Horror movie rituals

Every Friday evening in October, Claire, a 34-year-old project manager, follows the same routine: settling into the dark on her couch for a horror movie. She admits to feeling anxious in her daily life but finds a sense of calm when watching horror films. The structured fear on screen, she says, offers a controlled experience that contrasts with the unpredictable anxieties of real life.

Therapeutic effect of fear

Claire describes feeling "strangely light" after watching horror movies, as if she had released something. She even sleeps better on those nights. This emotional release, she says, is part of the appeal. The experience of fear in a controlled setting allows her to confront and process emotions safely, leaving her with a sense of relief.

Enjoyment of horror among the public

Claire is not an isolated case. A survey by the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University found that over 55% of North American adults enjoy horror movies, books, or games. This widespread enjoyment has led researchers to explore the "paradox of horror": why do people seek out an emotion they are naturally inclined to avoid?

Recreational fear as emotional training

Scientists suggest that recreational fear can act as emotional training for real-life threats. According to the Recreational Fear Lab, watching horror content may help individuals simulate facing danger in a safe environment. This mental exercise can improve emotional regulation and readiness for unexpected crises, similar to how young animals practice confrontations through play.

Horror and pandemic resilience

During the pandemic, horror movie fans reported feeling more resilient than others. Those who enjoyed survival-themed content, such as zombie or apocalyptic scenarios, felt better prepared for the crisis. Similarly, individuals with a strong interest in morbid topics were found to have greater psychological resources, suggesting that exposure to fictional fear might have helped them cope with real-world stress.

Limitations of fictional fear

However, a 2026 study in the journal BMC Psychology suggests caution. Researchers at Saint-Esprit University of Kaslik found that Lebanese students, who had been living through a prolonged crisis, did not feel more resilient due to their preference for horror movies. When real threats are constant and overwhelming, fictional fear may not provide the same psychological benefit.

Security as a prerequisite for fear

The study suggests that enjoying horror might be a sign of feeling secure enough to engage with it. Claire’s experience supports this idea: she can enjoy the fear because she knows she is safe behind the screen. This controlled environment allows her to explore intense emotions without real risk, offering a therapeutic effect that is most beneficial when life is stable and predictable.