Why Do Horror Films Make Us Feel Scared Despite Knowing They Are Not Real?

The question often arises: why do horror films manage to instill fear in viewers despite their knowledge that they are not real? While many might argue that fear in these movies is merely a product of suspension of disbelief, there are deeper psychological and biological factors at play. This article delves into the reasons why horror films can still evoke fear in us, even when we consciously know that they are just a form of entertainment.

The Sci-Fi vs. What-If Scenario

Consider the eerie scenes in a horror film set in a dark, abandoned sewer. When someone says, "the clown in the sewer is fake, don't worry!" is our instinct to dismiss it immediately? Often, we acknowledge that the horror scenes are not literal representations of reality, yet they still evoke a sense of dread. This is because, deep down, horror films often tap into our fear of the unknown. In the case of the sewers, the fear is not just of the visible presence but of the unseen horrors that lurk within.

The Real and What-If Scenarios

Many horror films play with scenarios that, while highly unlikely to occur, are scientifically plausible enough to be terrifying. Examples include a mad German scientist pouring acid onto someone's face, which, while not commonly seen, isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. Similarly, the idea of a zombie apocalypse, while it might not happen in our lifetime, is a scenario that many people devoutly hope won’t come to pass. The fear here is more about the uncontrollable and the uncontrollable death caused by such an event.

The Psychological and Biological Factors

Psychologically, horror films exploit our primal instincts. We are hardwired to be alert to danger and react to threats quickly. This is why scenes in horror films that evoke fear can still elicit a fear response, even if we are fully aware that these scenes are fictional. Studies have shown that horror films can trigger the release of adrenaline and evoke the fight or flight response in our brains. This response is a vestigial feature of our evolutionary past, helping us to react quickly to perceived threats.

Triggers and Subconscious Mind

Another reason why horror films remain so effective is that they often play into our fear triggers. Whether it's the fear of the dark, woods, or even death, horror films exploit these triggers to create an emotional response. Our conscious mind might tell us that the fear is not real, but our subconscious mind can still be affected by these primal fears, making us feel genuinely scared.

Entertainment Theory

From an entertainment theory perspective, horror films offer an unwanted yet thrilling experience. We are drawn to these films not just for the fear they instill but also for the enjoyment derived from experiencing fear and relief. This is the so-called 'horror as safety in numbers' phenomenon, where we face our fears in a controlled environment. It's the same reason why roller coasters are popular—they provide a sense of controlled danger and excitement without real risk.

The question of why horror films can still be so frightening is multifaceted. It involves both the psychological and biological aspects of our response to fear and the specific triggers that horror films use to exploit these fears. Despite our understanding that horror films are just stories, the combination of these factors ensures that they can still leave a lasting impact and continue to hold a place in the realm of popular entertainment.