Nobody likes to be afraid. It is a basic and primitive emotion, fundamental for survival, but it can condition your life, paralyze it, and distress you. So, Why are horror movies so fascinating? What is activated within you when you give in to the demons of “The Exorcist”, the nightmares of Freddy Krueger or the misdeeds of Chucky?
“The fascination with horror can be attributed to a combination of psychological, emotional and social factors, ranging from stress release and adrenaline rush to exploration of collective and personal fears”, explains the psychologist Esther Cantos.
It is something that the film industry detected from its origins: a review of the film library shows that “Le Manoir du Diable” by Georges Mèliés was already filmed in 1896, and in 1910 the first adaptation of “Frankenstein” triumphed. Other iconic monsters would come later, such as the Mummy, the Wolfman or Dracula, as well as Myths like zombies and the living deadThe second half of the 20th century would introduce psychological stress, natural terror and the “slasher” with legendary franchises such as “Friday the 13th” or “The Evil Dead”. But, with terror being such a negative emotion, what makes people seek it?
Why we love horror movies so much
It is essential to know, explains the psychologist, that “what we are seeing is not real. When we go to the cinema, or watch a movie at home, we are aware that what the screen shows us is fiction. The fear we feel is a controlled fear, similar to that of when we ride a roller coaster with the certainty that we are still safe.”
This “unreality” has been studied by Glenn D. Walters, one of the psychologists who has most thoroughly investigated the effect of horror movies on human psychology. Three other key points of his studies are:
- Emotional catharsis: According to Walters, watching these types of movies allows you to release accumulated stress and anxiety in a controlled and safe way, which helps you experience emotional relief and a feeling of liberation.
- Increased excitement and adrenaline: The feeling of fear, Walters explains, is closely linked to the fight-or-flight response, and this increases adrenaline. In this regard, there is research that suggests that the increase in heart rate and the release of endorphins while watching a horror movie can lead to what is known as “a high.”post-viewing euphoria”, fruit of the resolution of tension and fear.
- Exploring the unknown: Walters has also noted that horror films often explore themes related to the supernatural, the unknown, and the inexplicable. “For some people, this exploration of the mysterious “It can be fascinating and thought-provoking, which contributes to your enjoyment of the genre. Additionally, horror films can offer a way to confront and understand underlying fears and anxieties in a symbolic way.”
The shared emotion
Another aspect that researchers detail regarding this fascination with scary movies is that of the experience itself, especially when viewed in the company of other people. “For many fans, especially among teenagers and younger people, watching these movies is an activity that unites the group through the shared experience of fear. The shared thrill of being scared together and the conversation that follows often further enhance the pleasure of the experience.”
And, furthermore, it can also be a coping mechanism, “a way to confront one’s own fears and anxieties.” In this sense, there is research that suggests that exposing yourself to terrifying situations through movies can help developing emotional resiliencewhich can improve your ability to cope with and manage fear and anxiety in real life.
In this sense, the psychologist J. Kevin Thompson has investigated how repeated exposure to horror films “can desensitize viewers, causing them to become accustomed to higher levels of fear and violence. This can reduce fear response in real situationsalthough it can also lead to a lower sensitivity towards violence in general.”
Finally, Thompson has also studied how disturbing images and themes can trigger nightmares and sleep disorders, as well as increasing general anxiety, especially in younger or more sensitive viewers. That is, remember that watching these movies can also negatively affect sleep and increase anxiety levels in some people.
