The Benefits of Watching a Horror Film

I love a good scary movie. A true horror fanatic knows that even within the horror genre, there are various subgenres. I'm not a big fan of slasher films, but I love psychological horror (like 'The Shining' or 'Hereditary ', the scariest, in my opinion), paranormal fiction, and occasional comedic horror (think What We Do in the Shadows). I can get behind a serial killer film as long as it's not too violent, and I like to stay far away from anything involving torture.

Horror films are not just about entertainment. They offer a unique psychological experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. The Journal of Consumer Research suggests that there are actually benefits to getting a good scare.

• Research shows that feelings of fear can facilitate falling in love. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that when we're scared, we feel a sense of excitement toward each other, which can amp up feelings of romance. This is because fear and arousal share the same physiological response, leading to an increase in attraction.

• Watching horror films in a group is more than just a shared experience. It's a bonding experience. When we feel close to those around us, our brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that reinforces our feelings of attachment and helps strengthen relationships. This shared experience can bring us closer together, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

• Once the scary experience is over, we feel a sense of relief, which triggers endorphins in our brains, leaving us refreshed and relaxed.

So this weekend snuggle up with a friend, lover, or just a warm cozy blanket and push play on your favorite scary movie. Just think of all the benefits! And if you're reading this and the fear just feels too overwhelming, don't worry... there's always Gilmore Girls.

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Source: Haiyang Yang, Kuangjie Zhang, How Resource Scarcity Influences the Preference for Counterhedonic Consumption, Journal of Consumer Research, Volume 48, Issue 5, February 2022, Pages 904–919.