Before researching psychological appeals of horror, I was only interested in horror because it made me feel frightened. I did not give the genre much thought. During my research, I discovered many reasons why the horror genre is so popular.

In the past, up until 1970, the director would censor his work before the film’s release (Calhoun, 29). It would be boring to censor scenes or lines, but this is no longer an issue. The 70’s were a time when the best films were made. Nowadays, there are many who enjoy both old and new films. It’s important to give viewers a lasting scare. Horror films, like other genres, have evolved over time, becoming sub-genres that include splatter and psychological horror, as well as sci-fi and slasher. There are many subgenres, but I will focus on only two: splatter and psychological. Both of these subgenres aim at terrifying the audience. They do so in different ways. Splatter movies, also known as gore films, feature violent bloody scenes that make viewers uncomfortable. These films are known as torture porn because of the violence. Horror usually conjures up images of killers and monsters. But in the decade when gore was the norm, it was all about pure torturous murder. Psychological subgenres, however, are remarkably free of gore. Insidious and Paranormal Activity, both rated R, contain little to no blood. Why? The horror-genre “goes in phases” — Each decade was marked by a distinct form of terror, either as a type or subject (Covert 1). Each period is defined by the fear that people have at that time. The horror genre could range from serial killers or haunted artifacts.

Why do we like horror movies? In order to find out more, I found an article in which actors from the horror genre were interviewed. The actors were asked to share their experiences of the genre, both past and present. The majority of respondents said that their first exposure to horror was as children. The 1990 Stephen King film IT not only ruined Bennett’s opinion of scary films, but it also prompted a frenzy of redecoration of her childhood room” (Rachel 5) The first time most people encountered the horror genre, they experienced nightmares. We’re a bit of masochists/sadists as adults when we watch one. It is gratifying to see an antagonist die brutally, and it can even be a source of joy if a film succeeds in frightening the viewer. Stephen King, a horror writer who is considered one of the best, said that people pay money to watch these movies because they “make you feel like a child” (Covert 1, p. 1). Children share a lot of things with adults, including the fear and weakness in their knees. Adults are used to doing things their way and accepting the consequences. However, horror films throw all of that out the door. It makes us feel like a small child.

The horror genre is fascinating and I have learned more about it. The subgenres’ appeal, their history and comparison. No matter their age, gender, race or other characteristics, people of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to them.