Japanese science researchers observed how apes use their long-term memory by showing “horror” movies to chimpanzees. They used an eye tracker device to record the chimps eye movements in response to the key action scenes in the movies.
Category Archives: The Thrill of Horror
Hollywood Horror: The Evolution of the Horror Movie Poster
How were movies advertised before the internet existed? This article looks at the important role that movie posters played in spreading the word about the latest, scariest horror movie.
Brain scans gauge horror flick fear factor
Film producer Peter Katz experiments with the use of brain scans to find out just how scary his movies are. Do you think that using medical science in this way interferes with the art of making horror movies?
Top 10 Scariest Flicks of All Time
What are your scariest movies? Here’s a pick of the top ten scariest movies of all time. See if you agree!
Horror Movies: Why People Love Them
Why do we enjoy horror? Read about the various theories put forward for the popularity of horror movies.
The Psychology of a Horror Movie Fan
Discover the reasons why people say they love horror movies, while others hate them.
Why we love ghost stories
Author Ilie Ruby recalls the thrills of hearing ghost stories around campfires and explores why it is we are drawn to them.
The Thrill of Being Scared Keeps Fright Industry Going
Read about why horror is always going to mean big business.
Why do some of us love to be scared?
Are you a Thrillseeker? New research shows people differ in their chemical response to thrilling situations. Read about why some of us enjoy being scared, while others don’t.
Ramsey Campbell and Stephen King on why Rupert Bear and Bambi are truly terrifying
Horror writers discuss their surprising inspirations and the particular pleasure derived from fear in the horror genre.
Can Phobias Be Cured in Our Sleep?
Read about a new study suggests we can train our brain to overcome our fears while we sleep.
Sinister! Threats from the Left Are Scarier
New research shows that people are more scared of threats that come from the left. Read about the experiments conducted which prove the theory, and the ideas around why it is so.
Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature
This site offers a wide variety of information related to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Starting with “The Birth of Frankenstein,” use the table of contents on the left side of the page to browse topics ranging from historical and scientific background information to the story’s modern influences on film, culture, and research.
Movie Monsters, Monster Movies And Why ‘Godzilla’ Endures
There’s no question about the appeal of a good monster movie. But what is it about certain movie monsters that makes them such enduring stars? Listen to this story about Godzilla to learn more about one of cinema’s most legendary monsters.
Scientists study the thrill of a chill
What is it that makes certain types of fear fun? Researchers have uncovered a few explanations for the attraction of a good scare.
The Adverb Is Not Your Friend: Stephen King On Simplicity of Style
Stephen King is one of the world’s most prolific and popular writers of horror stories. He’s also famous for his book On Writing, which contains writing advice. This article shares one of his tips.
Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?
Ever wondered why some people love scary stories, frightening movies, and haunted houses? In this article, “scare specialist” Dr. Margee Kerr talks about the reasons some people enjoy being scared.
The Top 10 Horror Stories
Stephen Jones, editor and writer, lists the top ten horror stories he would include in an anthology of the genre. Check out the list to see if you have read these scary tales.
Spinning Horror Into Gold
Jason Blum is making movies that bring in billions of dollars. Read the article and watch the video clip to learn more about how Jason’s love of scary movies in making him rich.
Is That a Movie or Video Game?
Computer-generated imagery has allowed filmmakers to create spectacular effects easily. But are more effects always better? In this feature from The New York Times, four writers who work in the film industry debate the question.