The horror genre has been a staple of the film industry for decades, from feature-length films to ten-minute shorts online. Regardless of the movie’s quality, it will always fill theatre seats with people brave enough to see it. How is this possible? What do people get from being scared?
Funnily enough, many researchers have asked these same questions. Research tells us that Horrific images and sounds can stimulate our minds and bodies. They enact feelings of fear and anxiety, which fill us with a sort of dread that can be safely felt without the presence of actual danger. It is a sensation that appeals to more adventurous and daring audiences. It can also be seen as a test of courage for those who wish to see how they can handle scary situations, making it more about that than the movie itself.
Not only are these films appealing to the audience, but they are also lucrative for the ones making them. Horror films in general are much cheaper to make than typical action movie blockbusters. “The Blair Witch Project”, one of the most famous horror films of all time, was shot with a $60,000 budget. This film made millions worldwide, as the low-quality camera and minimal production made the film feel more realistic and creepy.
General audiences are also more forgiving when it comes to the quality of the film. Oftentimes, these films are riddled with poor writing and uninteresting protagonists, but the casual viewer will usually not care. If the movie is scary, then it will win the audience. Even if you are not into horror, there is no denying that this genre is a unique experience that captures the dark delight of being scared!
