Why We Crave Horror Movies

150 – Why We Crave Horror Movies – Stephen King

Stephen gives a brief description of human need for fear induced through media and amusement rides. He uses metaphors to describe our psychic and sanity (or lack of) and to explain why we refrain from doing mean things to others because we prefer praise over punishment. Therefore, viewing these scenes gives us an out from causing harm to others, which explains why horror movies need to be “reactionary, anarchistic, and revolutionary” (page 152). Personally, I prefer action and comedy over horror any day and feel no need to be scared for personal pleasure.