The Conjuring Scares Without Relying on Gore

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Conjuring, released in 2013, is considered one of the greatest horror films of the modern era. Unlike many other horror movies that rely on graphic gore, The Conjuring builds suspense and fear through its realistic characters, atmospheric storytelling, and focus on the supernatural. The film's success proved that audiences crave genuine scares over gratuitous violence, paving the way for a new wave of thoughtful, character-driven horror.

Why it matters

The Conjuring's success challenged the notion that horror movies need to be filled with graphic violence and gore to be effective. By centering the story on a relatable family and the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film connected with audiences on a deeper, more unsettling level. This paved the way for a new era of horror that prioritizes atmosphere, suspense, and genuine human stories over shock value.

The details

Director James Wan took his time building the perfect scares in The Conjuring, using misdirection and a slow-burn approach to ratchet up the tension. Instead of constantly showing the demonic forces, Wan allowed the audience's imagination to fill in the gaps, making the unseen threats feel all the more terrifying. The film's protagonists, the Perron family, are portrayed as a normal, average household, making their supernatural ordeal feel all the more plausible and unsettling.

• The Conjuring was released in theaters on July 19, 2013.