Are There Benefits to Watching Scary Movies?

“There are two different stories in horror: internal and external. In external horror films, the evil comes from the outside, the other tribe, this thing in the darkness that we don’t understand. Internal is the human heart.”

-John Carpenter

“This Is Halloween”

Streets filled with monsters of mayhem, carefree candy flows out of pillow sacks, and horrendous horrors dominate television and film screens. The creatures of The Nightmare Before Christmas said it best, “This is Halloween!”

That’s right, Halloween is nearly upon us. Now what Halloween night would be complete without frightening flicks and popcorn?

           

Hollywood Horror Helps

            You may be skeptical right now and can’t imagine any potential benefits in watching horror movies, but before you dismiss us like The Ring tape, hear us out.

One study tested viewers as they watched horror film and found that you can burn around 200 calories. This resulting calorie loss is dependent on the movie, so we’re curious to know what movie you think would help you burn the most calories. The Exorcist certainly comes to mind or the more recent film The Conjuring, maybe? Tell us in the comments.

The More Blood On Screen, The More Blood Cells in Our Bodies

Another study found that scary movie viewing increases our white blood cell count, which ultimately can better equip us to fight disease and repair the body. The end result is a boosted immune system. So each time another slasher victim loses blood, ours gets stronger. That seems like twisted poetic justice.

Fear Factors

Researchers have also found evidence that suggests we can experience two emotions at the same time which explains the emotional value some put into horror films. Our brains are complex organs and they can accomplish incredible feats including the containment of both negative emotions related to the content of a horror film as well as the positive aspect which is overall enjoyment. Simply put, we like to get scared!

Can’t Sleep?

If you don’t like to roll the dice with fear because you’re scared of emotional damage, you’re not entirely off base. There have been extensive studies collected that have found many audiences of horror films experience sleep pattern disruption, increased fear in situations, and traumatic triggered events similar to a horror film. That being said, dealing with our fears is important to our DNA. Dr. Mathias Clasen found that horror movies might become emotional stimulators for fear situations and stimulate the DNA to respond.

Think about these positives when you’re considering watching a horror movie over the Halloween season. Horror movies may not save your life, but it appears that they can be effective in assisting your immune system and fear threshold. Who would have thought that Jason slashing or Leatherface sawing would help us in the long run?