THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY HORROR MOVIES ARE ADDICTING

Have you ever wondered why some people keep watching horror movies even though they cover their eyes with their fingers? Or why do they still sit through a terrifying scene, even when their heart is pounding like crazy? It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Today, we’ll explore the science behind why horror movies are so addicting.

One reason horror movies are so appealing is that they allow us to experience fear in a safe environment. Whether you’re in a theater or snuggled up at home with friends, you know that the danger isn’t real. Your heart races, but you also feel a thrill because your brain recognizes that you’re safe. This creates an intense and exciting experience.

Illustration of watching horror movie. Source: yahoo.com

Horror movies also trigger the release of dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphins, chemicals that heighten our emotions and create a mix of fear and excitement. This balance between terror and pleasure is what makes horror so thrilling for many people.

Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist, explains that people may love or hate horror movies for three main reasons:

• Attention-Grabbing Effect. Horror films demand full attention by triggering natural survival responses, making them highly engaging.
• Fear and Attraction Connection. The physical reactions caused by fear (like increased heart rate and adrenaline) are similar to those experienced during excitement or attraction, which is why horror movies are a popular choice for date nights.
• A Safe Way to Explore Darkness. Watching horror allows us to explore dark themes in a socially acceptable and risk-free way.

Concordia University elaborate three key psychological factors that became reasons why horror movies are appealing:

1. The Thrill of Tension

One of the main reasons horror movies are so engaging is the way they build and sustain tension. Suspenseful music, eerie silence, and slow-building dread keep us hooked, making us anticipate what’s coming next. The unpredictability of horror (whether it’s a sudden jump scare or an unexpected plot twist) keeps our brains hyper-focused, activating our fight-or-flight response even when we know we’re completely safe.

This heightened state of alertness is why horror can feel so thrilling. Our body responds to fear by releasing adrenaline and dopamine, creating an exhilarating mix of anxiety and excitement. The more effective a horror film is at maintaining tension, the more satisfying the emotional release once the fear subsides.

2. Personal and Universal Fears (Relevance)

Horror movies tap into fears that feel both personal and universal, making them incredibly immersive.

• Universal fears are those that almost everyone can relate to, such as the fear of death, the unknown, or losing control. This is why supernatural horror, which plays on the fear of mysterious forces beyond our understanding, or slasher films, which depict the terror of being hunted, are so effective.
• Personal fears, on the other hand, depend on an individual’s background, experiences, and emotions. Someone who has experienced isolation might find psychological horror films more terrifying, while others might be deeply unsettled by body horror due to their own fears about physical harm.

By blending these universal and personal elements, horror movies create a deeply unsettling yet strangely captivating experience that resonates with different audiences.

3. The Comfort of Unrealism

Despite the fear they create, horror movies also provide a sense of psychological safety, because deep down, we know they aren’t real. The unrealism of horror helps us process our fears in a controlled environment.

Unlike real-life danger, where fear is accompanied by real consequences, horror movies let us experience terror while still feeling secure. We can scream, jump, and feel our heart race, but the moment the movie ends, we walk away unharmed. This is what makes horror enjoyable: the ability to face fear without actual risk.

For many, this controlled fear can even be cathartic, it allows us to confront anxieties in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. However, not everyone enjoys this balance, which is why some people actively avoid horror films, finding the experience more distressing than thrilling.

Here are some recommendation that can thrill your tension. Hope you are enjoy to watch and be careful of being addictive!

1. Don't Breathe (2016)

A gripping home invasion thriller with a terrifying twist, Don’t Breathe follows a group of young thieves who break into a blind man’s house, thinking it will be an easy robbery; only to realize they’ve just trapped themselves with someone far more dangerous than they expected.

Don't Breathe (2016). Source: detik.com

Unlike traditional horror that relies on supernatural entities, Don’t Breathe creates fear through pure tension and unpredictability. The lack of background music and the clever use of silence make every movement feel nerve-wracking. The movie keeps the audience holding their breath (just like the characters) making it an intense experience from start to finish. In my opinion, the way this film subverts expectations makes it stand out, proving that horror doesn’t always need ghosts to be terrifying.

Rating: 9/10

2. Get Out (2017)

One of the most critically acclaimed psychological horror films, Get Out follows a young Black man, Chris, who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to uncover a horrifying secret beneath their seemingly polite hospitality.

Get Out (2017). Source: era.id

This movie plays with psychological horror rather than relying on typical jumpscares. The uneasiness builds slowly through eerie conversations, unsettling stares, and the creepy "Sunken Place" concept. Unlike traditional horror films, Get Out doesn’t use supernatural elements but instead taps into real-life social fears, making it even more disturbing. In my opinion, the way this movie blends horror with social commentary is brilliant, haunting in ways that linger long after the credits roll.

Rating: 8/10

3. Us (2019)

A mind-bending horror film from Jordan Peele, Us follows a family on vacation who find themselves hunted by eerie doppelgängers with sinister intentions. As the mystery unfolds, the story reveals a chilling hidden world beneath the surface of society.

Us (2019). Source: klasika.kompas.id

Us is packed with symbolism, hidden messages, and eerie visuals that make it more than just a horror movie. It blends psychological terror with slasher elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers guessing. The eerie performances, especially from Lupita Nyong’o, elevate the fear factor. In my opinion, this movie isn’t just scary, it’s deeply thought-provoking, the kind of horror that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Rating: 9/10

So... Are you a thrill-seeker or scaredy-cat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!