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This divisive movie-watching habit starts in childhood, according to a new study

Heory
This divisive movie-watching habit starts in childhood, according to a new study

If your interest in horror movies started when you were a child, you probably still can’t get enough of it.

A survey of 2,000 American adults who celebrate Halloween found that more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans surveyed watched horror movies as children, and that number currently remains high at 73%.

In fact, almost two-thirds (65%) watched their first horror movie before the age of 11, and another 60% agree that watching their first scary movie at a slumber party is a right of passage.

However, among adults, fans are more likely to watch films about supernatural and paranormal phenomena (43%), as well as psychological thrillers (40%) and slashers (30%).

If your interest in horror movies started when you were a child, you probably still can’t get enough of it. SWNS

The vast majority (84%) of respondents agree that scary movies are a must-see during the Halloween season.

During “scary season,” Americans watch an average of five different scary movies, although 23% of them will like 10 or more.

Nearly half (46%) watch scary movies to get into “spooky season mode,” and 43% will give themselves a scare in the name of tradition.

Still, almost a third (29%) admit that horror is their favorite genre, regardless of the season.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HI-CHEW, aimed to create Halloween profiles based on their level of fear tolerance.

During “scary season,” Americans watch an average of five different scary movies, although 23% of them will like 10 or more. SWNS

The results showed that 19% consider themselves “bloodhounds” or those who seek out as much horror and gore as possible. These respondents also experienced higher levels of fear and anxiety in childhood than their peers (85%) and most often liked jelly beans for Halloween (34%).

“Kitch-classic Carls” prefer regular cinema and some B-horror (10%) and fruity candy (23%), while “Ghostbusters” (22%) enjoys all things paranormal and came in second for horror fans in childhood (78%).

Meanwhile, “Family Friendly Fran” (30%) is more likely to choose movies that the whole family can enjoy, and draws most from the Halloween tradition of going trick-or-treating (54%). “Scared Cats” prefer as little horror as possible. Only 36% of respondents liked scary movies as children and only 34% like them today.

A survey of 2,000 American adults who celebrate Halloween found that more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans surveyed watched horror movies as children, and that number currently remains high at 73%. SWNS

“Many respondents (23%) say their favorite Halloween tradition is sharing with their family today the favorite parts of the holiday they enjoyed as a child,” said Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), chief U.S. representative and president, CEO of Morinaga America, Inc. “Whether you enjoy watching scary movies or can’t wait to trick-or-treat, the Halloween season can bring families together for movies, traditions, candy and more.”

Regardless of their tolerance for horror movies, most Americans think the best parts of Halloween are trick-or-treating or handing out candy to trick-or-treaters (55%), watching scary movies (54%), and decorating their homes (50%). %).

More than half (54%) even admit that their preferences for scary movies reflect their choice of Halloween decorations.

Another thing Americans can agree on is that horror movies are best enjoyed with a snack like popcorn (61%), chips (47%), and pizza (44%).

Seven in 10 (71%) are also likely to opt for a bowl of candy to complement their Halloween movie viewing. The majority (77%) prefer individually wrapped candies to loose ones (15%). SWNS

Seven in 10 (71%) are also likely to opt for a bowl of candy to complement their Halloween movie viewing. The majority (77%) prefer individually wrapped candies to loose ones (15%).

In fact, it takes an average of 43 minutes for the candy bowl to be refilled after the movie starts.

According to the results, family Halloween movies go best with jelly beans (21%), while content about the paranormal and supernatural should be watched while eating something chocolate (37%).

Fruity candies work best in animated horror movies (20%), and if a slasher movie is on screen, Americans are most likely to prefer Halloween-themed candy (18%), such as gummy spiders or chocolate eyeballs.

“Halloween and candy go hand in hand, and there are plenty of candy options to choose from to suit all preferences throughout the season,” Kawabe said. “Whether you prefer chewy, fruity, sour or jelly candies, you can’t go wrong with a mix of your favorites during your holiday celebrations.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who celebrate Halloween; the survey was commissioned by HI-CHEW and administered and conducted online by Talker Research from August 9-16, 2024.