Is horror good for your health? The surprising effects of scary movies
September 25, 2025By: Trevin Lambert
Categories: Your Wellness
It might sound ghoulish, but watching a horror movie could be just what the doctor ordered. Turns out, scary movies aren’t just for spine-tingling thrills and popcorn spills — studies show they might actually be good for you.
Do you like scary movies?
Horror is a genre designed to evoke fear and suspense, often through supernatural elements, psychological tension or good old-fashioned jump scares. From haunted houses and creepy clowns to eerie music and “Don’t go in there!” moments, horror taps into our primal emotions. And strangely enough, that’s part of the appeal.
“Watching a scary movie is a controlled way to experience fear,” explains Caroline Rowse, MSW, LCSW, behavioral health navigator at NKC Health. “It allows individuals to feel as if they are in control of the fear without there being any real danger. Being in control of our fear and emotions can help us learn how to cope better throughout life.”
We watch horror to feel something intense — to be thrilled, challenged and even comforted by the idea that we can face fear and come out the other side. From heart-pounding suspense to brain-boosting chills, horror films may offer some frightfully fascinating benefits for your health.
What are the health benefits of watching a scary movie… if you dare?
Whether you're a horror buff or just starting to explore the spooky side of cinema, the genre might offer more than just goosebumps and gasps. So, dim the lights, grab some snacks and settle in, because here’s what a fright-filled film fest can do for your health:
- Boost your heart and adrenaline – The suspense and jump scares get your heart pumping, giving you a mini workout for your heart and a rush of adrenaline.
- Strengthen your emotional resilience – Facing pretend dangers helps you practice managing fear and uncertainty, which can make real-life stress feel more manageable.
- Improve your mood – Many horror fans report feeling a mix of excitement and relief after the movie, giving a natural mood boost.
- Sharpen your senses – Paying close attention to details in suspenseful scenes can improve focus and awareness.
- Enhance your creativity and problem-solving – Immersing yourself in imaginative, unpredictable stories can spark creative thinking and help you think outside the box.
- Provide a safe space to confront fear – Horror lets you explore fear without real-world consequences, helping your mind process anxiety in a controlled setting.
Rowse notes that horror films are temporary, with a clear ending. “In real life, situations can almost feel inescapable. Horror films can allow some to confront, process and release emotions in a safe environment. Sometimes this can lead to people having less anxiety and stress.”
Who you gonna call?
And yes, “Ghostbusters” could be considered gateway horror.
Your doctor, for one, would be a good call to make. While scary movies can have health benefits for some, they aren’t for everyone. Some may experience the suspense or violence as overwhelming, triggering stress or anxiety, and have trouble sleeping afterward. Rowse says this distinction comes down to the type of stress you’re experiencing.
“Not all stress is bad. Good stress can be healthy for us. It increases our energy and focus to help complete tasks we feel are doable. Good stress can even cause excitement and motivation, which can lead to positive self-growth when managed correctly,” she says. “Bad stress, on the other hand, is when we feel overwhelmed or powerless. It can lead to anxiety, depression, physical symptoms and impact our ability to function.”
After the credits roll, talk with your NKC Health provider if you feel unusually anxious, stressed or notice negative changes in your mood.
This Halloween, if you’re brave enough to hit play, embrace the suspense, the jump scares and the “Why are they splitting up?” moments. Your body and mind might just thank you for it.
Happy haunting!
