Short answers, pulled from the story.
A killer stalking a group of people with a bladed tool defines the core of this horror subgenre. Film analysts distinguish these movies from monster films or supernatural thrillers by specific structural rules.
John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) jumpstarted the era commonly cited as the Golden Age of slasher films. Scholars cite over 100 similar films released between 1978 and 1984 during this six-year period.
Friday the 13th (1980) was the year's most commercially successful slasher film, grossing more than $59.7 million. It sold nearly 15 million tickets in North America despite criticism from Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.
With 23.3 million admissions, Scream became highest grossing slasher film of all time crossing $100 million domestic box office first. Marketing distanced itself from slasher genre passing as new thriller showcasing celebrity of Drew Barrymore and Courteney Cox.
John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) jumpstarted the era commonly cited as the Golden Age of slasher films. The film starred Jamie Lee Curtis and set a template for future movies involving a murderous figure stalking teens while escalating gore and nudity.