It doesn’t matter the medium with which we consume horror but the fact remains that the horror genre has always been a hugely popular one. From books to movies to even video games. People enjoy being scared. We want that rush of adrenaline, the nervous feeling of not know what is around the corner and that scare that takes over leaving us breathing heavy. So why do we all love horror?
The question is why though? Why do we enjoy that feeling? In an article by Haiyang Yang and Kuangjie Zhang they say “One reason we consume horror is to experience stimulation. Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us, both mentally and physically, in opposing ways: negatively (in the form of fear or anxiety) or positively (in the form of excitement or joy).”
It’s an intriguing idea that we would seek out the feeling of fear and find ourselves enjoying that feeling. The thrill of horror captivates many, as it challenges our perceptions of safety and comfort while simultaneously providing a sense of exhilaration. I enjoy horror for more than just the scares, but those are the primary aspects that we associate with the genre.
The heart-pounding suspense and the unexpected twists often keep us on the edge of our seats, further drawing us into the narrative. A good horror film can also allow you to feel a wide range of emotions, from laughter to sadness, often intertwining humor with the darkness to create a more profound experience. This emotional rollercoaster can evoke empathy for the characters, making their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply within us.
A good horror book can allow your imagination to tell the story with you, enabling personalized interpretations that can feel even more haunting and intimate. The act of reading allows us to immerse ourselves fully in the story, conjuring vivid images and sensations that may linger long after the last page is turned.
The horror genre is more than just ghosts or zombies in any medium that it is consumed. There are plenty of subgenres to give someone exactly what they want. Ghost stories to Torture Horror. I think one of the best things about the genre is it’s wide range. Something for everyone. No matter why you like horror, it is a genre that it’s meant to evoke emotions. Isn’t that the best part?
My favorites
Books
The Collector by John Fowles – Published in the 60’s. It’s a wonderful psychological thriller/horror. About desperation and loneliness that was in my opinion ahead of it’s time.
The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich – One of the first found footage type books I read but a classic ghost story that has just a bit more meat to it.
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero – It’s a Lovecraftian book that is well crafted and a lot of fun to read.
Movies
Hereditary – This is an epic movie that has an undercurrent of ghosts but also a darker aspect that really makes the whole movie amazing.
Paranormal Activity – A classic ghost story that is chilling and really well crafted. It’s the best of the series for me.
Saw – I’m not one for gore but this set the bar for a whole lot of gore movies. It is an suspensful horror movie that I think everyone should see.
Video Games – Emika Games
Summer of ’58 – It’s a simple game of proving that ghosts aren’t real but finding that you are very wrong. It’s jump scare city but I adored the story as well.
Locked Up – This was an amazingly executed horror game. From looking as if you are watching what is happening on a vhs tape to experiencing things first hand. Love it! It’s more than just a ghost story.
Find Yourself – It was creepy and frustrating but worth every second. An interesting story with perfect scares.
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