What makes a good horror movie?

Here are some of the most important factors I’ve found in making a good horror movie:

• Music/Sound

Music is important in most movies, but especially in horror movies. Music or sound can make a scene scary that otherwise wouldn’t be; it adds to the setting and builds suspense. 

• Suspense

Building suspense is one of the most important parts of horror; being able to grow discomfort or fear in the viewer is key. 

• Fleshed-out characters

Well-developed characters can make all the difference in a horror movie. It’s a lot easier to sympathize and care for characters that are fleshed out and we can understand. 

• Scary antagonist

While this one seems obvious, it’s still true. The antagonist is usually the biggest source of fear, after all; without a good antagonist, the horror aspect of the movie kind of falls flat. 

• Suspension of disbelief

A lot of horror movies or movies in general are successful because they are believable (at least somewhat); we aren’t thinking about the fact that we’re just watching a movie, we’re fully immersed in the story and the characters. 

• Subtlety/Time Management

I’ve noticed that some of the scariest movies aren’t ones that go straight into it with jumpscares and such; they take their time. Slowly building up to the climax often pays off more than quick and random jumpscares or gore shots.

• Foreshadowing

This is, I think, one of the absolute most important parts of a good horror movie. Foreshadowing is one of the best components to make a movie that much better upon rewatch; it can add a new sense of horror that you didn’t feel the first time.