Use Horror Movies to Overcome Fears and Phobias

The Art of Facing Fear Through Horror Movies

Why do we subject ourselves to the suspenseful music, jumpy scenes and nightmarish images of horror films? These movies prompt screams, racing hearts, and squeamish covering of our eyes. Yet we comeback for more, feeling emboldened once the credits roll. This article unpacks our fascination with being frightened through horror movies and how facing the things that unsettle us expands courage.

The Draw of Being Scared

Unlike comedies, dramas or action films, the horror genre offers a unique experience for movie-goers. Scary movies provide thrilling simulations of peril and danger from the safety of our seats. While the threats on screen are exaggerated versions of real-world fears, there lies the appeal - confronting fears from a protected space to build bravery in facing them.

Why We Crave the Adrenaline Rush

Watching horror films triggers the bodys acute stress response. As scenes intensify, the amygdala sounds the alarm, activating the sympathetic nervous system. This prompts the adrenal glands to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Though uncomfortable, these naturally occurring chemicals can become addictive, creating almost a fight-or-flight high.

The Role of Morbid Curiosity

Horror movies satisfy morbid curiosity in viewers as well. Humans possess an innate draw towards understanding disturbing topics like death and violence. Watching horror films allows us to gain insight into darkness from a detached perspective. This voyeuristic peek scratches an itch without requiring firsthand experience.

Overcoming Fear Through Horror Movie Therapy

In moderation, scary movies can support facing anxieties and overcoming phobias. The following techniques outline how to leverage horror films for personal growth:

Gain Insight into Specific Fears

Scan movie descriptions to identify films mirroring a specific fear or phobia currently felt. Perhaps your dread of flying makes movies like Flight Plan enticing. Or nagging worries over home invasions attract you to viewing Panic Room.

Pay close attention to how the movies characters respond when confronted by the shared fear. Observe their body language, choices and any problem-solving strategies. This grants perspective into how you might handle similar situations.

sit with Discomfort During Intense Scenes

When watching the film, purposefully avoid behaviors like covering eyes or distracting with other devices. As movie intensity heightens, sit with the mounting discomfort. Notice where sensations manifest in your body without judgment.

Breathe slowly through intense spikes, allowing your nervous system to learn how fast it can recover once threats pass. With practice, taking pause during scary movies trains regulation of fear responses.

Reflect on Insights Afterward

After the credits roll, jot down reflections. What images or character decisions stood out most? How did this horror movie hold a mirror up to your own fears? What inner resources did the characters unlock that you also possess but overlook?

These new awarenesses expand coping tools to lean on next time real life brings matching situations. Refer back to these notes when needing a reminder of your resilience.

Horror Movie Starter Kit for Novices

If horror films are new territory, approaching renowned classics allows skill building with foundation genres. Below are 5 starter horror movies spanning psychological thrillers to paranormal to ease into fear fundamental:

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock pioneered suspense films with this psychological thriller around motel owner Norman Bates. The ominous Bates mansion looms large as viewers learn of Normans dark secret that sets benchmark for terrifying twists.

The Exorcist (1973)

This shocking film centres on a young girl possessed by a demonic spirit. The Exorcist probes the supernatural while studying a mothers devotion versus a priests wavering faith when faced with unspeakable evil.

Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter launched the prolific slasher genre with escaped mental patient Michael Myers wreaking havoc on Halloween night. With inventive point-of-view shots putting viewers directly behind his mask, it became blueprint for scary villains.

The Shining (1980)

Another legendary filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick, probed psychological unraveling as a writer spirals into madness while caretaking a remote hotel. With iconic imagery and a frenetic score, The Shining masterfully builds suspense without much violence.

Get Out (2017)

Modern horror master Jordan Peele puts racism front and centre in this Oscar winner. A journey to meet his white girlfriends parents turns sinister for a young black man as he discovers the communitys twisted secrets.

Digging Deeper: Intermediate Level Horror

Once well-versed in classics, mid-level horror films expand on niche genres or unique directing styles for widening scary repertoires. Next-step movies include:

It Follows (2015)

An original and thought-provoking concept where a shapeshifting entity relentlessly stalks victims after intercourse. With messages about consequences embedded, this stylish film keeps you unsettled long after.

The Babadook (2014)

Filmmaker Jennifer Kent explores grief and depression through a childrens horror book come-to-life. This psychological study asks if monsters ever fully leave us or settle into our shadows.

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Asters unsparing directing pulls zero punches in displays of a family genetically cursed. Toni Collette drives spellbinding performances around the question is a terrifying fate beyond our control?

It Chapter 1 and 2 (2017, 2019)

Andy Muschietti ambitiously brought Steven Kings epic novel to screen through two crowd-pleasing films. Join the Losers Club against villain Pennywise in a nostalgic coming of age tale with no shortage of scares.

Advanced Fear Frontiers

Once embracing horror as confrontation rather validation, the below films make space for reflections on lifes darkness through avant-garde approaches:

The Witch (2016)

In his directorial debut, Robert Eggers creates a foreboding 1600s period piece exploring religious fanaticism and repression. Stirring examination of femininity and damnation through puritanical lens.

The Blackcoats Daughter (2015)

Moody and measured, this independent film centers on demonic possession at a girls boarding school. Light on jump scares but heavy on building subtle sense of dread.

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Asters unsparing directing pulls zero punches in displays of a family genetically cursed. Toni Collette drives spellbinding performances around the question is a terrifying fate beyond our control?

The Wailing (2016)

This complex Korean film asks unsettling questions about good versus evil with mystery around a virus spreading death and chaos. Graphic intensity prompts much reflection on morality.

By progressively leveling up horror movies viewed as personal growth tools, space is created for unpacking lifes darkness. Our inner light learns to hold even historys blackest chapters in a way that expands empathy and understanding.

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.