The horror movie genre has been popular for decades, from classic Hitchcock films to today’s psychological thrillers, we love a good scare in the movie theater. Horror films bring in billions of dollars at the box office, and dozens get made each year because we can’t seem to get enough of things like jump-scares, mysteries, and shouting at people not to go into the woods alone! But, even the toughest of movie watchers can struggle with post-horror movie jitters. Whether you watched a scary movie at home before bed or you’re having a tough time shaking the frightening flick you just saw at the theater, there are ways to find peace amidst the scares. It starts by understanding the truth behind some of the common fears triggered by horror films. There’s more science behind it than you might think. Let’s dig a little deeper into those triggers, so you can develop a new perspective as you watch movies within the genre. It’s possible to enjoy the thrills of horror films without dealing with unnecessary worry.
The Link to Anxiety
It’s understandable to have your heart racing while you’re watching a horror movie. But, have you ever found yourself still feeling nervous and anxious hours later? If so, you’re not alone. There’s a strong link between horror films and anxiety, and a lot of it has to do with some of the realism in those films. If you already struggle with anxiety, your psychological response to watching horror movies might be more extreme than someone who doesn’t. Many people with anxiety don’t necessarily feel worried all of the time. Rather, their anxiety becomes worse when they’re triggered by a specific situation or environment. Watching a horror movie can boost your heart rate and trigger or exacerbate those anxious thoughts – especially if you see something in a film you can relate to.
Things like living in a small town, spending time in a wooded area, or even living in an old house are all scary movie tropes that might reflect your own life and cause you to feel anxious. There are even unsettling or frightening moments in films that aren’t necessarily categorized as “horror” that might trigger your fears and worries. That doesn’t mean you should stop watching movies, of course. It just means it’s important to look at them from the right perspective.
Debunking the Tropes
So, what can you do to unmask the common themes in horror movies? You’re probably not going to have to worry about clowns living in the sewer or dolls coming to life any time soon, but there are some realistic scenes in some horror movies that you can debunk and feel better about. For example, many horror films are set in small towns. The idea is that these towns are often more secluded, everyone knows each other, and it’s easier to get immersed in the environment. Maybe you live in a small town and after watching a horror movie, you’re feeling a bit uneasy. In reality, most small towns are pretty safe! They tend to have lower crime rates than big cities, giving locals peace of mind and a sense of safety. It’s why so many families tend to flock toward rural areas to enjoy quiet, secure neighborhoods. Some of the other pros of small-town living include:
- A strong sense of community
- Closer relationships
- Lots of downtown parking
- Less traffic congestion
- More personalized learning environments for children
Another common trope often found in horror movies is flickering lights. Being in the dark can be scary. It’s not just a fear for children, but adults, as well. When lights start to flicker in a storm or seemingly for no reason at all, it’s understandable for your heart to race. In scary movies, flickering lights tend to be ominous. They often signal that something bad is about to happen, like a killer approaching or a haunting within the home.
Really, though, flickering lights aren’t a phenomenon. In the real world, if there’s no thunderstorm happening outside, they’re probably just a sign of an electrical problem – spooky, right? Things like incompatible lightbulbs, worn-out fixtures, or faulty wiring can all cause flickering lights. Some of those issues can be concerning and you should contact an electrician as soon as possible, but an electrical issue doesn’t mean your home is haunted.
Fighting Back Against Fears
Again, the reason many of us feel scared or on edge after seeing a horror movie is because they impact our brains. They tend to trigger the fight-or-flight response that naturally occurs when we’re in threatening situations. That lingers long after the movie is over. Thankfully, there are things you can do to combat those fears and let go of the anxiety caused by horror movies. First, consider seeing a film twice if it’s really bothering you. That might sound counterintuitive. But, when the element of surprise is removed, you’re more likely to feel in control. You’ve seen all of the jump scares. You know what the musical build-up is leading to. Lean into it and look at it with a fresh perspective when you know what to expect. When you do, your flight-or-fight response won’t be triggered, and you can enjoy the film without fear.
Second, try to think about the reality of whatever situation is happening on screen. Is that girl going into the woods – again? Think about the idyllic wooded area you’ve been hiking near your home for years. Is a creature terrorizing a small town? Consider the tight-knit community you know and love and how safe you feel walking around your neighborhood in the evening. Horror films are designed to make us escape reality for a while. While that can be fun for some people, it’s important to make sure you’re grounding yourself throughout the movie if you tend to struggle with fear later on.