Why Horror Movies are a Great First Date Idea

First dates can be extremely nerve wracking and complicated to plan. Where should we go? What if it’s too cold and we both end up freezing to death? What if it’s too hot and my sweaty armpits get exposed? Will she even enjoy the experience? Well, don’t worry! In this article, I will break down why going to a horror movie for the first date is a fantastic and genius idea, and might just even score you a second date

Firstly, since horror movies are extremely terrifying, they provide a perfect excuse to hold hands with the other person. Under the pretense of “reducing the horror,” it initiates subtle physical contact with the other person. If you’re feeling bold and brave, you can even lean in on them, resting your head on their shoulder, allowing for just the right amount of physical touch on the first date—not too much but still spicing things up a bit.

Secondly, after watching the movie, you can bond over being scared and will have things to talk about. This experience acts as a unique and interesting conversation starter which may lead to even deeper and more meaningful convos. 

Horror movies also allow you to see how the other person reacts in scary situations. Do they get easily frightened and startled, or do they absolutely love violence and gore? From their reaction, you achieve a deeper understanding of their personality. Are they the type that needs to be protected? Or can they protect me? Are they a sociopath with no regard for human life?

Finally, after having watched a horror movie, you can get food or go shopping with them under the excuse of needing to “shake off” the feeling of horror. This extends the date naturally and allows you to spend more time with them!

Personal Experience

Although I have not yet personally tried this method with a date, I have watched numerous horror movies with my friends. Over the past summer, I watched two horror movies, Long Legs and Cuckoo, with friends. Since I’m the type of person to get scared easily, I was holding their hands 100% of the time (and squeezing their hands whenever it got super scary). Moreover, when it got extremely scary and I didn’t want to watch the screen, I leaned on their shoulder. From these experiences, I can confidently conclude that a horror movie allows for the Goldilocks amount of physical touch appropriate for the first date. Afterwards, to “shake off” the horror, we went shopping and got food together. Not only did that allow us to continue talking and hanging out, but the horror from the movie was all gone and forgotten by the time we left the mall, so I didn’t get any nightmares in the evening! The day ended with a satisfying and fulfilling experience with no scary afterthoughts. 

Overall, although seemingly contradictory at first, horror movies can be the perfect first date. It initiates subtle physical touch, allows you to get to know the other person, and provides hidden opportunities to extend the date. Take this advice at your own risk though!