The 1990s marked a transitional period for horror films, as the genre began to evolve away from the formulaic slasher dominance of the ’80s and toward more self-aware, innovative approaches. This decade saw a blend of nostalgia for past horror traditions with modern reinterpretations, while also embracing meta-humor and psychological horror.

One of the most defining moments of ’90s horror was the release of Scream (1996) by director Wes Craven. Scream revitalized the slasher genre by deconstructing it with self-referential humor and characters who were aware of horror movie tropes. This meta-approach brought new life to the genre and sparked a wave of similarly styled films, such as I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Urban Legend (1998), which appealed to a younger, savvy audience.

Psychological horror also became more prominent during the ’90s. Films like The Sixth Sense (1999) and Jacob’s Ladder (1990) focused on mind-bending twists, subtle dread, and the exploration of trauma and mental illness. These films moved away from visceral gore in favor of atmosphere and suspense, often leaving the viewer questioning reality until the final moments.

The 1990s also saw a return to supernatural horror. Movies like The Blair Witch Project (1999) used found footage to craft a new form of horror that relied on the power of suggestion and psychological terror rather than explicit gore. The film’s success ushered in a wave of found-footage horror that continued into the 2000s. Additionally, Candyman (1992) and The Craft (1996) explored themes of folklore, witchcraft, and urban legends, tapping into a renewed interest in the occult.

While the ’90s largely moved away from the blood-soaked slashers of the previous decade, it didn’t abandon them entirely. Franchises like Child’s Play, Leprechaun, and Halloween continued with sequels, though they were often more comedic or self-parodying than their earlier iterations. New Nightmare (1994), also by Wes Craven, offered a fresh meta-take on the A Nightmare on Elm Street series, bridging the gap between the supernatural and real world.

The decade was also notable for international horror gaining more attention in the West, particularly with Japanese horror films like Ringu (1998) setting the stage for a wave of Hollywood remakes in the early 2000s. The eerie, slow-burn style of J-horror offered a contrast to the fast-paced, self-aware American horror, providing a new avenue for fear.

In summary, the 1990s were a dynamic period for horror films, marked by a blend of self-referential humor, psychological depth, and supernatural fear. The decade paved the way for new subgenres and approaches to horror that would dominate in the years to come.