Lessons To Be Learned From Horror Movies

We’ve all watched a horror movie and shouted at the screen, “Don’t go in there,” or “Why are they splitting up?”

It’s easy to roll our eyes when characters make poor decisions that lead them into danger. But, if you think about it, these same mistakes happen in real life, just with less dramatic lighting and fewer jump scares.
As strange as it sounds, horror movies can actually teach us a lot about ourselves and the choices we make.

Lesson One: Don’t Split Up.

In almost every scary movie, the group decides to divide and conquer, and it never ends well.

In life, the same rule applies. Facing your biggest challenges alone often makes things harder. Whether you’re dealing with school stress, work pressure, or personal struggles, having people by your side makes a difference. Sticking together doesn’t just keep you safe,it reminds you that you’re not alone, even when life gets tough.

Lesson Two: Trust Your Instincts.

If a horror movie character hears a noise in the basement, curiosity usually gets the best of them. They go down to “check it out,” and we know how that ends.

Real life has its own versions of these moments when your gut tells you something’s off, but you ignore it. Maybe it’s a friendship that feels one-sided, a decision that doesn’t sit right, or a situation that feels wrong. Listening to your instincts is one of the best ways to protect your peace,even when you can’t see the full picture.

Lesson Three: Always Check the Backseat.

It’s the oldest horror trick in the book: the main character gets in the car, sighs in relief, and then realizes too late they weren’t alone. It’s a chilling reminder to pay attention to what’s behind you.

In life, that doesn’t mean literally checking your car (though that’s not a bad idea) – it means learning from your past. Mistakes, heartbreaks, and regrets can sneak up if you pretend they’re not there. Growth happens when you acknowledge what’s behind you, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Lesson Four: Don’t Ignore the Red Flags.

If your new neighbor has a creepy basement and insists you never go down there, maybe take that as a sign. The same goes for real life. When people or situations reveal who they are, believe them. It’s better to walk away early than to end up trapped in something that feels wrong.

At the end of the day, horror movies are about survival, not just from monsters or ghosts, but from our own bad decisions. They remind us that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward even when you’re scared.

So next time you’re watching a scary movie, pay attention. The characters might be running from zombies, but the real message is about awareness, and trusting yourself. Life can sometimes feel terrifying, but at least we get to write our own ending.

Reyna Sanchez is a Sterling freshman studying journalism. She can be contacted on Instagram @reyna_alejandra_13

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