The fog grows thicker as you push deeper in to the woods. From all around you come sounds that seem to tell you that you aren’t welcome here: creatures of the dark, otherworldly, haunting sounds. And then, suddenly and without warning, your boyfriend spills the popcorn all over the couch!
Horror films have long held a unique place in the world of cinema, drawing audiences into theaters and to their couches, ready to be scared out of their wits. But why do we enjoy scary movies? What is it about the eerie music, the rising tension, and the jump scares that captivates us? Furthermore, while some of us love horror films (or are even obsessed), others are extremely adverse, unwilling and uninterested in exploring the darker side of cinema. Why do some people like horror films while others don’t?
In today’s blog we’ll explore the psychology of horror films, finding out what exactly about horror films makes them appealing, and why some people are drawn to this genre (and not others).
So Why Do People Like To Be Scared?
In brief, being scared in safe situations can provide a lot of potential benefits, as unexpected as that may be. “Surviving” a scary movie can release mood altering hormones, increase social bonding, allow us to release pent up emotions, and give us a sense of achievement, and more—without ever leaving the couch. Let’s dig in a little deeper to how scary movies impact our psychology.
The Thrill of Surviving: Feel-Good Hormones and Rollercoasters
One compelling reason we enjoy scary movies is the rush of feel-good hormones that are released when we “survive” a scary situation. When we watch a horror film, our brains react as if we are actually in danger. This triggers a fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals can create a thrilling and pleasurable sensation, similar to the rush we get from riding a rollercoaster.
Imagine the buildup as you slowly ascend the first hill of a rollercoaster. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and your body tenses in anticipation of the drop. Then, as you plummet, a mix of fear and exhilaration floods your system. After you get off the rollercoaster you feel incredible, your body buzzing with excitement. Watching a horror movie can evoke similar physiological responses. The terror of a jump scare or the suspense of a lurking danger keeps us on the edge of our seats, and when the movie ends, the relief and rush of having “survived” can be immensely satisfying.
Social Bonding: Facing Fear Together
Another reason we love scary movies is the positive social bonding that comes from surviving a challenge together. When we watch a horror film with friends or loved ones we experience the fear and tension collectively. This shared experience can strengthen our social bonds, creating a sense of camaraderie and closeness.
Studies have shown that pain and stress can increase bonding in groups, and it makes sense. If you face something difficult together, you build trust with those who endured.
Think about the last time you watched a horror movie with a group of friends. The gasps, screams, and nervous laughter that filled the room were all part of the experience. As you huddled together, perhaps grabbing onto each other during particularly intense scenes, you were not just watching a movie; you were building memories and connections. This shared fear and subsequent relief can foster a sense of unity and shared resilience.
Proving Our Bravery: The Courtship Angle
Horror films also provide an opportunity to prove our bravery and ability to protect, especially in courting situations. Taking a date to a scary movie is a common practice, and there’s a psychological reason behind it. By facing fear together, we demonstrate our courage and our capacity to handle stressful situations.
When you sit beside your date during a horror film, your reactions speak volumes. If you remain calm and composed, you signal strength and reliability. If you jump and then laugh it off, you show a human, relatable side. Either way, the experience can be a bonding moment. Your date might feel a sense of safety with you, knowing that you can face fears together. This dynamic can be particularly appealing in the early stages of a relationship, where proving our protective instincts and bravery can be attractive qualities.
Replaying Traumatic Events: A Safe Exploration
For some, watching horror movies offers a way to replay or reexperience traumatic events without the real danger. For some this can be a form of exposure therapy, allowing individuals to confront their fears in a controlled and safe environment. By watching scary movies, people can process their emotions and gain a sense of mastery over their fears.
If you have felt the impact of a traumatic event as a child, it’s possible that a scary movie can allow your brain to return to a sense of homeostasis as it attempts to recontextualize the trauma. The sense of control gained from scary films may become an important and reliable coping mechanism for free-floating anxiety that hasn’t been addressed.
As a more direct example, consider someone who has experienced a home invasion. Watching a horror film that features a similar scenario might initially seem counterintuitive, but it can provide a way for them to confront their trauma from a safe distance. The movie setting allows them to experience fear and anxiety, but with the knowledge that they are not in actual danger. This can help desensitize them to their triggers and gradually reduce their fear response.
The Attraction to the Dark Side: Curiosity and Exploration
Another reason we enjoy scary movies is the attraction to the dark side of human nature. Horror films often delve into themes of evil, death, and the supernatural, which can be fascinating to explore. Our curiosity about the unknown and the macabre drives us to seek out these films, offering a safe way to explore our darkest fears, thoughts, and the “shadow” aspects of our personality which we have learned are unacceptable in society.
The fascination with the dark side can be seen in the popularity of horror genres that feature ghosts, monsters, and psychopaths. These films allow us to confront the aspects of humanity that we might otherwise avoid. By watching horror movies, we can explore our own fears and the darker aspects of our psyche, all from the safety of our living room.
Why Some People Hate Scary Movies
While many people love the thrill of horror films, others have a strong aversion to them. There are several reasons why someone might hate scary movies, including PTSD triggers, an aversion to gore, and a dislike of jump scares.
For individuals with PTSD, horror films can be particularly triggering. The intense scenes and jump scares can bring back traumatic memories and cause severe anxiety. Similarly, those who are sensitive to gore might find horror films too graphic and disturbing. The blood and violence depicted in these movies can be overwhelming and unpleasant.
Jump scares, a staple of many horror films, can also be a significant deterrent. The sudden, unexpected shocks can be too intense for some viewers, causing them to avoid the genre altogether. These elements can create a negative and distressing experience, leading some to steer clear of horror films.
So What Does It Mean About Me If I Love Or Hate Horror Movies?
Whether you love or hate horror movies, it doesn’t necessarily reveal deep psychological truths about your mental health. Many psychologically healthy people enjoy the thrill of being scared, while others have a perfectly reasonable aversion to it.
Loving horror movies might indicate that you enjoy the adrenaline rush and the challenge of facing your fears. It could also suggest that you appreciate the artistry and storytelling involved in creating a good scare. On the other hand, disliking horror films might mean you have a strong sensitivity to fear, anxiety, or gore, or simply prefer other genres that provide different forms of entertainment.
In the end, our preferences for horror films are just one aspect of our complex personalities. They reflect our individual tastes and experiences, but they do not define our mental health or our character. Whether you love the thrill of a good scare or prefer to avoid it, what’s most important is finding what brings you joy and comfort.
Conclusion
The psychology of horror films is a fascinating subject that sheds light on some of the deepest, darkest parts of the human psyche. From the rush of feel-good hormones to a burning curiosity about our “shadow”, there are many reasons why people are drawn to this genre. Whether it’s proving our bravery, replaying traumatic events, or growing closer to our friends, horror films offer a novel and thrilling experience.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that not everyone enjoys being scared, and that’s perfectly okay. Our preferences for horror films are just one small part of who we are, and they don’t define our mental health or our worth. So whether you love the thrill of a good scare or prefer to steer clear of horror films, know that your feelings are valid and reflect your unique personality.
Robb Kornoelje is a practicing CBT Counselor, Relationship Counselor, owner of the Truism Center, and creator of the “30-Day Relationship Challenge.” This 30-day email course offers guidance to identify behaviors causing trouble, find ease with emotions, and enhance self-awareness. With a focus on stress-free communication, the challenge encourages a stronger connection with others, nurturing compassion, and fostering forgiveness. Join Robb on this journey to improve the fabric of your relationships—one day at a time.
