There’s something super cool about horror movies that I will never get tired of. Maybe it’s the way they makes your heart race, your hands sweaty, and have your mind extra alert. Horror movies don’t just scare me, they pull me into an entire different world, where fear feels exciting instead of terrifying.
What fascinates me most about horror movies is that they turn fear into an experience you want to have. Instead of running away from scary things in real life, horror films invite you to face them head on but with a safety net.
One of the main reasons I love horror movies is because they’ve been a big part of my life since I was little. The first horror movie I ever saw was Dead Silence with my grandma when I was just three years old, and I was absolutely terrified. Even though I was scared, that experience stuck with me and kinda sparked my interest in horror. Since then, watching scary movies became a family thing.
Now, my whole family loves horror movies, and it’s a big way we connect. Horror movie nights are a big deal for us. We laugh, scream, and talk about the movies way after they’re over. Growing up like that made horror feel like more than just movies. It became a way to spend time with my family and share something fun and exciting.
I also love sharing horror movies with the people I care about. Whether it’s friends or family, watching a scary movie together feels special. It’s like we’re all in it together, feeling the scares and thrills side by side. I’m always excited to recommend a good horror movie or show someone a new favorite. Plus, I’m always going to the theater to see the newest horror movies. Watching a scary movie on the big screen with a crowd just makes it way more intense and fun. I usually watch with snacks and a blanket ’cause I get cold when I’m scared, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What makes horror movies so cool is how they build suspense. It’s not just about monsters jumping out or loud noises trying to scare you. The best horror movies take their time. They make you wait and watch carefully as the tension builds slowly until you’re almost holding your breath, waiting for something to happen. I remember watching The Conjuring for the first time and how every little noise or shadow made me jump. That slow, creeping fear is what makes horror so addictive. It’s like your brain is always guessing, “What if something’s really there?”
I also like how many different kinds of horror there are. Slasher movies like Halloween keep you on edge because the killer is always just one step behind the characters. Supernatural horror movies like The Exorcist have ghosts and demons that mess with reality in scary ways. But my favorite kind is psychological horror because it messes with your mind and makes you question what’s real. Movies like Get Out and Hereditary don’t just scare you, they make you think about fear in a deeper way.
Some horror movies stand out not just because they’re scary but because they tell great stories. Get Out is a good example. It mixes horror with real-world problems like racism, which makes the fear feel even stronger and more real. A Quiet Place uses silence in a really clever way so that every little noise feels dangerous. These movies show that horror isn’t just about scary moments. It’s about smart storytelling and creativity.
Watching horror movies has also helped me understand fear better. Instead of something to avoid, fear becomes something to face and even enjoy. It’s like horror teaches me that fear isn’t always the enemy. When I watch a scary movie, it feels like my brain is getting stronger, like a muscle. Every time I sit through a jump scare or a creepy moment, I’m practicing how to stay calm when things get intense. It’s weirdly satisfying, like leveling up in a game.
For me, this isn’t just something that happens in movies. It’s something that has actually helped me in real life. When I was younger, I was terrified of public speaking. My hands would shake, my voice would crack, and I would do anything to avoid speaking in class. But watching horror movies kind of trained me to handle that fear. I would watch intense scenes and remind myself, “Okay, I’m scared right now, but I can handle it. Just like I handle the scares in the movie.”
Slowly, I started speaking up more in class. Horror didn’t make the fear go away, but it gave me the push to face it.
Another example is how horror helped me with my anxiety. I used to get so worked up over little things. What if I fail this test? What if something bad happens? Watching movies like Hereditary or Get Out made me realize how much fear is just in my head. It sounds weird, but seeing characters deal with their own fears made me question my own. Now, when I feel anxious, I ask myself, “Is this really worth being scared of, or am I just overthinking it?”
It’s not like I’m suddenly fearless, but it’s way easier to handle now.
In the end, horror movies are more than just scary stories. They help us explore emotions in ways we wouldn’t normally get to. They push our imaginations and make us think differently about the world. And they take us on this wild ride through fear and courage, showing us that facing scary things can actually be kind of empowering. That’s why I’ll always love horror movies and keep watching them, no matter how scary they get.
Ta’Naya Shaw is a recent graduate of Mitchell College, with a degree in Digital Communications.