lake forest shores

Bring On The Horror

October 31, 2025

Every October, when pumpkins glow and the nights grow longer, something interesting happens; people who usually avoid scary things suddenly want to be scared. From haunted houses to horror movies, there’s something about this season that draws us in. But why do we enjoy fear so much? And how did horror films become such a big part of our culture? Let’s take a look at how horror has evolved from classic monsters, slashers to psychological thrillers, and see what makes us love the chills and thrills.


It all started more than a hundred years ago, back when movies were black and white. Early silent films like Nosferatu (1922) and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) didn’t just create horror; they showed people’s real fears after the war. Then came Frankenstein and Dracula in the 1930s. These weren’t just monsters; they represented things people were afraid of, like science going too far or the darker sides of human nature.

As the years went on, horror movies changed with the times. In the 1950s, people worried about nuclear war, so we got stories about aliens and radioactive creatures. In the 60s and 70s, movies like Psycho made us afraid to take a shower, The Exorcist made us question good and evil, and Halloween turned quiet suburbs into places of terror. By the 2000s, horror became more psychological and symbolic. Films like Get Out and Hereditary explored modern fears; things like identity, grief, and control. It shows that horror grows right along with us.

So why do we keep coming back for more? Scientists say it’s because fear gives us a rush. Watching scary movies releases adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine; the same chemicals that make roller coasters exciting. Your body thinks you’re in danger, but your mind knows you’re safe. That mix creates a thrilling feeling that’s hard to resist. And when the movie ends and the danger’s over, your brain rewards you with relief.

Horror can be empowering too. It lets us face our deepest fears: death, chaos, loneliness and the unknown without getting hurt. For some people, it’s even therapeutic. Seeing characters survive (or not) reminds us that fear can be faced, managed, and even laughed at once the lights come on.

And then there’s Halloween, the perfect time for a scare. The air feels crisp, the moon looks brighter, and the world seems just a little bit weirder. Horror movies fit right in. Watching something spooky in October feels like tradition, just like carving pumpkins or telling ghost stories. So when you’re curled up on the couch this Halloween, waiting for that next jump scare, remember you’re taking part in a ritual that’s been around for over a century.

So if you don’t have plans this Halloween, turn down the lights, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be SCARED!