The mental health benefits of horror films.
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Hello, and happy end of October! In honor of Halloween tomorrow, let’s talk about something scary that everyone seems to love: horror movies.
What is it about serial killers, paranormal activity, and other creepy, gory stories that folks love so much? And what can regularly engaging with this stuff do to your mental health? You might think it can increase stress and anxiety, but new research shows it can have the exact opposite effect for some people. Yes, really. Let’s dig in below. |
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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 30, 2026 • 3 min read |
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Wes Craven, acclaimed director of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream,” once famously stated that “horror films don’t create fear, they release it.” Sounds a bit counterintuitive to me, but research and mental health experts back up this claim.
A review from 2025 found that watching scary movies can actually decrease anxiety in some people. This could be because it serves as a distraction from real-life stress, offers an increased sense of control, and provides a predictable source of anxiety with a clear resolution.
According to psychotherapist Kurt Oaklee, the vicarious experience of watching horror films is akin to exposure therapy, where a patient is presented with phobias or other triggers of fear (e.g., clowns, open bodies of water, blood) in a controlled environment to reduce their impact over time. Allowing yourself to be triggered in a safe space (think: your couch or a movie theater) can actually be therapeutic, adds Andrew Scahill, PhD.
“A horror movie is fear on your terms: You choose it, you can stop it, and you know it will end,” says psychologist Rod Mitchell. “A scary film can be one of the few times someone feels real fear and stays in charge of it.”
So, if you’ve ever turned to Dracula or Freddy for comfort after a rough day, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, the best thing that we can do for ourselves is to check out of the real world and check into something that brings a smile… and possibly a scare or two along the way.
Planning to celebrate Halloween by watching a horror film tomorrow? Mitchell recommends avoiding movies that echo trauma you’ve lived through, as they can bring the fear back rather than release it. Also, if a racing heart tends to trigger panic for you, maybe start with something on the milder side. Otherwise, choose whichever level of self-induced fear you enjoy and reap the mental health benefits of scream therapy! |
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| 👻 Over to you: What is your favorite scary movie? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to let us know. |
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| Actual therapy for anxiety |
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| BetterHelp |
| Of course, scary movies are no substitute for real therapy. If stress and anxiety are disrupting your daily life, BetterHelp can help. Get matched with a licensed therapist who meets your needs and preferences, and speak with them however you’re most comfortable — text, chat, audio, or video. BetterHelp accepts most major insurance plans, so you may be able to find an in-network provider with copays as low as $15 per session, depending on your coverage. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. |
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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| This edition was powered by |
| spooky season. |
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