As 2023 starts, I am already eagerly awaiting new horror movies. One of the flicks I’m most looking forward to is M3gan. A recent article on Screenrant, argues that PG13 M3gan would better serve horror fans if it included the cut scenes in order to give it an R rating. According to the article, more blood = more quality movie. I disagree.
Unlike a lot of genres, horror encompasses a wide range of experiences. Movies like Arachnophobia or Krampus offer thrills without a lot of gore. On the other hand, movies like Susperia are not for the faint-hearted. There are dozens of Reddit threads devoted to debates on what viewers dare (or dare not to) watch. Some viewers refuse to watch anything that includes sexual assault or animal abuse while others will watch anything and call it tame.
Personally, I walk a middle line between the tame and the grisly. I love ‘fun’ movies like Poltergeist. On the other hand, I recently watched Possession, which has probably scarred me for life (even thought it was an amazing art film).
My point is that PG13 horror movies are just as valid as their R and unrated counterparts. There is no shame in avoiding intense, bloody movies, just as there is not necessarily any honor in enduring the horrifying ones. Everyone has their limits, and knowing them is important.
As a horror junkie, I want to share my love of the genre with other people. When someone asks me for a recommendation, I’ll happily offer suggestions ranging from Beetlejuice to Triangle (a movie that scared years off of my life). I will also recommend potential viewers examine the parent warnings posted on IMDB. I firmly believe that viewers should know what they are walking into before watching.
True horror lovers are those who enjoy a good scare, whether it be giant earthworms like in Tremors, or blood-soaked body parts, like Texas Chainsaw Massacre. My advice: enjoy what you enjoy and don’t let others tell you what to watch.
What thrills do you enjoy? Let me know in the comments!
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I enjoy horror movies and I agree with you. There are certain things that does not appeal to me such as gore, torture, cruelty, that just turns me off and make me lose interest. However, a creepy story can be very scary without that.
I agree. There are times when I watch more intense movies, but I love the milder ones, too. It’s all about knowing your limits.