The 13 Top Horror Film Tropes
By Matt Augustine
Are you a horror film connoisseur? Before you dive into the spine-tingling horror flicks this spooky season, here are 13 that keep us coming back for more.
These tropes help create a sense of familiarity within the genre but can still be reimagined to keep the audience engaged or provide the occasional surprise.
Last Words: From “Don’t go in there,” to “I’ll be right back,” or even “Let’s split up;” we all know how it ends.
Jump Scares: Prepare for heart-pounding moments as these scares keep you on the edge of your seat.
Haunted House: Explore creepy, dilapidated homes in which supernatural forces torment unsuspecting occupants.
Creepy Children: Eerie children often with supernatural abilities are often a staple just down the hall.
Unseen Threat: Fear the unknown as the threat is kept hidden. This helps to build tension until the terrifying reveal.
Found Footage: A sense of realism is provided when movies present found recordings, from “amateur filmmakers.”
Malevolent Dolls: Innocent dolls or toys come to life, promoting a new terror.
Blood & Gore: Graphic depictions of violence and bodily harm that will make you cringe.
Basements & Attics: Uncover dark, confined spaces where horrifying events lurk around every corner.
Ominous Warning: Characters often ignore dire warnings, sealing their fate and intensifying the suspense.
Final Scare: Brace yourself for one last twist just before or after the credits roll.
Seeing Double: Facing off against malevolent duplicates that haunt or pursue the protagonist(s).
The Curse: Dive into the chilling world of curses that promote another supernatural terror.
These classic horror film tropes have stood the test of time, keeping us terrified for generations. So, keep an eye out for these delightfully horrifying tried-and-true elements during your next screening.