Why We Crave Horror Movies

The essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies” interweaves point of view, structure, and tone to address the foundational themes of fear, emotions, and “insanity” in relation to horror movies. It examines why horror films allow the expression of fearful emotions linked to irrationality. The essay integrates literary techniques and pop culture references to form a cohesive whole, and it highlights several key themes: Good Versus Bad Emotions, The Expression of Fear Through Horror Movies, and “Insanity” and Normality in Society and Horror Film.

King argues that fear and other negative emotions are universal and that horror movies are a key art form for expressing these emotions. The essay gives audiences permission to experience and enjoy these films as a vehicle for fears.

First published in Playboy magazine, the short essay is aimed at general readers and uses a casual tone and has an informal structure and perspective that rely partially on readers’ personal knowledge and experiences to support its arguments. King excludes discussion of his own works or film adaptations, instead assuming that readers know who he is or have seen these adaptations (or other horror films).