How old were you when you saw your first scary movie? New research suggests that if your interest in horror films started when you were a kid, chances are you still love them as a grown-up. They’re actually a staple of the Halloween season for 84% of Americans, according to a new survey.
The poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults who celebrate Halloween also reveals:
- A lot of Americans got into horror movies at a young age, as 68% say they started enjoying them as a child, and 73% still enjoy them today.
- Nearly two-thirds (65%) watched their first one before they were 11 and another 60% think watching your first scary movie at a slumber party is a rite of passage for kids.
- During “spooky season,” Americans watch an average of five different scary movies, but 23% watch 10 or more.
- For 29%, horror is their favorite film genre, no matter what season it is.
- Overall, the favorite types are supernatural and paranormal movies (43%), psychological thrillers (40%) and slasher flicks (30%).
- Digging in deeper, 19% of respondents consider themselves to be “gore hounds” who want to see as much blood and horror as possible. This group who loves more frights and bloodshed than others is also most likely to prefer gummy Halloween candy (34%).
- Just 10% consider themselves to be “Kitch-y classic Carls” who enjoy the usual horror movies and some B-grade flicks, along with fruity candy (23%).
- Nearly a quarter (22%) are “Ghostbusters,” those who like all things paranormal and 78% have since they were kids.
- Another 30% say they’re “Family-friendly Frans” who go for slightly scary movies the whole family can enjoy.
- No matter their horror tolerance, Americans say the best parts of Halloween are going trick-or-treating or handing out candy to trick-or-treaters (55%), watching scary movies (54%) and decorating their homes (50%).
Source: Talker