Some Of Us Like Getting A Little Scared
For as long as humanity has been around, horror has existed in one way or another. The fear-inducing genre has enthralled audiences for thousands of years, either through folk tales, urban legends, literature, or film. But why do we love it so much? Well, there are many different reasons, several of which we’ve outlined for you here.
1. For The Adrenaline
We all look for that little energy jolt in our own ways. For some, it's roller coasters or extreme sports, but for others, it's throwing popcorn everywhere when a monster finally reveals itself. The rush of adrenaline floods our brain with dopamine and endorphins, and gives us that feeling of being “alive.”
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2. Gain Novel Experiences
We use horror as a way to live in alternate realities, and it can even make us feel a little bit bolder than we usually would. For instance, we can imagine how we would react if faced with a zombie apocalypse, being hunted by a killer, or bearing witness to an alien invasion.
3. Because We’re Curious
Even if we don’t love to admit it, humans have a morbid curiosity about how dark we can really get. We want to see what we’re capable of when put in a life-or-death situation, or try to understand how someone can be pushed to the point of wanting to hurt others.
4. We Know We’re Safe
Horror movies are the best of both worlds. We get that rush of adrenaline, but we know we’re not in any real danger. Watching, reading, or listening to horror lets you experience some of the scariest things the world has to offer from the comfort of your own home.
5. Social Bonding
Getting scared is more fun with friends! Watching a spooky movie can strengthen bonds between friends, as you collectively experience the suspense and adrenaline of a film. From a more medical standpoint, the release of oxytocin can help reinforce feelings of attachment and safety with the people you’re watching with.
6. It Feels Good After
Like we mentioned before, the rush of stress hormones leading to a release of endorphins and dopamine can give you a natural high. This usually happens after your brain realizes the danger isn’t real.
7. We Like To Test Ourselves
With many movies boasting the title of “Scariest movie of the ___,” it’s fun to test how true that theory is. If we can sit through one of the scariest movies ever made, it can make us feel accomplished.
8. For The Sake Of Romance
Just like with friends, horror movies will help foster connections between you and a potential partner. Not to mention, the act of cuddling up to one another during a scary scene is a great way to break the tension of physical touching.
9. Anxiety Relief
Yeah, horror movies are anxiety-inducing, but they're preferred over any real-world fears. Many of us find that the best way to de-stress is to watch other people in immense stress. The same goes for folks who like to watch the crazy problems people face on reality TV.
10. Catharsis
If you’re struggling with fear and anxiety, horror movies can also help provide a sort of catharsis. You witness an emotional roller coaster, only to feel relief after a character beats the odds. It’s an intense coping mechanism, but it can do the trick.
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11. Emotional Control
Because you’re in control of whatever you’re reading, listening to, or watching, you can comfortably expose yourself to scary situations without overdoing it. If you’re feeling too scared, you can step away from the medium and come back to it later, but you can also work on managing your fear response in a safe environment.
12. Introspection
Many horror films look at the most extreme cases of fear and anxiety, but actively engaging with the characters' choices lets us take a look at ourselves as well. Even if it's difficult, you can learn a lot about yourself by putting yourself into a character’s shoes.
13. For The Social Commentary
Horror has been a politically-charged genre for decades, as cultural fears are just as poignant as individual ones. You can gain a better understanding of social structures, norms, and fears throughout history just by watching horror.
14. You Like Spooky Stuff
With all this introspection, we should also say it's fine to just like the spooky stuff. It may be related to what we mentioned earlier, but you don’t have to sit and explain the psychology behind why you like horror to everyone you meet. Sometimes we just like skeletons!
15. Nostalgia
Occasionally, we find our love of horror through loved ones. If a parent, friend, or partner loves horror, you can sit down and enjoy one of their favorite things with them, or watch it in their honor.
16. Need For High Stimulation
As attention spans grow ever smaller, the consistent anxiety of horror will keep you engaged. You won’t even be thinking about your phone as you’re sitting on the edge of your seat.
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17. As A Movie Buff
Whether it's the makeup, special effects, lighting, script, acting, or otherwise, you may love horror movies because you love film. Many horror movies are responsible for paving the way for different film techniques or visual tropes.
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18. For The Emotional Ride
Like we mentioned before, horror movies mix feelings of fear, anxiety, suspense, relief, and catharsis. You feel like you’ve lived a whole day in a 2-hour time period.
19. As An Escape
Like any medium, horror movies are an escape from the real world. You get to tune out your life and lock in on a fictional character that’s probably struggling with something you’ll never have to deal with.
20. It Changes As You Age
Horror movies can provide an opening for introspection right after you watch them, but they can also provide introspection on your past self. Watching a horror movie you liked in your teens as a 30-year-old will tell you how much you’ve changed, or what about you has remained the same.
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