Gothic horror is a subgenre of horror that is characterized by its use of dark, atmospheric settings, supernatural or paranormal elements, and a sense of dread and terror. The genre emerged in the late 18th century and is closely associated with the Gothic literary movement, which was popular in Europe and America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Gothic horror stories often feature haunted castles or mansions, dark and mysterious forests, and other eerie settings that contribute to a sense of foreboding and unease. The genre also frequently includes supernatural elements such as ghosts, vampires, and werewolves, as well as more subtle forms of horror such as madness and obsession.
One of the key themes of Gothic horror is the idea of the uncanny, or the sense of something being both familiar and strange. This can manifest in various ways, such as a character experiencing déjà vu in a haunted setting or encountering a person or object that seems almost human, but not quite.
Some of the most famous examples of Gothic horror include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher. Gothic horror continues to be a popular genre in literature, film, and other forms of media, and has had a significant influence on the broader horror genre.