If your interest in horror started when you were a kid, chances are you still can’t get enough.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who celebrate Halloween revealed more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans polled enjoyed horror movies when they were a child, and that number still holds strong at 73% today.
In fact, almost two-thirds (65%) saw their first horror movie before they were 11 years old and another 60% agree that watching your first scary movie at a slumber party is a right of passage.
But as adults, supernatural and paranormal movies (43%), along with psychological thrillers (40%) and slasher flicks (30%) tend to be fan favorites.
A vast majority (84%) of respondents agree that scary movies are a staple of the Halloween season.
During the “spooky season,” Americans average watching five different scary movies, though 23% will enjoy 10 or more.
Almost half (46%) indulge in scary movies to get themselves into “spooky season mode,” while 43% will give themselves a fright for the sake of tradition.
Still, almost one-third (29%) admit that horror is their favorite genre, no matter the season.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HI-CHEW, the survey aimed to create Halloween profiles based on their scary tolerance level.
Results revealed that 19% consider themselves to be “gore hounds” or those who seek out as much horror and blood as possible. These respondents also enjoyed a higher level of frights and fears than their peers as children (85%) and are most likely to enjoy gummy Halloween candy (34%).
“Kitch-y classic Carls” prefer the usual flicks and some B-grade horror (10%) and fruity candy (23%), while “Ghostbusters” (22%) find joy in all things paranormal, and were the second most horror fans as children (78%).
“Family-friendly Frans” (30%), on the other hand, tend to opt for flicks that the whole family can enjoy and most enjoy the Halloween tradition of going trick or treating (54%). “Scared-y cats” prefer as little horror as possible. Only 36% of those respondents enjoyed scary movies as children and only 34% enjoy them today.
“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,” said Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), Chief Representative for the USA & President, CEO of Morinaga America, Inc. “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.”
Regardless of their horror tolerance, a majority of Americans believe that the best parts of Halloween are going trick or treating or giving out candy to trick-or-treaters (55%), watching scary movies (54%) and decorating their homes (50%).
More than half (54%) even admit that their scary movie preferences reflect in their Halloween decor choices.
Another thing Americans can agree on is that scary movies are best enjoyed with a snack, such as popcorn (61%), chips (47%) and pizza (44%).
Seven in 10 (71%) are also likely to opt for a bowl of candy to complement their Halloween movie viewing experience. The majority (77%) prefer individually wrapped candy compared to loose-leaf (15%).
In fact, it takes an average of just 43 minutes into a movie before the candy bowl needs restocked.
According to the results, family-friendly Halloween flicks pair best with gummy candy (21%), while paranormal and supernatural content should be enjoyed while eating something chocolatey (37%).
Fruit candy is best with animated horror movies (20%) and if a slasher movie is on the screen, Americans are most likely to enjoy Halloween-themed candy (18%), such as gummy spiders or chocolate eyeballs.
“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,” said Kawabe. “Whether you prefer chewy, fruity, sour or gummy candy, you can’t go wrong with a mix of your favorites during the holiday festivities.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who celebrate Halloween; the survey was commissioned by HI-CHEW and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August 9 and August 16, 2024.
