Horror movies often get a bad rap. They’re seen as gratuitously violent, psychologically damaging, and a blight on society. But beneath the surface of jump scares and gore lies a genre with surprising emotional depth. Horror films can offer catharsis, a release of pent-up emotions, in ways that other genres simply can’t. By confronting our deepest fears and anxieties in a safe, fictional space, we can process them, understand them, and ultimately overcome them.
Here are seven horror films that offer unique cathartic experiences:
Let the Right One In (2008)
- Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
- What’s it about? A bullied young boy finds solace in a mysterious new neighbor who turns out to be a centuries-old vampire. Their unlikely friendship blossoms amidst a backdrop of gruesome murders.
- Possible cathartic effects: This Swedish masterpiece explores loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection. The vampire’s outsider status resonates with anyone who has felt different, while the boy’s journey offers a sense of empowerment.
- For fans of: “Only Lovers Left Alive” (2013), “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” (2014)
The Fly (1986)
- Directed by: David Cronenberg
- What’s it about? A brilliant scientist’s experiment goes horribly wrong when he accidentally merges his DNA with that of a fly, leading to a grotesque physical and psychological transformation.
- Possible cathartic effects: The Fly is a tragic exploration of mortality, decay, and the loss of control. While disturbing, the film’s themes of acceptance and letting go can be surprisingly cathartic for viewers grappling with their own fears of aging and change.
- For fans of: “Videodrome” (1983), “The Thing” (1982)
The Descent (2005)
- Directed by: Neil Marshall
- What’s it about? A group of female friends go cave exploring a year after a tragic accident. Trapped and hunted by monstrous creatures, they must confront their fears and each other.
- Possible cathartic effects: While brutal, The Descent is about facing trauma and finding inner strength. The protagonist’s journey, though harrowing, is ultimately about survival and reclaiming her sense of self after loss. It’s a dark path to empowerment.
- For fans of: Dog Soldiers (2002), The Cave (2005)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
- Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
- What’s it about? A charismatic surgeon’s life takes a bizarre and unsettling turn when he forms a relationship with a teenage boy who seems to have a strange influence over his family.
- Possible cathartic effects: This film is a psychological horror with a very specific, unsettling tone. Its catharsis is more about exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the unpredictable nature of fate. It’s a film that challenges the viewer and offers a disturbing, yet thought-provoking experience.
- For fans of: The Lobster (2015), Stoker (2013)
Train to Busan (2016)
- Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho
- What’s it about? Passengers on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan fight for survival during a zombie outbreak. A father tries to protect his estranged daughter amidst the chaos.
- Possible cathartic effects: Train to Busan delivers thrilling action and scares, but it’s the emotional core that makes it resonate. The film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the best and worst of humanity in a crisis. The characters’ struggles and sacrifices provide a powerful emotional release.
- For fans of: #Alive (2020), Peninsula (2020)
Resolution (2012) & The Endless (2017) (Best watched together)
- Directed by: Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead
- What’s it about? Resolution follows two friends whose intervention in a former friend’s life takes a bizarre turn. The Endless revisits characters from Resolution within a UFO death cult, blurring the lines between reality and belief.
- Possible cathartic effects: These films defy easy categorization, blending horror, sci-fi, and philosophical themes. Their catharsis comes from exploring the nature of reality, free will, and the search for meaning. They challenge the viewer to question their own perceptions and offer a sense of wonder and unease. The interconnected narratives create a unique and thought-provoking experience.
- For fans of: Spring (2015) (Also by Benson and Moorhead), The Void (2016)
Case in point: Horror movies may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but more often than not, they offer more than just cheap thrills. By tapping into our primal fears, they can provide a safe outlet for processing complex emotions and experiences. So, the next time you’re looking for a cathartic release, don’t dismiss the power of a good scare. You might just find the emotional purge you need…
