How to stop being scared after watching scary movies: If you’re feeling anxious after a scary movie, try watching a funny show or listening to upbeat music to shift your focus. Remind yourself it’s just a movie, and the fear isn’t real. How to stop being scared after watching scary movies also involves reassuring yourself and distancing your mind from the fear. Talking to a friend about it can help too. Trust that the anxiety will pass as you focus on positive thoughts.
Part 1 Easing Anxiety During the Film
1. Watch the Movie in the Morning to Make It Seem Less Scary
One simple way to reduce the fear factor of a scary movie is by watching it during the day. Instead of waiting for nightfall, start the movie in the morning or early afternoon. By the time bedtime rolls around, you’ll have a whole day’s worth of activities to distract you, making it less likely for the movie to linger in your mind. The key is to avoid the darkness, as it can make the film seem scarier.
For more tips on managing your fear, check out this wikiHow guide on reducing fear after scary movies.
2. Avoid Watching Scary Movies by Yourself
Scary movies are often more frightening when you watch them alone. To minimize fear, make it a social activity by inviting at least one other person to watch with you. Having someone else around can distract you and reduce the intensity of your fear, making it easier to shake off the anxiety once the movie ends.
For additional insights, see wikiHow’s guide on overcoming movie fears.
3. Talk to Yourself or Others Throughout the Movie
Engaging with the film as it plays can help alleviate tension and fear. If you’re with friends or family, casually discuss the plot, characters, or even make lighthearted comments to keep the mood light. For example, saying “That was so predictable!” or “How could she not see that coming?” can create a sense of normalcy and distract you from the scary moments. If watching alone, talking to yourself like “This is just a movie” can provide reassurance.
Find more ideas for surviving scary movies in this wikiHow forum discussion.
4. Laugh to Reduce the Tension
If a scary scene is building up, try laughing instead of tensing up. Laughing or making a funny comment can relieve the pressure, turning a spine-chilling moment into something less intimidating. Even if the scene isn’t funny, laughing helps reset your brain, making the fear seem less overwhelming. Plus, if you’re watching with others, they’ll likely follow your lead and feel more at ease.
For more stress-relief tips, read this Psychology Today article on laughter therapy.
5. Watch the Special Features to Educate Yourself on the Film
Sometimes, knowing how the movie was made can make it seem less frightening. Check out the special features or behind-the-scenes footage, often available on DVDs or online. Seeing how the film was created, from set designs to CGI effects, can break the illusion and help you see the movie as a work of fiction. Understanding the storyline and characters more deeply also helps you detach from the fear.
For more on understanding the filmmaking process, explore this article from the American Film Institute.
Part 2 Relaxing After the Movie
1. Remind Yourself That the Movie Is Not Real and You Are Safe
After watching a scary movie, reassure yourself that it is just fiction. Repeat to yourself, “This is fake,” and “I am safe,” until you believe it. This may take a bit of time, but it helps calm your mind. You can also recall parts of the movie that seemed unrealistic or cheesy to reinforce this idea. For instance, notice if the villain’s makeup is exaggerated or if the characters behave in ways that are unrealistic (like zombies or swamp monsters). If it helps, lock your doors to further reassure yourself that you’re safe.
Even scary movies that are “based on a true story” are often highly exaggerated for dramatic effect. For more on how movies manipulate truth for horror, see this Psychology Today article.
2. Do Brief Exercises for 5-10 Minutes to Release Extra Energy
Watching a scary movie can leave you in a “fight or flight” state, which increases tension and fear. To combat this, engage in some physical activity like dancing, jogging in place, or even having a pillow fight. These activities can release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially before bedtime, as excessive exercise could make it harder for you to sleep.
For more on how exercise can reduce anxiety, check out this Healthline article on stress-relief exercises.
3. Distract Your Mind with an Uplifting TV Show, Movie, or Book
One effective way to stop feeling scared is to shift your focus. Immediately after the movie, watch a lighthearted TV show, movie, or read a book that has a positive and uplifting theme. Comedies or inspiring documentaries are perfect for this purpose. Additionally, focusing on upcoming fun events, like a date night or a concert, can keep your mind off the fear.
Find more distractions in this wikiHow guide on mental relaxation.
4. Spend Time with Friends or Family to Avoid Feeling Alone
If you watched the movie with others, stay with them for a while afterward to maintain the sense of safety and comfort. If you watched alone, reach out to a friend or family member and invite them over. Engaging in normal activities, such as cooking, chatting, or playing games, can help distract you from the fear and reassure you that you are not alone. Having others around reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety.
For more on the benefits of social connection, visit this Psychology Today article on loneliness.
Part 3 Getting To Sleep
1. Sleep with a Night Light if It Makes You Feel Safer
If you feel uneasy after watching a scary movie, try turning on a nightlight. This simple step can help you feel more secure by providing enough light to see in the dark. A nightlight shaped like a moon or star, or even a simple one, can serve this purpose. It’s best to only use it after the movie, so you don’t rely on it every night. It can be a temporary solution to reassure yourself that there’s nothing lurking in the dark.
For more tips on creating a comfortable sleep environment, visit Sleep.org.
2. Play Relaxing Music If You Are Having Trouble Falling Asleep
If the fear from the movie is keeping you awake, playing relaxing background music can help calm your mind. Nature sounds like waves crashing or birds chirping can be soothing, helping to ease you into sleep. You can also try instrumental lullabies like “Brahms Lullaby.” Play the music through headphones or a speaker, allowing yourself to drift off peacefully.
For more on the benefits of calming music for sleep, check out this article on Healthline.
3. Tell Yourself “It’s Just a Movie” If You Wake Up in the Middle of the Night
If you wake up feeling scared after having a nightmare, remind yourself that the fear is just from the movie. Repeating the mantra, “It’s just a movie” can help ease your mind and relax your body. Taking deep breaths as you repeat this will also help reduce anxiety, allowing you to fall back asleep more comfortably.
For additional sleep tips and techniques, see Psychology Today’s guide to overcoming night-time anxiety.
4. Ask a Friend or Family Member to Have a Sleepover So You’re Not Alone
If you’re still struggling to sleep, ask a friend, family member, or roommate to stay over. Having someone else in the room can make you feel safer and less isolated. If you choose this option, make it fun by turning it into a sleepover—bring extra pillows, blankets, snacks, and even play games to distract yourself from the fear.
For more on the benefits of social connection, visit Psychology Today’s article on the power of human connection.
