Horror Lex®
@horrorlex.bsky.social
Horror Lex® (https://horrorlex.com) is the home of academic horror. Explore our huge research database of scholarly, thoughtful writings on horror films. #horror
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What are we writing about when we write about horror films? Which films got the most love? Which authors and editors were the busiest of (killer) bees?
Get ready for the Horror Lex 2025 Year in Review! Coming tomorrow.
Get ready for the Horror Lex 2025 Year in Review! Coming tomorrow.
The media-minded mavens of @mesonpress.bsky.social have a new #openaccess book about charged and textured cinema, "Sticky Films." Download to read Julia Willms' chapter on haptic imagery, snuff films & the emotion of disgust in 2021's CENSOR. Ed. @poodlesnygg.bsky.social
meson.press/books/sticky...
meson.press/books/sticky...
February 11, 2026 at 1:37 PM
The media-minded mavens of @mesonpress.bsky.social have a new #openaccess book about charged and textured cinema, "Sticky Films." Download to read Julia Willms' chapter on haptic imagery, snuff films & the emotion of disgust in 2021's CENSOR. Ed. @poodlesnygg.bsky.social
meson.press/books/sticky...
meson.press/books/sticky...
"Hannibal Lecter: A Life" is a biography of a meal of a man. @brianraftery.bsky.social's new book delves into Thomas Harris's cannibal creation, the film adaptations, and interviews with those who know him best. @simonandschuster.bsky.social
www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hannib...
www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hannib...
February 10, 2026 at 1:41 PM
"Hannibal Lecter: A Life" is a biography of a meal of a man. @brianraftery.bsky.social's new book delves into Thomas Harris's cannibal creation, the film adaptations, and interviews with those who know him best. @simonandschuster.bsky.social
www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hannib...
www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hannib...
"Unserious Ecocriticism" laughs as the world burns. Contributor @pfgonder.bsky.social looks at the horror-farmer connection (yee-haw!) and @jenniferschell16.bsky.social chuckles at THE THAW & TROLLHUNTER. #openaccess from Amherst College Press @jstor.bsky.social
www.jstor.org/stable/10.39...
www.jstor.org/stable/10.39...
February 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
"Unserious Ecocriticism" laughs as the world burns. Contributor @pfgonder.bsky.social looks at the horror-farmer connection (yee-haw!) and @jenniferschell16.bsky.social chuckles at THE THAW & TROLLHUNTER. #openaccess from Amherst College Press @jstor.bsky.social
www.jstor.org/stable/10.39...
www.jstor.org/stable/10.39...
"My family's always been in meat." "The Legacy of Leatherface" traces 50 years of the Sawyer clan and their BBQ-lovin' lifestyle. Ed @shanehw.bsky.social w/ @realtopekapeople.com @jacobbabb.bsky.social and other contributors. New from @mcfarland.bsky.social.
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-...
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-...
February 6, 2026 at 1:41 PM
"My family's always been in meat." "The Legacy of Leatherface" traces 50 years of the Sawyer clan and their BBQ-lovin' lifestyle. Ed @shanehw.bsky.social w/ @realtopekapeople.com @jacobbabb.bsky.social and other contributors. New from @mcfarland.bsky.social.
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-...
mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-...
"They've constructed eyes for me, to watch the show." Soraya Murray's new book "Technothriller" sees the rise of the machines created by humankind that threaten to eliminate us, incl. in DEMON SEED, EX MACHINA, WESTWORLD, and M3GAN. @mitpress.bsky.social
mitpress.mit.edu/978026205101...
mitpress.mit.edu/978026205101...
February 4, 2026 at 1:32 PM
"They've constructed eyes for me, to watch the show." Soraya Murray's new book "Technothriller" sees the rise of the machines created by humankind that threaten to eliminate us, incl. in DEMON SEED, EX MACHINA, WESTWORLD, and M3GAN. @mitpress.bsky.social
mitpress.mit.edu/978026205101...
mitpress.mit.edu/978026205101...
"I PLAN ON WRITING AN EPIC POEM ABOUT THIS GORGEOUS PIE." Brent Simon + dozens of interviewees highlight David Lynch, the Actor, in his Twin Peaks role as the very insightful, very loud, Agent Gordon Cole. New from TuckerDS Press. @scottryanfmp.bsky.social
www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page...
www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page...
February 3, 2026 at 1:38 PM
"I PLAN ON WRITING AN EPIC POEM ABOUT THIS GORGEOUS PIE." Brent Simon + dozens of interviewees highlight David Lynch, the Actor, in his Twin Peaks role as the very insightful, very loud, Agent Gordon Cole. New from TuckerDS Press. @scottryanfmp.bsky.social
www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page...
www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page...
Everyone wave your severed limbs! The Refocus series has a new volume on the Godfather of Gore himself, Herschell Gordon Lewis. Ed @brassupnorth.bsky.social w/ @serialmummy.bsky.social @mleeder.bsky.social @drdantils.bsky.social @edinburghup.bsky.social
edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-refocus...
edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-refocus...
February 2, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Everyone wave your severed limbs! The Refocus series has a new volume on the Godfather of Gore himself, Herschell Gordon Lewis. Ed @brassupnorth.bsky.social w/ @serialmummy.bsky.social @mleeder.bsky.social @drdantils.bsky.social @edinburghup.bsky.social
edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-refocus...
edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-refocus...
Be well, friend. We ❤️ your work.
February 1, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Be well, friend. We ❤️ your work.
Reposted by Horror Lex®
Our new podcast FOLKLORE MATTERS launches today! Have at it! #folklore
Our brand new podcast, Folklore Matters, launches today.
David Clarke, Sophie Parkes-Nield, and Diane Rodgers speak to people working with or researching folklore to find out more about their work, how they discovered folklore, and to get their thoughts on the findings of the Survey.
David Clarke, Sophie Parkes-Nield, and Diane Rodgers speak to people working with or researching folklore to find out more about their work, how they discovered folklore, and to get their thoughts on the findings of the Survey.
January 29, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Our new podcast FOLKLORE MATTERS launches today! Have at it! #folklore
Data Note 8C: As a final caveat, the indexing at Horror Lex is done by humans (incl. @alsven.bsky.social & #emmadaigrepont), not AI. Subjectiveness abounds. Also, while we have access to the text of the vast majority of the 2025 works, it's not 100%. Take all this data as trends, not hard science.
January 26, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Data Note 8C: As a final caveat, the indexing at Horror Lex is done by humans (incl. @alsven.bsky.social & #emmadaigrepont), not AI. Subjectiveness abounds. Also, while we have access to the text of the vast majority of the 2025 works, it's not 100%. Take all this data as trends, not hard science.
Data Note 8B: We changed how we calculated author/editor credits this year by weighting each work by its extensiveness/length (e.g., a book was weighted more than an essay).
January 26, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Data Note 8B: We changed how we calculated author/editor credits this year by weighting each work by its extensiveness/length (e.g., a book was weighted more than an essay).
... continued: @robinmeanscoleman.bsky.social @fernandopagnoni.bsky.social @catherinepugh.bsky.social @annodracula.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Data Note 8A: These honorees on BlueSky are: @baconetti.bsky.social @momoshaty.bsky.social @cullenwade.bsky.social @drwalkingdead.bsky.social @scottryanfmp.bsky.social @cuneytcakirlar.bsky.social @mffrench.bsky.social ...
January 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Data Note 8A: These honorees on BlueSky are: @baconetti.bsky.social @momoshaty.bsky.social @cullenwade.bsky.social @drwalkingdead.bsky.social @scottryanfmp.bsky.social @cuneytcakirlar.bsky.social @mffrench.bsky.social ...
(8/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review concludes!
Almost 800 people contributed to at least one work in the Horror Lex index in 2025 as an author or editor. But let us thank those prolific few who contributed the most to the database this past year. A big wolf awoooo you all!
Almost 800 people contributed to at least one work in the Horror Lex index in 2025 as an author or editor. But let us thank those prolific few who contributed the most to the database this past year. A big wolf awoooo you all!
January 25, 2026 at 11:53 PM
(8/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review concludes!
Almost 800 people contributed to at least one work in the Horror Lex index in 2025 as an author or editor. But let us thank those prolific few who contributed the most to the database this past year. A big wolf awoooo you all!
Almost 800 people contributed to at least one work in the Horror Lex index in 2025 as an author or editor. But let us thank those prolific few who contributed the most to the database this past year. A big wolf awoooo you all!
(7/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
Third, these are the films that are just happily enjoying some attention. They were all written about rarely in years past but, for whatever reason, shot up the rankings in 2025 -- a subjective selection by Professor Lex.
Third, these are the films that are just happily enjoying some attention. They were all written about rarely in years past but, for whatever reason, shot up the rankings in 2025 -- a subjective selection by Professor Lex.
January 25, 2026 at 10:50 PM
(7/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
Third, these are the films that are just happily enjoying some attention. They were all written about rarely in years past but, for whatever reason, shot up the rankings in 2025 -- a subjective selection by Professor Lex.
Third, these are the films that are just happily enjoying some attention. They were all written about rarely in years past but, for whatever reason, shot up the rankings in 2025 -- a subjective selection by Professor Lex.
Data Note 6A: This is based on a small number of works, and almost all are articles/essays rather than books - but that's the point. Usually it takes a few years for very new films to trickle into the academic zeitgeist, but these films were so hot, people have been writing about them immediately.
January 25, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Data Note 6A: This is based on a small number of works, and almost all are articles/essays rather than books - but that's the point. Usually it takes a few years for very new films to trickle into the academic zeitgeist, but these films were so hot, people have been writing about them immediately.
(6/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
Second, which films released in the last 2 years were red-hot topics? SINNERS is tops but last year's winner THE SUBSTANCE held on strong.
Second, which films released in the last 2 years were red-hot topics? SINNERS is tops but last year's winner THE SUBSTANCE held on strong.
January 25, 2026 at 8:37 PM
(6/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
Second, which films released in the last 2 years were red-hot topics? SINNERS is tops but last year's winner THE SUBSTANCE held on strong.
Second, which films released in the last 2 years were red-hot topics? SINNERS is tops but last year's winner THE SUBSTANCE held on strong.
Data Note 5B: What juuuust got edged out? A tie between DAWN and DAY OF THE DEAD (Rank 7), thanks to a general uptick in Romero writings, and the new hotness SINNERS (Rank 8).
January 25, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Data Note 5B: What juuuust got edged out? A tie between DAWN and DAY OF THE DEAD (Rank 7), thanks to a general uptick in Romero writings, and the new hotness SINNERS (Rank 8).
Data Note 5A: This chart looks similar to last year's, except that THE EXORCIST didn't even appear, and now it's tops. Also, ALIEN and HEREDITARY have now edged out US (2019) and CANDYMAN (1992).
January 25, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Data Note 5A: This chart looks similar to last year's, except that THE EXORCIST didn't even appear, and now it's tops. Also, ALIEN and HEREDITARY have now edged out US (2019) and CANDYMAN (1992).
(5/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
What films were hot topics? We sliced that data in three different ways. First, this is the uncorrected raw results: the films that were substantively discussed the most, period.
What films were hot topics? We sliced that data in three different ways. First, this is the uncorrected raw results: the films that were substantively discussed the most, period.
January 25, 2026 at 7:07 PM
(5/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
What films were hot topics? We sliced that data in three different ways. First, this is the uncorrected raw results: the films that were substantively discussed the most, period.
What films were hot topics? We sliced that data in three different ways. First, this is the uncorrected raw results: the films that were substantively discussed the most, period.
Data Note 4A: The "animals" category (Rank 4) includes works that concern the animal kingdom generally or a specific beast, primarily sharks, snakes, and insects.
January 25, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Data Note 4A: The "animals" category (Rank 4) includes works that concern the animal kingdom generally or a specific beast, primarily sharks, snakes, and insects.
(4/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
New this year: What monsters dominated our writings? Bloodsuckers lead the dance, and Satan brings up the rear (of course he does).
New this year: What monsters dominated our writings? Bloodsuckers lead the dance, and Satan brings up the rear (of course he does).
January 25, 2026 at 6:08 PM
(4/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
New this year: What monsters dominated our writings? Bloodsuckers lead the dance, and Satan brings up the rear (of course he does).
New this year: What monsters dominated our writings? Bloodsuckers lead the dance, and Satan brings up the rear (of course he does).
Data Note 3A: This is based on a relatively small number of works that focused on a particular country's films, or films vis-a-vis its unique culture (which is how it earns the country tag).
January 25, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Data Note 3A: This is based on a relatively small number of works that focused on a particular country's films, or films vis-a-vis its unique culture (which is how it earns the country tag).
(3/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
What place in the world got the most attention in terms of its horror cinema or culture? Congrats to the Yanks again this year, but there are some new hot spots like Africa and Indonesia. Missing this year, compared to last? Germany and Australia.
What place in the world got the most attention in terms of its horror cinema or culture? Congrats to the Yanks again this year, but there are some new hot spots like Africa and Indonesia. Missing this year, compared to last? Germany and Australia.
January 25, 2026 at 5:04 PM
(3/8) The #HorrorLex2025 Year in Review continues!
What place in the world got the most attention in terms of its horror cinema or culture? Congrats to the Yanks again this year, but there are some new hot spots like Africa and Indonesia. Missing this year, compared to last? Germany and Australia.
What place in the world got the most attention in terms of its horror cinema or culture? Congrats to the Yanks again this year, but there are some new hot spots like Africa and Indonesia. Missing this year, compared to last? Germany and Australia.
Data Note 2B: To give you a sense of how far the spread is here, the topic at Rank 1 (gender-female/women) was discussed 2.5 times as much as the topics at Rank 10 (folk horror and zombies, a tie).
January 25, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Data Note 2B: To give you a sense of how far the spread is here, the topic at Rank 1 (gender-female/women) was discussed 2.5 times as much as the topics at Rank 10 (folk horror and zombies, a tie).