The Thrill of Fear: Why We Can't Get Enough of Horror Movies
Horror films have a strange allure. Even though they make us jump out of our seats and hide behind our hands, we can't seem to get enough of them. But why is that? What is it about scary movies that keeps drawing us back for more frights and chills? Read on to find out the psychology behind why we love to be scared.
We Enjoy the Rush of Adrenaline
When watching a horror movie, our bodies experience real physiological reactions as we tense up and prepare to fight or flee from the threats on screen. Our hearts race, we breathe faster, and our brains release adrenaline and dopamine. These fight-or-flight hormones create an exhilarating rush and sense of excitement.
In a way, immersing ourselves in scary cinema is like riding a rollercoaster - it's a safe environment to get an adrenaline high. Even though we know Jason Voorhees can't actually get us, we still get that intensely satisfying bodily reaction.
We Like Testing Ourselves
Watching horror films is a way of testing our own bravery and resilience. Can we handle these tense, frightening scenes without freaking out? For some, sitting through a scary movie that others can't endure earns bragging rights. It allows them to prove their courage to themselves.
That adrenaline rush we crave from horror cinema? For some that's mainly from a sense of accomplishment at having faced their fears and passed the challenge unscathed.
We Enjoy Being Scared as a Group
Watching horror movies takes on an extra dimension of enjoyment when viewed as a communal activity. Getting scared elicits strong emotional reactions, so watching with others allows us to bond through the shared experience.
Laughing, hiding behind pillows and even screaming together helps forge a sense of connection. We feel less alone and take comfort from experiencing those thrills and chills as part of a group.
Are Scary Movies Actually Good for Us?
We watch horror films to get our adrenaline pumping and scare ourselves silly, but could they provide benefits beyond just thrills and chills? Research indicates that horror movies may actually improve our physical and psychological health in surprising ways.
They Burn Calories
All that shrieking, tense muscle-clenching and grabbing onto your friend during a scary movie causes our heart rates to spike and burns extra calories. Just like going for a jog, watching an intense horror film can be a decent cardiovascular workout.
So if losing weight is your goal, consider adding horror into your exercise regimen. All those jumps and scares could help you burn an extra 200 calories per 90-minute bone-chiller!
They Release 'Happy Hormones'
The thrill of watching horror releases endorphins - hormones that reduce our perception of pain and trigger positive feelings. They act as a natural analgesic and mood enhancer.
So while horror movies look scary on the outside, on in the inside they make your brain feel good! They may just give you a high akin to runner's high but without all the physical exertion.
They May Strengthen Bonds with Others
As mentioned earlier, watching horror movies can unite us through shared experience. But research indicates that these kinds of adrenaline-fueled activities actually deepen our social connections and empathy with others.
By enduring scary cinema side-by-side with friends or a date, we form positive associations through these thrilling activities that strengthen our affection and trust.
Where to Start with Horror Movies
Hopefully you have a better understanding of why horror movies hold such appeal, especially if watching with others. If you want to give the genre a try, here are some classic spine-tinglers often recommended for beginners:
'Psycho' - An Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece
Alfred Hitchcock was the Master of Suspense, and he truly lived up to that title with 1960's Psycho. Infamously frightening at the time of its release, it still stands the test of time with atmospheric tension and one of cinemas' best plot twists.
'Night of the Living Dead' - The Zombie Genre's Patient Zero
George A. Romero basically invented the modern zombie genre as we know it with his 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead. Black-and-white and still utterly chilling, its claustrophobic tension set the template for pretty much every zombie film to follow.
'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' - Backwoods Horror at its Best
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre terrified audiences and banned in several countries upon its 1974 release. But while certainly gruesome, Tobe Hooper's direction leaves much to the imagination. Its gritty 1970's visuals basically set the tone for every slasher to come after.
'Halloween' - The Quintessential Slasher Flick
Before Jason Voorhees or Freddy Kruger, John Carpenter's 1978 Halloween launched the un-killable slasher movie craze that dominated the 1980's. With Jamie Lee Curtis in her iconic debut role, Michael Myers remains one of horror's scariest boogeyman decades later.
Enjoy Facing Your Fears
Horror movies let us confront frightening situations from the safety of our theater seats or living room sofa. We get to experience the thrills and chills of scary cinema knowing the threat isn't real.
And who knows? Watching with friends may just bring you closer together while giving you a cardio workout in the process!
So now that you know why we obsess over horror - go pick one, gather your friends and enjoy facing your fears for fun. Just don't blame me when you can't sleep tonight!Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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