The first horror films are produced, mostly based on Gothic literature and stage plays.

The horror film genre expands and diversifies, influenced by German Expressionism and the rise of Universal Studios.

The horror film genre reaches its peak of popularity and creativity, with Universal Studios producing many classic horror films and stars, such as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

The horror film genre declines in quality and originality, as Universal Studios resorts to sequels and crossovers, and other studios produce low-budget and formulaic horror films.

The horror film genre undergoes a revival and a transformation, as new themes and techniques emerge, such as science fiction, atomic radiation, alien invasion, and 3D.

The horror film genre becomes more diverse and innovative, as new directors and movements challenge the conventions and censorship of horror films, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Hammer Films, and the Italian giallo.

The horror film genre reaches a new height of critical and commercial success, as well as controversy and criticism, with films that depict graphic and realistic horror, such as The Exorcist, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Halloween.

The horror film genre becomes more mainstream and commercialized, as well as more diverse and creative, with films that feature supernatural, fantasy, and comedy elements, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Evil Dead, and An American Werewolf in London.

The horror film genre experiences a decline and a resurgence, as well as a self-referential and metafictional turn, with films that parody, homage, or critique the conventions and clichés of horror films, such as Scream, The Blair Witch Project, and The Sixth Sense.

The horror film genre becomes more globalized and diversified, as well as more extreme and controversial, with films that draw from various cultural and historical sources, such as the Japanese horror film, the French New Extremity, and the torture porn film.