Why We 'Like' Being Scared By Horror Films

TV & Film

Oct 21

90s horror movies collage — Image Source: IGN

There is no question that horror movies are scary; after all, they’re supposed to be! Horror movies frighten, terrify, and unsettle us; however, people sometimes like them. Why is that, one wonders? Here are some reasons that may explain things:

7. The Post-Horror Relaxation; It Feels Pleasurable To Get Through A Scary Movie

Horror icons collage — Image Source: Wellesley.edu

People feel stimulated watching a horror movie; after all, they are meant to scare you. But getting through a horror movie can also give you a pleasurable rush; for example, if you have anxiety, you can experience a dopamine dump that gives you a sense of well-being. Even in general, a horror movie can make you feel good by challenging you with a scary experience and ensuring you come out safe and secure.

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6. It’s A Conduit For Social Bonding; Horror Movies Can Help You Feel More Connected To The People Around You

Whether watching with a partner or a group of family or friends, horror movies are a great way to connect with the people around us. If you’re watching as a couple, movies that arouse fear can increase attraction and bring partners closer together; in a group of people, the oxytocin released in frightening situations can help a group experience closeness and affinity among its members.

5. They Help Prepare Us For The Worst And Teach Us How To Cope

Watching horror movies can give you an idea of how certain situations might play out, which can make you feel more prepared; they can also give you a sort-of playbook, helping you learn to deal with things like uncertainty and anxiety, leaving you with a valuable set of coping skills.

4. People Like Horror Movies For The Novelty

The novelty of horror movies comes from the fact that they are aberrations in their environment; they provoke our attention to our environment and our curiosity. After all, horror movies are like bad accidents on a busy road- you don’t see them daily.

3. People Have Different Wiring; The Movies Let You Explore Your Dark Side

Some people are wired to enjoy higher arousal levels; some want the rush from watching horror flicks or riding roller coasters. Some people are also wired to be curious about their darker parts; horror movies allow us to explore those elements of our personalities.

2. Being Scared Can Give You A Thrilling Rush; It’s All Part Of The Excitation Transfer Process

Horror movies are fake, but they can trigger a genuine response; your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing can spike and trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine. The excitation process describes what you might feel after the movie; positive emotions are intensified, and you remember watching the film as an enjoyable experience.

1. You’re Terrified, But You’re Also Safe; The Movies Make You Think You’re Different From The Victim- And, Therefore, More Likely To Survive

IT and child — Image Source: Wallpapersden

You may get a rush, but you’re not in danger; this is a part of a horror film’s appeal. You’re experiencing something scary in a controlled environment; this means you can safely play with danger and then get a sense of accomplishment from finishing the movie. It also allows self-analysis; watching characters make obvious mistakes makes you think about how you would do things differently and survive.