THE Exorcist, with its iconic soundtrack, is the horror film movie fans vow never to watch again – because it’s too terrifying.
Banned for 25 years in the UK, the 1973 film tells the story of a girl believed to be possessed by the devil and stars Max von Sydow as the title character.
Saw, starring Tobin Bell as Jigsaw, came second in the poll of 2,000 horror film fans, followed by The Conjuring and the 1996 classic, Scream.
Newer films in the survey of 2,000 adults making the top 30 included Smile and tense sci-fi horror, A Quiet Place.
The study, commissioned by Specsavers, found 32 per cent have promised never to watch a certain horror film again because it was too scary.
And when it comes to fear, sight and sound play a huge role, as 38 per cent shut their eyes tight and put fingers in their ears during the scary parts.
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Even though 84 per cent agree it’s the tense soundtracks which make scary films even more frightening.
Specsavers’ chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, said: “Some people love the feeling of fear.
“Whether it’s the terrifying visuals or the spine-chilling soundtracks, our latest poll reveals how these movies test your sense to the limit.
“While it’s natural to want to cover your eyes or plug your ears during a scary movie, it’s important to remember that doing so could lead to some frightful complications.”
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It also emerged a fifth close or cover their eyes most of the time when watching something scary, and 46 per cent struggle getting to sleep once it has finished.
What’s more, 32 per cent have vowed never to watch a certain horror film again because it was too scary.
A scarred 45 per cent wish there were scenes they could unsee, and 37 per cent have sounds they would rather never have heard.
With seven in 10 saying loud noises make them jump the most during a horror film.
The OnePoll.com data also shows the average horror film fan watches four flicks per month.
Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) tend to watch more horrors in the lead up to Halloween, with 67 per cent saying it isn’t complete if they haven’t watched something terrifying.
A suspenseful storyline (49 per cent), eerie and haunting music (45 per cent), and an unpredictable ending (40 per cent) are considered essential components for the perfect horror film.
And 47 per cent say the suspense and unpredictability is what makes them a true fan.
Gordon Harrison added of fans watching movies through their fingers: “Touching your eyes with unwashed hands can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections for example.
“Similarly, inserting objects into your ears can cause damage or push earwax further in, potentially leading to hearing issues.
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“As a reminder, we advise against putting anything smaller than your elbow in your ear, including tissue paper or cotton wool.
“For a safer experience, consider using earplugs or hearing protection to manage the sound.”
Top 30 horror films Brits vow never to watch again
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Saw (2004)
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Scream (1996)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
- Poltergeist (1982)
- The Ring (2002)
- Friday the 13th (1980)
- The Omen (1976)
- The Babadook (2014)
- Smile (2022)
- The Blair Witch Project (1999)
- The Witch (2015)
- Halloween (1978)
- Child’s Play (1988)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Paranormal Activity (2007)
- A Quiet Place (2018)
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Hereditary (2018)
- It (2017)
- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
- Pet Sematary (1989)
- Psycho (1960)
- Midsommar (2019)
- Alien (1979)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
- The Fly (1986)
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