The phrase “horror movie” invokes a different image depending on who you ask. For some, the genre is defined by blood-covered scream queens; for others, it’s chainsaw-wielding killer clowns. Regardless, the genre of horror has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. Notably, in 2023, horror movies made up over 10% of box office revenue. 

As horror rises in popularity, the genre expands. Pieces like Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” push the boundaries of the more traditional horror genre, tapping into a more gory, visceral form of body-focused horror. Even straying away from the more traditional horror angle, “The Substance” raked in $77.3 billion in revenue and secured an Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards. While “The Substance” is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, it is undeniable that Fargeat created something wholly original.

A similar impact was seen with Jordan Peele’s entrance into the horror scene. In 2017, “Get Out” intertwined horror with racial discourse, creating a uniquely haunting narrative that is in some ways, even scarier than any jumpscare or monster. In 2025, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” follows a similar path, telling the story of vampires in 1930s Mississippi. “Sinners” earned praise not only for its dramatic, bloody storyline, but also for its tackling of racism in the Deep South. Both Peele and Coogler push the envelope, finding unique ways to expand existing sociopolitical conversations while building upon existing aspects of horror. 

As the genre of horror expands to take on different styles and address more concrete issues, more definitively horror films remain popular as well. The “A Quiet Place” franchise remained successful among viewers and in the box office from its first installment in 2018 to its most recent in 2024. In addition, the 2024 revival of the “Alien” franchise brought in over $300 million in revenue globally. Furthermore, older horror movies like Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” remain permanently iconicized as horror classics. 

Ultimately, it remains evident that horror is here to stay—in what form? That remains up to the filmmakers of the future. There’s no telling what ideas will emerge over the course of the future. The creator of the first horror movie ever in 1896 would likely drop their jaws at Ari Aster’s portrayal of cult culture in “Midsommar.” Today, however, critics and viewers alike ring praise all around for Aster, complimenting his ability to strike the balance between disturbing and artistic. Horror will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and each new addition or expansion will reshape horror even further.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Emma Hu at [email protected].