Top Black Exploitation Horror Films That Changed the Genre

We’ve been showcasing some fantastic horror films on our platform for many years. As Halloween approaches, let’s not forget the black exploitation movies that still give us chills. My personal favorite is Abby, starring the late Carol Speed.

Abby (Full length movie-YouTube)

I’m not typically a horror fan, but Abby and The Exorcist are my top picks for the most entertaining scares. Reflecting on the best black exploitation horror films from the 1970s, I can’t help but chuckle at some of the cheesy horror movies that come out in the 21st century. Still, everyone has their own favorites. Wishing you a spooky and fun Halloween!

Black exploitation horror films have played a significant role in expanding representation and exploring unique themes within the horror genre. While the genre is often associated with exploitation cinema from the 1970s and 1980s, there are notable films that blend horror with Black cultural themes or featuring Black protagonists in horror settings. Here are some of the most influential and notable Black exploitation horror flicks of all time:

1. Blacula (1972)
   A groundbreaking horror film featuring a Black vampire, Prince Mamuwalde, who is cursed and becomes Blacula. It’s considered a classic and a pioneer in Black horror cinema.
2. Scream, Blacula, Scream (1973)
   A sequel to Blacula, it continues the vampire story with more horror and camp, featuring Black characters in leading roles.
3. Ganja & Hess (1973)
   An avant-garde horror film about a Black anthropologist who becomes a vampire after a ritual, exploring themes of addiction and spirituality.
4. Sugar Hill (1974)
   A supernatural revenge horror starring a Black woman who summons zombies to fight her enemies, blending voodoo mythology with exploitation elements.
5. Abby (1974)
   A sequel to The Exorcist, featuring a Black female protagonist, emphasizing Black spiritual themes within a supernatural horror context.
6. The Legend of Hallow’s Eve (2013)
   While not from the 70s, it features Black characters in a horror setting, showcasing the evolution of Black representation in horror cinema.
7. Blackenstein (1973)
   A horror film about a Black soldier who is transformed into a Frankenstein-like creature, combining horror and exploitation elements.
8. The Slayer (1982)
   A horror slasher film with a Black protagonist, notable for its early representation in the slasher subgenre.
9. A Rage in Harlem (1991)
   While more of a crime drama, it contains horror elements and features Black characters prominently, reflecting cultural themes.
10. The Burial of Kojo (2018)
    An African film combining supernatural and horror elements, showcasing Black storytelling from Africa.

Note: The categorization of these films as “Black exploitation horror” can vary, as some blend horror with exploitation.

More:

Abby on Youtube: (full movie)

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