Are Horror Movies Good Entertainment?  If You Love Fear Factor

Halloween is almost here and as per tradition, many people consider horror movies good entertainment.

And there’s no doubt, that while the horror genre of movies is popular year-round, fright and gore seem to be something many people especially love to watch in October.

Your friends may even suggest an evening of watching scary movies or catching a new release of a horror film at the theatre, and even though you may be reluctant to watch, they might even try to pressure you into it.

Remember that first and foremost, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. However, if you are truly interested in watching one with friends but aren’t certain how you will react, trying them with a support group can be a way to overcome your fear so you can grow as a person who just so happens to have autism.

This is why I wrote this autism-focused blog, to provide a perspective on life as an adult, ideas on parenting your child, and anyone who is navigating life on the spectrum.

These are my ideas regarding tips and advice based on my experiences about answering the question of, “Are horror movies good entertainment?”, and I hope you will enjoy my personal views.

Is Watching Horror Movies Good for Individuals with Autism?

Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s common for people to watch horror or scary movies during this spooky season as a way to get into the holiday spirit. However, for many individuals with autism spectrum disorder, scary films can be distressing or overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities.

The startling imagery, sudden loud noises, and intense scenes can cause anxiety in some individuals.

Despite these challenges, many people with autism still want to participate in the excitement of Halloween movie watching. Fortunately, with the right approach, those on the spectrum can find ways to enjoy scary movies without becoming traumatized.

Remember that if you know one person with autism, well then, you know ONE person with autism. By that, I mean everyone has different opinions and sensitivities, so no one should ever make sweeping assessments about whether an activity is right or wrong for everyone on the spectrum. As an adult, that choice is yours.

Here are some tips for people with autism to keep in mind if they want to watch horror genre films this Halloween:

Horror Movies Good Choices:  Pick Less Intense Scary Movies

Not all scary movies are made equal in terms of fright factor. Some horror films emphasize extreme blood and gore that is likely to be upsetting or disturbing. Others rely more on psychological tension and have very little graphic content.

When choosing a scary movie to watch, opt for ones on the milder side that don’t have a lot of brutal violence or trauma-inducing visuals. You want just enough scariness to be fun without going overboard.

Some examples of milder scary movies/horror to consider are:

• Ghost stories or paranormal films like Poltergeist or The Sixth Sense
• Classic horror movies like Scream or Nightmare on Elm Street
• Family-friendly scary movies like Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, or Haunted Mansion
• Suspenseful thrillers like Signs or A Quiet Place
• Cartoon movies like Hotel Transylvania, The Little Vampire, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or Monster House

Staying away from the most hardcore, extreme horror will help prevent being exposed to content that is too disturbing or intense. Focus on films with spooky themes that will get you into the Halloween spirit without showing traumatic imagery.

Watch Previews Before Deciding On Scary Movies/Horror As Good Entertainment

Before committing to watching a scary movie this Halloween, take some time to watch the preview or trailer first. This will give you a glimpse of the film’s overall tone, style, and content.

If the preview leaves you feeling uneasy or distressed in any way, that’s a sign the full movie may end up being too much for you.

You can also read reviews of the movie online to see what aspects people mention in their summaries. Look for warnings about specific triggers like violence, gore, disturbing images, violent or intense scenes, trauma, or anything else you know you don’t want to see.

This research beforehand allows you to assess if the film’s subject matter is something you can handle or if you’re likely to have adverse reactions.

Have Supportive Companions With You When Considering Horror Movies Good Choices

Watching a scary movie alone can make the experience much more intense and frightening. The safest option is to watch with one or more trusted friends, family members, or your partner. Having other people with you provides some sense of safety in numbers and makes the movie seem less real.

You also have someone right there to talk to if a scene startles or upsets you. Your companion can help calm you down by reassuring you it’s just a movie.

They may even be willing to warn you about an upcoming intense scene so you can look away or mute it temporarily. Knowing your support system is present can take away some of the edge.

Use Coping Tools and Self-Soothing Techniques

When watching a scary movie, especially if you’re alone (which I don’t recommend), have various coping mechanisms on hand that you can turn to if the film becomes overwhelming.

Things like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, chewing gum, a weighted blanket, or a lap pad can help ground you and reduce anxiety as you watch.

Also, be prepared to pause the movie and step away for a break if needed. If you feel yourself getting worked up, don’t force yourself to keep watching.

Pause the film and engage in a calming activity like listening to music, coloring in an adult coloring book, playing a game on your phone, or taking some deep breaths. Do whatever helps stabilize your emotions before deciding if you want to cautiously resume the film.

Horror Movies Good Advice:  Schedule Relaxing Activities After Watching

Make sure to schedule something soothing and enjoyable to do after you finish watching a scary movie this Halloween. Having a peaceful activity planned provides something positive to look forward to and can help shake off any lingering fearful feelings from the film.

Some relaxing ideas include:

• Take a warm bubble bath with Epsom salts or a calming scent like lavender
• Listen to upbeat music or positive affirmations
• Enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea
• Spend time petting or cuddling a pet
• Call a friend and chat about non-scary topics
• Do some gentle yoga or stretching
• Make something crafty like jewelry or pottery

Engaging in something calming and centering after the intensity of a horror movie helps ensure you end the night on a pleasant note.

Use Movie-Watching Safety Phrases

Come up with phrases you can repeat to yourself quietly that reinforce scary movies aren’t real threats if you start feeling truly frightened. For example, saying “It’s only a movie, it can’t hurt me” or “This isn’t real” can help ground you and provide perspective. Having go-to mantras that remind you of your safety ready to repeat can make disturbing scenes less traumatic.

However, I think if you’re to the point of being overwhelmed, stop watching altogether. It isn’t worth your peace of mind.

Horror Movies Good Advice Starts with Low-Stakes Scary Themes

If you haven’t watched many scary movies before, don’t dive right into the most terrifying R-rated horror films. Start gently with some entry-level frights like kid-friendly scary movies.

This allows you to test what level of scariness you can handle without going overboard.

Popular starter scary movie options include: 

• Beetlejuice
• Scooby-Doo television series or films
• The Addams Family
• Gremlins
• Ghostbusters
• Halloweentown
• Casper
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Monster House

These types of films have Halloween vibes with creepy characters and situations but are playful rather than traumatic. Beginning here provides a safer first experience watching scary movies to see how you respond.

Ask Others to Warn You About Specific Triggers in Horror Genre Shows

If you plan to watch a scary movie with others, don’t be afraid to ask them ahead of time if they can alert you to specific types of scenes that act as triggers.

For example, you may ask them to let you know if a startlingly loud noise is about to happen so you can be prepared. Or request they give notice before an especially gory or graphic scene comes up.

Most people will be willing to provide warnings about content they know is likely to distress someone with sensitivities. This allows you to steel your nerves for intense moments or look away.

Watch Scary Movie Clips Instead of Whole Films

If sitting through an entire scary movie still seems too intense, watch short scary movie clips instead just to get a taste of the Halloween spirit. Many clips taken from horror films are available on YouTube and TikTok.

Viewing a three-minute creepy scene outside of context is far less overwhelming than a two-hour horror thriller. It exposes you to the thrills without the commitment or trauma. Plus, you can quickly click away at the first sign of discomfort.

Ask Others About Their Scary Movie Experiences

To get a sense of whether a scary movie will be manageable afterward for your sensitivities, ask others who have seen it about their experiences watching it.

What scenes stood out to them as the most frightening or disturbing? Did anything make them look away or leave them feeling shaken afterwards? Were there any especially startling jumps or loud noises?

Their answers can serve as a warning about content you may want to avoid or be prepared for. This gives you information to decide if it’s a movie you can safely watch.

Set a Time Limit for Watching

Horror movies can feel endless if they are too immersive or frightening. Set a time limit in advance of how long you plan to watch a scary movie before taking a mandatory extended break. For example, you may decide to watch for 30 minutes before pausing for 15 minutes.

Or watch for 45 minutes and then stop for the rest of the day. Having a predetermined cutoff makes the viewing time feel more contained.

Hide Scary Pop-Ups on Streaming Sites

If you plan to watch a scary movie online through a streaming service, see if you can disable any sudden scary pop-ups they use as advertisements.

Some streaming sites try to frighten viewers with jumping scare promos for their horror content. Look in the service’s settings for a way to opt out of these as they can be jarring.

Horror Movies Good Advice:  Watch Funny Movie Clips Afterward

 Conclude your scary movie watching by cuing up some funny video clips to reset your mood. Laughter and silliness will counteract any lingering fearful feelings. Look for goofy cartoons, stand-up comedy routines, cute animal videos, or silly movie blooper reels.

You may even find compilations called “Scary Movie Antidotes” designed specifically to uplift you after horror films. End on a lighthearted note. 

Seek Out Empowering Perspectives on Fear

If some horror movies have aspects that really disturb you, it may help to intentionally expose yourself to different viewpoints that frame fear as something that can be mastered.

Read articles, watch videos, or listen to podcasts where experts offer constructive ways to build resilience in the face of scary movies and anxiety triggers. Their advice may help you feel less vulnerable. Or, again, don’t watch them at all!

Create a Halloween Movie Comfort Kit

Fill a bag or box ahead of time with various items that promote feelings of safety and self-soothing when watching scary movies.

Things to include: stress balls, essential oil rollers, pictures of loved ones, noise-reducing headphones, fuzzy blankets, and uplifting notes of affirmation. Keep your comfort kit nearby so you can grab tools to calm down if needed.

Horror Movies Good Advice:  Close Your Eyes During the Scariest Parts

Don’t feel obligated to watch every second of a scary movie, especially intense scary movies/horror scenes. Give yourself permission to temporarily close your eyes or cover your ears if something is too much for you.

You can even mute the volume when you anticipate an upcoming frightening moment. Do whatever you can to get through intense sections without becoming overwhelmed.

I hope these additional tips make watching scary movies this Halloween both fun and manageable.

The key is being proactive about preparing coping strategies in advance and listening closely to your limits. Wishing you a spooky and happy Halloween full of thrills but free of trauma!

Hopefully, this blog gives some helpful guidance for making scary movies an enjoyable part of your Halloween season instead of an upsetting experience.

Always listen to your limits and don’t be afraid to turn off a movie that’s too much for you. Prioritizing your well-being ensures you can find the right balance between Halloween fun and comfort.

Finally, remember that you never have to watch a horror movie at all. Some people really like the emotion or sensation of fear or being caught off guard.  Others do not like it at all.

And, just like people everywhere, individuals with autism have very different viewpoints of whether they like watching them or avoiding them entirely.  It’s your choice. 

You can have a fun and festive Halloween without the “boo” factor entirely. And, if you find Halloween isn’t a holiday you enjoy celebrating, that’s okay! Many other holidays are coming up!

You might also be interested in the following articles:

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Learn more about stigmas and stereotypes that autistics face:

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• Beyond Stereotypes:  How Rain Man Revolutionized the Perception of Autism
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• Discover the Powerful Bond Between Autism and Pets
• The Hidden Hurdles:  Challenging Autism Stigmas in Today’s Politics
• History of Autism:  Revealing Shocking Mysteries from the Past
• Knocking Down the Stigma to Autism Obsession