Retro Horror in Pop Culture: How Retro Horror has Influenced Contemporary Pop Culture, from Stranger Things to American Horror Story

Retro horror has had a major impact on contemporary pop culture, inspiring countless films, TV shows, and other forms of media. From the classic horror movies of the 70s and 80s to the horror comics of the 50s and 60s, retro horror has influenced some of the most iconic and beloved works of horror in pop culture today. In this blog post, we'll explore how retro horror has influenced contemporary pop culture, from Stranger Things to American Horror Story.

Stranger Things One of the most popular TV shows of recent years, Stranger Things is a perfect example of how retro horror has influenced contemporary pop culture. Set in the 1980s, the show is heavily influenced by classic horror movies of the era, such as The Goonies, E.T., and Stephen King's It. The show features a group of kids who encounter supernatural forces and must band together to fight them. Stranger Things is a love letter to retro horror, with its use of practical effects, analog technology, and 80s music creating a nostalgic and eerie atmosphere.

American Horror Story Another popular TV show that owes a debt to retro horror is American Horror Story. Each season of the anthology series tells a different story, often drawing inspiration from classic horror movies and tropes. For example, the first season, Murder House, takes inspiration from haunted house movies, while the second season, Asylum, is set in a mental institution and draws inspiration from classic horror films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. American Horror Story is known for its twisted and disturbing imagery, as well as its use of iconic horror actors like Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates.

It (2017) The 2017 remake of Stephen King's It is another example of how retro horror has influenced contemporary pop culture. The movie, which tells the story of a group of kids who encounter a demonic clown, is set in the 80s and draws heavily from classic horror movies of the era, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Goonies. The film's use of practical effects and its focus on character development set it apart from other modern horror movies, and it has become one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time.

The Final Girls (2015) The Final Girls is a meta-horror movie that pays tribute to classic slasher films of the 80s. The film tells the story of a group of teenagers who find themselves trapped in a horror movie, and must use their knowledge of horror movie tropes to survive. The Final Girls is a love letter to retro horror, featuring a nostalgic soundtrack and references to classic horror movies like Friday the 13th and Halloween.

In conclusion, retro horror has had a significant impact on contemporary pop culture, inspiring some of the most beloved and iconic works of horror in recent years. From Stranger Things to American Horror Story, these examples show how retro horror has influenced everything from TV shows to movies to music. As the genre continues to evolve, it's clear that retro horror will continue to inspire and influence new generations of horror fans.