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The science behind horror movies and why people like them

By Deepak Kumar

BOGOTA - COLOMBIA, OCTOBER 31: People take part in the annual Halloween parade despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Bogota, Colombia on October 31, 2021. People dress and use make-up to make themselves look like different characters from horror movies. More than 1.000 revelers attended this event. (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
BOGOTA - COLOMBIA, OCTOBER 31: People take part in the annual Halloween parade despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Bogota, Colombia on October 31, 2021. People dress and use make-up to make themselves look like different characters from horror movies. More than 1.000 revelers attended this event. (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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The primary objective of the popular movie genre known as horror movies is to scare, shock and elicit viewers’ strong emotions. The psychology and physiology of several crucial elements, which combine to produce a terrifying experience, form the foundation of the science behind these movies. Here are some of the key elements of the science behind horror movies:

  • Fear response: Horror movies are designed to trigger our fear response, which is a natural physiological reaction that helps us to respond to threats. When we are frightened, our body releases adrenaline, which increases our heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. This heightened state of arousal can make us feel more alert and focused, which can help us to respond to danger.
  • Suspense: One of the most effective ways to create fear in horror movies is to build suspense. This involves gradually revealing information to the audience so that they become more and more aware of the danger that the characters are facing. This can create a sense of anticipation and dread, which can be even more terrifying than the actual threat itself.
SCIENCE BEHIND HORROR MOVIES
SCIENCE BEHIND HORROR MOVIES /
  • Jump scares: Jump scares are a common element of horror movies and are designed to startle the viewer by suddenly revealing something unexpected on screen. Jump scares work by triggering our instinctive fear response, which can cause us to feel a sudden surge of adrenaline and fear.
  • Gore and violence: Many horror movies include graphic depictions of violence and gore, which can be disturbing and shocking to viewers. The use of gore and violence in these movies is controversial, but some argue that it can be an effective way to create fear by making the threat seem more real and immediate.
  • Supernatural elements: Horror movies often feature supernatural elements, such as ghosts, demons and monsters. These elements can be particularly frightening because they challenge our sense of what is real and what is not.
  • Dark environments: Many horror movies take place in dark, creepy environments such as abandoned buildings, haunted houses and dark forests. These settings can create a sense of unease and claustrophobia, which can make the viewer feel trapped and helpless.

In conclusion, a complex combination of psychological and physiological factors that combine to produce a terrifying experience is at the core of the science behind horror movies. These types of movies have the ability to evoke strong emotional reactions that can be both thrilling and terrifying by tapping into our inherent fears and vulnerabilities.

Next. Horror movies similar to Knock At The Cabin. dark

Are you a fan of  the horror genre ?  and why do people like horror movies ? Tell us about it in the comments section.

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