What is a Slasher Movie?

A slasher movie is a horror sub-genre that involves the murdering of a number of people by a psychopathic killer, typically via a knife or bladed tool.

What Are the Key Elements of a Slasher Movie?

The 13 elements typically included in slasher movies include: 1. A psychopathic killer. 2. A well-developed killer’s backstory. 3. An eerie setting that coincides with the killer’s story and motives. 4. A specific and tense timeframe. 5. The killer's weapon of choice being distinctive and notable. 6. Multiple victims that fall into the villain’s grasp. 7. Characters splitting up and their deaths being creative and memorable. 8. The characters becoming isolated from each other and the wider world. 9. Multiple jump scares, which place both the characters and audience on edge. 10. Poor decision making from the characters as a result of the pressure on them. 11. The killer resurrecting. 12. A last showdown with the final girl, a popular character trope. 13. A killer ending, where the character(s) leave victorious until the killer is shown to still be alive. Sequels and franchises are often built and developed from the killer’s survival and lust for more blood.

The 13 Key Elements of a Slasher Movie with 10 Slasher Movie Examples

The slasher movie sub-genre could be considered one of the most controversial sub-genres in cinema. With its stark violence, it’s often the subject of discussions around the effect of slasher films on society at large. These films burrow into our deepest fears and take hold of the wider imagination. They provide some of cinema’s most iconic moments and some of its most terrifying. And they hold a unique place in their ability to scare and shock. But how do you

Members only

This article continues in our Members Area

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED for full access to 700+ guides, whitepapers, the script library, industry interviews and much more.

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED — just $9.99/month

Cancel any time · No commitment