GUIDE TO CHOOSE MOVIES FOR BEGINNERS: WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE IT A TRY?

Some people seek thrilling experiences for adrenaline rush, whether it is skydiving, jet skiing, or extreme sports. You may mention people's hobbies like skydiving or jet skiing who spend a lot of money for the adrenaline they are searching for. These activities may take a lot of time and money, but if you don't have to deal with that, I recommend you watch horror movies.

But if you’re not sure about watching horror movies because of all the negative stigma or you’re afraid you might get too caught up in the creepy atmosphere, don’t worry! Not all horror movies are terrifying to the point of haunting you. There are plenty of beginner-friendly ones, and I’ll help you find the right one to start with. There are more than 10 types of horror movies, but here I provide the 3 most popular genres among horror movie fans;

• Supernatural horror. This genre involves unexplainable elements beyond science or logic, such as ghosts, demons, or paranormal events. It often relies on jump scares to frighten the audience.

• Psychological horror. Instead of relying on monsters or ghosts, this type of horror plays with the audience’s mind, creating fear through suspense, disturbing themes, and psychological tension.

• Horror comedy. This genre mixes horror with humor, often by parodying classic horror tropes or adding unexpected comedic elements. It allows viewers to enjoy the thrill of horror while still having fun.

If you’re new to horror, starting with horror comedy is a great way to ease into the genre. Here are three beginner-friendly picks:

1. Scary Movie (2000)

Scary movies is a parody classic slasher films, poking fun at common horror clichés. The film follows a group of high school students being stalked by a masked killer, but with over-the-top reactions and hilarious situations.

Scream (2000). Source: sortiraparis.com

Why It's Great for Beginners

• Light-hearted and funny, making horror feels less intimidating
• Mocks famous horror tropes, helping beginners recognize them
• No extreme gore or disturbing themes

Even though Scary Movie is full of hilarious parodies, some jokes rely on crude humor and pop culture references that might not hit the same for today’s audience. Also, since this movie is mainly about comedy, don’t expect any real scares. If you’re looking for a horror movie with actual tension, this one might not be for you.

Rating: 7/10

2. Cabin in the Woods (2013)

A group of college friends go on a vacation to a secluded cabin, but things take a dark turn when they unknowingly become part of a controlled horror experiment.

Cabin in the Woods (2013). Source: harapanrakyat.com

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• A mix of horror, mystery, and satirical humor
• Self-aware and mocks horror tropes in a clever way
• Not too intense for first-time horror viewers.

This movie is definitely unique, but the way it plays with horror tropes might not work for everyone. The humor is not as obvious as in other horror-comedies, so some people might not even realize it’s meant to be funny. Plus, the last part of the movie can feel a bit chaotic and over-the-top compared to the slow, suspenseful buildup in the beginning.

Rating: 7/10

3. Happy Death Day (2017)

Tree Gelbman, a college student, finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over- including the moment she is murdered. She must figure out who her killer is before the time runs out.

Happy Death Day (2017). Source: bloody-disgusting.com

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• A fun mix of horror, mystery, and dark humor
• Engaging story with a unique time-loop concept
• Balanced mix of suspense and comedy, making it less terrifying

The time-loop concept is fun, but it also makes the movie feel a little repetitive at times. Since the main character keeps reliving the same day, some scenes might feel predictable after a while. Also, while the humor is great, the horror elements aren’t that intense, so if you’re looking for something truly terrifying, this might feel too light.

Rating : 8/10

If you're new to horror, starting with horror comedy is a great way to ease into the genre without getting overwhelmed or too intimidated. You can also check out Vulture’s awesome horror movie recommendations if you’re hungry for more! If you enjoy movies with satire and humor, Scary Movie is a perfect choice. If you like unexpected twists, The Cabin in the Woods will surprise you. And if  you prefer a fun and engaging story, Happy Death Day is a great pick.

Better try than never! Share your thoughts on the comment below!