It’s a Slasher Summer: Diving Into The Resurgence of the Slasher Genre in Modern Film

A Wes Craven “VHS or Die” tape stack design by Studiohouse Designs

Let’s start with the slasher genre’s most beloved masked villains: Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Freddy Krueger. They have captured the eyes and hearts of numerous horror fans across different generations. They are considered the blueprint of masked villains and have left an unforgettable mark on the horror genre. Now, from iconic reboots to new original movies, slasher films are once again making a bloody comeback. But why now? How is it different from previous slasher films, and does it still live up to its standards?

Well, speaking of reboots, the classic slasher movie “Scream” has made an epic comeback with its 2022 requel, “Scream 5,” mixing origin characters to evoke nostalgia, while introducing new ones alongside them. Its success has led to the renewal of a 6th Scream film, which was released in 2023. Other than that, there was a new original trilogy based on the books of the famous R.L. Stine, the Fear Street Trilogy. This trilogy managed to incorporate both slasher and supernatural elements, making it a unique addition to the slasher genre. Ti West’s movies “X” and “Pearl,” starring Mia Goth, were equally iconic. This new generation of slasher movies features more diverse characters and inclusive narratives, making it appealing to Gen Z. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and a popular app among cinephiles called Letterboxd have also contributed to its popularity.

Modern slasher films have generally received positive responses from both critics and audiences. This renewed appreciation stems from the genre’s ability to blend nostalgic elements with innovative storytelling. Films like the Scream reboots have demonstrated that there is still a hunger for the thrills and chills that slasher films uniquely provide. This revival has breathed new life into the genre, attracting both old fans and new viewers alike. 

References: 

House, A. (2022, April 23). From X to scream, Slashers are making a major return to horror. CBR. https://www.cbr.com/how-slashers-reclaim-horror-genre/