Are you a ‘gore hound’ or ‘ghostbuster’? What your Halloween movie tastes say about you

NEW YORK — Were you a kid that loved horror movies? Chances are your love of scares and screams is still with you today! A recent survey finds that America’s fascination with horror movies is deeply rooted in childhood experiences and continues well into adulthood.

An overwhelming 84% of respondents agree that scary movies are a Halloween season staple, with the average American indulging in five different frightening flicks during the spooky season.

The study, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HI-CHEW, polled 2,000 U.S. adults who celebrate Halloween. It uncovered a startling trend: 68% of Americans enjoyed horror movies as children, a number that has grown to 73% in adulthood. Even more surprisingly, 65% of respondents had their first brush with horror before the age of 11.

From Slumber Parties to Streaming Services

For many, the love of horror is a shared experience. Six in 10 respondents agree that watching your first scary movie at a slumber party is a rite of passage. This early exposure seems to have a lasting impact, with 29% of respondents admitting that horror remains their favorite genre year-round.

As adults, tastes in horror have evolved. Supernatural and paranormal movies top the list at 43%, closely followed by psychological thrillers at 40%. Slasher flicks round out the top three at 30%.

Traditions and Treats

Regardless of their horror tolerance, Americans agree on the best parts of Halloween: trick-or-treating or giving out candy (55%), watching scary movies (54%), and decorating their homes (50%). Interestingly, 54% admit that their scary movie preferences influence their Halloween decor choices.

“Many respondents (23%) say that their favorite Halloween tradition is sharing their favorite parts of the holiday that they enjoyed as a child with their family today. Whether you enjoy watching scary movies or look forward to trick-or-treating, the Halloween season can bring families together with movies, traditions, candy, and more,” says Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), Chief Representative for the USA & President and CEO of Morinaga America, Inc., in a statement.

Snacks and Scares: The Perfect Pairing

The survey also revealed that scary movies are best enjoyed with snacks. Popcorn leads the pack at 61%, followed by chips (47%) and pizza (44%). Candy is a popular choice, with 71% likely to have a bowl of sweets during their Halloween movie marathon. However, it takes an average of just 43 minutes before the candy bowl needs restocking.

When it comes to pairing candy with specific horror subgenres, the survey found some interesting correlations. Family-friendly Halloween flicks pair best with gummy candy (21%), while paranormal and supernatural content calls for something chocolatey (37%). Fruit candy complements animated horror movies (20%), and slasher films are best enjoyed with Halloween-themed candy (18%), such as gummy spiders or chocolate eyeballs.

As the Halloween season approaches, it’s clear that America’s love affair with horror is stronger than ever. Whether you’re a hardened “gore hound” or a family-friendly film enthusiast, there’s a fright-filled experience waiting for you this October.

“Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand, and there are a variety of candy options to choose from to satisfy all preferences during the season,” Kawabe says. “Whether you prefer chewy, fruity, sour, or gummy candy, you can’t go wrong with a mix of your favorites during the holiday festivities.”