A new survey finds the average person watched their first scary movie when they were just 10 years old, with the most common horror movies people watch before they turn 18 being: “The Exorcist” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” “Halloween”

What age should I start watching horror movies?

11-13 year olds may be better equipped to navigate the scary movie scene on some level but each child is different. If your child watches something that they say is not scary to them but then starts coming to you at night wanting to sleep closer to you or is having nightmares let their behavior speak for them.

What age group likes horror movies?

Gen Z is a complex group, but they're very clear about one thing: They like to be scared. In a recent survey of Americans between the ages of 13 and 25, Gen Zers said horror ranks as their second favorite genre of entertainment, narrowly behind only comedy.

Is it normal for an 8 year old to like horror movies?

Getting into scary stuff at a young age isn't usually cause for alarm, Scrivner said – young horror fans are braver than most children their age, to be sure, but they're really just exploring the complexities of their world, which is scary enough in real life.

Is it bad for a 3 year old to watch scary movies?

Toddlers and young children who watch violent movies, including Halloween horror films, television shows or video games may be more likely to develop anxiety, sleep disorders, and aggressive and self-endangering behaviors.

How to Start Watching Horror Movies | Renegade Cut

Is it OK for 4 year old to watch scary movies?

Dry recommends not introducing them to very young children because of the potential to create long-term anxiety. Around age 4, kids are figuring out how to manage fears that naturally develop in childhood, and layering scary movies on top of that could be overwhelming.

Why is my 4 year old obsessed with scary things?

“Kids might be into scary movies because they enjoy the rush of adrenaline they feel, or because scary movies are a safe and manageable way to explore their fears, or because they're curious, or because they like the social bonding that comes along with scary experiences.

Can a horror movie traumatize a child?

This is especially true for children. Their brains are not yet able to process threatening and disturbing images—even if they are make-believe. They might immediately react to frightening on-screen stimuli by starting to tremble or bursting into tears.

Should I let my 12 year old watch horror movies?

They may be ready for more than you think. Developmentally, teens can handle dramatic and psychological suspense, but kids under 16 still shouldn't see slasher horrors, especially those that feature kids in dire danger or that have lots of gore.

What horror movie traumatized you as a kid?

Among the most traumatic films, The Exorcist came out on top with more than 170 votes. The films Jaws, It, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Alien and Bambi are the next most mentioned films.

Why does Gen Z like horror?

The reason why the horror genre is growing popular amongst this generation is that it accurately anticipates and showcases themes that these young adults are interested in.

What gender watches horror?

Gender and age also appear to matter. One survey found that, on average, younger individuals tend to be more attracted to this scary genre; men are more likely to be fans of horror than women; and women versus men may like different aspects of a horror experience.

What gender mostly watches horror movies?

As of October 2022, approximately 35 percent of men surveyed in the United States said they had watched a horror movie in theaters between one and 12 months preceding the survey. Among female respondents, that share added up to 21 percent.

What age is rated R for?

R: RESTRICTED. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

How to convince your parents to let you watch a horror movie?

Be honest about why you want to see the movie and share this with your parents. Doing your research will likely strengthen your reasons to watch the movie, but beyond that, your personal reasons matter. Don't hesitate to share why you care about seeing this movie.

How do I help my child after a scary movie?

Why is my child obsessed with horror?

For many kids, the world already feels like a scary, unfair place, and horror doesn't try to put a big sunny smile over that. Instead, it shows kids how to confront overwhelming, frightening situations where they might feel powerless, frequently through metaphorical plots that connect to real-life situations.

Is it normal for kids to say disturbing things?

Sometimes these words point to a major problem that requires intervention, but often, they are the words of a child who is heated with emotions or who does not truly understand the meaning of the words they are saying. In any case, here is a good mantra to remember for these moments: Stay calm.

Can a 14 year old watch Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a horror movie based on the series of books by Alvin Schwartz. It's well-made, but it isn't a movie for young viewers. It's better suited to older teenagers.

Is horror bad for mental health?

Watching horrific images can trigger unwanted thoughts and feelings and increased levels of anxiety or panic, and even increase our sensitivity to startle-eliciting stimuli, making those of us who are anxious more likely to respond negatively and misinterpret the sensations as real threats.

Can scary movies cause PTSD?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, exposure to media, television, movies, or pictures cannot cause PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD are: Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, including flashbacks and nightmares.

Do horror movies help with depression?

You might get some relief from feelings of anxiety and depression→ As described above, watching a horror movie will release adrenaline throughout your body. The adrenaline will help to stabilize your mood and decrease your anxiety and depression in the short term.

Why do kids love Michael Myers?

They see themselves in him. He speaks to their nature. Kids want to Be Like Mike. From the moment a young, clown-costumed Michael Myers stabbed his sister to death, he's been frozen in his own time, a kid who doesn't want the fun of Halloween night to ever end.

What age do kids start getting scared of things?

Between the ages of 24 and 30 months, many children can suddenly start to develop more pronounced fears. Two-year-olds, no matter what their language development, may be unable to express why they're afraid of something, and the feeling of fear may be new to them.

Is horror okay for kids?

Your child asking to see a scary movie is another sign that they could be ready, but parents should approach it slowly, keeping in mind the child's age, developmental level and the rating, themes and other factors of the film. The key is to not overwhelm kids with fear, especially age-inappropriate fears.