The Top 10 Horror Movies of the 1970s, Ranked by Box Office Performance
Are you in search of a classic horror film that has been well-received by the public? Here are the top 10 highest-grossing horror movies from the 1970s.
10. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
A scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Bryanston Distributing Company, New Line Cinema – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $30,902,270 (All box office figures in this article are sourced from BoxOfficeMojo.com.)
Tobe Hooper’s iconic horror film celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It follows a group of young people who embark on an innocent trip to a secluded Texas house, unaware of the terrifying encounter awaiting them when they meet a peculiar hitchhiker.
This film introduces one of the most legendary horror characters ever—Leatherface, who uses a chainsaw to kill his victims along with his cannibalistic family.
9. Carrie (1976)
A scene from Carrie, United Artists – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $33,801,936
Sissy Spacek stars in this memorable adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a teenage girl who is pushed to her limits by bullies at school and a cruel, religious mother.
When a boy she likes invites her to the prom, Carrie gets one last shot at a joyful moment as a teenager—until someone decides to play a cruel prank on her. What they don’t realize is that Carrie possesses powerful telekinetic abilities, and she’s about to explode.
8. Halloween (1978)
Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, Compass International Pictures, Aquarius Releasing – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $47,160,941
Jamie Lee Curtis stars in this legendary horror film featuring the infamous villain Mike Myers. With a terrifying mask, Myers is known for slaughtering teenagers, and after escaping from prison where he was incarcerated for murdering his sister 15 years earlier, he seeks more victims.
Curtis plays Laurie Strode, who becomes his target as he hunts for his next prey.
7. The Omen (1976)
20th Century Studios – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $60,922,980
This classic horror movie revolves around a mother whose baby unexpectedly dies at birth, and her husband switches him with another baby without her knowledge. They name the child Damien, who, to their horror, is revealed to be the antichrist.
Problems arise when baby Damien shows frightening behaviors towards animals and vehemently refuses to enter a church.
This film also inspired the name of Damien Leone, whose Terrifier movies rank among the most successful recent horror franchises.
6. Young Frankenstein (1974)
20th Century Studios – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $86,274,794
There might be some discussion about whether Young Frankenstein belongs on this list, as it is primarily a comedy. However, it is regarded as a comedy-horror film, serving as a parody of the horror genre, so we contend that it qualifies. Though it may not be as frightening as other films listed here, it is undoubtedly a genre piece.
Featuring Gene Wilder, this film is both hilarious and eerie.
Additionally! Take a look at the 10 Behind the Scenes Stories of Young Frankenstein.
5. The Amityville Horror (1979)
American International Pictures – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $86,432,000
Inspired by the experiences of the Lutz family in a supposedly haunted house in Amityville, New York, The Amityville Horror stars James Brolin and Margot Kidder as a couple dealing with a demonic presence in their home.
The authenticity of the haunting at 112 Ocean Avenue has been hotly debated, though a murder made headlines in 1974 when Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed several family members there. He was later convicted of second-degree murder and passed away in prison in 2021. The truth of the haunting remains uncertain, but the Amityville Horror films continue to entertain.
4. Alien (1979)
20th Century Fox Studios – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $108,591,169
This classic sci-fi horror film has gained incredible popularity, leading to an extensive franchise. Starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, a crew member aboard the Nostromo spaceship, the movie follows their harrowing discovery of an alien presence on their ship.
It was succeeded by Aliens in 1986, along with various other Alien films, including the latest, Alien: Romulus, released this year.
3. Jaws 2 (1978)
Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O
Total Worldwide Gross: $187,884,007
Although the sequel to the original Jaws may not have reached the same heights, it still grossed a significant amount.
Once again, Sheriff Brody (Roy Scheider) warns Mayor Vaughn (M
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The Top 10 Horror Movies of the 1970s, Ranked by Box Office Performance
Here are the ten best horror films from the 1970s, perfect for those seeking a classic that has been well-received by audiences.