Stephen King Why We Crave Horror Movies Summary

In a world of continual violence and brutality, people simply seem to be unfazed by the horror films produced by directors all across the world. Stephen King, a horror author, would even go as far as to argue people crave horror. In Why We Crave Horror Movies, King explains why people cannot get enough of films that often evoke emotions of fear, disgust, and, oddly enough, happiness. Granted that these emotions may occur, the uncraveable is only craved when a life is not filled with with spirit of Jesus Christ.
In Stephen King’s paper Why We Crave Horror Movies, he describes three reasons why people adore horror films. He first explains that some want to prove one is not afraid; that he/she can conquer any fear. Secondly, Stephen

believes people want to have a sense of “normality”. The terror in each movie remind people of the monsters in their own lives. Lastly, King states that individuals simply find horror films fun. But not the same fun as grabbing coffee with friends; the kind of fun where for two hours, one can relax their mind on simply the madness in front of himself. Later in the paper, he admits that each person has a sense of madness within himself. Each individual has two options; either release the madness through actions (killing, torturing, etc.), or watch madness played out by someone else. These three reasons, in Stephen King’s perspective, truly summarize why people love horror films.
While Stephen King might believe everyone is a little mad and crave horror films, this is not entirely true. Yes, everyone is a little mad, but not in the sense he is implying. This comes from sin. Sin causes each person to crave either playing out or watching horror. People should not be finding normality in films that involve such brutality. Despite what King may believe, horror films are not something everyone craves.
When asked why all of this matters, Stephen said, “Because it keeps them from getting out, man.” In other words, it matters that people watch horror films so that he does not become the next culprit. But the madness that King refers to is simply a life ruled by sin. Sin is what causes a person to crave harm upon others. With Christ in one’s heart, people will not crave nor desire any harm upon a person. Consequently, people cannot get enough of films that evoke fear, disgust, and happiness because he/she typically live a life ruled by sin and darkness.