From the slasher icons of Jason, Freddy and Leatherface to the slick horror of Alien, Scream and Ring to the cult classics of Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy, horror has earned its place in the movie-going psyche, with many of the films spawning numerous copycats. This book analyses the definitive works (and the most influential directors) of the genre over the last 50 years - from silent expressionist classics to Hollywood scream queens - as it looks at the themes and impact of the genre on both the movie-making industry and audiences the world over. Using the successful format of previous books in the Virgin Film series, this guide will include categories such as Directors, Cast, Soundtrack, Critical Reception and Marketing, information on the inspiration behind the films, their impact on the industry and the public (despite, or perhaps because of, their often critical reviews) and the tales that often surrounded their production and release.

James Marriott is the author of Virgin Books' Tourist Trap, Danger Down Under and Holidaymakers from Hell (all written as Patrick Blackden).