6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ushered in an era of gruesome exploitation films while not actually being that gruesome. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was instrumental in setting the bar for the exploitation film in the late 70s and early 80s with everyone trying to top it but failing. While other exploitation films that followed it tried to throw as much gore as possible at the audience The Texas Chainsaw Massacre achieved its status as a terrifying film by creating an atmosphere while using documentary like camera work to create a mood of reality. The fact that you can believe its a true story even though you obviously know it isn't speaks volumes for the film and secures its place above all other slasher and exploitation films that followed it and clearly took influence from it.