Zombies are the monsters of the 21st century, and America's major contribution to horror. What set off zombie fever? All roads lead to George Romero, who made zombies a metaphor for social ills.
Slasher films killed in the '80s, but their violence, perceived misogyny, and endless sequels almost ended the genre. Supernatural killers Chucky and Freddy saved them from extinction.
Slashers got sophisticated in the '90s, evolving from Freddy Kreuger to Candyman to the terrifying Hannibal Lector. The 2000s brought "torture porn" - a response to post-9/11 panic.
The fear that demons will enter our bodies and make us do terrible things has inspired some of the most frightening films ever made, including the masterpieces Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist.
Monsters hold a special place in the history of horror. The killer predators in nature. The nightmare creatures of the fantastic. And the monsters inside us, waiting to escape.
Modern vampires come in many guises, but they all address our fascination with sex and death. From the ghastly Count Orlok to the glam vampires of True Blood, thirsty fiends are endlessly appealing.
Ghost movies have been with us since the dawn of cinema. Some ghosts are benevolent, some ghosts are malicious, but they all represent the mystery of what happens to us after we die.
