Q&A for How to Watch a Horror Movie

Most movies in the horror genre are really scary, and that is what they are made to be. The filmmakers are experienced in knowing what to do in order to make the human brain terrified, so never underestimate a horror movie's scariness potential. If scary movies make you really uncomfortable, do NOT watch them.

Search movie rating websites such as IMBD or Meta Critic for their top horror movies. Or get recommendations from friends and family members.

You can watch the Evil Dead series. They are generally not considered scary. You can also watch short horror films to build up the courage to watch something like Conjuring. A lot of people get scared during scary movies and there is nothing wrong with that. You are not a loser.

It is best if you do it at night if you really want to go all out, but if you are going to get scared, watch it during daylight hours.

Try to convince them. Remind them that it isn't real and tell them you can always turn it off if they get too scared. If they really don't want to watch, ask another friend.

Yes, you most likely will. Knowing that what you're seeing is fake can help you cope with it.

Try something like Goosebumps or Haunted Mansion - they were made specifically for kids.

If you get nightmares from a horror movie, listening to relaxing music, trying meditation, and avoiding irritating foods before bed can all help. For more advice about how to get rid of nightmares, try the wikiHow articles "How to Stop Having Nightmares" or "How to Cope with Nightmares."

Get some popcorn and other snacks and drinks, and some flashlights so you can have some light in case you guys get scared. You can even build a little pillow/blanket fort to watch the movie in if you want.

Just be honest, say you want to hang out, but you don't want to watch horror movies. Suggest an alternative activity.

This is up to you to decide. Someone with a well-managed heart condition who isn't scared easily and can face other situations that get the heart pumping certainly can. Someone with a poorly-managed heart condition who is easily scared and can't handle light exercise or adrenaline-rush situations probably shouldn't. Consult your doctor if you're unsure.

As long as you can remember that the movie is fake and nothing in it is going to happen to you, you should be fine. But you know your own triggers better than anyone else would. If you don't feel comfortable watching the movie, don't do it.

If you don't want to watch a scary movie and you're overwhelmed by the frightening imagery, leave the room or let your friends know that you're scared. If your friends won't change the movie, ask your parents or another friend to pick you up. You should never feel "forced" to watch a scary movie.

"Scary" is defined by you personally. Some movies are considered scary to some people but not to others. If you know someone who has similar movie tastes as you, ask them what they think is scary. I'd personally recommend The Conjuring, Scream, Child's Play, Jaws, The Shining, Halloween, and It. If you don't find these movies scary, you might have a really high threshold for fear.

No one can force you to watch a horror movie, unless you're in some kind of abusive situation, in which case you should tell an adult immediately so you can get some help. If you're at a friend's house and everyone is watching a horror movie, calmly tell them you're uncomfortable, and if they persist in pressuring you, call a parent and ask them to come get you.

Most horror movies are not based on true stories but rumors abound suggesting they are. Moreover, even if they are based on a true story, movies will always add more gore, embellish the details and make things seem really bad because the producers want viewers. Still, that doesn't discount the fact that there is a frisson of fear that some things might actually have happened, so you might want to rethink watching something that could possibly haunt your for ages after.

Those movies are made to be lifelike. That's the reason many people, including kids, are scared. They not real, though. The unexpected screams and sounds make the films even more spooky.

Totally! The only bad thing is a detailed gross blood scene. If you have a strong stomach, go for it!

Before you go see the movie, it is a good idea to do some research on the film's plot and content so that you can prepare yourself for anything that might particularly affect you. It may help to see the movie with a friend, and recognize that there is no shame in looking away from the movie screen or even leaving the theater if anything gets to be too much for you; if the latter is likely, try choosing a seat that's close to the exit.

Some aspects would be true, but most of the movie might be added fictional scenes to make it more interesting.

You should probably not watch it again, and just consider it a bad experience.

Watching horror movies is probably not a great idea if you're scared of blood. It is possible to find scary movies and shows with very little blood. Paranormal entity movies are good choices. If you find yourself watching a movie with blood, remember that it's just a prop and isn't real.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the three scariest horror movies are The Exorcist (1973), Hereditary (2018), and The Conjuring (2013).

IT, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Saw X, A Quiet Place, Smile, Smile 2, A Quiet Place: Day One, or if you’d rather read, you could read the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books.

IT (2017), directed by Andy Muschietti and based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, follows a group of children in the small town of Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise, the Dancing Clown. The movie is set in two timelines: the summer of 1988, when the children first encounter Pennywise, and a later time when they return as adults to confront their fears. The story focuses on this group of misfit kids who form a bond and call themselves “The Losers’ Club” as they try to stop Pennywise. Pennywise preys on the children’s deepest fears, taking the form of whatever they dread most.

Try Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, IT, or even SAW X. A Quiet Place and Smile are okay, too.