There is something about horror movies that transcends cultural boundaries. In every culture there are myths, legends, or stories of things that go bump in the night. Fear is a feeling in which everyone can relate. For some, the rush of adrenaline after the initial shock is something to ride, for others they dread the feeling of their heart pounding in their chest. But why have horror movies and TV shows become popular around the world?

TV shows such as "American Horror Story" and the "Bates Motel" have become widely popular across the United States in the last several years. Horror movies tend to produce sequel after sequel because of our fascination with fear. Take "Paranormal Activity," for example; the film’s ratings were so good that it ended up having five sequels come out in an eight year period, not because the films themselves were of high quality, but because of the thrill they sent through audiences. Our obsession with things unknown and frightening takes root in psychology and cognition. The biggest reason a person may enjoy horror movies instead of having continuous nightmares for weeks after watching them would be if they identified strongly with the killer or, oddly enough, if they felt a large amount of empathy for the victim.

Within horror films there are four different categories: gore-watching, thrill watching, independent watching, and problem watching. Gore watching is most popular in individuals who have a low sense of empathy, and most males identify strongly with the killer. Thrill watching is most popular among individuals who enjoy the suspense more than the story line, and who also empathize with the victim. Those who enjoy independent watching like the process of overcoming the fear they feel when watching the film. Problem watching is when whose who enjoy the feeling of helplessness they feel when they watch the films. However, no matter what, horror film watchers enjoy the feeling of tension that fear brings on.

Whether or not you enjoy horror movies, or if you can’t stand the thought of sitting in the dark while something terrible happens on the screen, it is still something that unites all cultures.