National Horror Movie Day is celebrated every year on October 23rd, honoring the artistry and thrill of a genre that has captivated audiences for over a century.
History of National Horror Movie Day
National Horror Movie Day was founded in 2023 by Black Vortex Cinema, the creative team behind the “My Favorite Horror Movie” project, in partnership with National Day Calendar. The date was chosen deliberately to honor the birthday of director Sam Raimi, the filmmaker behind the Evil Dead franchise, Drag Me to Hell, and the original Spider-Man trilogy.
Horror cinema traces back to the earliest days of film itself, with Georges Méliès’ 1896 short “Le Manoir du Diable” (The Haunted Castle) often cited as one of the very first horror films ever made. The genre truly took shape in the 1920s with German Expressionist films like “Nosferatu,” and became fully codified in 1931 when Universal Pictures released “Dracula,” starring Bela Lugosi. Horror has continued evolving ever since, constantly reflecting the fears and anxieties of whatever era produced it.
10 Best Horror Movies of All Time
- The Exorcist (1973): Widely regarded as one of the most disturbing and influential horror films ever made, still setting the bar for psychological terror.
- Halloween (1978): John Carpenter’s slasher classic that essentially defined the genre’s modern template.
- Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking thriller that redefined suspense and horror filmmaking.
- The Shining (1980): Stanley Kubrick’s chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, known for its unforgettable imagery and atmosphere.
- Night of the Living Dead (1968): George Romero’s groundbreaking film that essentially invented the modern zombie genre.
- Nosferatu (1922): The German Expressionist silent classic that helped establish horror as a serious cinematic genre.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Wes Craven’s inventive slasher that introduced one of horror’s most iconic villains, Freddy Krueger.
- The Evil Dead (1981): Sam Raimi’s low-budget cult classic that launched his career and inspired countless imitators.
- Get Out (2017): Jordan Peele’s modern horror landmark, blending social commentary with genuine scares.
- Hereditary (2018): A modern psychological horror film widely praised for its unrelenting dread and powerful performances.
Fun Facts About National Horror Movie Day
- National Horror Movie Day was first celebrated in 2023, founded by Black Vortex Cinema and National Day Calendar.
- The date honors director Sam Raimi’s birthday, October 23rd.
- Some of the earliest horror films date back to the 1890s, including Georges Méliès’ “Le Manoir du Diable.”
- Horror became an officially recognized film genre in 1931 with the release of “Dracula.”
- The genre’s popularity has proven remarkably durable, constantly adapting to reflect each era’s societal fears.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Horror Movie Day?
National Horror Movie Day is celebrated annually on October 23rd.
Who founded National Horror Movie Day?
Black Vortex Cinema founded the observance in 2023, in partnership with National Day Calendar, choosing the date to honor director Sam Raimi’s birthday.
What was one of the first horror movies ever made?
Georges Méliès’ 1896 short film “Le Manoir du Diable” (The Haunted Castle) is often cited as one of the earliest horror films in cinema history.