The Most Important Horror Movies of 1968

The year 1968 is widely considered a watershed year in the history of horror cinema. Several groundbreaking horror movies were released that year, each one pushing the boundaries of the genre in new and exciting ways. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the most important horror movies of 1968.

Night of the Living Dead

Directed by George A. Romero, "Night of the Living Dead" is a landmark horror movie that tells the story of a group of people trapped in a farmhouse as they are attacked by flesh-eating zombies. The film is known for its gory special effects and its commentary on American society in the late 1960s.

"Night of the Living Dead" is considered a classic of the horror genre for its social commentary, its influential use of gore, and its impact on popular culture. The film inspired countless imitators and has had a lasting impact on horror movies and popular culture as a whole.

Rosemary's Baby

Directed by Roman Polanski, "Rosemary's Baby" is a psychological horror movie about a young woman who becomes pregnant with the child of Satan. The film is known for its slow-building tension, its effective use of suspense, and its commentary on gender roles and power dynamics.

"Rosemary's Baby" is considered a classic of the horror genre for its psychological horror, its nuanced portrayal of its characters, and its social commentary. The film has had a lasting impact on horror movies and popular culture, inspiring countless imitators and influencing the work of many contemporary horror directors.

Witchfinder General

Directed by Michael Reeves, "Witchfinder General" is a British horror movie about a sadistic witch hunter who terrorizes a small town during the English Civil War. The film is known for its graphic violence, its commentary on abuse of power, and its influence on the "folk horror" subgenre.

"Witchfinder General" is considered a classic of the horror genre for its historical accuracy, its unflinching portrayal of violence, and its influence on the "folk horror" subgenre. The film has had a lasting impact on horror movies and popular culture, inspiring countless imitators and influencing the work of many contemporary horror directors.

Targets

Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, "Targets" is a horror movie that tells two parallel stories: one about a serial killer on a rampage in Southern California, and another about an aging horror movie actor facing retirement. The film is known for its meta commentary on the horror genre, its blending of real-life and fictional horror, and its unconventional structure.

"Targets" is considered a cult classic of the horror genre for its meta commentary, its unconventional structure, and its exploration of the changing nature of horror cinema. The film has had a lasting impact on horror movies and popular culture, inspiring many imitators and influencing the work of many contemporary horror directors.

In conclusion, the horror movies of 1968 were groundbreaking and influential, each one pushing the boundaries of the genre in new and exciting ways. "Night of the Living Dead," "Rosemary's Baby," "Witchfinder General," and "Targets" are all classics that have had a lasting impact on the horror genre and continue to be celebrated by horror fans today. These films stand as important entries in the history of horror cinema and helped establish the genre as a popular and enduring part of popular culture.