Why Horror is Actually Good for You 💀

Facing Fear, Finding Relief

Horror movies are often dismissed as guilty pleasures, but science says otherwise. Watching horror can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost mental resilience. When we voluntarily expose ourselves to fear in a controlled setting—like a dark theatre or under the covers at home—our brains process it as a safe yet intense experience, triggering adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins. It’s a workout for the nervous system, and surprisingly, it can leave us feeling stronger and more in control.

Horror as a Stress Release

According to researchers, horror movies create a temporary spike in stress hormones, but once the scare is over, our body returns to baseline, often at a lower stress level than before. This cycle of tension and release works like a psychological reset button, helping us process real-life anxieties in a more manageable way. A study even found that people who watched horror regularly coped better during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were more accustomed to dealing with fear.

The Thrill of Control

Unlike real-life dangers, horror films provide fear with boundaries. We can choose to pause, look away, or remind ourselves “It’s just a movie.” This controlled fear exposure helps build emotional resilience, teaching our brains how to respond to stress without real consequences. It’s why some people feel energized and empowered after a good horror flick—because they faced fear and came out unscathed.

Horror is Healthy

Beyond stress relief, horror has physical benefits too. Elevated heart rates can mimic the effects of light exercise, and some studies suggest horror can burn calories. Meanwhile, the community aspect of horror—whether watching with friends or discussing theories—helps foster connection and shared catharsis.

So next time someone asks why you love horror, tell them it’s for your health. After all, nothing feels quite as good as surviving a nightmare… and pressing play on the next one.

There’s something deeply liberating about horror—it refuses to be polite, it refuses to be quiet. – Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night)

Written by Sapna Moti Bhavnani