Horror films (or other films that have horrific scenes) are fun. However, movies like that are just not fun if they scare you so much, or create horrors and nightmares even after the movie ends. Try learning how to reduce or eliminate your fear of watching scary movies.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Watch a Movie
Step 1. Watch a movie with friends
Make sure you watch scary movies with other people who are close enough to you. Bring more friends, family, or even pets if you watch a movie at home.
- Talk to your friend about the movie you're going to watch and ask if he or she will be scared when they watch it. It's good that you understand that most people are afraid of horror movies, whether they admit it or not because that's what horror movies are all about.
- If you're watching a movie at the theater, make sure you have people you know beside you whenever possible, without empty seats, strangers, or the aisle next to you that might make you uncomfortable.
- You can ask your friend if you are allowed to hold his hand or come closer to him when a gruesome scene is shown. Usually, people will be happy when they can make you feel calmer!
Step 2. Watch the movie in a bright and comfortable place
If possible, watch movies with the lights on. Make yourself comfortable by sitting on a sofa, chair, or floor to make you feel more secure.
- Don't watch movies when it's dark or if you need to sleep afterward. Watch a horror DVD during the day, or buy tickets for a matinee at the cinema.
- Sit next to a wall. Don't let you feel that something is behind you.
- You can even watch movies in a room that is also used by other people for activities. This can distract you and remind you of reality while the movie is playing.
Step 3. Prepare a blanket or sweater with a hood
Wear a hooded sweater or other clothing that makes you feel comfortable and safe. Wrap yourself in a blanket if you wish, or snuggle a pillow against your chest.
- You can wear a hooded sweater at the movies to keep yourself warm in what is generally cold, make your body feel good, or even hide your face if you prefer.
- You can share a blanket with your friends so you feel closer to others and warmer. The warmth and comfort help you not to tremble or feel vulnerable when frightened.
Step 4. Read the information about the movie you want to watch
Know the movie to watch before enjoying it at the cinema or someone's house. By knowing what will happen to the plot, you will not be so surprised when terrible scenes appear.
- Watch video trailers or other scenes from the film online. If you have watched these videos before, you will be ready to see the scary scenes that are usually shown in the video trailer.
- You can listen to the soundtrack for the movie if it's available on the internet. Do simple fun activities during the day while listening to these filler songs. In the end, the song won't sound scary. Fillers often make scary scenes even more terrifying, but they won't be as scary if you don't cringe anymore when you hear the filler songs play.
- If you've seen the film, you can still refresh your memory by reading or watching content related to the film, or simply understanding that you won't be so frightened by what you've seen.
Method 2 of 3: Closing Your Eyes or Hearing
Step 1. Close your eyes when a scary scene appears
Just block your view from the screen when you feel that a terrible scene is about to appear. Close your eyes or block your view with your hands, hat, hood, or blanket.
- If you don't want to be seen as blatantly closing your eyes, try pretending to blink slowly by closing your eyes for a few seconds. You can also block the view with a low hood or hat so you can still look like you're watching, even if you're not.
- Pay attention to the clues the film gives to signal the appearance of a big surprise (jump scare). Listen to unpleasant music or look for moments when the protagonist is alone or in the dark that seems safe at the time.
Step 2. Cover your ears so you can't hear the filler song
Block out the soundtrack so the movie scene doesn't look too scary. Oftentimes, filler songs make the scary scene more dramatic.
- Cover your ears with your fingers when you feel that a scary scene is about to appear. Remember to pay attention to when the music starts to sound scary. After that, you can cover your ears when the scene starts to feel tense.
- If you don't want people around you knowing that you're covering your ears, try wearing headphone earbuds or earplugs throughout the movie. You can hide it with your hair, hat, or sweater hood. Keep in mind that using these devices can block out all sounds around you. You may also not be able to hear your friend's voice when he or she tries to talk to you.
Step 3. Go if you can
Tell your friends or family that you need to leave the room or theater when you suspect that a gruesome scene is about to occur. You can make excuses to go to the bathroom or buy a snack, for example.
- Make sure you don't use the same excuses too often during the movie, or go away for too long. Bring a snack when you return if you say you want to buy a snack. Do your best to make your “screenplay” more realistic.
- You can even search the internet for databases that show when the big surprises will come so you know when it's the right moment to go.
Step 4. Have a snack or play something to distract yourself
Have a snack, drink, or gum ready to keep you busy and keep your jaw from getting stiff. You can also play with small objects with your hands to distract yourself.
- Try squeezing a stress ball, playing with a small toy, or doing something else that helps you relieve tension while remaining calm.
- Distract yourself by talking and laughing with your friends while the movie is playing (as long as your friends aren't bothered). You can also look up silly or weird things from movies, or just remind yourself that your friends are real, and the movies you're watching are just made-up scenes.
Method 3 of 3: Thinking During Movie Screening
Step 1. Think about the process of making a film
Imagine all the people and factors involved in the filmmaking process, but not shown on the screen. Remind yourself that everything that happens in the film is not real and it is just the result of the great construction of the cast and crew of the film.
- Imagine the film director giving orders behind the camera, other people setting the light, sound, and property at the shooting location, and the film's cast joking and laughing between shots.
- Ask questions like “How did they come up with that kind of makeup?” or “How long does it take for the scene to be perfect?”
Step 2. Look for laughable aspects
Pay attention to moments or aspects of the scene that indicate that the film is unreal, ridiculous, or lacking in quality. This can turn gripping scenes into hilarious moments.
- Look for effects that really look fake, like too light-colored blood, bad makeup, or computer-generated graphics. You can also notice errors that keep recurring in the filming process, such as something that appears in one take, but suddenly disappears in the next.
- Even if the film is well-made, you can laugh at a common theme or idea that most horror films feature, such as the “Don't enter!” moment. when the main character always enters a room that contains enemies or monsters.
Step 3. Think of other things
Divert your attention to something else, or talk to someone about something other than the movie if you can. Make sure you keep your mind well and focus on the real world.
- Focus on simple things, like remembering what you enjoyed for breakfast, counting numbers, or imagining other things that are useless and unrelated to the theme of the movie.
- Think about what to do after watching a movie. You can pamper yourself after successfully watching a terrible movie by doing exciting and fun activities.
Tips
- If you're on a date, getting closer to your partner can make you feel more comfortable while building closeness.
- Suggest a comedy or other film to watch instead of a horror film.
