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From the moment stories began being exchanged between people, terrifying tales of the macabre have always captivated imaginations.
Stories of things going bump in the night, of monsters hiding in the dark and of a murderer stalking their helpless prey have been around for ages now.
And these same stories have since been adapted for the silver screen, scaring audiences en masse and leaving entire generations traumatised.
Yet, despite the fear and anxiety horror films cause, people keep coming back for more.
In fact, the highest-grossing horror film ever, It (2017), earned an impressive US$700 million (RM2.8 billion) worldwide.
So, what is it about horror films that allows people enjoy getting scared out of their skins?
Why enjoy getting scared?
Humans like to experience new things, as we naturally crave stimulation.
Being exposed to something scary stimulates us, mentally and physically.
When a ghost jumps out to scare a film’s protagonist, we, the audience, will obviously be afraid, but we will also be excited.
A Journal of Consumer Research found that the scariest moment of a film is also when the audiences derive the most pleasure.
Our bodies react to a good scare, pumping adrenaline into our bloodstream, which causes a surge in energy and our sensations to be amplified.
Appetite for new experiences
Watching horror films is also a safe, fun way for people to experience new things.
While we may never experience a zombie apocalypse or hide from a monster, horror films put us in the shoes of characters who are directly experiencing those situations.
Plus, watching a horror film can also make us feel like we accomplished something.
By sitting through a particularly frightening flick, you can feel like you overcame your fears and can thus, feel proud of yourself.
Satisfying curiosity
The fiction of horror films also lets people satisfy their curiosity regarding topics that might be taboo.
After all, most ordinary folks are unlikely to live next to a cannibalistic serial killer, or to be targeted by a religious cult.
Humans are naturally curious creatures and we sometimes wonder just what horrors and extremes people are capable of.
Horror films let us watch actors explore these dark topics, which we would never have had the opportunity to discuss otherwise.
When is horror fun?
While there are some people who find watching horror films fun, there are just as many others who do not. Why?
According to researcher Michael J. Apter, there are three factors that decide whether people can enjoy horror.
The first is whether they feel physically safe. People who acknowledge all the scary things are happening on the silver screen and cannot harm them physically can enjoy watching horror flicks.
Secondly, horror fans are able to psychologically detach themselves from a frightening experience, understanding that everyone on-screen is an actor, including the scary monster.
Lastly, people who stay confident when dealing with challenges find it fun when a horror film character overcomes and survives the frightening danger.
On the other hand, people who find it hard to separate fiction from real life are unlikely to like horror films.
This is why children are generally ill-suited for horror films, as they are not mature enough to understand the fiction of films.
Who enjoys horror most?
According to studies, thrill-seekers enjoy horror films better than people who prefer milder experiences.
Additionally, people who seek out new experiences make better horror fans.
Interestingly enough, people with strong senses of empathy are less likely to enjoy horror films, as they may feel distressed by the pain and suffering characters are experiencing.
Gender and age are also factors, with young men likelier to be horror fans, especially when the scares are intense. That said, women are found to better enjoy horror films with happy endings, so men and women are equally capable of loving the horror genre.
A report in the Journal of Consumer Research also suggests people from richer countries are likelier to enjoy horror films, as they have the financial resources to be psychologically stronger.
Benefits of horror flicks
Other than the entertainment value derived from horror flicks, being a fan of the genre has some unexpected bonuses.
According to a Journal of Personality and Social Psychology study, experiencing a high-anxiety experience such as a horror film contributes to romantic feelings. Apparently, doing so together adds to the excitement people have for each other.
Non-romantic relationships also benefit from horror films, as watching one together is an excellent way of bonding with family and friends. Watching horror films results in the release of oxytocin, a hormone released during stressful situations.
Coincidentally, this hormone also makes you bond better with those around you.
Have you ever felt a sense of relief when, in a horror film, the protagonist defeats the threat and survives? This sense of relief is tied to endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers which make you feel relaxed after an intense situation.
Scream out loud
Thus, there is no shame in liking horror films, which provide you with great fun and have some bonus health benefits.
The next time a blockbuster horror flick comes your way, head on over to the cinema, scream your heart out and feel better about yourself as you sit through a scare while others scramble through the door.
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