Do you like being scared? A lot of people do.
People love to be scared because it releases adrenaline and endorphins in the body. This makes them feel alive and alert.
And that’s why horror films are so popular. After all, they are designed to scare you.
But who is the target audience for these movies? And what makes them so appealing?
In this article, we will discuss who the target audience for horror films is and what motivates them to watch these movies. We will also look at some of the most popular horror films and why they are so popular.
What is the Goal of Horror Movies?
The primary objective of horror movies is to scare the audience.
They achieve this by creating a sense of suspense and fear. Horror films are usually filled with jump scares, dark scenes, and creepy music.
All of these elements work together to create an atmosphere of fear that can be quite exhilarating for the viewer.
Horror films are designed to scare you, but they can also be very entertaining.
Many people enjoy watching horror films because they are suspenseful and exciting.
Why are Audiences Attracted to Horror Films?
The audience for films is extremely large and different people are attracted to different film genres for different reasons. Horror Films are one such genre.
Horror Films have the ability to attract a wide range of viewers. There is something in us, as humans, that is attracted to the suspense and fear that these movies elicit.
While some people may not like being scared, others find it to be exhilarating and exciting.
Horror films provide a way for us to safely experience these emotions. We know that we are only watching a movie and that no real harm can come to us.
Some people are attracted to the suspense and fear that these movies provide. Others enjoy gore and violence. And some people just like to be scared.
No matter what your reason is for watching horror films, there is always a movie out there that can appeal to the target audience for horror films.
People who do not like being scared will clearly not watch horror films. For them, films from other genres can be more interesting. These could include comedy films, drama films, or even feel-good superhero films.
Who is the Target Audience of Horror Films?
The target audience of horror films includes:
- People who enjoy being scared
- People who enjoy suspense and fear in a safe setting
- People who enjoy (fake) gore and violence
- People who love excitement
- People who love the feel of adrenaline
As you can tell most people who love horror films will inhabit more than one of the above segments. There can be a clear overlap between the different target audiences. Still analyzing each segment independently of the other helps us get a better sense of the broader attractiveness of horror films.
So, let’s review each audience segment closely.
#1 – People who enjoy being scared
Being scared is an emotion that a lot of people enjoy. It releases adrenaline and endorphins in the body, which makes them feel alive and alert.
And that’s why horror films are so popular. After all, they are designed to scare the audience.
People who love the fear of horror movies are also the ones who love similar thrills like roller coasters and haunted houses.
They enjoy being scared in a safe setting and knowing that they can walk away from the experience unharmed.
Such people are an ideal target audience for horror films.
#2 – People who enjoy suspense and fear in a safe setting
Many people have an affinity for suspense and fearful experiences as long as they are in a safe setting.
Horror films provide a way for us to safely experience these emotions. We know that we are only watching a movie and that no real harm can come to us.
This is why horror films are so popular. They allow us to feel suspense and fear in a safe and controlled environment.
This target audience for horror films is also attracted to TV shows which also have suspenseful and fearful elements like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.
#3 – People who enjoy (fake) gore and violence
Gore and violence are two elements that are often found in horror films.
While some people may be turned off by these things, others find them to be exciting.
People who are attracted to gore and violence in horror films are also often fans of action movies. They enjoy seeing blood and guts on the screen and getting a vicarious thrill from the violence.
Of course, knowing that it is all fake and that no one is actually getting hurt also makes it more palatable for this target audience.
#4 – People who love excitement
Everyone loves excitement in some form or the other but excitement for one person may not be the same as excitement for another.
Some people love the feeling of adrenaline that comes with being scared. Others simply enjoy watching an exciting story unfold on the screen. These people are a target audience for horror films.
People who love the excitement in their horror films are also often fans of other genres like science fiction and thriller. They enjoy being on the edge of their seats and not knowing what is going to happen next.
#5 – People who love the rush of adrenaline
The rush of adrenaline is something we have all experienced. Whether it’s from watching a horror movie, going on a roller coaster, or skydiving, the feeling is the same.
People who love the rush of adrenaline are also often fans of other extreme sports and activities. They enjoy feeling alive and being in the moment.
This audience for horror films will also often enjoy other genres like action and thriller which also provide the same rush of adrenaline.
Conclusion
Creating fear in the audience is the primary objective of horror films.
And so, it’s no surprise that the target audience of horror films includes, first and foremost, people who enjoy being scared. People who do not enjoy this emotion will clearly not see horror films.
People who enjoy suspense and fear in a safe setting or those who enjoy seeing (fake) gore and violence are also a target audience for horror films.
Likewise, people who love excitement and the rush of adrenaline also turn to horror films.