Why Do We Like Horror Movies?

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Many people don’t find enjoyment in them, and even die-hard horror enthusiasts may need a respite when a movie leaves an unsettling impression on their minds for too long. Life itself can be overpowering at times, making it difficult to take on another source of stress. However, we are still magnetically attracted to the unfamiliar, that swift shock of fear, and the dreams that turn into nightmares. But why do we enjoy horror films? Data provides valuable insights, sometimes in unexpected ways – even presenting its own narrative shifts.

It seems that we enjoy watching horror movies for various reasons, and a recent survey by YouGov in 2022 sheds light on some interesting insights about this genre. One intriguing finding was the polarizing nature of horror, as it is both adored and despised equally. This contrasts with other genres such as science fiction, western, romance, etc., where opinions are more uniform. The survey found that 25% of respondents have a fondness for horror, while 23% express disdain for it.

In contrast to horror films, I’ve found Westerns and thrillers to be more universally appreciated. While Westerns garnered a 17% love rate and a mere 9% dislike, thrillers managed an impressive 29% love rate with the same low dislike of 9%. This suggests that both genres are engaging, but thrillers seem to be more universally accepted.

Despite its divisiveness, research by Bo McCready indicates that while the fascination with musicals, westerns, and war movies has progressively waned since 1920, interest in horror films has significantly increased over time. With helpful tools like VPN for Mac at hand, die-hard horror enthusiasts can broaden their horrorscape by accessing a vast array of chilling movies, including region-restricted classics and foreign horror masterpieces, thereby giving themselves a delightfully spine-tingling experience.

Greco (2020a) explains that people enjoy watching horror movies because they help us mentally prepare for potential real-life threats. Essentially, our brains perceive the experience as if we’re actually confronting a genuine danger and overcoming it. This process triggers dopamine release, giving us a feeling of achievement. Although we understand intellectually that we’re merely watching a film, our brain still secretes these chemicals, boosting our self-assurance in a safe, controlled setting.

From a fascinating perspective, it seems that my personal preference for horror movies might serve as a form of self-preparation, whether consciously or unconsciously. I find myself being trained, in a sense, on how to react when faced with unsettling or dangerous situations, even though they’re just on the screen. It’s like a rehearsal for navigating adverse environments and staying ready before such events occur. Moreover, these films can stir up emotions that I might not have encountered before, providing me with a controlled environment to explore and manage fear effectively.

A study conducted by the University of Chicago and Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab suggests that regular horror movie viewers demonstrated higher resilience during the pandemic compared to those who didn’t. This is because watching horror movies serves as a form of preparation. Although we might not remember the actual feelings of fear, our brain retains the experience, enabling us to handle real-life stress situations more efficiently.

We have a dual affection and aversion towards horror films. Some can marathon movies like “Hereditary” and “The Exorcist” in one go, possibly leading to sleepless nights with the lights on. Conversely, others steer clear of horror, potentially forfeiting an unanticipated advantage: they might be passing up opportunities to mentally prepare themselves for potential worst-case situations.

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2025-03-10 17:14