Horror vs. Thriller: A Tale of Two Terrors

Backstage Magazine just published a piece breaking down the difference between horror and thrillers—and as someone dedicated to elevating horror, I think it’s worth a read. The article explains that thrillers build suspense, usually from the pursuer’s point of view, while horror plunges you into dread, often through the victim’s eyes. It’s a clean, accessible distinction. But what’s more interesting—more frustrating—is how this line ends up creating a hierarchy of legitimacy.

Thrillers often get the critical respect, the awards buzz, the prestige trailers. Horror, on the other hand, still gets slapped with labels like “mindless,” “gory,” or “gratuitous.” Never mind that horror has long been a mirror for societal fears, trauma, grief, and morality—often doing so with more guts (literally and figuratively) than its thriller cousins. This genre has given us complex, unforgettable storytelling, but it’s constantly fighting to be seen as more than just a body count in a basement.

The Backstage article is a solid foundation, especially for those who still conflate the two. But for those of us in the trenches—fans, creators, critics—it's a reminder that horror isn't lesser. It's just louder, bolder, and more willing to stare directly into the dark. And that deserves a hell of a lot more credit.

Read the full article:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/thriller-vs-horror-78816/