cause and effect essay on horror movies

Why We Crave Horror Movies

27 pages • 54 minutes read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Analysis

Key Figures

Index of Terms

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Analysis: “Why We Crave Horror Movies”

The essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” interweaves point of view , structure, and tone to address the foundational themes of fear, emotions, and “insanity” in relation to horror movies. It examines why horror films allow the expression of fearful emotions linked to irrationality. The essay integrates literary techniques and pop culture references to form a cohesive whole, and it highlights several key themes: Good Versus Bad Emotions , The Expression of Fear Through Horror Movies , and “Insanity” and Normality in Society and Horror Film .

King argues that fear and other negative emotions are universal and that horror movies are a key art form for expressing these emotions. The essay gives audiences permission to experience and enjoy these films as a vehicle for fears.

Related Titles

By Stephen King

Bag of Bones

Billy Summers

Children of the Corn

Different Seasons

Doctor Sleep

Dolores Claiborne

End of Watch

Finders Keepers

Firestarter

From a Buick 8

Full Dark, No Stars

Gerald's Game

Gwendy's Button Box

Featured Collections

Books About Art

View Collection

Good & Evil

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

• How It Works
• All Projects
• Top-rated Pages
• Admission essay writing
• Book report writing
• Cheap essay writing
• Coursework writing
• Dissertation writing
• Essay editing
• MBA essay writing
• Scholarship essay writing
• Term paper writing
• Write my essay
• Free sample essays
• Writing blog

Best Movies Essay Examples

Why we crave horror movies: cause and effect.

340 words | 2 page(s)

Stephen King writes in his essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” of the reasons humans indulge in low-brow and low-quality entertainment: to see campy and low-brow films to satisfy the “mentally ill” parts of us that are otherwise quelled by societies. The blood, guts and gore in horror movies are somehow of sick satisfaction to us as we see fun in other people being harmed and killed.

Seeing horror movies does not present causation of murderous and psychopathic tendencies, but it speaks to a “psychic relief” of being able to allow emotions free rein, as King puts it. While there is no formal definition for low-brow entertainment, the Internet has provided several examples in the form of movies, television and leisure activity. Answers from a Reddit forum demonstrate slapstick comedy, monster truck shows and “stoner films” like “Dude, Where’s My Car?” and the chronicles of Harold and Kumar as low-brow entertainment that is still widely enjoyed. Reality television have taken over as the new soap opera: scripted, yet set against the backdrop of a certain lifestyle which many of us will never attain.

Use your promo and get a custom paper on "Why We Crave Horror Movies: Cause and Effect".

What is low-brow entertainment is dependent upon personal taste and characteristics, so there will never be a definitive, one-size-fits-all answer. I believe that what it is about low-brow entertainment that attracts popularity is the complete and total aberration and escape from the mundaneness and stress of life. Seeing the struggles of women who have earn (or married into) more money than we will see in a lifetime allows us to, for no more than an hour, escape the reality of knowing we will never make that money. The combined glamour and drama of it all is what attracts viewers.

For most, myself included, it is simply entertainment. For critics, it is a shallow, uneducated and uncultured display of human life. Vapid housewives dominate the screen and are offering no intelligent discourse, especially to the minds of the young that indulge in it too. The cultural elite turns down their noses at anything not of pop culture.

Have a team of vetted experts take you to the top, with professionally written papers in every area of study.

• General Hospital
• Days of Our Lives
• Celebrities
• The Bold and the Beautiful
• Young and The Restless
• Movie Lists
• Game of Thrones
• The Walking Dead
• Whatever Happened To
• Supernatural
• The Vampire Diaries
• The Late Show
• celebrity news
• Grey's Anatomy
• Once Upon a Time

A Summary of Stephen King’s Essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies”

A while back, renowned author Stephen King wrote an essay that appeared in a leading magazine entitled “Why We Crave Horror Movies.” In that essay, he tried to explain why people enjoy watching scary movies so much more than virtually any other type of movie out there. The idea he came up with was one that actually surprised a lot of people, and it certainly made them stop and think about how they interact with their own little corner of the world for a minute.

In this essay, King made it very clear that in his opinion, the reason that people enjoy watching horror movies is because no one is completely sane. He even went as far as to say that mental illness is something that every person has in common, only some people are able to hide it somewhat better than others. That’s right, King very clearly connected people who live what most individuals consider a relatively normal life with those who are living inside insane asylums, stating that the only difference is that one group of people was capable of hiding their insanity better than the other.

He goes on to say that the reason horror films are so popular is because it is a relatively safe way of feeding that insanity. People enjoy watching the gore, feeling that rush of adrenaline that comes when watching something in this particular genre, and perhaps even watching other people carry out things on the screen that they would never actually do in real life, even if they have thought about it a time or two.

The interesting thing is that many people have said that they think Stephen King is both a genius and crazy, all at the same time. Many individuals say they would never want to spend the night alone in a house with him, because if he is able to have that kind of stuff going through his head, they wouldn’t feel very comfortable in his presence without other people around. According to King, he’s merely writing what everyone else thinks about at one time or another.

Is this really true? There certainly were a large number of responses to this essay. Some people were outraged that he would even make such a statement and others actually agreed with him. For the most part, it made the average everyday citizen stop and take a long, hard look at themselves. For anyone that does enjoy horror films to the point of seeking out virtually every one that’s ever been made in order to get that adrenaline rush, the question becomes even more pressing. Why is it so interesting to watch something when you know something bad is going to happen? Why does it seem so appealing to watch something filled with a tremendous amount of gore, questionable subject lines, and boundaries that sometimes shouldn’t be crossed? If you’re the person that sits and watches these movies, do you really have any right to criticize the people who wrote them? After all, no one is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to watch it.

This was ultimately the point that King was making. Everyone has free will. For anyone that flocks to these types of movies, they just might be a little bit crazy, at least as much as whoever wrote them in the first place.

Aiden's been an entertainment freelancer for over 10 years covering movies, television and the occasional comic or video game beat. If it's anything Shawshank Redemption, Seinfeld, or Kevin Bacon game related he's way more interested.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Try therapy tailored to your unique needs

Spooky Day is upon us! 🎃 Spirits, witches, bloody skeletons, haunted houses, jack-o-lanterns, and trick-or-treating — Halloween is a night for a good fright and the macabre merriment everyone loves. It’s also the time for many to partake in the tradition of picking out and watching horror movies . 

Horror is quite a controversial genre associated with negative emotions and feelings — and for a good reason. Films like The Shining , It , The Conjuring , Insidious , Get Out , A Quiet Place , and Ready or Not induce an atmosphere of overwhelming anxiety , fear, and panic. 

Nevertheless, horror movies can actually benefit your mental health. 

The idea of watching them in the name of mental well-being may seem counterintuitive. But whether you’re a true horror movie fan, or you prefer to watch them once a year on Halloween, covering your eyes in terror, or you avoid them altogether — which is fine in any case — there are some mental health benefits you can enjoy.

We’ve rounded up 7 unexpected positive psychological effects of horror movies.

1. Horror movies provide a safe outlet to explore our fears

Horror movies don’t create fear. They release it. You don’t enter the theater and pay your money to be afraid. You enter the theater and pay your money to have the fears that are already in you. Wes Craven , an American film director

So, horrors use fictional or real events/elements to help us face and understand our own fears through a controlled environment where we know everything is safe. [1] Hudson, M., Seppälä, K., Putkinen, V., Sun, L., Glerean, E., Karjalainen, T., Karlsson, H. K., Hirvonen, J., & Nummenmaa, L. (2020). Dissociable neural systems for unconditioned acute and sustained fear. NeuroImage , 216 , 116522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116522 We put them on screen and vicariously experience them through someone else. It’s somehow akin to the practice of exposure therapy.

For example, you may discover that you’re afraid of clowns after watching It .

Or, Anabelle helped you understand that dolls really cause you a sense of unease.

Or, you may have experienced excessive palm sweating watching the “Glass Bridge” game in Squid Game , feeling the danger of height while cuddling on your couch.

Or, there could have been a moment that elicited intense emotions , and you still don’t know why.

Horrors are a great way to face and feel your fears and explore your reactions without physically exposing yourself to real danger.

Besides, some people really enjoy unwinding with a good scare and go back for more. And as suggested in one research, there are many horror fans among people with anxiety. [2] Scrivner, C., Andersen, M. M., Schjoedt, U., & Clasen, M. (2023). The psychological benefits of scary play in three types of horror fans. Journal of Media Psychology , 35 (2), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000354

Morbid curiosity — an interest in learning about unpleasant, threatening, fearful situations — can be one of the reasons for this. [3] Scrivner, C., & Clasen, M. (2022). Why frightening imaginary worlds? Morbid curiosity and the learning potential of horror. Behavioral and Brain Sciences , 45 . https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x21002259  

Many people have an increased interest in gathering information about threats, although the process can be spine-chilling. While covering our eyes, we still peek through our fingers to watch over a sewer-lurking clown. The fight-or-flight response tells us that learning more about the threat first is wise.

This way, we can know how to identify and deal with it if it happens.

In other words, horrors can help us increase our emotional clarity — and become more aware of our emotions and their sources. Thus, we learn to build healthy relationships with our emotions, the outer world, and ourselves.

2. Horror movies help us gain coping skills and boost resilience

Facing your fears and being aware of your emotions are the first steps in learning how to navigate them.

A January 2021 study found that horror fans were more psychologically resilient and exhibited fewer symptoms of distress during the emotionally draining months of the pandemic.

Simulations can teach people how to navigate dangerous situations and manage their emotions . This is how the hypothesis that horrors can teach coping strategies got its grounding.

For example, you may have noticed some actions you perform during frightening movie moments:

• Covering your eyes
• Turning on the lights
• Pausing the movie
• Reading the plot beforehand
• Starting to talk with friends
• Turning down the sound
• Breathing deeply

These are examples of how you healthily regulate the intensity of your anxiety and stress in tense moments.

And you know that during a movie, you can freely express your fears without any consequences. According to the research, this may lead to less reliance on maladaptive mechanisms , such as emotional suppression or avoidance behavior, and improved emotional regulation skills in real life. [4] Scrivner, Coltan & Christensen, Kara. (2021). Scaring away anxiety: Therapeutic avenues for horror fiction to enhance treatment for anxiety symptoms. 10.31234/osf.io/7uh6f.

This is associated with psychological resilience. [5] Scrivner, C., Johnson, J. A., Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, J., & Clasen, M. (2021). Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality and Individual Differences, 168, 110397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110397

Horror movies help us develop a toolkit for dealing with anxiety, stress, and intense feelings while we have fun from the comfort of our couches.

3. Horror movies improve our self-confidence and help us feel less lonely

Watching scary movies with others can be rewarding. Talking about our experiences and feelings with others while or after watching can also help us feel better. 

• Horrors provide a socially acceptable environment for sharing our fears: “OMG, this is so scary, so scary… If I were there, I would die from the very thought of jumping from such a height.”
• In this safe space, we also learn to tolerate some of the uncomfortable physical symptoms we may experience: “My palms just got sweaty, and my heart’s about to pop out of my chest! Did you see his face?!”
• In addition, discussing fictional but disturbing situations increases our self-validation and improves self-confidence: “I can’t stand slashers, either. They’re disgusting. Let’s put on something less violent.”

In other words, we start seeing that being frightened, disgusted, nervous, worried, concerned, or stressed and venting about our feelings is OK. We normalize our emotions and reactions and feel less lonely in our fears.

4. Horror movies offer a sense of control and a good distraction

Unfortunately, these are challenging times for many people worldwide. The pandemic and global recession have led to a sharp increase in depression and anxiety levels.

Yet, 2020 was a boom year for scary movies. It may sound like a paradox, but a sense of control over the situations and emotions that horror movies offer can explain the correlation. [6] Clasen, M., Kjeldgaard‐Christiansen, J., & Johnson, J. A. (2020). Horror, personality, and threat simulation: A survey on the psychology of scary media. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences , 14 (3), 213–230. https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000152

Screen captures give us a surrogate experience where the threat is simple, distant, and controllable. “ Don’t get bit, aim for the head ” — the solution in The Walking Dead is straightforward . Or, even easier, you can always just cover your eyes.

In this case, it’s not bad to redirect the focus from real-life stressors to fictional ones. It can help us better understand our emotions in a safe environment and even improve problem-solving skills.

Besides, increasing perceived control soothes anxiety. [7] Salomons, T. V., Nusslock, R., Detloff, A. M., Johnstone, T., & Davidson, R. J. (2015). Neural Emotion Regulation Circuitry Underlying Anxiolytic Effects of Perceived Control over Pain. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience , 27 (2), 222–233. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00702

Still, it doesn’t mean that we get a complete escape from real-life problems by switching focus to imaginary monsters. These are calming but short-term psychological effects of horror movies.

They do help stop the hamster wheel of rumination and spinning disturbing thoughts for a while. But it’s also important to process them healthily. Even better — with the help of a therapist .

5. Horror movies provide relief

Most people associate scary movies with fear and other “negative” emotions. But have you ever had a pleasurable feeling after a good horror flick that made you look for more?

Despite their goal to shock and scare, horrors can cause “enjoyable fear” and be the source of eustress — good stress . It’s a natural process:

• Distress stimulates the “fight-or-flight” response and an adrenaline rush. When you watch a scary movie, your body is pushed to its maximum stress level to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you feel emotional tension seeing it in the theatre with friends or by yourself at home, your heart rate increases, your palms feel sweaty, and you begin breathing more rapidly and deeply — but that’s where the line is drawn.
• But once a stressor is eliminated, our brain drives the “rest-and-digest” response. It releases powerful hormones — serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. They reduce stress levels and promote a subsequent sense of relief.

So, fear and excitement go hand-in-hand when you watch horror movies. And that’s why they feel like a roller coaster. It’s no surprise that some people watch them for enjoyment.

6. Horror movies enhance brain activity and cognitive functions

Horror movies stimulate multiple brain regions, engaging the amygdala responsible for fear processing and the frontal lobes crucial for reasoning and planning.

A study by the University of Turku revealed that while watching horror films, the brain’s visual and auditory processing regions become more active as anxiety builds .

Following a shocking scene, areas tied to emotional processing, threat evaluation, and decision-making show increased activity.

This continuous engagement enhances excitement and hones our problem-solving skills, especially under stress.

Moreover, the dopamine release triggered by the fear or adrenaline rush can increase alertness. [8] Horror movies manipulate brain activity expertly to enhance excitement . (2020, January 20). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200124104518.htm This may provide a pleasurable experience despite the horror and potentially aid in mood improvement and overall cognitive function.

So, through suspenseful scenes that demand predictive thinking and quick decision-making, horror movies offer a unique platform for cognitive engagement and brain activity enhancement. Although in a very unconventional way.

7. Horror movies may aid in personal growth and self-discovery

Personal growth often arises from challenging situations and introspection. Horror movies, by presenting extreme and often existential situations, challenge viewers to confront and reflect on their own values, beliefs, and mortality.

They offer a platform to delve deep into philosophical and moral questions:

• What does it mean to be human?
• How far would one go to survive?
• What are our moral boundaries when faced with life-and-death choices?

For instance, zombie movies often aren’t just about the undead chasing the living. They’re about humanity, society, and the essence of what keeps us civilized. Ghost stories might explore themes of regret, unfinished business, or the concept of an afterlife.

By engaging with these themes, viewers can undergo a process of self-discovery. They can better understand their own fears, moral compass, and reactions to high-stress situations, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and promoting personal growth.

Moreover, after watching, we might have in-depth discussions or seek further reading on the philosophical and moral issues presented. This adds another layer to our personal development.

9 quick tips on how to not be scared of horror movies

If you plan to watch a scary movie on Halloween night or still can’t overcome the fright of being frightened, there are healthy ways to cope and enjoy a horror movie without being too scared.

• Find out what subgenre suits you — by the way, psychological horrors are the most preferred type, according to several surveys
• If it’s too overwhelming, take a break. Choose simple coping strategies and relaxation techniques that work for you
• Watch with the lights on or during the daytime
• Invite your friends or a loved one to join you
• Ease suspense by pausing and looking up spoilers
• Step forth and back scary scenes
• Remember: it isn’t real. The actors on the screen don’t actually want to hurt you. It’s just part of the story!
• Avoid binge-watching. Moderation is key
• If you want to avoid horror movies — it’s okay. Set boundaries for yourself — no one can force you to watch something you find upsetting. Take care of your own emotional comfort first

Are horror movies bad for you?

So, you actually can get some mental health benefits by watching scary movies. However, horrors are not for everyone . While some people don’t tolerate the violence of slashers, some avoid horrors altogether as a possible emotional trigger.

Although horror movies may positively impact mental health, it’s vital to be cautious while using them as a “coping” tool.

In some cases, they may cause more harm than good:

• Horror movies can negatively affect sensitive people and people with mental health problems , increasing stress, anxiety, panic, and depression
• Horrific images can trigger uncontrollable thoughts and flashbacks
• There may be potentially traumatic or overly distressing scenes that can cause debilitating sensations and symptoms
• Exposing yourself to your fears and practicing desensitization to the point of emotional numbness is counterproductive. It’s better to expose yourself to fears under the guidance of a trained mental health professional
• Scary flicks can trigger nightmares, and stress hormones can make it harder to sleep
• It’s important to talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist if you feel that your mental well-being worsens or symptoms become hard to control.

Trick or treat?

Horror movies bring about the Halloween spirit and create safe settings in which our subconscious unfolds. They help us explore our relationship with fears and healthily experience intense emotions. 

Moreover, talking to a Calmerry therapist about these experiences, thoughts, and behaviors is even more beneficial.

You can start recording and tracking them in our free reflection bot Coa and then discuss them with a professional. 

A therapist can help you explore how these experiences, thoughts, and behaviors relate to your life, discover the root cause of your worries and fears, practice better coping strategies, and provide you with the emotional support you need!

Fill this time with joy, celebration, and care for your mental health. Happy Halloween!

Hudson, M., Seppälä, K., Putkinen, V., Sun, L., Glerean, E., Karjalainen, T., Karlsson, H. K., Hirvonen, J., & Nummenmaa, L. (2020). Dissociable neural systems for unconditioned acute and sustained fear. NeuroImage , 216 , 116522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116522

Scrivner, C., Andersen, M. M., Schjoedt, U., & Clasen, M. (2023). The psychological benefits of scary play in three types of horror fans. Journal of Media Psychology , 35 (2), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000354

Scrivner, C., & Clasen, M. (2022). Why frightening imaginary worlds? Morbid curiosity and the learning potential of horror. Behavioral and Brain Sciences , 45 . https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x21002259

Scrivner, Coltan & Christensen, Kara. (2021). Scaring away anxiety: Therapeutic avenues for horror fiction to enhance treatment for anxiety symptoms. 10.31234/osf.io/7uh6f.

Scrivner, C., Johnson, J. A., Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, J., & Clasen, M. (2021). Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality and Individual Differences , 168 , 110397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110397

Clasen, M., Kjeldgaard‐Christiansen, J., & Johnson, J. A. (2020). Horror, personality, and threat simulation: A survey on the psychology of scary media. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences , 14 (3), 213–230. https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000152

Salomons, T. V., Nusslock, R., Detloff, A. M., Johnstone, T., & Davidson, R. J. (2015). Neural Emotion Regulation Circuitry Underlying Anxiolytic Effects of Perceived Control over Pain. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience , 27 (2), 222–233. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00702

Horror movies manipulate brain activity expertly to enhance excitement . (2020, January 20). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200124104518.htm

Nummenmaa, L. (2021, March 4). Psychology and neurobiology of horror movies. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/b8tgs

Calmerry editorial process and standards

• Personalized online therapy Choose video, messaging, or both to fit your schedule and comfort. Get matched with your therapist within 1 hour. Learn more
• One 60-minute live video session See how online therapy works and get quick support with a single therapy session. No commitments. Learn more

Related articles

10 Steps to Get Over Your Fear of Rejection

By: Kate Skurat June 3, 2024

6 Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety

By: Iryna Horkovska May 28, 2024

How to Stop Panic Attacks and Prevent Them from Happening

By: Iryna Horkovska April 21, 2023

Latest articles

Staying Alone for the Holidays? Here’s How to Find Joy in Solitude

By: Joanna Cakala September 25, 2024

ADHD Accommodations at Work: What Every Employer Should Know

By: Teliesha Moore September 24, 2024

What Makes a Man Fall in Love With a Woman and How Their Brains Respond

By: Kate Skurat September 23, 2024

Edina Zephyrus

• September 26 Nate Swenson named as EPS’s new Assistant Superintendent of School Excellence and Innovation
• September 26 Fall into new trends at EHS
• September 26 A new DJ enters the booth
• September 25 EHS Hip-Hop team prepares for Homecoming
• September 25 EHS introduces new clubs at Activities Fair
• September 25 Edina swimmer smashes records at the Hartford Nationals competition
• Top Stories

Psychological Effects of Horror Movies

art by Gage Aulik

Farhia Osman , art editor October 26, 2015

With Halloween comes scary movies such as the cult classics “The Exorcist,” “Saw,” “The Ring,” and “The Shining.” Ghosts and murderers fill our screens and dramatic music rings in our ears. Horror movies are ingrained in our culture; is this healthy?

Let’s first explain what our mind does when watching a horror movie. “What happens for most people is that you have an arousal of your sympathetic nervous system and an activation [to produce] adrenaline,” said AP Psychology teacher Heidi Mathers. She compared watching a horror movie to riding a roller coaster; people’s heart rates and respirations increase.

The reason why some people find horror movies fun, while others find them absolutely terrifying, can be attributed to the Emotion Theory. “The Emotion Theory states that our interpretation of these same physiological cues can be different depending on the individual,” said Mathers. So most people experience the rapid heartbeat and increased breaths. However, those who find horror movies enjoyable would just compare the movie to a roller coaster ride: just an adrenaline rush. And those who find them terrifying would experience distress.

Horror movies can cause a wide variety of side-effects, depending on the individual. One of the most noticeable side-effects is sleeplessness. People may have trouble sleeping or toss fitfully all night due to the residual fear and anxiety from watching a scary movie. “I would assume [watching horror movies] affect sleep, especially if there is something in the movie that could trigger past trauma,” said Edina High School psychologist Samantha Bialozynski. Another noticeable side-effect is anxiety. The severity and longevity of the anxiety entirely depends on the individual. However, according to a research study done at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, children under 14 who watched horror movies end up having increased chances of developing anxiety conditions later in adulthood. This is because fear experienced when watching is stored in the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for generating emotions. These now-adults cannot conjure up the memory without inciting trauma and fear. Other potentially long-term and dangerous effects include, “paranoia, irrational fears, interest in the paranormal or demonology, things that aren’t psychologically healthy for the mind,” said Mathers. However, the occurrence and intensity of these effects all depend on the individual. For example, if a person was in a serious car accident, a movie such as “Final Destination 2” would be very dangerous for the person’s mental health. “Personal experiences would definitely determine how significant side-effects become,” said Bialozynski.

Horror movies can also create new fears through association.  “Our family doesn’t watch horror movies because we tend to view these events as threatening, and then we start to associate the trigger in horror movies with real life events,” said Mathers. This effect is called classical conditioning. As an example, she remembers not being able to tolerate the sound of footsteps without envisioning Jack Nicholson’s character from “The Shining.” She also remembers being terrified of birds years after watching Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds.”

Yet, there is one side-effect psychologists can agree is not entirely harmful: desensitization. For example, if you were afraid of clowns, then exposure to horror movies about clowns may help ease your fear because you are being continuously exposed to it. “Desensitization to violence and other things that may [occur] when with watching movies,” said Mathers.

Both Mathers and Bialozynski suggest that if a person experiences negative conditions after watching horror movies, then they should stay away. The negative effects could lead to something more significant and dangerous. However, if you do not and “seen as an interest, but is not going to influence them in a negative way, then they could watch them,” said Bialozynski.

• horror movies

Farhia Osman is known for her great smile and kind personality, but what most do not know is that she has a secret talent. Farhia has the ability to finish...

Comments (45)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tracy • Dec 27, 2021 at 2:45 am

I hate horror movies some of them make me sick to my stomach. I don’t like the gore and the blood in it I don’t like the main characters who comment the crimes

UND • Nov 6, 2018 at 7:44 pm

Hello everyone, as I was assigned to review this article, I found some of these comments quite disturbing. Horror movies do create anxiety, but we often forget that in the moment we watch them due to an adrenilane rushes, creating a natural high. Your symptoms are normal. For coping I recommend breathing deeply, reading, not being exposed to blue light (light that comes from a screen) and reading. You could also try drinking warm tea or milk. No coffee! Do not eat close to bed. Hope this helps any of you!

Abby • Nov 2, 2018 at 8:34 pm

Dude horror movies give me the worst anxiety like it’s so hard to get to sleep

Eric • Oct 29, 2018 at 12:48 am

Hi, i know this might seem weird but im 18 and still afraid of chucky just seeing or hearing his name strikes fear into my heart it irritating I’ve been afraid ever since i was 8 i love horror movies but i cant see that one i even tried seeing one of his films , i sat through the whole thing and i Couldn’t talk or sleep for days i had an anxiety attack and went to a hospital i wish i wasn’t afraid of his ugly face it annoys me

Joseph Stalin • Oct 22, 2018 at 11:27 am

together as robloxians we will team up to defeat our parents in the great effort for total control of the galaxy as we know it. mmmmmmmmmm

Ryan Kelly • Oct 20, 2018 at 6:09 am

My Mother would never allow me to watch horror films as a child. She was a bartender, and while I was home alone at night I would watch Unsolved Mysteries. One night I called her up balling my eyes out terrified that someone would break into my house. As I caught wind of a burglary down the street. Later in life, ages 18-22 I smoked marijuana like it was going out of style and watched occasional horror movies. I can’t say that my life at that point even slowed down enough for me to know how they were affecting me. But I will say, that my relationship arguments with my girlfriend had resulted in behaviors that were quite violent and fierce. No one can say why exactly, or that the horror films contributed, but mimicking our personal environments is quite prevalent. And an individual can definitely make horror films their personal environment. I truly believe that in every situation, the goal is to divide and conquer an individual to extract goods. The Bible is a book about what happens to a community if certain things are allowed to pass without personal responsibility being taken. This being said, Hollywood is a place of its own commandments and laws. They’ve created their own power structure and stronghold. As has the church. Everything has laws and levels.

Now, from ages 22-26 I entered the U.S. Marine Corps. I can recall the cold feeling I first felt wash over me when they handed me a M-16 rifle. But upon firing it, realized it was actually quite an experience.

To wrap up what I was originally saying, Hollywood probably performs a great deal of activities that will keep you from sleeping at night. It’s a very ruthless place. But it can also be very giving. But it’s been known over the years that many in Hollywood have suffered major psychological diseases in which psychologists just cannot fix. So you may want to ask yourself, do I want to invite that into my psychology? And if so, could the fears postpone my own personal management and success in life?

In the end, life is a battle for your soul and mine. There is never a wrong or right. By any means necessary. But there is a life span, and a city cat will never be as well kept and long lasting as a loyal dog. What you may want to ask yourself is, what are my priorities, what are my options, and will these films hinder my confidence when taking those bigger steps….

It’s your heart baby. Feed it what you will.

As The Great Gatsby states before opening, a life lived in fear is a life half lived. Just know these people go both ways and they have no boundaries. And it is through both the light and the dark, that they can offer you such a rich memorable experience. They’ll go any length to tear you apart, and put you back together. Life is full of desperation and praying upon people’s weaknesses. And Ignorance.

Lastly, as Jay Z states- what you don’t know- will make your home- a permanent urn. So I’d suggest less watchie, watchie, watchie, and more learn, learn, learn. Everything’s eventual, what are you going to carry with you into battle? Words are weapons, so is music, I suggest all you beautiful ones really learn how to use it. So seducive, so illusive, poof.

Abdesselam • Oct 17, 2018 at 5:46 am

Hi everyone I hope you are all well.Horror movies have a negative impact on the psychology of the viewers.It makes viewers see shadows and fear from everything without any reason.They can not stay alone and they become strange.Most of horror films’fans are isolated and can not integrate in society.They even suffer fromm sleepless nights.I suggest that they should stop watching these films.Moreover,they must be realistic and differentiate between reality and fantasy.Any film is fantasy and imaginary.Viewers should not waste their time watching a films that is not good for their health.Finally,if anyone can not control fear just listen to the Quran.It is a holy book for Muslims and it is a cure for all human being. You just download it and keep play it on in a clean ,tidy place.

gibo • Sep 22, 2018 at 4:42 am

horror movies are evil and their agenda is promotion of satanism or occult

Christian • Sep 17, 2018 at 5:17 am

A trick to use if you have seen a horror movie that you can’t get out of your head is to see how that movie was made. Like behind the scenes because it will show you that it’s all made by a director, production crews, and actors and will lesson the traumatic feelings you have about that particular movie that bothers you. It helps me allot.

Danny • Sep 8, 2018 at 4:45 am

I love horror movies, I also love positive movies. I have been fascinated with horror since I was a child specifically relating to the concept of desensitization to evil or what most people would consider a scary situation – and for me, it’s totally worked. My advice for anything in life that is scary is simple: anything or anyone that invokes fear is trying to manipulate your mind. If you remain strong and remind yourself that’s what is intended you have the ability to overcome all fear. Darkness is incapable of existing with even the smallest light. Remember most of all that most fear is simply a trick, it tries to scare you so you yourself fulfill a “self fulfilling” prophecy of added negativity to your life. Usually there is no actual danger at all. Believe me when I say that a strong mind and love can defeat any fear. Always stay strong and remember that nothing can affect you if you do not allow yourself to be susceptible to its influence. If you need any more advice feel free to email me.

– Batman

Helia • Aug 13, 2018 at 5:50 am

I love watching horror movies and shows,I’m 16 years old and i always watch movies and shows alone so yesterday my mom watch a horror show with me and today she don’t let me see,she says you become crazy if you watch horror movies ,she said it will ruin your mind and this kind of things,but i love them and its summer i cant survive without watching movies!what should i do then?so i wanna know is my mother right?should i listen to her?i don’t wanna be crazy but i LOVE WATCHING MOVIES ESPECIALLY HORROR MOVIES.so does horror movies make you psycho?

Harry • Jun 18, 2018 at 4:38 am

Hi I have a question that i need to get answer. Are horrormovies effective in increasing white corpuscle?

Nick • Mar 17, 2018 at 1:54 am

Horror movies aren’t what they seem (this can be said of other genres as well). I grew up in the mecca of movies and believe me it’s not what you think it is. These movies were created for a purpose and you can see it in your chart. If you don’t believe me, just look at the history of Hollywood and you’ll see what’s happening here. You have to be careful about some of the movies because they’re nothing more than occult ceremonies disguised as a film (this is very true). Most people are blind to this fact and that’s what makes it so easy to enter our living rooms.

bofa deeznuts • Mar 6, 2018 at 4:56 pm

i once saw despicable me 3 and ever since my mind keeps tricking me into seeing the minons trying to kill me

A. H. • Jan 21, 2018 at 9:43 pm

I used to love watching scary movies. After watching a loved one suffer and pass away, my anxiety heightened. Then I experienced seeing the shadow of a man who I thought was my companion but my companion said it was not him. The image was so real. I had watched an episode of haunted houses prior to this happening. I have stopped watching those haunted shows.

Lance Pedrajas • Nov 18, 2017 at 11:07 am

Lots of horror movies are stuck in my mind. Including “The Ring”, “The Grudge”, “Conjuring”, etc. I think all of the horror movies are scaring me right now. My life is changing because of those extremely scary horror movies. Especially when it says BASED ON A TRUE STORY. They say that they say that just to scare you more. But I heard movies like Conjuring is actually BASED ON A REAL TRAGEDY THAT HAPPENED IN THE 70s. Why are ghosts made? Why do we need to make these type of movies? Why are they made? Does these types of movies do good to people? What are the lessons in horror movies? Please. Please. Please answer. Please.

Helia • Aug 13, 2018 at 1:33 pm

they aren’t real its just for scaring you,just stop watching horror movies ,see some comedy movies and you will be fine.its just your mind playing with you,conjuring is NOT based on a real tragedy,when i was little whenever i was scared i closed my eyes and said nothings gonna hurt me its stupid But it works calm your self ,if it was real they wouldn’t call it a MOVIE.MOVIES ARE FAKE AND STUPID.they are for the day you are bored ,they say its good watching horror movies cause you can act better in bad situation like robbery

Syeda • Nov 15, 2017 at 9:03 am

This was a good website. I’m doing an EPQ on this. Anyone want to help me out? I’d really appreciate it if someone sent me links to other websites like this and possible an experiment that I can write about. If someone has done a similar EPQ and can recommend any books or anything. It would be much appreciated!!! I loooooove horror

Simon Cumiskey • Nov 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm

I watched wolf creek 2 last night and all day today I’ve felt anxiety. I get that anyway but movies like that make it worse. It seems I’m not the only one which as bad as it sounds kinda makes me feel better.

Sandra • Oct 12, 2017 at 12:12 pm

I’m really concerned about my daughter . She is 12 and 2 weeks ago she spent the day at her friends and it was the first time she has watched a horror film. Chucky!! If I had known I wouldn’t approved of it bec it’s terrifying. Ever since , she sleeps with us and has stomach aches and headaches everynight. She claims she can’t get him out of her mind and scared that the dolls will come to life and kill her. She had migranes in the last year but have lessen due to medication she is on. But ever since she watched this film she has been terrified. Any solutions how I can help her.

Simon Cumiskey • Nov 5, 2017 at 2:03 pm

Have her watch the opposite of a horror. A love movie, or an inspirational idea. A documentary on hopefulness. Meditate with her, and use positive affirmations. There’s a reversal for everything, including anxiety caused by horrors. I promise you, you’ll both be ok 🙂

Heaven • Oct 3, 2017 at 6:26 am

I recently watched the new movi “it” on Sunday with my best friend and I stepped out of the thether twice but the second time I was completely done. I threw up 5 times in the short hour and 15 left of the movie and some of the staff had to help me, so did my guy bestfreidn who I talked to on the phone. When I was in there car I was about to fall asleep but when I got home and went to bed I just couldn’t do it… my heat rate goes up for no reason and because of it I feel like the clown is going to pop up with its red eyes like the bear did in Madagascar escape for Europe (circus one). Even though I saw that movie 4 TIMES! And know what’s going to happen but I was forced to keep telling myself it’s just the bear. I’ve stayed up at night waking up every hour to go use the restroom even if I DON’T actually got to use it it’s just there to walk around since I feel uncomfortable. I’ve be also been having these weird dreams. He first was the clown coming into our school XD then today well last night o dreamt about these people in the jungle running from something that was killing them all. I don’t know why though. My moms having to give me some special water concaution to make my stomach feel better because when u sleep I feel like it should blowing up almsot af if when I’m full and it makes sleeping no fun, I have to sleep on my sides or straight and I cant do that even if I like sleeping on my sides. But sometimes I wanna belly flop and can’t do that, How long will this “sleepless” thing last? Because I seriously want a good nights rest, it’s not fair that at night while everyone’s alseep I’m awake thinking how they can sleep while in the morning I feel like nothing happens and actually want to go to sleep while everyone’s starting there day

Little one • Oct 7, 2017 at 7:57 pm

Hey, try to calm your mind. Put some nice music on, stretch a bit. Try to be logical, and fear only has power if you give it power. The mind is capable of many things, make peace please and you will feel better

Suja • Sep 11, 2017 at 11:05 pm

I used to watch horror movies n read a lot abt it,today I’m 37,a mother bt still afraid to move from one room to the other alone at nights esp when the lights r off

Abin • Aug 30, 2017 at 5:16 am

I’m very excited about watching this kind of thrilling horror movies, but when the night comes sometimes I can’t control my thoughts feeling anxious and alone in a dark room or place around some sort of screaming everywhere..I had a nightmare about valak. I can’t remember that incident but it is terrible..

Shah • Aug 12, 2017 at 2:04 am

i just want to know impact of horror show on female student.Can you please give me some point about this

Shelly • Aug 4, 2017 at 2:18 pm

I love psychological horrors. Love horrors in general but not keen on the hostels.

Steven Emsley • Jul 8, 2017 at 5:46 pm

Very interesting theory. I have often wondered if horror films affect our minds. I have since stopped watching them & watching films with positivity & I must admit, I am feeling a lot calmer and I feel I can deal with stress a lot better. I used to love everything horror and would frequently watch documentaries about murder and stuff and I found I could not sleep because of the way it made me feel. It definatley does affect our minds.

Shelly • Aug 4, 2017 at 2:20 pm

I have found they don’t effect me in any way as a adult. But as a teenager I had nightmares

Zachary Jacobson • Jul 8, 2017 at 6:53 am

Hi first of all I think the people that made “The Ring” movie should be sued or something for making a movie too scary. I have a lot of trouble sleeping in a room at night if it has a tv or mirror in it as a result. Lots of times now as a result of watching that movie I get images in my mind of a demonic girl coming out of a well and going through a tv. Also I sleep with the lights on in my room because I’m afraid of the dark. Not necessarily a cause of watching The Ring, but still…

Shelly • Aug 4, 2017 at 2:19 pm

I like the ring movies.

Kathleen • Aug 13, 2017 at 6:44 pm

I’m sorry for your trauma but there are a lot more scarier things out there than this movie. If you can’t handle it don’t watch it!

Dysfiction • Mar 17, 2017 at 4:19 am

If youre reading this there is a subreddit just for you…. http://www.reddit.com/r/CinematicTrauma Maybe you’d feel silly telling your therapist, but come share your film-induced trauma with us!

Oumayma • Oct 6, 2016 at 3:21 am

Hi. Please I watched the conjuring part 1 and 2 and after I watched them I find it difficult to sleep and even if I sleep I have nightmares about demons .i have seen a dream that I white clothes flying above me and ask me to marry him. Another day I dreamt of the same white clothes coming to me and someone is telling me that this is my demon. Please is this normal

hola • Oct 17, 2016 at 9:41 am

callum levy • Nov 7, 2016 at 9:14 am

willem • Jan 13, 2017 at 10:16 am

Hi. I understand your feelings. Wjen you watch things, you open to the spirit behind the movie being portrayed. Jesus Christ paid for all sins on the cross of calvary. Ask Jesus to forgive you for watching the movie. Ask him to forgive the contamination on your soul and spirit. Ask him to delete it from your mind. Then reject those demons of the movie verbally and tell them to leave in Jesus name.

Im a Believer • Jan 22, 2017 at 5:39 pm

How awesome is that reply bro.

aseph • Mar 7, 2017 at 1:07 pm

u’re screw’d bud

Shelly • Aug 4, 2017 at 2:21 pm

Great movies. Loved them all

lilly • Apr 13, 2018 at 2:55 pm

Oh my too i cant sleep without having the covers over my feet i barely got through the first movie i abslolutly refused to watch part 2. Even to this day i can not sleep that well thinking that there might be someone behind my door or in the mirror under my bed even though there is nothing there i still feel as if there might be something somewhere that could get me in my sleep finally someone who understands!!!!

Carsa kelly • Sep 5, 2016 at 12:54 pm

I just have a question I need an answer to. I was wondering if a person who watches horror movies are they better at getting out of a dangerous situation than others who don’t watch horror movies as much?

lou • Apr 21, 2017 at 10:26 pm

I think so. I watch horror and thriller movies and I tend to have a lot of ideas on how to escape from dangerous situations.

Debashis • Jan 4, 2016 at 8:17 pm

Yesterday I watched the SAW movie and the effects are still experencing today. I am feeling anxiety and mild headache and a unknown feeling which I am feeling so bad. It would be better if I not watched this movie.

Kaitee • Jul 11, 2017 at 4:44 pm

Same here! I’m 18, and I watched the first one when I was 16. I’ve watched all 7, and I still am affected by them to this day. It’s horrible, I love horror but not the feeling that comes with it :/

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Stephen King — Rhetorical Analysis of Stephen King’s ‘Why We Crave Horror Movies’

Rhetorical Analysis of Stephen King's 'Why We Crave Horror Movies'

• Categories: Stephen King

About this sample

Words: 560 |

Published: Apr 8, 2022

Words: 560 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 826 words

3 pages / 1579 words

2 pages / 723 words

2 pages / 890 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Stephen King

Stephen King is a prolific writer known for his contributions to the horror genre. One of his most popular short stories, "The Boogeyman," was first published in 1973. This chilling tale has captivated readers for decades and [...]

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and successful authors of our time, with over 350 million copies of his books sold worldwide. His writing has influenced countless other authors and has become a staple in the horror and [...]

The name Stephen King is one that needs no introduction, as he is one of the most successful and prolific authors of all time. Born in Maine in 1947, King has been writing professionally since the early 1970s and has published [...]

Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense, has created a myriad of characters who face insurmountable challenges, often teetering on the brink of their psychological limits. Among these characters are the "quitters," [...]

The only motivating factor for a prisoner of Shawshank is hope. For convicted murderers, the hope of getting free by the legal process is all but nonexistent, at least in a time frame that would matter to them. However, despite [...]

In Popsy, by Stephen King, irony is used to make a point about human nature. Though this story is unrealistic and somewhat far-fetched, details make it seem realistic until the very end. The story begins with the main [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Free Samples
• Premium Essays
• Editing Services Editing Proofreading Rewriting
• Extra Tools Essay Topic Generator Thesis Generator Citation Generator GPA Calculator Study Guides Donate Paper
• Essay Writing Help
• About Us About Us Testimonials FAQ
• Studentshare
• Analysis of Kings Statement Why We Crave Horror Movies

Analysis of Kings Statement Why We Crave Horror Movies - Essay Example

• Subject: Other
• Type: Essay
• Level: College
• Pages: 2 (500 words)
• Downloads: 2
• Author: gloverjosefa

Extract of sample "Analysis of Kings Statement Why We Crave Horror Movies"

There is something dark about the human psyche which even science cannot fully explain. It is a well-known fact that every person has a different level of endurance, and if pushed further than that the inner animal emerges and even the gentlest of human beings can commit the most heinous of sins, for instance, murder. Classical authors of time past have also tried to capture this facet of human personality in their writings. The concept of ‘The Other’ in The Picture of Dorian Grey and the foiling of Bertha and Jane in Jane Eyre are startling.

These show very clearly that there is a part of our psyche that has not evolved; it has the instincts of a monster. It is that part which is taboo and that we hide from polite society in fear of being rejected. Now the question is how masterfully you control that part of yourself. We cannot give it free reign, we cannot ignore it, so what do we do? As a result, a new genre of literature and movies has emerged: Gothic or Horror. Gothic or horror movies help us exercise our inner selves without being obvious or hurting others.

There is something about horror movies that makes one feel awed. I remember the first horror movie I saw was ‘Resident Evil’ when I was eleven years old. This made me think about the real psyche of humans, later. When I read ‘The Lord of The Flies’, this feeling came back. In extreme circumstances, the luxury of our so-called sophisticated exterior is shattered and we begin to think like animals. Horror movies make us relish the emotions of horror and terror. It is as if we are taking our shot at this other-worldly reality.

The pleasure mixed with horror we feel does not mean that we enjoy doing this to others; it simply means that the boring and monotonous life is left behind and we feel as if we are with the protagonist racing through zombies, clashing swords with vampires and killing our enemies. Humans are emotional beings, who want an outlet to all the natural emotions which have to be felt to live a normal life, but are unable to because nothing extraordinary is happening in their lives and this normal world.

We try to escape from it all and feed our inner demons by watching horror movies or playing gory video games. All the pounding, the blood, and the struggle use up our adrenaline and make us more composed and controlled in our everyday life. I have asked myself after growing up what it was about ‘Twilight’ that made me, for a short period, almost worship the idea of a vampire and werewolf. In real life, a blood-drinking fanged person, or a half-man, half-wolf would be far from sexy but would be downright ugly, disgusting, and scary.

Then I understood that it was my idea of an adventure, experiencing something powerful and terrifying that I would have been unable to achieve in real life, and it filled that part of my psyche which is called ‘The Other’.

• Cited: 0 times
• Copy Citation Citation is copied Copy Citation Citation is copied Copy Citation Citation is copied

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Analysis of Kings Statement Why We Crave Horror Movies

War scroll (1qm), the final stand of evil, portrayal of vampires in cult tv, research methods for managers, why we crave horror movies, generals die in bed through the eyes of two authors, effective communication process, literary elements of the film the pan's labyrinth.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• PRIVACY POLICY
• COOKIES POLICY