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Horror movies and literature have evolved over centuries, from their beginnings in folklore and myths to modern horror films, which are often characterized by extreme violence, gore, and jump scares. However, the defining characteristic of the horror genre is the sense of creeping unease that it creates in the audience.

In many cases, the horrors are created through a sense of the unknown. Dread and fear are often the result of not understanding the forces at work. From the strange and the supernatural to the metaphorical monsters or psychological bogeymen, horror draws upon our darkest fears and instincts.

One of the most famous horror films of all time is the 1973 classic, ‘The Exorcist.’ This terrifying film follows a young girl who apparently becomes possessed by a demon, and depicts the brutal, violent lengths that her mother goes through to try and save her. The film is remembered for its grotesque depictions of the supernatural, its mind-boggling jumps scares and its deep emotional impact despite its violent nature.

Horror literature has its own set of classics. One of the most well-known novels in the genre is Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula,’ which dives into themes of mortality, darkness, and the unknown. It takes hold of the reader with gruesome descriptions of the vampire’s feeding habits and the dark motifs surrounding the supernatural, the romanticism of the Gothic castle, and the clash of good vs evil. Horror literature is still widely enjoyed by readers today for its ability to provide a visceral reaction to the unknown.

There is no single reason why people engage with horror. Some people enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with being scared, while others enjoy the intellectual and cultural aspects of the genre. Horror can often address deeper themes, such as our fears of death, unexplored regions of our minds and the deep, timeless dread of the unknown. It provides an outlet to confront these emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

The horror genre has become more diverse over the years, with different sub-genres that address a broad range of emotions and fears. Body horror, for example, is a sub-genre that focuses on the literal destruction of the human body in graphic and gross-out detail. Psychological horror, meanwhile, relies more on creating fear through the mind, as opposed to physical violence on screen or in the novel. Another subgenre, found footage horror, is centered around tales that utilize handheld camera footage for the creation of a realistic style of horror.

These sub-genres are popular for a reason, and horror as a genre is likely to persist for many years to come. The thrill of the unknown and the fear that it instills in people continues to capture the imagination and provide entertainment.

In conclusion, the horror genre has been around for centuries and looks to remain with us for years to come. With its ability to invoke intense fear and provide a safe way to address deep-seated issues, it will continue to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of what can be accomplished in film and literature. Horror is not for everyone but it is an undeniable fact that the genre has a remarkable impact on popular culture, even today. When creating great horror, the ability to create dread and suspense will always play a significant role in transcending the audience from the normal world to the unknown.