Scary Movies and Mental Health: 5 Surprising Benefits
- David McDaniel, LCSW
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
(The following is an update of a blog post from 2023.)
It’s Halloween season again, and for many of us that means a night of spooky movies, popcorn, and just the right amount of chills. While it might sound odd, research suggests that scary movies can actually support our mental health. Here are five ways horror films may help, and a few titles you might try for each.
1. Building resilience through stress release
When we watch a scary movie, our bodies release adrenaline and stress hormones. Over time, our brains can adapt to these sensations, making us less sensitive to everyday stressors. Widening our “window of tolerance” can boost mood regulation and even reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. The experience can also be cathartic, giving us space to process emotions like fear, anger, or sadness in a safe way.
A Quiet Place (heart-pounding suspense) The Conjuring (old-school haunted horror), or the original Halloween (jump scares and suspense).
2. Facing fears in a safe environment
Horror can serve as “cinematic exposure therapy,” helping us confront common phobias without taking real-world risks. If someone fears spiders or heights, movies can provide a low-stakes way to encounter those triggers. Watching characters survive their fears can also spark a sense of empowerment in us.
Arachnophobia (spiders), The Descent (claustrophobia), Lights Out (fear of the dark), or the classic – and not very scary – Vertigo (fear of heights).
3. Strengthening empathy
Following fictional characters through terrifying ordeals can deepen our capacity for compassion. Horror often places us in the shoes of people we wouldn’t normally relate to, evoking strong emotions and empathy for their struggles... even if we find ourselves yelling, “Why are you going into the basement?”
Get Out (social horror with empathy-building themes), Train to Busan (emotional connections amid chaos), The Orphanage (grief and maternal love), or The Others (gothic atmosphere and loss).
4. Bonding with others
Scary movies can be more fun when shared. Watching horror with friends or family creates shared memories, strengthens social bonds, and often leads to laughter that helps release tension. Plus, some moviemakers deliberately weave laughs throughout their film to ease the tension and comment on the film itself.
Scary Movie (parody played for laughs), The Cabin in the Woods (frequently funny meta-horror), Ready or Not (dark comedy about survival games), or Happy Death Day (equal amounts horror and comedy).
5. Exploring global culture
Horror is a worldwide phenomenon, and exploring international films can connect us with diverse cultures and storytelling traditions. Japanese J-horror, Italian Giallo, and Korean thrillers all offer unique ways of portraying fear.
Ringu (Japan), Suspiria (Italy), The Wailing (South Korea), REC (Spain), One Cut of the Dead (Japan), or Let The Right One In (Sweden).
A Note of Caution
If you have a history of trauma or abuse, some horror films may be triggering. Streaming services usually list content warnings, so check the warnings before pressing play. Know your limits, set boundaries, and step away if a movie feels overwhelming!
Scary movies aren’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. As Sheriff Judy quips in Scream 5, “I prefer animated films and musicals.” If that’s you, lighthearted Halloween classics like The Addams Family, Beetlejuice, Monster House, or Hocus Pocus can still bring seasonal fun without heavy scares.
Occasional fright flicks may help manage everyday stressors, but they’re never a substitute for in-person treatment from a professional therapist. Bodhi Counseling has some of the best around!
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