrere," which means "to tremble" or "to shudder."

Horror in Film

Horror movies have captivated audiences for over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about horror cinema.

5. 05The first horror film ever made is "Le Manoir du Diable" (1896) by Georges Méliès. It translates to "The House of the Devil."
6. 06"Nosferatu" (1922) is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." It remains a silent film classic.
7. 07"Psycho" (1960) by Alfred Hitchcock is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. Its shower scene is iconic.
8. 08"The Exorcist" (1973) was so terrifying that some theaters provided "Exorcist barf bags" for viewers.
9. 09"Halloween" (1978) introduced the world to Michael Myers. It was made on a budget of just $300,000 but grossed over $70 million.
10. 10"The Blair Witch Project" (1999) popularized the found footage genre. Its marketing campaign made many believe it was real.

Iconic Horror Characters

Horror wouldn't be the same without its unforgettable characters. Here are some facts about the most iconic ones.

11. 11Dracula is based on Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century prince known for his brutal methods of punishment.
12. 12Frankenstein's monster is often mistakenly called "Frankenstein." In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein is the name of the scientist.
13. 13Freddy Krueger from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" was inspired by real-life events where people died in their sleep after having nightmares.
14. 14Jason Voorhees from "Friday the 13th" wasn't the original killer. His mother, Pamela Voorhees, was the antagonist in the first film.
15. 15Chucky from "Child's Play" was inspired by a real-life haunted doll named Robert.

Psychological Horror

Psychological horror plays with the mind, creating fear through atmosphere and character development. Here are some key facts.

16. 16"The Shining" (1980) by Stanley Kubrick is a prime example of psychological horror. Stephen King, the author of the novel, famously disliked the adaptation.
17. 17"Black Swan" (2010) blends psychological horror with drama, exploring the dark side of the ballet world.
18. 18"Get Out" (2017) by Jordan Peele uses psychological horror to address social issues like racism.
19. 19"Rosemary's Baby" (1968) delves into paranoia and fear of the unknown, making it a psychological horror classic.
20. 20"The Babadook" (2014) explores grief and motherhood through psychological horror elements.

Horror in Literature

Books have long been a medium for horror. Here are some spine-chilling facts about horror literature.

21. 21"Dracula" (1897) by Bram Stoker has never been out of print since its publication.
22. 22Stephen King is often called the "King of Horror." His novels like "It," "The Shining," and "Carrie" are bestsellers.
23. 23H.P. Lovecraft created the Cthulhu Mythos, a universe filled with cosmic horror and ancient gods.
24. 24"The Haunting of Hill House" (1959) by Shirley Jackson is considered one of the best ghost stories ever written.
25. 25"The Turn of the Screw" (1898) by Henry James is a classic novella that leaves readers questioning the nature of the supernatural events.

Horror in Video Games

Video games have become a popular medium for horror. Here are some eerie facts about horror gaming.

26. 26"Resident Evil" (1996) is one of the most influential horror games, spawning numerous sequels and a film franchise.
27. 27"Silent Hill" (1999) is known for its disturbing atmosphere and psychological horror elements.
28. 28"Amnesia: The Dark Descent" (2010) revolutionized horror gaming with its focus on helplessness and fear.
29. 29"Five Nights at Freddy's" (2014) became a cultural phenomenon, leading to multiple sequels and spin-offs.
30. 30"Dead Space" (2008) combines sci-fi and horror, creating a terrifying experience in outer space.

Real-Life Horror Stories

Sometimes, real life is scarier than fiction. Here are some chilling facts about real-life horror stories.

31. 31The Amityville Horror is based on the real-life experiences of the Lutz family, who claimed their house was haunted.
32. 32The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel inspired the film "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Anneliese underwent 67 exorcisms before her death.
33. 33The Salem Witch Trials (1692) led to the execution of 20 people accused of witchcraft.
34. 34The Dyatlov Pass Incident (1959) involved the mysterious deaths of nine hikers in the Ural Mountains. The cause remains unexplained.
35. 35The Bell Witch is a famous American haunting that occurred in Tennessee in the early 19th century.

Modern Horror Trends

Horror continues to evolve with new trends and subgenres. Here are some facts about modern horror.

36. 36"Hereditary" (2018) by Ari Aster is considered a modern horror masterpiece, blending family drama with supernatural elements.
37. 37"A Quiet Place" (2018) uses silence as a key element of its horror, creating tension and suspense.
38. 38"Midsommar" (2019) is a daylight horror film, subverting the genre's typical use of darkness.
39. 39"The Witch" (2015) is a slow-burn horror film that focuses on atmosphere and historical accuracy.
40. 40"The Invisible Man" (2020) updates the classic story with a focus on modern themes like domestic abuse and gaslighting.

The Final Scream

Horror movies have a way of sticking with us. From iconic villains like Freddy Krueger to chilling soundtracks that make our skin crawl, these films tap into our deepest fears. They’ve evolved over the years, reflecting societal anxieties and pushing the boundaries of what scares us. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror or the latest psychological thrillers, there’s always something new to discover in this genre.

Remember, the next time you watch a horror movie, you’re not just getting a scare. You’re diving into a rich history filled with fascinating facts and cultural significance. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and let yourself be terrified. After all, horror is more than just a genre; it’s an experience that connects us all through our shared fears and thrills.