First, let’s just point out the ROI on horror has been reliable, since at least the 1940s. It is THE reason the history of low budget horror is long and rich. Next, can we talk about “darkness” as a feature of 70s and 80s pop culture? Because… uh… shit was dark y’all lol

That’s BEFORE you even start messing around with how much what we think of as horror has just been infused throughout our western storytelling history. Please read some Greek epics and tragedies. Raiders of the Lost Ark culminates in a straight up horror show. C’mon bro. Try a little.