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Argumentative About Horror Movies

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

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The controversy surrounding horror movies, the complex nature of horror movies, reflecting society's fears and anxieties, catharsis through confronting fears, horror movies as social commentary, fostering critical thinking and analysis, potential negative effects.

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Best Essays and Books About Horror Movies

Learn more about your favorite frightening films, or film theories of horror itself, with this list of creepy books and essays.

You’ve probably wondered about the inspiration behind your favorite scary movies and the background of some of those horrifying stories. Sometimes the origins of a horror movie are as simple as an author telling a scary story, and at other times films are based on more sinister, true events . You might also be interested in the making of certain horror movies or the impact they have on the audience or the cast. Maybe you're into film theory and want to study the gender dynamics, cultural and political significance, and philosophy of horror, like in Carol Clover's seminal book Men, Women, and Chainsaws . Luckily, there are plenty of resources that explore these exact topics and the development of horror movies in general.

You might be interested in why people are attracted to horror movies and the act of feeling fear. In which case, you might want to read Stephen King’s essay Why We Crave Horror Movies . Digging even deeper, you might notice horror films can help us examine fears around eating, sexuality, religion, and more. You might even wonder about the characters that often die first and why, which is explained by Lindsay King-Miller in her essay A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Movies . Whatever it may be, in addition to the aforementioned texts, here are the best essays and books about horror movies.

Monsters in the Movies: 100 Years of Cinematic Nightmares

Director John Landis ( American Werewolf in London, Twilight Zone: The Movie ) wrote a book on movie monsters covers some of cinema’s most terrifying creatures and their development. Landis explores the design of movie monsters and special effects, both in high and low-budget films. Monsters in the Movies includes interviews with the minds behind the monsters, their historical origins, and tricks behind bringing these ghouls to life.

Nothing Has Prepared Me for Womanhood Better than Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

Sarah Kurchak’s essay examines a subject people might not consider in horror movies. The truth is that many scary films express beliefs about women and their experiences via horror and gore. Kurchak dissects how Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 features female stereotypes in hot pants but also explores women facing the threats of men and emerging from adolescence completely altered. Kurchak argues that this horror comedy can teach female viewers about what to expect from the world and adolescence.

Stephen King At the Movies: A Complete History of Film and Television Adaptations from the Master of Horror

The chilling stories of author Stephen King have made both startling reads and frightening films. King’s works have established more than 60 horror movies and 30 television series. This book covers the making of all of them, including behind-the-scenes material and King’s opinion on some adaptations. If you’re looking to dive deeper into some iconic films based on King’s stories , consider picking up Stephen King at the Movies .

There’s Nothing Scarier than a Hungry Woman

Remember how we said that horror movies can contain messages that don’t appear obvious on the surface? Laura Maw notices how in many horror movies there is always a scene of a ravenous woman eating, and her fascinating essay considers the meaning behind that.

Related: Best Performances in Horror Films of All Time, Ranked

Maw writes that “horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, and to acknowledge our appetite and refuse to suppress it.” Maw presents a feminist analysis of hungry women in well-known horror movies in a way which both explores and challenges preconceptions about women.

Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies

Dr. Lee Miller’s research into the origin stories of movies like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street are compiled in this handy book. Miller details the true accounts of disappearances, murders, and hauntings that inspired these hit movies.

Behind the Horror explains the history of the serial killers featured in Silence of the Lambs and takes a good look at the possessions that motivated the making of The Exorcist and The Conjuring 2 .

My Favorite Horror Movie: 48 Essays by Horror Creators on the Film that Shaped Them

Arguably one of the best books to read if you are curious about the makers behind famous horror movies. My Favorite Horror Movie features over 20 essays from filmmakers, actors, set designers, musicians, and more about the dark works that solidified their careers.

The films discussed include It , Halloween , The Shining , and others. It’s a good book for looking at horror movies from different angles and recognizing the many minds that contributed to these iconic works.

The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History

Yet another great book for establishing a rounded perspective of horror movies, this time in a much more visual way. The Art of Horror sorts through famous illustrations, movie posters, cover art, comics, paintings, photos, and filmmakers since the beginning of horror with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s infamous Frankenstein . Learn about these talented artists, their chilling work, and their impact on the direction of horror.

Wes Craven: Interviews

If you’re trying to hear from the best horror directors themselves, the Wes Craven interviews are a great place to start. Craven is responsible for films like Scream , The Hills Have Eyes , A Nightmare on Elm Street , and The Last House on the Left , and is often considered one of the greatest horror filmmakers of all time.

Related: The Best Scream Queens of All Time, Ranked

Craven established a particular style in his films that changed the way horror movies are made, and this book pulls information from the master himself. Wes Craven: Interviews includes almost 30 interviews with the director ranging from the 1980s until Craven passed away in 2015.

101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die

Ever wonder if you’re missing a great horror film from your spooky collection? This is the book for you. 101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die covers the absolute essentials of every kind of horror film, from gothic to slasher and international horror classics as well. Horror can take on so many different forms and this book is one of the best for finding horror films you might have missed.

The Science of Women in Horror: The Special Effects Stunts, and Stories Behind Your Every Fright

Authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence examine women in horror movies in this book that explores feminist horror films , and more misogynistic ones from the standpoint of feminist film theory. The Science of Women in Horror recalls the history of women in horror movies and goes on to analyze more recent, women-centered horror flicks and series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Buffy the Vampire Slayer . If you want to know more about the women on and off-screen in horror movies, check out this book!

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Why Do We Enjoy Horror Movies?

Cynthia Vinney, PhD is an expert in media psychology and a published scholar whose work has been published in peer-reviewed psychology journals.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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• Explanations
• Personal Differences
• Therapeutic Effects

Horror is one of the most enduringly popular film genres in many areas around the world. While many people willingly buy tickets to the latest release, in our daily lives we often try to avoid anything that frightens us. So why would we pay to watch a movie that induces fear and terror ?

Here we explore several of the theories behind why people like horror movies. We also dive into who tends to gravitate toward movies designed to provoke feelings of fright, along with the ways in which these types of films can actually be therapeutic.

Reasons People Like Horror Movies

No single explanation provided by scholars accounts for every reason people enjoy watching horror movies. Below are among the most well-established explanations offered to explain this phenomenon.

Vicarious Experiences and Threat Mastery

Horror scholar Mathias Clasen suggests that a tendency to love horror can be traced back to the constant danger our ancient ancestors experienced in the environments where they lived. Constant vigilance was required to avoid becoming the prey of a larger or more deadly animal.

These long-ago experiences have granted people a highly responsive, albeit mostly unconscious, threat detection system. Because horror movies do such a good job of simulating threatening situations, this means our emotional responses to them are similar to those we'd experience if we encountered a real-life threat.

Because we don't encounter real-life threats as often as ancient humans, going to horror films can be a novel experience that lets us put our innate threat detection system to use. This not only makes horror movies more attention-grabbing for audiences, but it also allows them to experience things like post-apocalypse, alien invasions, and the threat of an attacker in a safe environment.

In short, horror movies are a risk-free way to vicariously experience threats and rehearse one's responses to those threats. Plus, after people get through a horror movie unscathed, they may feel a sense of accomplishment and mastery over the threat they've experienced, which then leads them to feel more confident in their ability to handle other anxiety-provoking situations .

In our everyday lives, we don't encounter scary situations all that often. But if we do encounter something threatening or dangerous, it attracts our attention.

Excitation Transfer Theory

One of the earliest psychological theories to explain people's enjoyment of horror movies is Dolf Zillmann's excitation transfer theory, which was developed in the 1970s. This theory proposes that our enjoyment is created by the negative affect created by the film followed by a positive affect or response when the threat is resolved, leading to a euphoric high.

More recent studies suggest that excitation transfer theory is still alive. One was published in 2017 and looked at permadeath (the idea that once a character dies in a video game, the game starts over from the beginning) in the survival-horror game DayZ. It concluded that permadeath was appealing to players due to excitation transfer.

Exploring the Dark Side of Humanity

Other studies theorize that our enjoyment of horror movies comes from a morbid curiosity about subjects like death and terror, also referred to as the dark side of humanity. One piece of research found that people with higher levels of morbid curiosity are more likely to watch horror films, less likely to be scared after watching them, and generally watch these flicks alone.

According to this theory, horror movies let us vicariously explore the nature of evil , both in others and in ourselves. They also allow us to grapple with the darkest parts of humanity in a safe environment.

Who Likes Horror Movies?

Not everyone enjoys horror movies. In fact, there are many who stay away from the genre as much as possible. Psychology has provided some insight into the individual differences that make someone more likely to enjoy horror films.

People Who Seek Sensations

Numerous studies have demonstrated that those high in the trait of sensation seeking tend to enjoy horror. Sensation seeking is the tendency to look for novel, risky, or intense experiences . People high in this trait tend to experience positive emotions when they have intensely stimulating experiences, even if those experiences are negative.

High sensation seekers are wired to enjoy the stimulating experience of horror films in a way people low in this trait are not.

People With Lower Empathy Levels

Research indicates that people lower in the trait of empathy tend to enjoy horror movies because they are less impacted by the suffering depicted onscreen. Not everyone agrees with this, however.

Some researchers contend that our empathy toward a real person is not necessarily the same as the empathy we feel for a fictional character. The problem is that this is difficult to determine in studies, making it hard to know if and when true empathy occurs.

People Belonging to the Male Sex

More than any other individual difference, sex is most predictive of enjoyment of horror films, with males tending to enjoy scary and violent movies far more than females. This difference can be at least partially explained by the fact that females tend to experience greater fear and anxiety than males.

In addition, females tend to be higher than males in the trait of disgust sensitivity. This could lead them to dislike horror movies that depict blood and gore.

Horror Movies as Therapy

There's a growing body of research that suggests horror movies could be used in clinical settings to help people with anxiety or trauma. For instance, one study found that people who watched horror movies were less psychologically distressed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who were fans of the apocalyptic subgenre of horror felt more prepared for additional waves of the pandemic.

This suggests that people who consume horror develop the ability to cope with stressful and anxiety-provoking situations.

If this is the case, watching horror movies and other media could be used by mental health professionals to help people with anxiety develop emotional and behavioral strategies to cope with their fears, which could ultimately make them more resilient in general.

While people who don't enjoy horror may not find this beneficial, for those who like the genre, watching horror movies could be akin to exposure therapy . More research needs to be conducted to determine if this approach is effective and, if so, in what instances.

American Film Market. The relative popularity of genres around the world .

Clasen M. Why horror seduces .

Clasen M, Kjeldgaard-Christiansen J, Johnson JA. Horror, personality, and threat simulation: A survey on the psychology of scary media .  Evol Behav Sci . 2020;14(3):213-230. doi:10.1037/ebs0000152

Scrivner C, Johnson JA, Kjeldgaard-Christiansen J, Clasen M. Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic .  Pers Individ Dif . 2021;168:110397. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2020.110397

Martin GN. (Why) do you like scary movies? A review of the empirical research on psychological responses to horror films .  Front Psychol . 2019;10:2298. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02298

Carter M, Allison F. Fear, loss and meaningful play: Permadeath in DayZ . J Gaming Virtual Worlds . 2017;9(2):143-158. doi:10.1386/jgvw.9.2.143_1

Sanders A. Exploring the dark side of humanity: Motivations of morbidly curious individuals . Murray State University.

Yang H, Zhang K. The psychology behind why we love (or hate) horror . Harvard Business Review.

Petraschka T. How empathy with fictional characters differs from empathy with real persons . J Aesthet Art Criticism . 2021;79(2):227-232. doi:10.1093/jaac/kpab017

Al-Shawaf L, Lewis D, Buss D. Sex differences in disgust: Why are women more easily disgusted than men? Emotion Rev . 2017;10(2):149-160. doi:10.1177/1754073917709940

Scrivner C, Christensen K. Scaring away anxiety: Therapeutic avenues for horror fiction to enhance treatment for anxiety symptoms .  PsyArXiv . 2021. doi:10.31234/osf.io/7uh6f

By Cynthia Vinney, PhD Cynthia Vinney, PhD is an expert in media psychology and a published scholar whose work has been published in peer-reviewed psychology journals.

Our Favorite Essays and Stories About Horror Films

Reading Lists

Make tonight's evil dead marathon more literary with our best writing about the genre.

It’s the spookiest day of the spookiest season, but you already had your party last weekend, and now you have to stay home and either hand out candy to grabby children or turn out all lights visible from the street and pretend you’re not home. What makes a night in both fun and seasonally appropriate? Horror movies, of course! So while you’re waiting for, or hiding from, trick-or-treaters tonight, put on a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon and make your way through some of the best stuff we’ve published about scary films.

“ There’s Nothing Scarier Than a Hungry Woman ” by Laura Maw

Maybe you haven’t noticed this, but horror movies contain a lot of scenes of women eating—and not only eating, but eating voraciously. Laura Maw has noticed, and she thinks she understands. This essay is both a sensitive cultural analysis of a horror movie trope and a beautiful personal narrative of coming to terms with both the threat and the banality of hunger.

As a woman, to say that you have found eating uncomfortable at times is not particularly groundbreaking. The anxiety has become mundane because it is so common for women, but isn’t that in itself noteworthy? Horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, to acknowledge our appetite, to refuse to let us suppress it. There is something uncomfortable and enthralling about watching a woman devour what she likes with intent.

“ Horror Lives in the Body ” by Meg Pillow Davis

This Best American Essays notable is about the physical experience of horror—both horror films, and the familiar horrors we encounter in our normal lives, the ways we brush up against mortality and violation and fear. Why do we seek out this physical experience—”the pupil dilation, the quickening heart, the sweat forming on your upper lip and the surface of your palms, and the nearly overwhelming urge to cover your eyes or run from the room”?

If those other viewers are anything like me, they watch horror movies because they recognize the horror, because its familiarity is strange and terrifying and unavoidable. It is the lure of the uncanny filtering into the cracks and crevices of the cinematic landscape and drawing us in.

“ What ‘Halloween’ Taught Me About Queerness ” by Richard Scott Larson

Michael Myers wears a mask to hide his face while he kills—but is that the only mask he wears? Richard Scott Larson talks about watching Halloween obsessively as an adolescent, while he was starting to understand that his own desires were also considered monstrous.

The experience of adolescence as a closeted queer boy is one of constantly attempting to imitate the expression of a desire that you do not feel. Identification with a bogeyman, then, shouldn’t be so surprising when you imagine the bogeyman as unfit for society, his true nature having been rejected and deemed horrific.

“ If My Mother Was the Final Girl ” by Michelle Ross

The “final girl” is the one who’s left standing at the end of the film, the one who survives the carnage. But what do you call someone who’s still standing after childhood trauma? This short story is about horror films, but more than that, it’s about mother-daughter relationships—a deeper and more mundane form of horror than the kind in slasher flicks.

The one thing my mother and I share is a love for slasher films. When the first girl gets hacked up or sawed in half or stabbed in the breast, my mother says, “Now there’s real life for you.” And I glance at her sideways and think, you can say that again.

“ A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Films ” by Lindsay King-Miller

Unlike the “final girl,” the girl who dies first doesn’t have a catchy title. Lindsay King-Miller writes about the lost friend who taught her that we don’t all have it in us to be a final girl—and that we should celebrate the girl who dies first, because she’s not living in fear.

To survive a horror story you have to realize you’re in one. The girl who dies thinks she’s in a different kind of story, one that’s about her and what she wants: to dance, to party, to fuck, to feel good. She thinks she is the subject of this story, the one who watches, desires, sees, the one who acts upon the world. She does not feel the eyes on her, does not know she is being observed, that her fate is not to reshape the world but to be reshaped by it.

“ Nothing Has Prepared Me For The Reality of Womanhood Better Than ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ ” by Sarah Kurchak

Yes, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is a cheesy horror-comedy hybrid in which women are menaced and their bodies are treated as set dressing. But so is adolescence. Sarah Kurchak writes about the many ways in which this movie taught her what to expect from the world.

Sure, this was, on many levels, a schlocky B-movie with so many of the expected hallmarks of the time — women in hot pants and peril, over-the-top gore. But it was a schlocky B-movie in which a woman faced men’s threats, both implicit and explicit, and was left breathing but almost unrecognizable at the end of it. That felt familiar.

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Essay on Horror Movies and Their History

Are you fascinated by the spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat experiences that horror movies provide? This essay delves into the captivating world of horror films, tracing their history from early cinema to the box office smashes of today. As a genre that continually evolves, horror has been a significant part of the film industry, influencing culture and art. From the psycho-thriller classics of How to Write an Essay on Horror Movies  to the contemporary masterpieces of Jordan Peele, we'll explore how these films have shaped our understanding of fear and entertainment. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the dark and intriguing corridors of horror cinema.

Horror Movies: An Evolving Genre

Horror movies, with their unique ability to tap into our deepest fears, have undergone significant evolution. The genre, marked by films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" and Roman Polanski's chilling works, has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling. These movies are not just about scares; they're about exploring the human psyche, societal fears, and the concept of evil. Understanding the roots of horror cinema is key to appreciating its impact and evolution.

Anthony Perkins in the Movie "Psycho"

Anthony Perkins' portrayal of Norman Bates in "Psycho" redefined the horror genre. His performance, marked by a complex blend of innocence and lurking darkness, offered a new face to cinematic terror. The nuanced depiction of Bates made "Psycho" a standout, influencing countless horror films that followed. It's a study in character development within the horror genre.

Movie Comparison: Classic vs. Modern Horror

Comparing classics like "Jaws" with modern horror movies like "Get Out" reveals the genre's dynamic nature. While "Jaws" capitalized on primal fears with its iconic suspenseful scenes, Jordan Peele's "Get Out" combines social commentary with horror, presenting a nuanced take on contemporary issues. This comparison highlights how horror films have become a platform for more than just fear, evolving into a medium for profound storytelling and reflection.

Narratives in Horror Films: A Diverse Spectrum

Horror films have always been about more than just scares. They explore a range of narratives, from psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings. Each narrative offers a unique perspective on what constitutes horror, making the genre incredibly diverse and rich in content.

"Get Out" Movie: A Modern Horror Phenomenon

Jordan Peele's "Get Out" revolutionized the horror genre by infusing it with sharp social commentary and psychological depth. This film challenges traditional horror tropes and presents a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on the genre.

"Jaws" Movie Review: The Classic that Redefined Fear

Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" remains a seminal work in horror cinema. Its approach to building suspense and fear, without always showing the antagonist, set new standards in the genre. The movie's impact on both the horror genre and popular culture is undeniable.

Dos and Don'ts of Horror Movie Analysis

When analyzing horror movies, it's important to do so with an open mind and consider the film's historical context. Don't limit your interpretation to just the surface-level scares; look deeper into the themes, symbolism, and filmmaking techniques used.

FAQs on Horror Movies

• Q: What defines a horror movie? A: A horror movie is defined by its ability to elicit fear, suspense, and a sense of dread in its audience, often through a variety of themes and techniques.
• Q: How have horror movies changed over time? A: Horror movies have evolved from simple shock tactics to more complex narratives that include psychological and social themes, reflecting societal fears and anxieties.

Concluding Reflections on Horror Movies

In conclusion, horror movies offer a window into our collective fears and fascinations. From the chilling performance of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho" to the innovative approach of Jordan Peele in "Get Out," these films continue to captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. As we reflect on the history and evolution of this genre, it's clear that horror movies are much more than mere entertainment; they are a reflection of our culture and a testament to the power of storytelling.

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Why We Crave Horror Movies

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Analysis: “Why We Crave Horror Movies”

The essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” interweaves point of view , structure, and tone to address the foundational themes of fear, emotions, and “insanity” in relation to horror movies. It examines why horror films allow the expression of fearful emotions linked to irrationality. The essay integrates literary techniques and pop culture references to form a cohesive whole, and it highlights several key themes: Good Versus Bad Emotions , The Expression of Fear Through Horror Movies , and “Insanity” and Normality in Society and Horror Film .

King argues that fear and other negative emotions are universal and that horror movies are a key art form for expressing these emotions. The essay gives audiences permission to experience and enjoy these films as a vehicle for fears.

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The Psychology Behind Why We Love (or Hate) Horror

• Haiyang Yang
• Kuangjie Zhang

Some people spend $$$ to experience the thrill of a scare.

Fear isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee). While some people would spend money for the love of a scare, many would run in the opposite direction. So why is it that some crave all kinds of frightening experiences?

• One reason we consume horror is to experience stimulation. Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us — both mentally and physically — in opposing ways: negatively (in the form of fear or anxiety) or positively (in the form of excitement or joy).
• Another reason we seek horror is to gain novel experiences. Apocalypse horror films, for example, allow us to live out alternative realities — from zombie outbreaks to alien infestations.
• Lastly, horror entrainment may help us (safely) satisfy our curiosity about the dark side of human psyche. Observing storylines in which actors must confront the worst parts of themselves serves as a pseudo character study of the darkest parts of the human condition.  

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Some people LOVE to consume horror. From popular shows like American Horror Story and The Walking Dead to haunted theme parks and scary Steven King novels, we crave all kinds of frightening experiences.

• Haiyang Yang is an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on decision-making. His work has appeared in premier journals such as the J ournal of Marketing Research , Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Consumer Psychology , and Psychological Science.
• Kuangjie Zhang is an assistant professor at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research focuses on marketing. His work has appeared in premier journals such as the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology, and Journal of Experimental Psychology: General .

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Horror Movie Analysis and Its Approaches

Refraining from discussing the merits of horror as a genre, the choice of the most optimal analysis method appears complicated. To regard horror movies analytically, it is worth considering that they are, at large, a projection of fear or anxiety, which are the main target of their appeal. Adult audience tends to be afraid of things coming from the domain of rationality. Horror movies find a way to compile the rational and irrational, using the metaphor and symbolism of the supernatural, the incognoscible.

There are several approaches of horror film analysis, including, but not limited to the analysis of sexuality, the psychoanalytical approach, etc. Although each of these approaches provides an in-depth perspective, the following paper is devoted to discussing what it regards as the most optimal one, which is the socio-political and socio-cultural.

As said, there is quite an extensive body of approaches that can be adopted when analyzing horror movies. To conduct a competent analysis, one might start by applying diachrony, linking the ideas from the horror movies’ past to their present. Such analysis might require additional research to establish the place of a particular movie within the timespan of horror movie history. On the other hand, such approach speaks in broad terms about individual matter, and the analysis can turn out to be overly evasive and vague.

Considering that horror movies often incorporate elements that have to do with sexuality, including the one that is commonly regarded as perverted, sexuality analysis can prove sufficient to understand the message. Such analysis is particularly applicable to movies with increased presence of naked flesh and torture. Erotic imagery and the imagery of violence serve as an attention grabber to sharpen the audience’s perception and communicate the message in the most efficient way (Pinedo 347).

From another perspective, the analysis of sexuality is not applicable to movies where such imagery is not abundant. Another approach includes applying psychoanalysis, particularly the Freudian one. Psychoanalysis of the horror movies does not necessarily concern sexuality, but rather, the fears that the viewer experiences as a child and sees them projected in the movies’ visual and sound effects (Dumas 28).

Among those, the fear of madness in general can be enlisted, as well as some other fears and pervasive thoughts that might overwhelm the viewer from time to time. Some horror screenplay moves and features can be explained and clarified through the lens of, say, Oedipus complex or the fear of castration. Also, the archetypal characteristics of some of the characters tend to correspond with archetypes that invade the viewers’ nightmares (29). On the flipside, the psychoanalytical approach to horror movies is likely to drift entirely into the realm of psychoanalysis, ignoring the movie message and its technical components.

It appears that, to conduct a competent study, it is worth applying as many approaches as possible. On the other hand, as it was stated above, horror as a genre largely amounts to projection of fears, including those that are experienced by the audience as a society, as a culture. Art is inseparable from the posture of affairs in which it is created, either societal or cultural, or the personality of the creator which is, again, influenced by their status quo. Just as any form of art, horror movies are produced within a certain timeframe with its socio-political situation, ideological demands, and common concerns (Sharrett 71).

Such analysis, therefore, appears the most optimal since it helps reveal societal fears in broader – and at the same time, more focused – terms, in terms of discursive practices. At that, socio-cultural and socio-political approach incorporates the discourses of psychoanalysis and sexuality analysis since the disorders that cause anxiety in observers can be applied to the society as well. There are examples of societies becoming violent and suicidal, of children murdering their mothers (66).

Such actions can be analyzed from the point of Freudian methodology – the infamous Oedipus complex, for one – but the socio-cultural approach implies these to represent fears that encompass the culture; particularly, the fear of destruction of the seemingly solid nuclear family value. Zombies can be referred to as a vampire sexual fantasy in reverse, as a mockery of the society’s hype about the vampire sexuality (64). On the other hand, what the rise of undead represents in cultural and political respect is the fear of the collapse of the global society, especially on the aftermath of the millennium with its nuclear and apocalyptic concerns (65).

To conclude, entertainment culture reflects what the society is currently interested in. Horror movies as a segment of such culture speculate on the society’s fears and anxieties. The messages embedded in such films can be analyzed from diverse viewpoints but it is the socio-cultural and socio-political approach that can be argued to be the most optimal for horror film analysis. Such conclusion can be made on account that it not only regards screenplay and effects through the prism of common societal concerns but also incorporates other approaches, creating the fullest perspective of analysis.

Works Cited

Dumas, Chris. “Horror and Psychoanalysis: An Introductory Primer.” A Companion to  the Horror Film . 1st ed. Ed. Harry M. Benshoff. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley & Sons, 2014. 21-37. Print.

Pinedo, Isabel C. “Torture Porn: 21st Century Horror.” A Companion to the Horror  Film . 1st ed. Ed. Harry M. Benshoff. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley & Sons, 2014. 345-361. Print.

Sharrett, Christopher. “The Horror Film as Social Allegory (And How It Comes Undone).” A Companion to the Horror Film . 1st ed. Ed. Harry M. Benshoff. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley & Sons, 2014. 56-72. Print.

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Essays About Movies: 7 Examples and 5 Writing Prompts

Check out our guide with essays about movies for budding videographers and artistic students. Learn from our helpful list of examples and prompts.

Watching movies is a part of almost everyone’s life. They entertain us, teach us lessons, and even help us socialize by giving us topics to talk about with others. As long as movies have been produced, everyone has patronized them.  Essays about movies  are a great way to learn all about the meaning behind the picture.

Cinema is an art form in itself. The lighting, camera work, and acting in the most widely acclaimed movies are worthy of praise. Furthermore, a movie can be used to send a message, often discussing issues in contemporary society. Movies are entertaining, but more importantly, they are works of art. If you’re interested in this topic, check out our round-up of screenwriters on Instagram .

5 Helpful Essay Examples 

1. the positive effects of movies on human behaviour by ajay rathod, 2. horror movies by emanuel briggs, 3. casablanca – the greatest hollywood movie ever (author unknown).

• 4.  Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

5. Blockbuster movies create booms for tourism — and headaches for locals by Shubhangi Goel

• 6. Moonage Daydream: “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney
• 7. La Bamba: American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

1. My Favorite Movie

2. movies genres, 3. special effects in movies, 4. what do you look for in a movie, 5. the evolution of movies.

“​​Films encourage us to take action. Our favourite characters, superheroes, teach us life lessons. They give us ideas and inspiration to do everything for the better instead of just sitting around, waiting for things to go their way. Films about famous personalities are the perfect way to affect social behaviour positively. Films are a source of knowledge. They can help learn what’s in the trend, find out more about ancient times, or fill out some knowledge gaps.”

In this movie essay, Rathod gives readers three ways watching movies can positively affect us. Movie writers, producers, and directors use their platform to teach viewers life skills, the importance of education, and the contrast between good and evil. Watching movies can also help us improve critical thinking, according to Briggs. Not only do movies entertain us, but they also have many educational benefits. You might also be interested in these  essays about consumerism .

“Many people involving children and adults can effect with their sleeping disturbance and anxiety. Myths, non-realistic, fairy tales could respond differently with being in the real world. Horror movies bring a lot of excitement and entertainment among you and your family. Horror movies can cause physical behavior changes in a person by watching the films. The results of watching horror movies shows that is has really effect people whether you’re an adult, teens, and most likely happens during your childhood.”

In his essay, Briggs acknowledges why people enjoy horror movies so much but warns of their adverse effects on viewers. Most commonly, they cause viewers nightmares, which may cause anxiety and sleep disorders. He focuses on the films’ effects on children, whose more sensitive, less developed brains may respond with worse symptoms, including major trauma. The films can affect all people negatively, but children are the most affected.

“This was the message of Casablanca in late 1942. It was the ideal opportunity for America to utilize its muscles and enter the battle. America was to end up the hesitant gatekeeper of the entire world. The characters of Casablanca, similar to the youthful Americans of the 1960s who stick headed the challenge development, are ‘genuine Americans’ lost in a hostile region, battling to open up another reality.”

In this essay, the author discusses the 1942 film  Casablanca , which is said to be the greatest movie ever made, and explains why it has gotten this reputation. To an extent, the film’s storyline, acting, and even relatability (it was set during World War II) allowed it to shine from its release until the present. It invokes feelings of bravery, passion, and nostalgia, which is why many love the movie. You can also check out these  books about adaption . 

4.   Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

“Lady Jessica is a powerful woman in the original book, yet her interactions with Paul diminish her as he thinks of her as slow of thought. Something we don’t like to see in 2021 — and for a good reason. Every book is a product of its time, and every great storyteller knows how to adapt an old story to a new audience. I believe Villeneuve received a lot of hate from diehard Dune fans for making these changes, but I fully support him.”

Like the previous essay, Cohen reviews a film, in this case, Denis Villeneuve’s  Dune , released in 2021. He praises the film, writing about its accurate portrayal of the epic’s vast, dramatic scale, music, and, interestingly, its ability to portray the characters in a way more palatable to contemporary audiences while staying somewhat faithful to the author’s original vision. Cohen enjoyed the movie thoroughly, saying that the movie did the book justice. 

“Those travelers added around 630 million New Zealand dollars ($437 million) to the country’s economy in 2019 alone, the tourism authority told CNBC. A survey by the tourism board, however, showed that almost one in five Kiwis are worried that the country attracts too many tourists. Overcrowding at tourist spots, lack of infrastructure, road congestion and environmental damage are creating tension between locals and visitors, according to a 2019 report by Tourism New Zealand.”

The locations where successful movies are filmed often become tourist destinations for fans of those movies. Goel writes about how “film tourism” affects the residents of popular filming locations. The environment is sometimes damaged, and the locals are caught off guard. Though this is not always the case, film tourism is detrimental to the residents and ecosystem of these locations. You can also check out these  essays about The Great Gatsby .

6. Moonage Daydream:  “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney

“Right from the start, Brett Morgen’s  Moonage Daydream  (2022) catches us off guard. It begins with an epigraph musing on Friedrich Nietzsche’s proclamation that “God is dead,” then takes us into deep space and onto the surface of the moon. It then unleashes an image storm of rockets, robots, and star-gazers, and rapid-fire fragments of early silent cinema, 1920s science fiction, fifties cartoons, and sixties and seventies newsreel footage, before lingering on a close-up of glittery varnish on fingernails.” 

Moonage Daydream  is a feature film containing never-before-seen footage of David Bowie. In this essay, Romney delves into the process behind creating the movie and how the footage was captured. It also looks at the director’s approach to creating a structured and cohesive film, which took over two years to plan. This essay looks at how Bowie’s essence was captured and preserved in this movie while displaying the intricacies of his mind.

7. La Bamba:  American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

“A traumatic memory, awash in hazy neutral tones, arising as a nightmare. Santo & Johnny’s mournful “Sleep Walk” playing. A sudden death, foreshadowing the passing of a star far too young. The opening sequence of Luis Valdez’s  La Bamba  (1987) feels like it could be from another film—what follows is largely a celebration of life and music.”

La Bamba  is a well-known movie about a teenage Mexican migrant who became a rock ‘n’ roll star. His rise to fame is filled with difficult social dynamics, and the star tragically dies in a plane crash at a young age. In this essay, Machado looks at how the tragic death of the star is presented to the viewer, foreshadowing the passing of the young star before flashing back to the beginning of the star’s career. Machado analyses the storyline and directing style, commenting on the detailed depiction of the young star’s life. It’s an in-depth essay that covers everything from plot to writing style to direction.

5 Prompts for Essays About Movies

Simple and straightforward, write about your favorite movie. Explain its premise, characters, and plot, and elaborate on some of the driving messages and themes behind the film. You should also explain why you enjoy the movie so much: what impact does it have on you? Finally, answer this question in your own words for an engaging piece of writing.

From horror to romance, movies can fall into many categories. Choose one of the main genres in cinema and discuss the characteristics of movies under that category. Explain prevalent themes, symbols, and motifs, and give examples of movies belonging to your chosen genre. For example, horror movies often have underlying themes such as mental health issues, trauma, and relationships falling apart. 

Without a doubt, special effects in movies have improved drastically. Both practical and computer-generated effects produce outstanding, detailed effects to depict situations most would consider unfathomable, such as the vast space battles of the  Star Wars  movies. Write about the development of special effects over the years, citing evidence to support your writing. Be sure to detail key highlights in the history of special effects. 

Movies are always made to be appreciated by viewers, but whether or not they enjoy them varies, depending on their preferences. In your essay, write about what you look for in a “good” movie in terms of plot, characters, dialogue, or anything else. You need not go too in-depth but explain your answers adequately. In your opinion, you can use your favorite movie as an example by writing about the key characteristics that make it a great movie.

From the silent black-and-white movies of the early 1900s to the vivid, high-definition movies of today, times have changed concerning movies. Write about how the film industry has improved over time. If this topic seems too broad, feel free to focus on one aspect, such as cinematography, themes, or acting.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the  best essay checkers .

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our  essays about music topic guide !

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