So I'm sitting here watching my fiancée play Dead Space 2. It's a very dark game in the literal and figurative sense. And I remember how I used to abhor anything with horror or dark themes. And then, once we started dating, I started watching some scary movies such as Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy verses Jason, and the Saw movies. And I wonder- why do we watch horror movies? Is it for the thrill? To psych ourselves out? The purpose of horror movies used to be to scare teens away from drugs and premarital sex. But that element is dropped now. So what's in it for who now? What are scary movies and games for?

Well, I'm looking to be scared. I don't really always get the satisfaction of a good fright but I find that the anticipation and knee jerking shock at the unexpected twist or "gotcha" scene draws me into the horror/thriller in ways that simple drama cannot. Because the reactions are stronger I feel almost involved in the movie. A well written and exceptionally directed thriller feels more real to me than any 3D movie I've ever seen because it forces emotions from me, the feelings of suspense and disgust and dread make it feel more like I'm experiencing a movie instead of just watching it.

I personally have never understood the draw towards horror movies. They freak me out and most of the time I get nightmares because of them. One of the more scary movies I've ever seen and actually liked was Silence of the Lamb. Things like Nightmare on Elm Street...the Jason movies...movies like that freak me out a lot. I think part of it is the fact that my mom finds movies like that scary and she ingrained those ideas in my mind as well so they effect me even now. I've been trying to slowly open up and start watching at least some of them, but I think it's going to take a while for me to be comfortable watching them on a regular basis.

I guess there could be a draw because people like being scared? I could see how the rush of adrenaline from being scared could be a good rush. I dunno. I guess I'm just one of those people who doesn't like being scared.

I equate it to the rush I get from a roller coaster. You know that feeling you get as you approach an oncoming drop? Fear and a little excitement all at once...I like that from these films.

I've never understood the draw to romance movies.
In the end I think any movie is about experiencing/observing something you find entertaining or for educational purposes (usually this is only the case in non-fiction).
I'm entertained by horror (movies and books - I prefer when they have a suspense element to it though) and don't understand how romance movies are entertaining.
I'm not sure if I could explain why I find it entertaining... I have a fascination with the morbid so it could very well stem from that.

I just like scary stuff.

I know you're looking for a more psychological explanation, but that's just it. There's like this part of me that enjoys dark stuff that feels energized when I look at scary things.

I love bloody horror movies. I have an over active imagination and psychological horrors give me nightmares. Bloody things like Nightmare on Elm Street, I watch them with my boyfriend and we laugh.

I've always been attracted to darker things. Stories, shadows... the unknown is my lover. It gives me goosebumps, shivers and my hair stands on end. I hear whispers in my ear, and I get a thrill from it. A thrill of just how precious life really is.

I'm like rawcookiedough. I just don't understand romance movies. They make me gag with how perfect and lovey their life is. Blech.

Depends on the horror you're looking for. Some love the blood, guts, and gore. Some like the psychological thrillers, that make you sit on the edge of your seat. There are many different kinds of horror.

Personally, I like the suspense and thrillers. Some of the "bloodgutsandgore" movies are okay (like the Saw series) but the ones that make you think, make you wonder what's going on, I like those. You never know what's going to happen, it's the fear of the unknown that terrifies me. And when you are scared, your blood starts pumping. Adrenaline is rushing through. It's a natural, legal high that I like.

See Pweep, I argue that Saw is a blood/gore. I see it as a psychological. The reasoning behind this is because it plays on just how desperate the human spirit can fall. There is a ton of gore, but it's all about making you wonder how far could you survive.

Freddy, Jason, Myers, they're blood/gore horrors.

Originally Posted by Syraannabelle

See Pweep, I argue that Saw is a blood/gore. I see it as a psychological. The reasoning behind this is because it plays on just how desperate the human spirit can fall. There is a ton of gore, but it's all about making you wonder how far could you survive.

Freddy, Jason, Myers, they're blood/gore horrors.

You're right, it's both in sorts of ways. At least...the first couple were. The latter were kind of boring :/ But I've seen them all.

If you're looking for the psychological side of it, it's the absolute rush of adrenaline and the blood pumping and the scare, because you know you're safe at home but there it is, in the very back of your head "but what if it can happen"? Plus, if you're easily frightened, the feeling lasts for longer than the movie. Man, when your heart races, it's insane.

But I just like the idiocy of it all. Like how people fall for the "spiritual ghosts and demons posessing people" kind of crap. Pffft yeah right. People get scared and I laugh. It's awesome.

I wouldn't know, as I generally don't watch horror movies, and when I do it is for similar reasons as for any other movie. The cinematographic style (which is what I like about Kill Bill), the comedy (Dark comedy is one of my favorite kinds), or an interesting philosophical/psychological element. I suspect most people watch horror movies for the gore and tits. Bread and Circus and all that jazz. But that could just be the pessimist in me. Another plus is ones with an actual good story, like The Grudge. The only reason specific to horror movies for me is for the hilarious camp of B Horror movies, though this could technically fall under both cinematographic style and humor.

I'm one of those who didn't like horror at all until I met a boy and fell in love. XD Although I have very specific requirements in order for me to watch a horror movie. I have to be with my fiance and we have to be in some position where he can cover my eyes for the goriest parts of the movie. I'll have nightmares if he doesn't, but I can watch any horror like that. Slasher movies however I cannot watch because it's all about the gore.

Lol my ex-girlfriend would bury her face in my chest during a lot of scary parts of movies, even though they were always movies she picked @_@

Yeah, girls will use the excuse of a scary movie to snuggle in with their love. :) I know I've done it. XD

Oh yeah! I love horror movies but one time my boyfriend and I decided to watch Haunting in Connecticut, and I spent the entire movie curled up into a ball against his chest. I hated the movie, loved the moment ^.-

Originally Posted by Explodey

I just like scary stuff.

I know you're looking for a more psychological explanation, but that's just it. There's like this part of me that enjoys dark stuff that feels energized when I look at scary things.

My dear, I'm looking for whatever you feel to comment. Simple works fine too. Brings you straight to the point, and usually doesn't need explanation. ^_^

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Originally Posted by Hayzel

I'm one of those who didn't like horror at all until I met a boy and fell in love. XD Although I have very specific requirements in order for me to watch a horror movie. I have to be with my fiance and we have to be in some position where he can cover my eyes for the goriest parts of the movie. I'll have nightmares if he doesn't, but I can watch any horror like that. Slasher movies however I cannot watch because it's all about the gore.

Yeah, same with me.

Hmm...I hate scary movies because I end up having nightmares about them for a whole entire year afterwards, but I love them...because of the thrill maybe? I don't know, really, I've always kind of liked scaring the shit out of myself, like watching Paranormal Activity (the TV show) because I was curious and for the thrill, and then regretting it later at night when I started imagining things and sounds. >.>

I honestly don't know...I guess there's a part of me that enjoys the thrill? Slasher/killer movies aren't as effective on me as paranormal movies are though.

For entertainment. I love a good (and sometimes hilariously bad) horror movie.