Horror Movies: Do Horror Films Cause Universal Fear?

Horror films entertain audiences grim plot lines, otherworldly figures and cautiously planned jumpscares. These motion productions have earned themselves the lot of sixth most popular movie genres in the United States (Statica, n.d.). The perplexing part of horror films is the paradoxical effect of being scared and fearful while also enjoying the film and hoping for more. The film may involve the supernatural or otherworldly. These figures seem to cause universal fear along with organisms such as spiders and snakes. This unique reaction to these haunters is engraved into homeosapins and not only allows for entertaining flicks but could save a life. When we fear, our body has a unique reaction like no other experience. Horror films are one-of-a-kind,

Without these basic elements, a horror film would only have a loosely binding plot. The question that arises is asks why these elements are universally feared. Spiders and snakes are universally feared by children (Asma, 2015). Many adults and young adults also fear these organisms but some do not. Regardless, this evolutionary fear stems from our ancient ancestors. In the African lands, where homosapians developed, a species of spider or snake could a possible threat to these early humans (Asma, 2015). The venomous bite of a snake or spider would fatally wound or kill the victim. If such spiders and or snakes posed a threat to homeosapins while evolving, it would make sense for this fear to carry over to modern day humans. A fear of venomous creatures would have protected many lives of developing homoeosapins as the fear would cause one to stay away from the dangerous organism. This fear continues as a ‘ghost’ fear today (Asma, 2015). The evolutionary fear of dangerous creatures that once keep us alive are now taken advantage of as a universal fear by the horror

The paradox of the horror industry is why is there an audience in the first place (University of Chicago Press Journals, 2007). Fear is generally a negative emotion, yet so many flock to the theaters to see the newest horror films with better jumpscare, higher pitched music, and a more ominous feel. Some light can be shed on the paradox using the knowledge that horror films allow the viewer to be entertained by anxiety and fear inducing scenarios while in a safe environment. This accompanied by the concoction of chemicals that fear and post-fear release maked horror films enjoyable. After a horror film and during a horror film, adrenaline from the fear and dopamine from the relief are released. Both of these chemicals can create a positive reaction. Adrenaline is often seen in a ‘runner's high’ and dopamine can cause happiness. However, these chemicals are released in varying amounts in one’s brain, causing some to enjoy horror movies and others to not (Ringo, 2013). In addition to the chemical concoction, there is another reason why some may prefer horrifying flixs. The feeling of accomplishment that comes after making it through a horrifying situation can cause a euphoric sensation in some causing them to be drawn to horror movies (Ringo, 2013). When placed in real danger, one may no even notice the hormones that trigger the flight-or-fight response. However, when this response is