Why do so many people get scared easily but like to watch horror movies? In fact, it's that adrenaline rush that makes horror films feel so much more interesting to watch than other film genres. If you're not used to watching horror movies (or if you're really a coward), the fear and horror that will arise is unavoidable. But at least, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself to face these fears and enjoy the horror movie experience more. Maybe, after that, horror films will become your favorite film genre, you know!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing to Watch Horror Movies
Step 1. Read the information regarding the movie you are going to watch
At least, know what the film is about and what people who have watched it think. You can also read film reviews to find out what audiences think of the film. If you don't mind accepting spoilers or movie reviews before watching them, try reading the synopsis of the film. For some, knowing what's about to happen can allay their fears without reducing the excitement of the film.
Try looking up the story on Wikipedia or IMDB (Internet Movie Database) before watching the film (if you don't mind reading the description before watching it, of course). Knowing what happened and when it happened helps prepare yourself; if you know the next scene is horrific, go to the bathroom or grab a snack in the kitchen
Step 2. Read the reviews of the movie you are going to watch first
Based on the review, decide if you really want to watch it. Maybe the storyline turns out to be less interesting for you; it is also possible that there are many film critics who do not recommend the film. However, it's also possible that the film had very positive reviews and made you even more interested in finding out more. Make a decision based on your basic knowledge of the film.
Step 3. Choose a film with the right level of horror
In other words, don't just watch a horror film that is sadistic, bloody, and rich in murder scenes. Instead, choose a less stressful film first; once you get used to it, slowly move on to more gruesome and/or sadistic films. Remember, a film that is sadistic and full of blood is not necessarily terrible! In fact, some horror films that are not filled with blood or sadistic scenes actually feel much more terrifying.
Step 4. Go to the bathroom before starting to watch
This method is especially mandatory if you watch horror movies at night. Trust me, you won't be able to walk to the bathroom alone after watching that horror movie!
Step 5. Grab some pillows and blankets to create a comfortable viewing area
If you want, you can even make a small tent out of blankets. In addition to making you feel more secure, the pillow (or other soft object) you can squeeze whenever you feel scared.
Step 6. Invite others to watch with you
No need to force yourself to go through everything alone!
Never watch a horror movie alone. Instead, invite your friends or relatives to watch the film; believe me, watching with other people will boost your courage in an instant
Method 2 of 2: Watching Horror Movies
Step 1. Take a peek instead of watching everything with the naked eye
If you're really freaked out, try watching a movie from between your fingers.
Step 2. Close your eyes while the horrific scene is being shown
If you want, you can also turn your face away completely.
Step 3. Slowly, try to peek little by little from behind your fingers
After that, close your eyes again.
Step 4. Always say to yourself, “This is not real
Remind yourself that this is just a movie with special effects (and sometimes, bad script); no doubt, your brain will be reminded that no matter how terrible the movie, the things in it are still unreal.
Try to laugh at the parts that look less realistic like the blood effect that looks weird, the unrealistic body shape of the corpse, fake fears, ridiculous monsters, etc
Step 5. Try watching behind-the-scenes videos of making horror films
Observe the process of making each gruesome scene so that you realize that the things that happen in the film are not real. Believe me, doing it is effective in preparing you mentally to watch horror movies in the future, you know!
Step 6. Prepare yourself if tense music suddenly plays
Most likely, something very terrible will happen.
Tips
- Don't worry, fear is a very natural emotion.
- Take your eyes off the screen if someone is killed in the movie.
- The best way not to be afraid is to not watch horror movies. After all, not everyone likes or wants to watch the genre. If horror isn't the right genre for you, don't force yourself to watch it. Trust me, life is too short to be filled with "entertainment" that can't cheer you up.
- For most people, the sound is usually far more terrifying than the visual appearance. Therefore, covering one or both of your ears is usually much more effective than closing your eyes.
- If you wear glasses, try taking them off while a particularly gruesome scene is being shown.
Warning
- Be careful, convulsions are one of the effects of spontaneous surprise that a person shows after experiencing something terrible. Make sure you know this information before watching a sadistic thriller genre film (example: Saw series).
- If after watching a horror movie you find it difficult to fall asleep or have to sleep with the light on, it's best not to do it again in the future.
- It's best not to turn on the light while watching a horror movie; believe me, after that you will feel even more afraid to turn off the lights.
