Psychology of Horror Movies: Why Do We Enjoy Them So Much?

Horror is one of the most popular film genres, one which has endured the test of time. It isn’t unusual for the genre to top the box office, and many horror characters have become integrated in our iconic horror culture: from Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street and Norman Bates in Psycho, to Jack Torrence from The Shining.

But what is it about horror movies that makes people willingly buy tickets to the latest release and makes them watch some of the absolute classics over and over again? In our day to day lives, we try to avoid anything that frightens us, so why would we pay money to watch a film that encompasses fear and terror at the core of it?

Just like marketing companies tempt consumers in with enticing ads, no deposit bonus casinos lure punters in with free spins, and supermarkets dangle the classic buy-one-get-one-free deals, horror movies are composed in such a way to coax audiences in and keep them there. Terrified to move, but equally as intrigued to not watch until the end – in it for the love of the scare.

There’s no single explanation for why people enjoy a scare. Usually, it is for multiple reasons and to satisfy multiple gratifications. Let’s run through some explanations to explore why some people enjoy watching horror movies.

Stimulation

One reason why people consume the scare is to experience stimulation. The exposure to terrifying acts, or even just the anticipation of those acts, can be stimulating both mentally and physically. This stimulation can occur in opposing ways too – negatively in the form of fear or anxiety and positively in the form of excitement or joy – with the feelings heightened at the most fearful moment. These feelings can trigger the release of adrenaline, resulting in physiological arousal and a euphoric high. Even though the horror movies are fake, the fight-or-flight response triggered is very real.

Novel experiences

Another reason why we seek out the horror is to gain novel experiences. Apocalyptic horrors, for example, allow us to live out alternative realities, from zombie outbreaks to alien infestations. Realities which we don’t experience in everyday life. Some psychologists suggest we have an innate threat detection system, brought on by the danger our ancient ancestors experienced. But as we don’t encounter scary situations too often, these horror films allow us to put our innate threat detection system to use, but within a safe environment.

Satisfaction of curiosity

For some, watching horror can help to safely satisfy their curiosity about the dark side of human psyche. We are inherently curious as a species, and many people are fascinated by what other humans are capable of. Horror movies let us vicariously explore the nature of evil, both in others and sometimes in ourselves, allowing us to grapple with the darkest part of humanity in a safe space.

Protective frames

In order to derive pleasure from watching a horror, research suggests that we must possess “protective frames”. We need to believe that we are physically safe and distant from the evil entity, and that the ‘psychotic murderer’ is just an actor. With this ‘safety frame’ in place, we can enjoy vicarious experiences of excitement, danger and fear, all things that we should hopefully not experience in everyday life. If we did not feel safe, the experience would not be enjoyable.

Final words

While horror movies may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there certainly seems to be plenty of psychology out there to explain why some of us do enjoy it. Despite the absence of any real threat, people still feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish a horror movie. Dealing with something outside of their comfort zone, but within a safe environment, can make them feel like they overcame something. And for some of us, that is an achievement in itself.