Giallo (, plural
gialli) is a 20th-century Italian
slasher genre of literature and film, usually with
mystery elements and often with either
supernatural horror or
crime fiction elements. In Italy, the term simply denotes
thrillers, typically of the
crime fiction,
mystery, and
horror subgenres, regardless of the country of origin. In English-speaking countries, however, the term "giallo" is used to refer to a particular style of Italian-produced murder mystery film which often includes elements of horror fiction and
eroticism (similar to the French
fantastique genre). The genre began in the mid-to-late 1960s, peaked in popularity during the 1970s, and subsequently declined over the next few decades (though some examples continue to be produced). It has been considered to be a predecessor to and significant influence on, the later American slasher film genre.