The scariest movies of all time are these, says science (2024)

FAQs

What is the science behind horror movies? ›

Horror entertainment can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which comes with a boost in adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine. The brain can then process surroundings and conclude that the experience is not a genuine threat. This knowledge of personal safety is one reason horror fans habitually watch scary movies.

Dr Knowles added that horror movies provide people with a “safe way” to explore being frightened because in films, “the objects of fear are discrete and more simplistic than in real life”. She added: “Through this safe interaction, we can learn to cope with negative emotions and develop resilience to fear and stress.

Horror movies are often banned in countries due to their disturbing content, such as extreme torture, sexual abuse, and graphic violence. The Bunny Game, Grotesque, Salò, and The Human Centipede 2 are examples of banned horror movies because of their deeply disturbing and graphic scenes.

From subtle whispers in the background to all-out pandemonium as a chorus of demonic voices envelop the theater, the sense that you're being constantly pursued by otherworldly voices is palpable and relentless in The Exorcist.

Something called “horror-induced horniness” has a lot to do with the body's physiological response to fear. When we're scared, our bodies typically have some natural and hormonal responses reports Refinery 29. Our adrenaline and cortisol levels go up and blood goes to our extremities.

The study found that people who had two identical COMT genes had higher anxiety levels and were more susceptible to being terrified. Whereas those who had different versions of the gene were more likely to enjoy, say, a scary movie and even laugh at the most 'terrifying' parts.

Fear can trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol, the body's stress hormones. Your brain also releases endorphins and dopamine because of the stimulation. Endorphins are hormones that alleviate pain and stress, while dopamine is a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.

He explains that Untold is so scary that, according to a Netflix report he has on hand, almost every viewer shuts the movie off at exactly 9 minutes and 45 seconds in.

Horror movie fans are finding themselves unable to get to the end of Soft & Quiet because of its terrifying plot. The terrifying movie, which was originally released in 2022, arrived on Netflix this month. Written and directed by Beth de Araújo, it has been described as 'intense' and 'daring'.

Skinamarink is scary because it is immediately what it is. Mommy and daddy are gone, and their two children — Kaylee and Kevin — must fend for themselves in a house that has trapped them within it: doors, windows, and even the toilet disappearing (the fantasy of flushing oneself down the drain).

Is Sinister based on a true story? ›

Writer C. Robert Cargill says that his inspiration for Sinister came from a nightmare he experienced after seeing the 2002 horror film The Ring, in which he discovered a film in his attic depicting the hanging of an entire family. This scenario became the setup for the plot of Sinister.