In a movie theater, no one can hear you scream.
Horror movies have always been polarizing – some people live for them, while others can’t stand them. But unlike other film genres, horror has a unique breed of haters – the kind who don’t just avoid scary movies but actively mock them.
So why does horror get so much criticism, and why, despite the backlash, does the genre continue to thrive and gain die-hard fans?
Let’s break it down.
The Psychology of Fear: Why Some People Love Horror
People have been asking the same question for decades – why do we enjoy watching people get chased, stabbed, skinned, haunted, or torn apart?
According to psychologists, horror films tap into something primal – our instinct to confront fear in a safe, controlled way.
Keith Outley, a cognitive psychology professor, suggests that horror helps us process real-life fears, much like children outgrow their fear of the dark by facing it in small doses.
Studies have shown that horror movies trigger parts of the brain responsible for fear, excitement, and adrenaline – similar to riding a roller coaster.
Some people crave the rush, while others find the experience overwhelming and unpleasant.
At its core, horror forces us to confront our fears – and for some, that’s thrilling. For others? It’s pure torture.
The Horror-Haters Club: Why Some People Reject Scary Movies
Not everyone is wired to enjoy jump scares and psychological torment. Some people just aren’t into fear – and that’s fine.
But there’s another category of horror haters – the ones who look down on the genre entirely.
“Horror is dumb.”
“It’s illogical and childish.”
“Why do characters always make stupid decisions?”
These are the same people who love action movies where heroes dodge thousands of bullets and romantic comedies where strangers fall in love after one accidental coffee spill – but somehow, horror’s lack of realism is where they draw the line.
Stuart White, a critic from Fansided, put it best:
“Horror movie fans understand the absurdity of the genre – just like wrestling fans know the punches aren’t real. The fun comes from embracing the unbelievable.”
If you want realism, go watch a documentary – but even those can be scarier than horror films (ever seen Faces of Death?).
Torture Porn, Jump Scares & The Divide in Horror Fans
Not all horror movies are the same. Some fans love classic slow-burn horror, while others go for over-the-top gorefests.
A critic for The Washington Post recalled how she loved horror in the ‘80s (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream), but the moment she watched Saw (2004) and saw a character hacking off his own foot, she was done.
Some horror movies focus on suspense and storytelling.
Others are designed to push boundaries and make you uncomfortable.
If you don’t like horror because of one specific subgenre, you’re probably missing out on a style that might work for you.
The Double Standard: Horror vs. Other Movie Genres
Every genre has unrealistic elements, but horror gets called out way more than others.
Action movies: One guy dodges hundreds of bullets and still wins.
Romantic comedies: Two people fall in love after one forced conversation in a city of 8 million people.
Superhero movies: A billionaire in a bat suit solves all crime with gadgets.
We accept these ridiculous setups because they fit the genre. But when a horror character makes a bad decision under pressure, suddenly, people can’t suspend disbelief?
Horror requires its characters to make irrational, fear-driven choices – because that’s how real fear works. If you’ve never been in a life-threatening situation, you might think you’d act logically – but the human brain doesn’t work that way under stress.
If you roll your eyes when teenagers split up in a haunted house, you’re ruining your own experience. It’s like dumping an entire bottle of ketchup on your food and then complaining that it tastes bad.
Why Horror Movies Aren’t Dumb – They Just Challenge You
Yes, horror movies should be criticized when they’re bad – just like bad comedies, bad action movies, and bad dramas deserve criticism.
But writing off an entire genre because “it’s dumb” is lazy. Horror is an art form – one that, when done right, forces you into emotional and psychological spaces no other genre can reach.
Horror can be thought-provoking (The Babadook, Hereditary).
Horror can be pure fun (Evil Dead II, Scream).
Horror can be extreme and unsettling (Martyrs, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre).
What horror does best is put you in situations of discomfort and fear, making you feel something primal. That’s what makes it so powerful – and why it will never die, no matter how many critics try to bury it.
So if you don’t like horror? That’s fine. But maybe, just maybe, you’re missing out on one of the most immersive experiences in film.
Now, let’s talk – what’s the horror movie that made YOU a fan (or made you run for the exits)? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
