How to Really Watch a Scary Movie

Today, I’m sharing the secrets to watching a scary movie in a way that’ll truly get your heart pounding.

Is It Really That Hard to Get Scared?

Let’s face it, as adults, it’s pretty easy to just sit back and watch a horror movie without really getting scared. Whether it’s the latest slasher flick or a ghost story, most of us have become desensitized over the years. Jump scares might get you for a second, but that genuine feeling of fear that you got when you were younger? It’s often missing. Sure, some people still get the chills from modern horror, but for others, it’s just not the same.

So, if you're one of those people who can’t seem to get scared by scary movies anymore but want to—well, I’ve got some tips that might just help get that blood pumping again.

The Key: Stop Watching Passively

The biggest thing you can do to get scared by a horror movie is stop watching it passively. Whether you're at home or in a theater, you need to eliminate distractions. If you're in the theater, for the love of cinema, put your phone away. If you're watching at home, do the same—don’t let the phone steal your attention. You won’t even realize how distracting it is until you’re fully immersed in the movie.

Movies like It do an excellent job of building tension. They tighten the suspense, release it just enough to keep you on edge, and then crank it up again. This makes for some seriously creepy moments, and it’s relentless. It’s why it got so much attention and why it worked as well as it did.

Set the Scene

Now, if you're watching a movie that’s considered genuinely scary, you need to set the scene. Turn off the lights, get rid of the distractions, and watch it with someone. Whether you're alone or with a group, the key is to be fully present. If you're with people who are prone to getting scared, the tension in the room will amplify the experience.

I remember when Paranormal Activity first came out. I watched it in a crowded theater, and the tension in the room was so thick. There were gasps, jumps, and a palpable nervous energy that made the movie far scarier than it would’ve been if I had watched it in an empty theater. The second time I saw it, it wasn’t nearly as effective. The room was quiet, the tension wasn’t there, and I wasn't as scared.

Suspending Your Disbelief

Another factor in getting scared by a movie is suspending your disbelief. As a kid, horror movies scared you because you weren’t as good at differentiating fantasy from reality. As an adult, it’s easy to remind yourself that "it's just a movie." But to really experience the fear, you have to let go of that mindset and buy into the movie. Get lost in the atmosphere, the characters, and the story.

If you’re sitting there thinking "It’s just a movie," you’re never going to get the same effect as when you let yourself experience it. When you lean into the tension and feel what the characters are feeling, the scenes hit harder.

Proactive Fear

The best horror films, like The Exorcist, do a great job of pulling you into the story. They force you to invest emotionally in the characters, and when they do that, the scares land. Not every horror movie does this well, but when they do, it’s a game-changer.

So if you really want to be scared, you’ve got to be proactive. You can’t just sit back, stuff your face with popcorn, and expect terror to just creep into your mind. You've got to lean into the experience, cut out distractions, and fully let the movie affect you. You’re not just watching—you're living the story.

Conclusion

Horror movies are meant to be fun, and they’ll only scare you if you let them. If you want to be scared, you need to take control of the experience. Create the right environment, cut out distractions, and allow yourself to get emotionally invested. If you do, you’ll find yourself feeling the terror in a way you haven’t in years.

Next time you’re watching a scary movie, try these tips: turn off the lights, put away your phone, and get lost in the experience. Who knows? You might just find yourself genuinely spooked again.

And don't forget—let me know your scariest movie pick in the comments for a chance to win the movie-themed deck of cards!

Thanks for reading, and happy watching!