More horror movies are produced and released each year than any other film genre. While horror enjoys broad popularity, many hardcore fans voraciously consume films from their favorite subgenres while avoiding others entirely. This says something interesting about the films and their audiences.

This primer and reference guide defines and explores 75 alphabetically listed subgenres of horror film, from Abduction to Witchcraft and two Zombie subgenres. Each sizeable entry provides a critical survey of the subgenre, a detailed examination of its characteristic elements and themes, and a discussion of three or four exemplary titles as well as other titles of interest.