5 Horror Subgenres that People Might Not Have Lots of Knowledge On

The world of horror always has something new to discover, whether it's a film that's been on your radar, an actor that you weren't privy to before, or even a subgenre that you've got slim knowledge on. It's vast and exciting, and for novices it can be a bit overwhelming to not know as much lore as other people. There's no shame in not being a horror expert as a slowly budding fan of the genre. Ultimately, that's why articles like this are here to help guide folks. 

There are almost too horror subgenres to list off, but if you go online and search them up, then you'll find an exhaustive list. Otherwise, the top ones that most people know about, either by name or the films they're associated with are: slashers, psychological horror, creature features, supernatural horror, and sci-fi horror. Well-known entries in all of those subgenres include Halloween (1978), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Gremlins (1984), Hereditary (2018), and Alien (1979). And then there are subgenres that people might be a little scared to venture into, or they're not all that aware of them. This is where I come in to list off a few obscure or not as widely discussed subgenres. 

The following are subgenres that might elicit uncomfortable feelings, and I heavily advise doing more research to see which ones will or won't work for you. And keep in mind that I'm focusing solely on films.

Splatter

The term “torture p o r n" is very silly and was coined with an obvious dislike for certain types of horror movies that were coming out at the time. Meanwhile, splatter films have existed for a long time, and the 2000s weren't the only time horror was pushing the boundaries of graphic violence. Splatter films are horror films that focus heavily on graphic depictions of violence and gore. A modern example of this would be the Terrifier films, which have their own issues (including with creator, Damien Leone). 

These films are often discussed because of the ways in which they depict violence. Occasionally the violence pushes the boundaries of what bodies are capable of enduring, oftentimes through harm that isn't of their own doing. They aren't films that casually watch if you are squeamish and are unable to handle even a tamer slasher film. Dawn of the Dead is actually considered part of splatter cinema, especially according to George A. Romero. Therefore, even commercially pushed films are part of the history of this subgenre. Not just lesser-known or extremely controversial films. 

Fun fact: the Saw sequels (the first one isn't nearly as graphic as people like to say it is) can be considered splatter films.

Extreme Horror 

It's not an easy subgenre, and it's absolutely not for casual viewers of horror films. Extreme horror is a subgenre that focuses on extreme depictions of graphic violence, sex, taboo and or transgressive acts, including things that are generally not welcoming to wider audiences. The subgenre is meant to disturb viewers and potentially make them incredibly uncomfortable in some way. Therefore, it's not a subgenre to recommend without being clear of what it entails. 

New French Extremity films like Martyrs (2008) are considered part of the subgenre and are often the top of what people consider to be impactful extreme horror. The subgenre as a whole features some of the most controversial films, some of which don't need to be seen, and almost every taboo you can think of has been covered throughout various films. There's no sugarcoating what you might uncover in various films, and The Human Centipede (2009) isn't even the worst of them. 

Fun fact: The Terrifier franchise also constitutes as extreme horror. 

Bubblegum Horror 

It's not a common subgenre that's discussed, but it does exist and is very interesting to think about. Bubblegum horror is a subgenre of films that have brighter color palettes vs darker or even goth aesthetics, and there's a sickly sweet feeling to these films that contrast with the potential violence on screen. The films are meant to be a contrast to horror films that are what folks typically think of for horror movies. Many coming-of-age horror films can fall into bubblegum horror. 

Popular entries for this lesser-discussed subgenre include House (1977), Heathers (1989), Jennifer's Body (2009), The Babysitter (2017), and more. Bubblegum horror is perfect for people who like bright aesthetics and enjoy seeing horror unfold in these atmospheres. It's also a subgenre that many people are fans of without fully realizing they are. Therefore, it's a relatable accessible subgenre that just isn't named all the time. 

Fun fact: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) can be considered a bubblegum horror film. 

R&R 

Just like any other subgenre of horror, this one often overlaps with other subgenres. Rape-revenge (or rape and revenge) horror typically focuses on an individual who has experienced sexual violence, and is seeking revenge against those who have harmed them. The films often focus on women, but any gender can be included in this, though the former is more typically what said films focus on. 

The reason this subgenre isn't so typically discussed is that sexual violence is incredibly triggering for a lot of people. Nobody can speak for everyone as to why they might watch said films, but plenty of folks find catharsis in the revenge aspects of these films. They aren't to be written off as outright pointless films, and again many of us find catharsis for our own personal reasons. Don't pry or immediately judge anyone because you never know. 

Fun fact: The Last House on the Left (2009) is a remake of the original exploitation horror film by Wes Craven, and while those taking revenge aren't the ones who were directly harmed, it still counts in this subgenre. 

Body horror 

The idea of losing control of the body is a fear that many people have. Body horror is a subgenre of films that depict violations of the body that are typically disturbing in nature. Think explicit violence, zombification, disease (of any nature), purposeful mutilation etc. It's a subgenre that elicits people's skin to crawl, and they are enough to make specific people want to vomit. 

Body horror films aren't always supernatural, can occasionally be based in creature based diseases like for example: The Bay (2012), and the list goes on. A notable body horror franchise is Hellraiser, and a recent addition to the subgenre is the satirical hit The Substance. The subgenre is meant to make your eyeballs bulge, though there's also room for people to find transformation to be fascinating. Even at its most macabre and disturbing to witness. It's absolutely a subgenre that's meant to challenge its viewers and test limits on what people can or cannot handle. 

Fun fact: The Ruins isn't just perfect summer horror, it's also a body horror film that consume all-year round for a downright nasty good time. 

(image credit: Wild Bunch, Hallmark Releasing and American International Pictures, and Gunpowder & Sky)