The slasher subgenre of horror can be codified into a list of requirements and common tropes. The problem with that mindset is when the subgenre begins to break its own rules, but still wants to be a slasher. This research paper examines the problem with genre theory, as films can be mislabeled and non-slasher films can be considered slashers depending on the criteria. By analyzing slasher tropes and seeing how they fit inside of their own genre and outside of it, the goal is to determine why some films are considered slashers and others are not, even if they are mechanically similar, or even identical.
