What’s the Deal Behind Our Fascination with Horror?
Some of us can’t get enough. What’s the science behind this fascination with the macabre?
by: E.B. Johnson
Are you a horror-addict? Maybe someone you love is fascinated by the genre for 365 days of the year. We don’t come to our love of horror by mistake. As humans, we are fascinated by things we cannot understand. More than that, though, we’re fascinated by the darker sides of our own natures. Horror is fun. It is nostalgic. But it’s also an exploration of everything we are as a species and a society. Why do you love horror? Whatever the reason, it can say a lot about you.
Why some of us love horror so much.
It’s no mistake that your bestie is obsessed with the horror genre. Halloween or not, they may always have some kind of spooky film on their brain or their TV. You know the type. They can’t get enough. Demons, serial killers, cryptids, possessions, and more — there are very specific reasons we love horror. And the facts are absolutely fascinating.
It’s a nostalgic experience
For many, horror is a nostalgic experience. They grow up and certain horror films become associated with important moments in childhood or adolescence. As they age, they can return to these films as distraction and escape. And more importantly, as a reminder of a simpler time when they could look forward in hope and optimism for a different future.
The beast within theory
The “beast within” theory is basically the idea that — at our core — we are fundamentally brutal creatures. According to this theory, we like the blood and the terror of horror films because we are essentially violent creatures. Looking over history, this isn’t hard to fathom. However, many people enjoy horror for many reasons.
Protagonist association
Some people don’t like the really gory or over-the-top horror. And some people do enjoy it — but not for the thrill of the kill. Instead, there are some who enjoy the genre because they enjoy rooting for an underdog through some type of protagonist association. They can see themselves in main characters as they champion their way through the obstacles of hell.
A need for understanding
In some ways, horror helps us to explore and understand the darker side of ourselves. In sub-genres of horror that follow serial killers, dark families, demons, and more, we are allowed (in some way) to explore the psychology of our darker nature. Likewise, being scared safely allows us to tap into the psychology of our fears and anxieties.
Fascinating mysteries
There’s no denying the natural intrigue and fascination that comes with horror. Just as we are empowered to explore the darker side of the human psyche, we’re also drawn in my captivating mysteries. How could someone kill an entire family? Why would someone give themselves up to dark powers? Even if we don’t understand these things, the natural mystery can pull us in.
Adrenaline spiking thrills
To watch horror is to be scared. From jump thrills to slow-burning chills, when we watch and engage with a good horror film, it gets our adrenaline going. That’s addictive to people who enjoy that adrenaline spike. Or those who enjoy being scared safely. Some studies have shown that this is even true in those with anxiety, who can find horror films to be relaxing.
Tackling real-world issues
Believe it or not, the foundations of horror are rooted in the exploration of social issues. Many horror films in the genre explore topics like racism, fascism, and what happens when toxic families break down. The genre has always used its platform to take irreverent looks at these topics, and when we come along for the ride we are forced to reckon with our own understanding of these topics too.
What it says about us…
Our fascination with horror says a lot about us, and it continues to say a lot about us. It exposes our fascination with the dark side of our own natures, and the demons that we find there. Likewise, it highlights the weak points in our society, and how we address injustices and failures in our systems alike. The type of horror we like sheds light on these truths. What does horror mean to you? Is it a nostalgic experience? A cathartic one? There’s no right or wrong answer, but we can all agree on one thing: Long may the horror genre reign and continue to reflect both the good and bad parts of who we are and who we are not.
- Kerr, M., Siegle, G., & Orsini, J. (2019). Voluntary arousing negative experiences (VANE): Why we like to be scared. Emotion, 19(4), 682–698. doi: 10.1037/emo0000470
- Jimenez, M. (2021). Why Do We Like Horror Movies? [Blog]. Retrieved from https://now.tufts.edu/articles/why-do-we-horror-movies
