While it is scary to watch horror movies, it is this emotion that makes them worth seeing. The first few times you look at them or come back to see them you may get scared; however, there are some great things you can do to prepare for the viewing and enjoy the experience at the same time. At that point, horror film can only become one of your favorite genres.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare
Step 1. Find out about the movie before watching it
This can help you understand what it is and what others think. You can read some reviews to know people's opinions and how many stars the film earned. Also, if you don't mind having some sneak peeks, you can also read the storyline; For some, knowing what happens in the film can reduce fear, but not suspense, because it helps to minimize unpleasant emotions.
If you don't mind having some information in advance, you can search for the plot of the film on Wikipedia or other sites that deal with cinema before seeing it; that way, you know what to expect and if you fear there may be some scary moments, you can go to the bathroom or kitchen to fill your bowl with snacks
Step 2. Take into consideration what you have read about the movie to decide whether it is appropriate to watch it or not
Maybe the plot is not of your interest or maybe the reviews have been negative and you think it's a waste of time; or, conversely, the comments were exciting and now you want to know more. So decide whether or not you want to watch it.
Step 3. Consider starting with a horror movie of the right level
One way not to get scared is to look at the less bloody ones first, with a lot of suspense and then gradually move on to the more intense and violent ones. However, keep in mind that splatter movies aren't necessarily scary and very gory ones aren't always scary; some bloodless horror films are actually more terrifying than those that are very gory.
Step 4. Go to the bathroom before the movie, especially if it's evening
If it's dark, you probably don't want to wander around the rooms alone.
Step 5. Gather some pillows and blankets to create a comfortable or even "fort-like" space
Having some comfort items around can help you feel safer and can be something to take shelter in if the movie starts to get particularly scary for you.
Step 6. Watch it with someone else
You don't need to go through this experience alone!
Never watch it alone if the movie is really terrible; it may help to arrange that some other family member or friend is with you
Part 2 of 2: During the Movie
Step 1. Peek at it instead of looking at it completely
If you are really terrified, you can look at it through your fingers.
Step 2. Cover your eyes in the most chilling moments
Or turn to one side.
Step 3. Just peek through your hands slowly and then cover your eyes again
Step 4. Try saying to yourself:
"This is not real!". Remember that this is only a movie with special effects (and sometimes with a bad script); it may help to keep in mind that it is just a gory fiction and that it does not represent reality.
Try to laugh at any parts that aren't realistic. For example: crappy special effects involving blood, unrealistic bodies, fake fear, silly looking monsters and so on
Step 5. Watch the commercials of how the film was made
Pay attention to how the scenes were created, in order to understand that this is an unreal situation; this can also help you for future horror movies you will want to see.
Step 6. When there is particularly intense suspense music, hug some object
Something strong, gory and horrible is likely to happen.
Advice
- It is completely normal to be scared.
- Look away when someone is about to be killed.
- The best way to not be afraid is to not watch horror movies at all; also, not everyone loves this genre. If you find that they're not for you, you don't have to look at them; life is too short to "entertain" yourself with something that is not for you.
- Visuals aren't always as scary as music or sounds. Rather than covering the eyes, it is sometimes more effective to muffle sounds by covering both ears (or just one).
- If you wear glasses, take them off when there are scary scenes.
Warnings
- Some people may experience seizures as a sudden reaction to scary things. Be aware of this before you decide to watch a movie, especially if it is a terrible horror (eg "The Riddler").
- If you find that you can't fall asleep or have to sleep with the light on after watching a horror movie, you shouldn't just watch it.
- It is not recommended to watch a movie with the lights on, otherwise you may be afraid to turn them off.
