In the universe of cinema, the horror genre has captivated audiences for decades, exploring the deepest fears and leading to the darkest corners of the imagination. Among the countless films that seek to cause chills, some have stood out for their ability to generate genuine and lasting terror.
Broadband Choices’ ‘Science of Scare’ medical project embarked on a mission to objectively measure fear. Rounding up 250 brave souls, researchers put them through a marathon of terror while monitoring their heart rates. The premise was simple: The best horror movies are those that literally make your heart race.
What is the strongest scary movie in the world?
There are films that disturb, disturb, and then there is ‘Host’. This 2020 British production, directed by Rob Savage, has been crowned the scariest film in the world by science. But what does this film have that makes it so special and, above all, so terrifying?
‘Host’, the scariest movie of all time, according to science
It takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic and is filmed entirely via Zoom. The film follows a group of friends who, during a virtual seance, unwittingly invite an evil spirit into their homes. What follows is an hour of uninterrupted tension, with an average spectator heart rate of 88 beats per minute, about 24 beats above the resting average.
What sets Host apart is its ability to capitalize on contemporary fears. In an age where life has shifted to the digital space, Savage explores how this new domain can be a breeding ground for horror. The familiarity of the Zoom interface becomes sinister, transforming the everyday into a nightmare.
While ‘Host’ tops the list, it’s not alone in its ability to terrify. ‘Sinister’ (2012), starring Ethan Hawke, and ‘Insidious’ (2010) also stand out for their high levels of scares.with average heart rates of 86 and peaks of 133 beats per minute, respectively.
What makes ‘Host’ and its genre companions so effective? The answer may lie in the psychology of fear. These films play with anticipation, uncertainty, and human vulnerability.
‘Host’ ups the ante by placing the action in a familiar setting, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
