The slasher film genre got its start in the early 1960s with filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock
Psycho
and Michael Powell
Peeping Tom
making provocative mainstream films, but it is most associated with the late 1970s and the releases of
Halloween
and
Friday the 13th.
They have been frightening and thrilling audiences ever since with their bloody scenes and crazed killers.
Over 250 slasher films are presented in this work, each with major cast and production credits, a plot synopsis, and a short critique; interesting production notes are often provided. Some of the films covered include
Alice, Sweet Alice, American Psycho, The Burning, Cherry Falls, Curtains, Deep Red, Frenzy, Hide and Go Shriek, Maniac, Prom Night, Scream, Sleepaway Camp, Slumber Party Massacre,
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
Filmographies are provided for slasher directors, actors, writers, and composers.