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Matinee (1993; Image: Everett)
Horror-movie fans search out and watch as many fright flicks as possible. The most dedicated comb through garage sales, check carefully in the second-hand bins at video stores and keep a constant eye for online sales. We'll watch a horror movie on videotape, LaserDisc, DVD or Blu-ray, it makes no matter, as long as we get a chance to watch it.
Better than all these options, though, is the opportunity to watch a horror movie in a theater filled with eager enthusiasts who want nothing more than to scream, cringe, laugh or cry together with friends, lovers and/or strangers. Yes, the joys of watching horror movies in theaters are many, so we've narrowed it down to a handful, accompanied by images from some of our favorites.
Discovering Something New
Matinee (1993; Image: Everett)
We love knowing as much as we can about a movie before it comes out, including development news (who might write, direct or star in a project ) and seeing promotional material as soon as it arrives (photos, trailers, clips and interviews). But nothing replaces the excitement of sitting in a theater as a horror movie begins. Will the opening scenes jump-start the scares or will the story take its time before revealing its particular thrills? Will the characters resonate as believable and authentic? Will we feel our skin crawl? Will we see something scary that we've never seen before? The mind whirls with anticipation.
Celebrating Something Old
Scream 2 (1997)
As much as we hope to see a thrilling twist or a cunning character we haven't encountered before, it can be incredibly satisfying to recognize a familiar sight. That's one reason why Michael Myers (Halloween), Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th), Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Ghostface (Scream) have endured in their popularity. Or consider the very idea of a "surprise ending." We've now become so conditioned to expect a last-moment twist -- a killer coming back to life, especially -- that it's downright disappointing when it doesn't happen. It's even more fun when surrounded by a crowd of like-minded fans, lingering in their seats until the final credits roll, just in case.
Size Matters
The Blob (1988)
We refer here, of course, to the size of the movie screen. Although many people have installed large televisions in their private abodes, it's rare and quite expensive for a home system to rival the best and biggest available at well-run, well-maintained movie theaters. And it's even more rare to have a home system whose volume can be raised to gut-crunching, truly startling levels without bringing down the wrath of neighbors. Be kind to your neighbors, and head to a movie theater instead, where no one will be able to hear you scream.
Sharing with Friends
Demons (1985)
Watching a horror movie in a theater is often more fun to experience with friends. You're all there to do one thing, namely, watch the movie, and without the distractions of home, it's far easier to stay focused on the terrors that are revealed. Obviously, you don't need to talk; a quick glance will reveal the look of fright and relief. Couples, naturally, can squeeze into together, hold hands and physically reassure each other that "it's only a movie."
Sharing with Strangers
Anguish (1988)
Without friends nearby, a horror movie can be experienced in its purest form. Solo viewers don't have to think about their loved ones freaking out at what they're watching. While that can be done at home as well, sitting in a movie theater allows the solo viewer to benefit from all the positive points mentioned above and also take comfort in the strangers who have shared the terror, to chuckle and grimace and be shaken and stirred by surviving to live another day and watch another horror movie.
