Trends 2025: The Horror Within: Unpacking Fear from Faith

Why it is the topic trending: Horror's Box Office Boom Amidst Real-World Fears

• The sheer volume of horror movie releases – 55 in the past year, more than one a week and the most this century – signifies a significant trend in the entertainment industry and warrants exploration into its underlying causes.

• The paradoxical increase in horror movie popularity during a decade marked by real existential threats like wars, pandemics, and natural disasters raises the question of why audiences are drawn to fictional fear in times of genuine uncertainty.

• The program's exploration of the connection between horror movies and religions – both engaging with belief systems, the concept of evil, and even seeking attendance – provides a unique and thought-provoking lens through which to understand this trend.

Overview: Exploring the Deep Connection Between Horror and Religion

This episode of ABC Radio National's "God Forbid," presented by James Carleton, delves into the surprising parallels between horror movies and religion. The program explores why, in a world facing very real horrors, fictional horror is experiencing a surge in popularity. It brings together experts from screen studies, theology, and psychology to discuss how both horror and religion grapple with fundamental questions of belief, the nature of evil, and the human fascination with fear and the unknown.

Detailed findings: Unpacking the Fears We Choose

• Record Number of Horror Releases: The statistic of 55 horror movies released in the past year highlights the significant output and likely demand within the genre.

• Paradox of Real vs. Fictional Fear: The central question posed is why audiences turn to make-believe horror when confronted with tangible global anxieties.

• Shared Themes with Religion: The program suggests that both horror and religion explore similar thematic territory, including belief systems, the existence of evil, and potentially even a desire for communal experiences (implied by "attendance on a Sunday morning").

• Expert Perspectives: The inclusion of Professor Barbara Creed (Screen Studies), Father Richard Leonard (Theology and Film), and Dr. Coltan Scrivner (Psychology of Fear) indicates a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the phenomenon.

• Key Topics for Discussion: The experts will likely discuss the appeal of fear, how horror movies tap into primal anxieties, and the potential psychological or cultural functions served by engaging with scary narratives.

Key success factors of product (trend): Tapping into Fundamental Human Concerns

• Addressing Universal Fears: Both horror and religion engage with fundamental human anxieties such as death, the unknown, evil, and the potential for suffering. This shared focus resonates deeply with audiences.

• Providing a Safe Space to Confront Darkness: Horror movies offer a controlled environment to explore and process frightening concepts, potentially providing a form of emotional release or catharsis in a world filled with real dangers.

• Exploring Moral and Ethical Questions: Many horror narratives delve into questions of morality, transgression, and the consequences of evil, themes also central to religious teachings.

• Offering Ritualistic Engagement: The act of watching a horror movie, especially in a communal setting, can be a shared experience, similar in some ways to religious rituals that bring people together.

• Satisfying a Human Curiosity with the Macabre: There is an inherent human fascination with the morbid and the terrifying, which both horror and certain aspects of religious stories can satisfy.

Key Takeaway: Horror and Religion – Unexpectedly Connected in Exploring the Human Condition

Despite their seemingly disparate goals (to frighten versus to comfort), horror movies and religions share a common interest in fundamental human beliefs, the nature of evil, and the way we grapple with fear and the unknown.

Main Trend: The Enduring and Evolving Appeal of Horror

Horror as a genre continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting and responding to societal anxieties and fundamental human concerns about fear and the supernatural.

Description of the trend (The Comfort of Fear):

"The Comfort of Fear" describes the seemingly paradoxical trend of increased engagement with horror entertainment, particularly films, during times of real-world crisis and uncertainty. This suggests that confronting fictional horrors can provide a sense of control, catharsis, or even a way to process and understand more abstract and overwhelming real-world fears.

What is consumer motivation: Seeking Catharsis, Understanding, and Thrills

• Catharsis and Emotional Release: Engaging with fictional horror can provide a safe outlet for experiencing and processing fear and anxiety that might be triggered by real-world events.

• Exploration of Dark Themes in a Safe Context: Horror allows audiences to explore uncomfortable and frightening aspects of life, death, and the human psyche from a distance.

• Thrill and Excitement: For some, the physiological and psychological experience of being scared in a controlled environment can be enjoyable and provide a sense of excitement.

• Sense-Making and Understanding: Horror narratives often explore themes of good versus evil, order versus chaos, and the fragility of human existence, which can help audiences grapple with similar themes in the real world.

• Communal Experience and Discussion: Watching horror movies, especially in groups, can be a shared social experience that leads to discussions and analysis of fears and anxieties.

What is driving trend: Real-World Anxieties and a Desire for Control

• Prevalence of Real-World Crises: Wars, pandemics, natural disasters, and social unrest create a backdrop of anxiety and fear that might make fictional horror more relatable or resonant.

• Desire for a Contained Threat: In contrast to the often ambiguous and overwhelming nature of real-world threats, horror movies typically present contained and resolvable conflicts.

• Seeking Agency in the Face of Powerlessness: Watching characters in horror movies confront and sometimes overcome terrifying forces can provide a vicarious sense of agency and empowerment in a world where individuals may feel powerless.

• Evolution of Horror Storytelling: Contemporary horror often reflects current societal anxieties and explores relevant social and political themes, making it feel more pertinent to audiences.

What is motivation beyond the trend: Pure Entertainment and Escapism

• Enjoyment of the Genre Conventions: Many viewers simply enjoy the tropes, scares, and suspenseful storytelling that are characteristic of horror movies.

• Appreciation for Craft and Creativity: Horror filmmaking can be highly innovative in terms of special effects, cinematography, and sound design, which can be a draw for cinephiles.

• Nostalgia for Classic Horror: Some viewers are motivated by nostalgia for classic horror films and the tradition of being scared by monsters and the supernatural.

• Social Bonding: For some, watching horror movies is a fun and social activity to enjoy with friends or partners.

Description of consumers article is referring: Individuals Living in an Era of Uncertainty and Seeking Entertainment

The consumers this article refers to are likely a broad demographic of individuals living in the contemporary world who are aware of and potentially affected by the real-world horrors mentioned (wars, pandemics, natural disasters). They are also consumers of entertainment, specifically horror movies, and are part of the audience contributing to the genre's box office success.

• Consumer Summary: These individuals are navigating a world filled with real anxieties and uncertainties. They are turning to horror movies in record numbers, suggesting a complex relationship with fear. They are likely seeking a range of experiences from entertainment, potentially including escapism, catharsis, and a way to process their anxieties in a controlled environment. They are influenced by cultural trends, media portrayals of global events, and the availability of horror content. They might be seeking both thrills and a deeper understanding of societal fears through the lens of horror narratives.

• The continue to add bullets on how you see them:

  • They are likely aware of global events through news and media consumption.

  • They engage with entertainment as a way to cope with stress or find distraction.

  • They might have different tolerance levels for real-world versus fictional horror.

  • They are part of the broader moviegoing audience or those who consume films through streaming platforms.

  • They may discuss their viewing experiences with others, contributing to word-of-mouth popularity.

• Detailed summary (based on experience and article):

  • Who are them: A broad demographic of moviegoers and entertainment consumers living in a world facing real-world crises.

  • What kind of products they like: Horror movies are the focus here, but they likely also consume other forms of entertainment, including other genres of film and television, music, and digital content.

  • What is their age?: Likely a wide range, from teenagers to adults, as horror has a broad appeal across age groups.

  • What is their gender?: The horror audience is generally considered to be fairly balanced in terms of gender.

  • What is their income?: Likely a wide range, as moviegoing and streaming subscriptions are accessible to various income levels.

  • What is their lifestyle: Varied, but they engage in leisure activities like watching movies as a form of entertainment or escape.

  • What are their shopping preferences in the category article is referring to: They choose to spend their time and money on horror movies, potentially influenced by trailers, reviews, and recommendations.

  • Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Ranging from occasional moviegoers to frequent horror enthusiasts, depending on their personal preferences.

  • What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations: Like most consumers, they are likely influenced by factors such as price, convenience, reviews, and personal recommendations. Their motivation for choosing entertainment often revolves around seeking enjoyment, relaxation, escapism, or specific emotional experiences like thrill or fear.

Conclusions: Finding Meaning and Release in the Macabre

The increased popularity of horror movies in a world grappling with real crises suggests a deeper psychological connection between fear and our need to understand and process the world around us. Both horror and religion, in their own ways, offer frameworks for confronting the unknown and grappling with the concept of evil, perhaps explaining their enduring relevance in the human experience.

Implications for brands: Understanding the Zeitgeist of Fear

• Brands in the entertainment industry, particularly those producing horror content, should recognize the current appetite for stories that explore fear and anxiety, potentially tapping into these themes in their narratives.

• Understanding the specific types of fears that resonate with audiences during different times can inform content creation and marketing strategies.

• Even brands outside the entertainment sector can benefit from understanding the prevailing societal anxieties and addressing them in their messaging in a sensitive and relevant way.

Implication for society: A Potential Indicator of Collective Anxiety

• The heightened interest in horror movies might be seen as a cultural indicator of underlying anxieties and a collective attempt to grapple with real-world threats through fictional representations.

• It could also reflect a societal need for catharsis and a way to process difficult emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

Implications for consumers: A Continued Supply of Fear-Based Entertainment

• Consumers who enjoy horror movies can expect a continued and possibly increasing output of content within the genre to meet the current demand.

• This could lead to greater variety and innovation within horror storytelling as creators strive to engage an audience that is both seeking thrills and potentially becoming more discerning.

Implication for Future: Horror as a Reflection of Evolving Societal Fears

• The horror genre will likely continue to evolve, reflecting and responding to emerging societal fears and anxieties, providing a cultural barometer of what scares us collectively.

• New technologies and storytelling techniques could further enhance the immersive and terrifying experiences offered by horror entertainment.

Consumer Trend (Fear as Therapy): Consumers are increasingly turning to horror entertainment as a way to process real-world anxieties, find catharsis, and explore frightening themes in a safe and controlled environment.

Consumer Sub Trend (Morbid Curiosity Amplified): The human fascination with the macabre and the terrifying is heightened during times of uncertainty, leading to an increased appetite for horror content.

Big Social Trend (Anxiety in the Modern Age): The pervasive anxieties stemming from global events are influencing cultural consumption, including a notable rise in the popularity of horror.

Worldwide Social Trend (Globalized Fear Narratives): Horror stories, often dealing with universal fears, can resonate across different cultures and regions in a globally interconnected world.

Social Drive (Coping Mechanisms through Entertainment): Humans often use entertainment, including horror, as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, fear, and uncertainty in their lives.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025: Responding to Deep-Seated Emotions

• Acknowledge and explore underlying societal anxieties in creative ways: Content that subtly or directly addresses real fears can resonate deeply, especially within the horror genre.

• Understand the nuances of fear and avoid exploitation: Authenticity and thoughtful exploration are key, rather than simply sensationalizing or trivializing real-world issues.

• Consider the potential for catharsis and emotional release through storytelling: Entertainment can provide a valuable outlet for processing difficult emotions.

• Pay attention to cultural conversations around fear and anxiety: Stay informed about the issues that are top-of-mind for consumers.

• Balance the darkness with elements of hope or resilience: Even in horror, exploring themes of overcoming adversity can be powerful.

Strategic Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: Navigating the Landscape of Fear

• Invest in horror content that offers more than just jump scares: Focus on psychological depth, compelling narratives, and relevant themes.

• Develop marketing campaigns that acknowledge the current climate of anxiety without being overly negative or opportunistic: Find a tone that is both sensitive and engaging.

• Explore opportunities for using horror as a lens to examine social issues and provoke thought-provoking discussions.

• Consider the transmedia potential of horror franchises, extending narratives across different platforms to deepen audience engagement.

• Support creators who bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to the horror genre.

Final sentence: In 2025, the core trend of "Fear as Therapy" reveals that the surge in horror movie popularity is driven by a consumer need to process real-world anxieties, urging brands to create content that thoughtfully engages with these deep-seated emotions to resonate with audiences seeking both thrills and understanding in uncertain times.

Final Note:

• Core Trend: Fear as Therapy: The use of horror entertainment as a coping mechanism for real-world anxieties. Horror movies provide a safe space to confront and process fears.

• Core Strategy: Thematic Resonance: Brands should create content, especially in horror, that resonates with the underlying anxieties and concerns of their audience, offering catharsis or a sense of understanding.

• Core Industry Trend: Elevated Horror: A move towards horror that is more thematically rich, psychologically driven, and socially relevant, rather than solely relying on gore and jump scares.

• Core Consumer Motivation: Cathartic Engagement: Consumers are motivated to engage with horror as a way to experience and release fear in a controlled environment, potentially providing a sense of empowerment or understanding in the face of real-world uncertainties.

Final Conclusion: Embracing the Shadows to Understand the Light

The current boom in horror movie popularity is not merely a fascination with the macabre but a reflection of a deeper societal need to confront and process the anxieties of our times. By engaging with fictional fears, audiences may find a way to better understand and cope with the real horrors of the world. For brands and content creators, recognizing this dynamic and approaching the horror genre with thoughtfulness and depth can lead to more meaningful and impactful storytelling that resonates with a world grappling with uncertainty.

Core Trend Detailed: The Psychological Comfort of Scary Stories

The "Fear as Therapy" trend highlights the complex psychological relationship humans have with fear and how engaging with frightening narratives can serve a therapeutic function. In times of heightened real-world anxiety, the contained and fictional dangers presented in horror movies can feel less overwhelming and more manageable than the often ambiguous and uncontrollable threats of reality. This engagement allows for a vicarious experience of confronting fear, triggering physiological responses in a safe environment, which can paradoxically lead to a sense of mastery or emotional release. Furthermore, horror often explores themes of survival, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil, providing a narrative framework for understanding and potentially coping with the challenges of the real world. The shared experience of watching horror, whether in a cinema or at home, can also foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity for discussion and processing of anxieties with others.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend: Why We Seek Out Frights

• Controlled Exposure to Fear: Horror allows individuals to experience fear in a safe and predictable context, where they can choose to disengage if it becomes too intense.

• Emotional Catharsis: The intense emotions evoked by horror, such as fear, anxiety, and even disgust, can provide a release of pent-up stress and tension.

• Sense of Mastery and Resilience: Watching characters in horror movies overcome terrifying adversaries can provide a vicarious sense of empowerment and hope.

• Exploration of Taboo Subjects: Horror often delves into themes that are considered taboo or frightening in society, such as death, the supernatural, and the darker aspects of human nature, allowing for a form of societal processing.

• Social Bonding Through Shared Experience: Watching horror movies with others can be a communal activity that fosters a sense of connection and shared emotional experience.

Title Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (bullets): Evidence of Fear's Therapeutic Appeal

• Increased Consumption of Darker Entertainment During Crises: Historically, periods of societal unrest and anxiety have often correlated with a rise in popularity of darker forms of entertainment.

• Discussions About Horror as a Coping Mechanism in Media and Psychology: There is growing recognition and discussion within academic and popular circles about the potential therapeutic benefits of engaging with horror.

• The Popularity of "Elevated Horror": The success of horror films that focus on psychological themes, social commentary, and complex narratives suggests an audience seeking more than just simple scares.

• Online Communities Dedicated to Horror: The existence and growth of online communities where fans discuss and analyze horror films indicates a deeper engagement with the genre beyond just casual viewing.

• Personal Testimonials About Using Horror to Cope with Anxiety: Many individuals report using horror entertainment as a way to confront and manage their own fears and anxieties.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: Leaning into the Darkness for Understanding

• More Intentional Consumption of Horror: Viewers may be actively seeking out horror content that addresses themes relevant to their own anxieties or the current state of the world.

• Greater Appreciation for Psychological and Thematic Horror: There might be a shift away from solely relying on gore and jump scares towards a preference for horror that is more nuanced and thought-provoking.

• Increased Discussion and Analysis of Horror Content: Consumers may be more inclined to engage in discussions and analysis of the deeper meanings and social commentary within horror films.

• Potential for Seeking Comfort in Familiar Horror Tropes: While seeking new experiences, viewers might also find comfort in the familiar tropes and structures of the horror genre during uncertain times.

• Integration of Horror into Self-Care Routines (for some): For individuals who find it therapeutic, watching horror might become a part of their routine for processing stress and anxiety.

Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs: Opportunity for Mindful Thematic Tie-Ins, For Retailers: Potential for Increased Sales of Horror-Related Merchandise, For Consumers: A Wider Range of Horror Content Catering to Different Needs)

• For Brands and CPGs: There might be opportunities for subtle and mindful thematic tie-ins with horror content that acknowledges and reflects societal anxieties.

• For Retailers: Increased interest in horror could lead to higher sales of related merchandise, such as movie memorabilia, home décor with horror themes, and even Halloween-style items year-round.

• For Consumers: They can expect a wider variety of horror content, ranging from pure escapist scares to more thematically rich and psychologically engaging narratives that cater to their diverse needs and motivations for watching horror.

Strategic Forecast: The Continued Evolution of Fear in Entertainment

• Horror Will Remain a Relevant Genre: Given the ongoing uncertainties in the world, the therapeutic appeal of horror suggests its continued relevance and popularity.

• Blurring Lines Between Real and Fictional Horror: We might see more horror content that blurs the lines between real-world anxieties and fictional narratives, perhaps through found footage formats or stories inspired by true events.

• Increased Diversity in Horror Storytelling: There will likely be a continued push for more diverse voices and perspectives within the horror genre, leading to a wider range of stories and themes being explored.

• Technological Innovations Enhancing Horror Experiences: Virtual reality and other immersive technologies could further enhance the feeling of fear and presence within horror narratives.

• Horror Becoming More Integrated into Mainstream Entertainment: The critical and commercial success of horror films may lead to greater integration of horror elements into other genres.

Areas of innovation (implied by article): Exploring New Dimensions of Fear

• Psychological Realism in Horror: Focusing on creating believable and deeply unsettling psychological scenarios that tap into primal fears.

• Socially Conscious Horror: Using the genre to explore and critique contemporary social and political issues, making the fear more relevant and thought-provoking.

• Blending Horror with Other Genres for Fresh Perspectives: Combining horror with comedy (horror-comedy), romance (dark romance), or even social satire.

• Interactive Horror Experiences: Utilizing gaming and immersive technologies to create more personalized and terrifying experiences where the viewer has more agency.

• Horror That Focuses on Internal Rather Than External Threats: Exploring the horrors of the human psyche, mental illness, and existential dread.

Final Thought: The Enduring Power of Fear in Storytelling

The exploration of fear through storytelling, whether in ancient myths, religious texts, or contemporary horror films, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. In times of uncertainty, this exploration becomes even more vital, offering a way to process anxieties, confront the unknown, and ultimately find a sense of understanding in a world that can often feel overwhelmingly frightening. The enduring popularity of horror underscores its powerful ability to tap into our deepest emotions and reflect the collective fears of society.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/godforbid/the-religious-roots-of-horror/105471816