Lights Out! The Ultimate Guide to Watching Horror Movies (and Surviving)
Are you ready to face your fears? Horror movies offer a thrilling and visceral experience, but diving headfirst into the genre can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a seasoned scream queen or a nervous newbie, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch a horror movie – and maybe even enjoy it! We’ll cover everything from choosing the right movie to creating the perfect viewing environment, and even offer tips on how to cope with the inevitable scares.
## Part 1: Preparation is Key – Setting the Stage for Terror
Before you even hit play, careful preparation can make or break your horror movie experience. A well-chosen film in the right setting can amplify the suspense and chills, while a poor selection or distracting environment can ruin the fun (or lack thereof, depending on your perspective!).
**1. Choosing Your Weapon (The Movie Selection):**
The most crucial step is selecting the right horror movie. Horror is a broad genre, encompassing everything from psychological thrillers to gory slashers. Consider your tolerance level and what kind of scares you find appealing (or terrifying!).
* **Know Your Subgenres:** Familiarize yourself with different horror subgenres. Do you prefer the slow-burn tension of a psychological thriller like *The Babadook*? Or the jump scares and gore of a slasher film like *Halloween*? Perhaps you enjoy the supernatural chills of a ghost story like *The Conjuring*? Understanding your preferences will help you narrow down your options.
* **Psychological Horror:** Relies on creating unease, dread, and paranoia through atmosphere, character development, and suggestion, rather than explicit violence. Examples include *The Shining*, *Rosemary’s Baby*, and *Get Out*.
* **Slasher:** Features a masked killer who stalks and murders victims, often teenagers. Examples include *Halloween*, *Friday the 13th*, and *Scream*.
* **Supernatural Horror:** Focuses on ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities. Examples include *The Exorcist*, *The Conjuring*, and *Insidious*.
* **Found Footage:** Presented as recovered video footage, often creating a sense of realism and immediacy. Examples include *The Blair Witch Project*, *Paranormal Activity*, and *REC*.
* **Creature Feature:** Features monsters, aliens, or mutated creatures. Examples include *Alien*, *The Thing*, and *Jaws* (arguably, depending on how you define horror).
* **Gothic Horror:** Characterized by dark and gloomy settings, decaying castles, and themes of death, decay, and madness. Examples include *Dracula*, *Frankenstein*, and *The Haunting of Hill House* (the original novel or 1963 film).
* **Zombie Horror:** Centers around hordes of undead creatures who crave human flesh. Examples include *Night of the Living Dead*, *Dawn of the Dead*, and *28 Days Later*.
* **Read Reviews and Watch Trailers:** Before committing to a movie, read reviews from reputable sources and watch the trailer. This will give you a better idea of the movie’s tone, plot, and overall scariness. Be careful to avoid spoilers, though!
* **Consider Your Company:** Are you watching alone or with friends? Some movies are better suited for a group viewing experience, while others are best enjoyed in solitary darkness. Gauge your friends’ tolerance levels as well. Don’t force someone to watch something they’ll hate (or that will give them nightmares for weeks).
* **Start Small:** If you’re new to horror, don’t jump straight into the deep end with the most extreme or graphic films. Begin with something milder, like a PG-13 horror movie or a classic with a slower pace. Gradually work your way up to more intense fare as you become more comfortable.
**2. Crafting the Perfect Viewing Environment:**
The atmosphere in which you watch a horror movie can significantly impact your experience. The right setting can amplify the scares and immerse you in the story, while a poorly chosen environment can distract you and diminish the impact.
* **Darkness is Your Friend:** Dim the lights or turn them off completely. Darkness enhances the sense of isolation and vulnerability, making the scares more effective. Consider closing the curtains or blinds to block out any external light.
* **Minimize Distractions:** Turn off your phone, put it on silent, or place it in another room. Close any unnecessary apps on your TV or streaming device. Avoid any distractions that might pull you out of the movie’s world. This includes chatty housemates, noisy pets (unless their reactions add to the fun!), and unfinished tasks nagging at the back of your mind.
* **Sound is Crucial:** Use headphones or a good sound system. Sound design is a critical component of horror movies. A good sound system or headphones will allow you to fully appreciate the subtle cues, unsettling noises, and sudden jolts that contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread. A cheap bluetooth speaker simply won’t cut it.
* **Comfort is Key (Mostly):** Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down. You want to be relaxed enough to immerse yourself in the movie, but not so comfortable that you fall asleep! A cozy blanket is a good idea, but maybe not your *favorite* blanket… just in case something messy happens on screen.
* **Snacks and Drinks (But Choose Wisely):** Prepare some snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. But be mindful of what you choose. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that might make you jittery. Opt for calming snacks like popcorn, pretzels, or fruit. And keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. Avoid anything that could cause anxiety like red-dyed drinks that look like blood!
* **The Buddy System (Optional):** Watching with a friend or partner can make the experience less daunting, especially if you’re easily scared. Having someone to share the scares (and the laughter) can make the whole thing more enjoyable. Just make sure you choose someone who won’t talk through the entire movie!
**3. Mental Preparation: Getting Your Head in the Game**
Preparing your mind for the onslaught of scares is just as important as preparing your environment. A few simple mental exercises can help you manage your anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable (or at least, less terrifying).
* **Acknowledge Your Fear:** It’s okay to be scared! Don’t try to suppress your fear. Acknowledge it and accept that you’re about to watch something designed to frighten you. Knowing this can help you feel more in control.
* **Remember It’s Just a Movie:** Remind yourself that what you’re watching is not real. It’s a work of fiction created for entertainment purposes. The actors are acting, the special effects are fake, and the monsters are just people in costumes (usually). Repeat this mantra as needed.
* **Visualize the Outcome:** Imagine yourself successfully watching the movie without succumbing to overwhelming fear. Visualize yourself calmly reacting to the scares and enjoying the thrill of the experience. Positive visualization can help reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
* **Set Expectations:** Don’t expect to love every horror movie. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. If you don’t enjoy a particular movie, that’s okay. Just move on to the next one. This will also help you to avoid disappointment if the reviews were better than the movie itself.
## Part 2: Surviving the Night – Strategies for Managing the Scares
Okay, the lights are off, the popcorn is ready, and the opening credits are rolling. Now it’s time to face the horror. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some strategies for managing the scares and surviving the night.
**1. Recognizing and Reacting to Jump Scares:**
Jump scares are a staple of the horror genre. They’re designed to startle you with sudden noises, quick movements, and unexpected appearances. While they can be effective, they can also be predictable and annoying. Here’s how to recognize and react to them.
* **Learn the Warning Signs:** Pay attention to the movie’s pacing and sound design. Jump scares often occur after periods of quiet tension, or when the music suddenly swells. Knowing this can help you anticipate them and brace yourself.
* **The Power of the Pillow (or Blanket):** Keep a pillow or blanket handy to hide behind during particularly scary scenes. Covering your eyes can help you avoid the visual shock of a jump scare, while still allowing you to hear the sounds and experience the tension. Don’t squeeze it *too* tight though, you might pull a muscle.
* **Don’t Look Away (Completely):** While it might be tempting to close your eyes during a scary scene, try to resist the urge. Peeking through your fingers or squinting can actually make the experience more manageable. Fully closing your eyes can sometimes amplify the fear, as your imagination fills in the blanks.
* **Breathing Exercises:** If you feel your heart racing, take slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This can help calm your nerves and slow your heart rate. This can also help avoid hyperventilation which is something no one wants.
* **Embrace the Absurdity:** Sometimes, the best way to cope with a jump scare is to laugh it off. Acknowledge the fact that you were just startled and find humor in the situation. This can help diffuse the tension and make the experience less overwhelming. Don’t feel silly for reacting, that’s the point!
**2. Navigating Gore and Violence:**
Gore and violence are common elements in many horror movies. While some people find them thrilling, others find them disturbing. Here’s how to navigate these scenes.
* **Know Your Limits:** Be honest with yourself about your tolerance for gore and violence. If you know you’re easily disturbed by graphic imagery, choose movies that are less focused on gore. Research the movie beforehand and look for warnings about graphic content.
* **Look Away (It’s Okay!):** It’s perfectly acceptable to look away during particularly graphic scenes. Don’t feel pressured to watch something that makes you uncomfortable. Mute the sound, grab that pillow, and wait for the scene to pass.
* **Focus on the Story:** Try to focus on the story and the characters, rather than the gore and violence. This can help you distance yourself from the graphic imagery and see it as part of the overall narrative. Consider the message the movie is trying to convey (if there is one).
* **Remember It’s Special Effects:** Remind yourself that the gore and violence are not real. It’s all created using special effects and makeup. The actors are not actually being harmed. Thinking about the process that goes into creating these effects can sometimes make them less disturbing.
* **Take a Break:** If you find the gore and violence overwhelming, take a break. Pause the movie and step away for a few minutes. Do something to distract yourself, like listening to music or talking to a friend. Then, decide if you want to continue watching or not.
**3. Dealing with Psychological Horror:**
Psychological horror relies on creating unease, dread, and paranoia, rather than explicit violence. This type of horror can be particularly unsettling, as it plays on your fears and anxieties. Here’s how to deal with it.
* **Recognize the Techniques:** Psychological horror movies often use techniques like unreliable narrators, dream sequences, and ambiguous imagery to create a sense of uncertainty and disorientation. Being aware of these techniques can help you understand how the movie is manipulating your emotions.
* **Question Everything:** Don’t take everything you see and hear at face value. Question the motives of the characters, the reality of the events, and the overall message of the movie. This can help you maintain a sense of control and avoid getting swept away by the movie’s psychological manipulation.
* **Analyze the Themes:** Psychological horror movies often explore complex themes like trauma, mental illness, and societal anxieties. Analyzing these themes can help you understand the deeper meaning of the movie and connect with it on a more intellectual level. This can also make the experience less frightening, as you’re focusing on the ideas rather than the scares.
* **Talk It Out:** After watching a psychological horror movie, talk about it with a friend or therapist. Discuss your thoughts and feelings about the movie and how it made you feel. This can help you process the experience and release any lingering anxiety or unease.
* **Practice Self-Care:** Engage in self-care activities after watching a psychological horror movie. Take a relaxing bath, listen to calming music, or spend time with loved ones. This can help you de-stress and restore your sense of well-being.
**4. The Importance of Breaks and Perspective:**
Even the most seasoned horror fan can benefit from taking breaks and maintaining perspective. Here’s why.
* **Prevent Burnout:** Watching too much horror can lead to desensitization and burnout. Taking breaks can help you avoid this and keep the experience fresh and exciting. Schedule breaks between movies or switch to a different genre for a while.
* **Regain Perspective:** Horror movies can sometimes distort your perception of reality. Taking breaks can help you regain perspective and remember that what you’re watching is not real. Step outside, get some fresh air, and remind yourself that the world is not as scary as it seems on screen.
* **Process Your Emotions:** Horror movies can evoke a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to excitement and exhilaration. Taking breaks can give you time to process these emotions and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Reflect on what you’ve watched and how it made you feel.
* **Change the Atmosphere:** If you start feeling too overwhelmed by the movie change the atmosphere of the room. Open some curtains and let in some light to make the room feel more open and less scary. Distract yourself by going on social media or playing a mindless game for a few minutes.
## Part 3: After the Credits Roll – Dealing with the Aftermath
The movie’s over, but the scares might linger. Here’s how to deal with the aftermath and ensure a good night’s sleep.
**1. Debriefing and Discussion:**
Talking about the movie can help you process your emotions and make sense of what you’ve just seen.
* **Discuss Your Favorite (and Least Favorite) Parts:** Share your thoughts and feelings about the movie with your friends or partner. Discuss what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what scared you the most. This can help you gain a new perspective on the movie and connect with others who have seen it.
* **Analyze the Plot and Themes:** Delve deeper into the plot and themes of the movie. Discuss the characters, their motivations, and the underlying message of the story. This can help you appreciate the movie on a more intellectual level and understand its cultural significance.
* **Share Your Theories and Interpretations:** Offer your own theories and interpretations of the movie. What did you think the ending meant? What were the characters really trying to say? Sharing your ideas can spark interesting conversations and lead to new insights.
* **Read Reviews and Articles:** Read reviews and articles about the movie to see what other people thought. This can expose you to different perspectives and interpretations, and help you deepen your understanding of the film.
**2. Calming Your Nerves:**
If you’re feeling anxious or restless after watching a horror movie, try these calming techniques.
* **Relaxation Techniques:** Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help calm your mind and body and reduce anxiety.
* **Soothing Activities:** Engage in soothing activities like reading a book, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath. These activities can help you relax and unwind.
* **Avoid Scary Content:** Avoid watching or reading any more scary content before bed. This can further stimulate your mind and make it harder to fall asleep.
* **Comforting Sounds:** Play something lighthearted and comforting to drown out any scary sounds that may be lurking in the house. A favorite comedy podcast or comforting music playlist can help take your mind off the movie.
**3. Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep:**
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for recovering from a horror movie marathon. Here’s how to ensure you sleep soundly.
* **Establish a Bedtime Routine:** Stick to a regular bedtime routine. This can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
* **Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment:** Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to minimize distractions.
* **Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol:** Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can interfere with your sleep.
* **Use a Night Light:** If you’re feeling particularly scared, use a night light. A small amount of light can help you feel more secure without disrupting your sleep too much.
* **Check Under the Bed (If You Must):** If you’re truly paranoid, a quick check under the bed or in the closet might ease your anxiety. But try to resist the urge! The less you dwell on the movie, the better.
**4. When to Seek Professional Help:**
If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, nightmares, or other negative symptoms after watching horror movies, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies.
* **Recognize the Symptoms:** Be aware of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These symptoms can include persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in activities.
* **Talk to a Therapist:** If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to a therapist. A therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your distress and develop strategies for managing your symptoms.
* **Consider Medication:** In some cases, medication may be necessary to treat anxiety or depression. Talk to your doctor about whether medication is right for you.
## Conclusion: Embrace the Fear (Responsibly)
Watching horror movies can be a fun and thrilling experience. By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for the scares, manage your anxiety, and ensure a good night’s sleep. Remember to choose movies that are appropriate for your tolerance level, create a comfortable viewing environment, and practice self-care. And most importantly, embrace the fear – responsibly!