Revenge in Horror

Revenge is a common element of storytelling. The moment a caveman stole something from another caveman, the idea of killing another human being entered someone’s mind. Acting on that feeling… that can create the recipe for great revenge horror movies and stories.

Using revenge as a major element of a horror story is common. Movies and books such as Carrie and Martyrs are solid examples, as well as monster movies and ghost stories that involve conjuring a villain in order to exact revenge (Pumpkinhead, The Fog). Even classic slasher movies such as Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street have revenge elements. Which makes this horror trope dynamic and one that is found in many different subgenres.

Related Genres and Tropes

Last updated byCody Meirick on November 4, 2023