With Halloween coming up, people everywhere are getting into the spooky season mood by watching their favorite horror movies, whether they’re Halloween classics like the Scream movies or they’re less popular movies like The Blob. This has become a well-known tradition for people across the world, who spend the month binge-watching the scariest and funniest horror movies known to man. But why has this become something so big?
Why do people like horror movies so much?
Some people enjoy watching horror films because they get an adrenaline rush and feel excited while watching them. Horror movies are renowned for evoking a feeling of suspense, tension, and horror. For many people, the adrenaline rush that results from feeling these powerful emotions can be thrilling and gratifying. They also frequently deliver an original and thrilling experience that other genres might not. The plot’s unpredictable nature, the jump scares, and the violent scenes can keep spectators interested and enthused throughout the entire movie.
According to The Washington Post, a study revealed that watching horror films activates a fear response in the brain as if the threat were genuine. In one study, 262 adults had their feelings compared both before and after visiting a terrifying haunted house. After the visit, 50% of participants reported feeling better. Those whose mood improved had a smaller reaction to stressors, which is related to the post-haunt high.The adrenaline high is not the motivation for other horror fans, though. Coltan Scrivner, a research scientist at Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab, says that for some, they like being scared for fun because “they’re able to challenge their fears, challenge themselves to face their fears.
So this Halloween, as you’re getting ready for your Halloween horror movie marathon, think about why you might be so intrigued by horror movies.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/27/why-we-like-scary-things/