For the most part, horror movies don’t have underlying meanings. They’re meant to scare you and provide an adrenaline rush. Better yet, they are supposed to generate revenue for big movie production companies like Universal and Sony Pictures. However, that’s not always the case, and we have seen some thought-provoking horror movies released over the years that address several important themes. Today’s article will explore a few of these films. 

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1. X (Ti Weest, 2022):

X is one of the most talked about horror movies of the year. The slasher film from Ti West grossed a worldwide total of $14.5 million against its budget of $1 million. The film is a clear homage to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper, 1974). Texas has developed as a state since the movie’s release, and it’s now known for many things, such as its large employment sectors in leisure, retail trade, and health care. However, many people still can’t think of Texas without thinking of that 1974 slasher film. 

Th film follows a cast and crew who gather at a rural Texas property to film a movie, only to find themselves being hunted by an unsuspecting but prowling killer. The film stars Mia Goth, Martin Henderson, Jenna Ortega, and Brittany Snow. While X is a modern example of the psycho-biddy horror genre and an homage to cult classics, X tackles important themes even before the gory actions begin. Critics praised West for depicting the pain many individuals feel in their final years over not being able to regain their youth. 

X is also pictured at the top of this article.

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2. Gummo (Harmony Korine, 1997):

Gummo may not be your typical horror film, and while it’s described as an experimental drama, the film’s graphic content and loose narrative make for an unnerving watch. The 1997 American film by Harmony Korine follows a group of characters who find ways to pass the time after their small town in Xenia, Ohio, is struck by a tornado. Grief is one of the key themes, but it also explores life in Midwestern America for the impoverished population. 

Ohio is a state that has developed economically since the release of Gummo in 1997. This growth has come from several industries, such as rubber manufacturing and gambling. Sports betting has increased in popularity in the state, and we’re seeing several reputable sportsbooks launching there. 

For example, BetMGM is launching a sportsbook in Ohio in January 2023. The platform is offering new players free bet credits to promote its launch. BetMGM is one example, but there are many detailed evaluations of legit operators in Ohio’s sports betting industry that further demonstrate just how much the state has developed since its depiction in Gummo. 

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3. Get Out (Jordan Peele, 2017):

In 2022, everyone is talking about X, but in 2017, the chatter was all about Jordan Peele’s Get Out. The American psychological horror film has everything, from suspense to great writing. The film, set in Fairhope, Alabama, also addresses several important themes, including the white savior trope, racial profiling, and modern slavery. 

Like Texas and Ohio, Alabama has changed its history for the better and the state is now known for its flourishing manufacturing industry. However, like the other two states, there is a dark history in Alabama, and Get Out addresses that artistically. 

Sometimes horror movies surprise you. Not in the sense that there are jump scares in every scene, but because the writing is trying to send a message and make viewers think about important topics at hand, such as racism and mental illness.