It turns out there is a biological reason people enjoy watching scary movies. According to this video from TED-Ed, fear sparks our fight or flight response, which elevates our energy levels and decreases pain and critical thought. It’s the same feeling you get when you’re excited, happy, or even having sex.
While the amount of terror people can handle varies, our response is the same: We get a self-esteem boost for pushing through and overcoming our fears. Your brain can even mimic the emotions of others, making you feel closer to the people you’re with. So maybe a scary movie or amusement park isn’t the worst idea for your next date.
