Horror as a genre offers an amazingly diverse range of media. You can watch, read, play, and listen to spooky content (as long as you can stomach it, of course). The best way to consume horror varies from person to person and depends on your particular tastes and tolerance for fear. The Bookstr team gave me their favorite ways to enjoy horror and dropped a few recommendations along the way. Let’s hear what they have to say!
Literature
My preferred medium to consume horror is definitely literature. To me, reading horror books is more entertaining than watching scary movies because the plot requires more depth, as the author can’t rely on cheap jump scares to keep readers on their toes. I found Carrie by Stephen King to be interesting because it presents a semi-realistic story with a twist. The novel is intriguing even before the supernatural elements are introduced.
— Talia Khorassani, Social Media
I love horror with limited-to-no jump scares in movies and TV, but my absolute favorite way to consume it is in books. The atmospheric tension in the world-building and knowing the worst is yet to come is my favorite experience. Sometimes I’m drawn to the eerie setting and mysterious moments, like in The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon. Other times, I’m waiting for the pit in my stomach to sink lower at the horrific building of action, like in Brother by Ania Ahlborn. I love a dynamic horror that can be introspective as well as frightening.
— Sammy Loree, Editorial
I’ve always loved horror movies. My favorites are the older ones and the cheesy, unrealistic ones. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve grown to love reading horror. I would say my reading is my favorite way to experience horror. I love reading horror/thrillers because I can go at my own pace and envision them in my head. Any book by Riley Sager is the best. I loved The House Across the Lake in particular because it’s so intense and kept me on my toes with a crazy plot twist.
— Chantal Galindo, Social Media
Movies
It’s less scary to watch. My best friend is a horror addict, but she’s mostly into the nonfiction True Crime horror stuff that just makes you stay up while your brain refuses to shut up. I’ve always loved a good horror movie, yes, they can be terrifying, but there is something about the distance that a visual horror provides that doesn’t scare me as much as a fully emotionally described book. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll read it, but it’s going to be daylight, sitting with my blanket within the corner of my bestie’s couch while her mere presence gives me comfort. I’ll take a horror movie over the book anytime, at least my chest won’t hurt from the emotional damage being inflicted.
If you ever want to be absolutely terrified by a book, read Steven Lachance’s The Uninvited: The True Story of the Union Screaming House.
— Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Consuming horror through film is THE BEST way to go. The eerie music, incredible acting, and plot of the films are, in my opinion, the best way to capture the essence of true horror. It is like all of your senses are being played with, and you’re left completely immersed in the film. Any of the Conjuring movies are good examples.
— Amber Alexander, Outreach
I’m a sucker for a good horror movie! It’s a beloved pastime for me. Don’t get me wrong, horror video games are fun too, but there’s nothing like the quiet build-up to that terrifying moment; it gives me such a rush! The music, the monsters: does it get any better?? I’ll watch just about any horror movie out there — classic, Italian, B-movies, blockbuster — so long as it doesn’t involve clowns. No clowns.
— Kacie Scibilia, Editorial
Video Games
As much as I used to love horror movies in my teenage years, my opinion has changed as I’ve gotten older. Now, I love a good horror video game. There’s something about the act of moving your character with a controller that makes it much less terrifying. When Phasmophobia finally got added to consoles, I was fully entrenched in figuring out which ghosts were haunting the houses.
— Cassandra Fushia, Editorial
I really love watching playthroughs of horror games on YouTube. That is the only way I will ever watch anything involving horror. I just think there’s something so comforting about knowing that another person is “there” with you, experiencing the same things you’re experiencing at the same time. Also, depending on the YouTuber, like Markiplier, for example, they’re often really funny when playing horror games, so it helps to diffuse the tension that the game is trying to build and make it not so scary.
— Daleney Teske, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator
All of the Above
I have such an interest in horror that I will consume horror stories in any way I can: film, video games (especially playing it myself, it’s a whole other experience that is way more engaging and terrifying), stories, manga, especially Junji Ito. Horror allows for social critique to be depicted through elaborate, extended metaphors, which can be fascinating to investigate the underlying message of the story. Anything that puts me in discomfort or on the edge of my seat builds up the adrenaline and makes me question what about it is so scary. I also like listening to horror ambience when reading stories because it elevates the experience, and I also read in dim light by myself. Anything for the scares!
— Olivia Ackers, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator / Editorial
I love all types of horror content, to be honest: film, television, video games, podcasts, literature, etc. I’ve loved how the genre has been having such a renaissance lately, especially as it’s being used to explore social issues like gender, class, race, LGBTQIA+ identities, and how technology is affecting our lives. Black Mirror, in particular, has had some killer episodes over the last few years that have touched on all of these subjects. Plus, as a fan of feminist horror, I’ve been blown away by recent stuff like The Invisible Man (2020), Companion, and The Substance.
— Cara Broel, Editorial & Outreach
Those are a few of our favorite ways to consume horror content. What’s your preferred medium? Be sure to let us know on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, and X!
If you enjoy horror, check out our article 5 Chilling Horror Novels Surprisingly Inspired by Actual Places.
Looking for more horror recommendations? Browse our Spine-chilling Horror Novels Not for the Faint of Heart collection on Bookshop.org!
