Gothic vs. Horror: what's the difference?

Choosing between Gothic and Horror is akin to picking your favorite child or, more obscurely, your favorite band. While the words “goth” and “horror” are nearly synonymous for many, there are many differences between the two genres. As avid fans of both goth and horror, we've taken a closer look at the differences, the reasons for their love, and the classics that inspired these two legendary genres.

What is Gothic Horror?

Gothic horror is a distinctive art style that has permeated literature and film. Its core elements revolve around darkness, mystery and the supernatural. In literature, Fort Otranto is the originator of gothic literature, and the mysterious horror atmosphere that permeates the book sets the tone for the genre. In terms of movies, “Black Sabbath” demonstrates the unique charm of gothic horror with its scenes of catacombs and abandoned castles, as well as the brutal and horrific plot of the witch's revenge.

These works are often set in specific places such as dilapidated old houses and eerie castles. These places are usually remote and isolated, creating a depressing and lonely atmosphere. Furthermore, there are always elements of supernatural menace, such as ghosts, vampires, witches, etc. Even if sometimes there is no direct presentation of “real ghosts”, just some “different” hints are enough to make readers or viewers feel chilled.

What is the difference between gothic and horror?

•  Focus of atmosphere creation

Gothic style emphasizes a romantic, mysterious, elegant and poetic feeling while creating a horror atmosphere. Take the movie “Scarlet Peak” for example, its exquisite scene layout and gorgeous visual presentation make the horror contain the unique beauty of gothic style. In contrast, horror style focuses more purely on creating a direct experience of fear and thrill, often with the help of sudden scares, bloody and violent images and other straightforward ways to strongly stimulate the audience's nerves. Like some bloody and violent horror movies, the core purpose is to simply make people feel scared.

• Thematic depth

Gothic works often delve into profound themes such as the struggle of human nature, moral boundaries, love and despair. For example, Frankenstein, through the story of a scientist who creates a monster, is an in-depth reflection on issues such as science and humanity, creation and destruction. Horror works focus more on creating a horror experience, although it may also involve some themes, but in comparison, it is not as deep and complex as Gothic works, and focuses more on the thrilling excitement brought by the plot.

• Forms of Expression

Gothic has unique visual symbols and forms of expression. Elements such as bats, roses, ancient castles, crows and crosses appear frequently, and a distinctive style has been formed in many fields such as architecture, literature, music and fashion. In terms of music, gothic music often carries a somber and misanthropic mood; in terms of clothing, gothic dress is mostly in dark colors, such as black, with unique makeup. The expression of horror style is more diverse and flexible, it can use a variety of real or imagined elements to create a horror effect, does not necessarily have a specific iconic elements and fixed style.

Best Gothic Horror Books

• The Castle of Otranto

As the seminal work of Gothic literature, it lays the cornerstone for this literary genre. Elements such as the mysterious old castle and ghostly prophecies in the book kicked off Gothic horror.

• Dracula

This work is a classic representative of gothic horror novels, and the image of Dracula, the vampire, is a household name. The book is full of mystery, horror and suspense, attracting countless readers.

• The Cthulhu Mythos

This work contains many gothic horror stories about ancient gods, forbidden knowledge and madness, focusing on highlighting the insignificance and powerlessness of human beings in the universe, so that readers can experience endless fear and mystery in the process of reading.

• ‘The Castle of Otranto’ by Horace Walpole, 1764

We couldn’t kick off this list with anything else. The Castle of Otranto is widely regarded as the first Gothic novel. In the novel’s second edition, Walpole added the subtitle “A Gothic Story”. It is set in a haunted castle, inspired by his home at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, now a popular spot for lovers of Gothic architecture. 

• ‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill, 1983

This haunting story is told from the perspective of Arthur Kipps, who finds himself in a small coastal town in his job as a solicitor. He is sent to attend the funeral of Alice Drablow and settle her estate. Mrs Drablow was a reclusive, elderly widow who lived alone in the desolate Eel Marsh House. As Arthur sorts through her home, a terrifying series of events unfolds. This haunting tale has become a successful stage production and feature film starring Daniel Radcliffe. 

• ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley, 1818

“Iconic” doesn’t seem like a strong enough word for this novel. It is a must-read for everyone enamoured by gothic. Mary Shelley was just 18 when she wrote the tale of Victor Frankenstein. During a weekend away with Lord Byron and friends, Byron dared their group to write a ghost story, and initially, Shelley struggled to conjure up a tale of terror. After a nightmare, she was inspired to write Frankenstein. Amazingly, the story of Frankenstein emerged from a nonchalant dare, writer’s block, and a bad dream. 

Best Gothic Horror Movies

• Black Sabbath

Mario Bava's black-and-white feature film debut has become a seminal work of gothic horror movies with its scenes of underground catacombs, abandoned castles, foggy woods, and the brutal horror plot of witches' revenge.

• Scarlet Peak

Director Guillermo del Toro brings out the visual and artistic effects of gothic horror to the fullest. The story is set in an old manor house, filled with gothic mystery and horror.

• The Orphanage

The movie creates a “haunted” atmosphere through details such as the whispers at the end of the corridor and the sound of the floorboards, but also contains the emotional pain unique to the Gothic genre - loneliness, regret, loss, etc. The movie is a great example of how the Gothic style of horror can be used to create a haunted atmosphere. 

• Suspiria (1977)

Suspiria is considered one of the ultimate expressions of ‘70s Gothic horror. Directed by Dario Argento, Suspiria follows Suzy as she arrives in Germany to attend ballet school. Upon arrival, she is refused entry and sees a student named Pat fleeing from the school. That night, Pat is violently murdered. Suzy struggles to settle in her new school, and its dark past and true evil begin to be exposed. 

• Rebecca (1940)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rebecca is a classic psychological thriller that follows the story of a young woman forced to live in the shadow of her husband’s previous wife, who died under mysterious circumstances. Though it may not sound like a classic scare-fest, Hitchcock’s penchant for suspense gives the film a nail-biting atmosphere that makes for a thrilling watch. 

• Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Set in 1799, Sleepy Hollow is based on Washington Irving’s classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. The story is based around Ichabod Crane, a police constable sent to the small town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of murders. As more murders are committed, Crane looks into a paranormal culprit. Tim Burton directed this gothic favourite – need we say more?