5 Horror Movies From The 1970s That Have Aged Incredibly Well

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I’ve noticed something interesting about movies – the really good ones seem to stay good no matter how much time passes. A moving drama from the 1950s still feels powerful today, and even a classic adventure like The Wizard of Oz still feels magical after almost a century. The one exception I’ve found is comedy; things that made people laugh hysterically back in the day sometimes just don’t land the same way with modern audiences. Thankfully, horror films hold up much better! Like dramas and fantasy, they can still scare us decades later. I’ve been thinking about some movies that came out around 50 years ago – Play Misty for Me, The Last House on the Left, Trilogy of Terror, and The Hills Have Eyes – and it’s true. What made them frightening then still does, but some elements feel…different now. Things that were acceptable or even common back then, like the cultural significance of the Zuni Fetish Doll in Trilogy of Terror or the graphic violence in Last House and Hills, are often avoided in today’s films. They’re still scary, but they reflect a different time.

We only included movies that are straight-up horror, not thrillers—so unfortunately, Jaws didn’t make the list. Other films that were close but didn’t quite fit were Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Crazies, The Wicker Man, Phantasm, Black Christmas, Carrie, Suspiria, The Omen, and Don’t Look Now.

5) Alien

Ridley Scott’s Alien launched a successful film series, but it’s also incredibly effective as a standalone movie. It’s a classic example of a horror film confined to a single, terrifying location where nowhere feels safe. The creature seamlessly blends into its surroundings, and the small crew faces dwindling numbers as the danger escalates.

The original Alien is a fast-moving, expertly crafted horror film with a remarkably strong cast, and its creature design is iconic. While Aliens is arguably more consistently thrilling, the series never surpassed the impact of its debut.

Stream Alien on Hulu.

4) Dawn of the Dead

While George A. Romero directed several films beyond his original undead trilogy, those first three movies are the most impactful. They stand out because each one offered a sharp and relevant social commentary.

The movie Dawn of the Dead primarily critiques consumer culture, a topic that remains important in America whether it’s the 1970s or the future. Beyond that, it’s a wildly fun and sometimes delightfully shocking film.

3) Halloween

As a huge movie fan, I’ve always been struck by how effective Halloween is, and it’s a lot about what you don’t see. Like another film on this list, the real terror comes from building suspense. And honestly, there’s hardly any gore in John Carpenter’s classic – it’s all about the build-up and those shocking, quick scares that really get to you.

As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by movies that can launch huge franchises but also stand perfectly on their own, kind of like Alien. But with this film, it truly shines as a standalone experience. It’s the kind of movie that delivers a single, intensely terrifying evening, and leaves you with this lingering feeling of unease – like you need to watch your back, even in broad daylight. It doesn’t need sequels or reboots to be impactful; it’s perfect as is.

Stream Halloween on fuboTV.

2) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The movie The Texas Chain Saw Massacre feels incredibly realistic. The events depicted seem like something that could actually happen if you trespassed on someone’s land.

As a movie fan, one of the things that always struck me about Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is that almost none of the actors were experienced professionals. And honestly, that really adds to how believable – and terrifying – the whole thing is. Plus, it’s not overly gory; the film makes you fill in the blanks with your imagination, and that chainsaw feels genuinely horrifying from the very beginning. It doesn’t let up for a second, and it feels less like a movie and more like a gritty documentary from the 70s.

Stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Prime Video.

1) The Exorcist

Even people who aren’t religious find The Exorcist terrifying. It’s consistently ranked as the scariest movie ever made, and with good reason – it truly is frightening.

What makes this film truly frightening isn’t jump scares or shocking visuals, but its deep focus on the characters. This approach remains effective over time. We witness a mother’s growing panic as her daughter is consumed by an incomprehensible and unstoppable force. While the iconic head turn and spider walk are undeniably terrifying, their impact is largely due to Ellen Burstyn’s powerful performance.

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2025-12-31 03:41