The question of whether Christians should watch scary or horror movies is one that does not have a definitive answer in the Bible. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue. Ultimately, it comes down to each person’s conscience and their personal convictions before God. However, there are some biblical principles that can help provide guidance when considering this question.
The Content and Themes of These Movies
Many scary and horror movies contain content that is contradictory to biblical values. There are often graphic depictions of violence, gore, sexual immorality, the occult and the demonic. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to focus our minds on things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Much of the content of scary movies would not fit these descriptors.
In addition, many of these movies promote worldviews that are unbiblical or even anti-biblical. There is often a perspective of pessimism, nihilism and meaninglessness. The occult is normalized or even glorified. Acts of shocking violence are depicted for entertainment value. Stories often have an absence of God or any type of morality. Christians must be discerning about the messages and philosophies promoted in these films.
The Bible Warns About Desensitization to Evil
The Bible consistently warns believers to avoid temptations and exposure to evil. In Matthew 6:13 Jesus instructs his followers to pray “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” We are told in Psalms 101:3 “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” It is easy for depictions of disturbing violence, gore and evil to desensitize us and dull our sensitivity to these realities.
Repeated exposure to scary movies could potentially numb someone to things that God wants us to adamantly oppose and stand against, such as violence, murder, demonic activity, exploitation and rebellion against God’s standards. Christians must be vigilant about what they set before their eyes and how it impacts them internally (Psalm 119:37).
The Impact on Our Thought Life
Scary movies often stir up anxiety, fearfulness, disturbing mental images and nightmares. They may deposit thoughts and scenes in our minds that resurface later and plant seeds of fear or worry. Philippians 4:8 tells us that believers should dwell on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Will immersing our minds in the disturbing content of scary movies accomplish this?
In addition, dwelling on, rehearsing and meditating on the types of evil depicted in scary movies goes against many other biblical principles. We are told in Philippians 4:6-7 to dwell on things that bring peace, not anxiety. We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Matthew 15:18-20 makes it clear that sinful thoughts, even if not acted upon, defile us.
The Physical Effects on the Body
Scary movies trigger our fight or flight stress response. They immediately release chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol into our bodies as we instinctively rev up to either fight a perceived threat or run away from it. Our breathing and heart rates increase. We experience sweating and muscle tension. Fearful images remain imprinted in our neurons and memories.
While our bodies are designed to handle temporary bursts of stress hormones from legitimate threats, chronic or long-term stimulation of our fight/flight response is harmful. It elevates anxiety, impairs sleep and even suppresses the immune system. Deliberately exposing ourselves to frightening movies could qualify as chronic stress.
Causing Fear Can Be Unloving
As Christians, we are called to act in love towards others, wanting their best and seeking to build them up (1 Corinthians 8:1). While we cannot control how every individual responds to scary movies, statistically they do induce anxiety and fearfulness in many people. Exposing friends or family to frightening films could stir up emotions in them that are unhelpful or unloving.
In addition, people prone to nightmares, anxiety disorders, PTSD or sleep problems can experience exacerbated symptoms from scary movies. Causing fear in those who are uniquely vulnerable could be interpreted as incompatible with the biblical command to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
The Question of Legalism
Some may argue that completely prohibiting scary movies is legalistic and such standards are not expressly outlined in scripture. However, just because the Bible does not forbid something directly does not mean it is beneficial, helpful or wise. Nowhere in scripture does it forbid smoking cigarettes or taking illicit drugs, but few Christians would promote those activities.
In reality, fully abstaining from all secular films would be the only way to completely avoid unbiblical content and themes. However, setting standards to avoid genres dominated by graphically disturbing content and themes contrary to scripture is not unreasonable or legalistic.
Caution About Horror Versus General Caution With Movies
It is important to make a distinction between horror movies that are defined by and centered around graphic disturbing content versus general caution and discernment with all movies. Many stories in film have violence or references to evil but are not inherently focused on celebrating the grotesque, macabre and malevolent.
Christians should thoughtfully engage with all media. But content that is exclusively focused on shocking evil simply for entertainment purposes may warrant more deliberate caution than a balanced film that realistically acknowledges good and evil in the context of an engaging story.
The Role of Christian Freedom
There are strong arguments on both sides of this issue. Within God-honoring limits, Christians are granted liberty in areas the Bible does not directly address. God’s Spirit leads different people to personal convictions that may vary but still honor God. Extending grace and avoiding judgment of others is important.
Romans 14:1-4 addresses disputes among Christians about questionable practices. It concludes that each person should follow their own conscience before God in areas of ambiguity, and not force their personal standards on others.
With scary movies, some feel complete avoidance is best while others are comfortable engaging in moderation. But every individual must diligently monitor influences on their spirit, mind, emotions and conscience.
Think About Your Motives and Priorities
2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages believers to continually examine themselves before God. Asking honest questions about our motives in this area is wise. Do we rationalize viewing certain movies out of curiosity or desire for thrills and adrenaline? Do we make time for frightening movies but neglect reading the Bible? Does exposure to simulated evil on screen dull our passion for pursuing what is good?
It is also worth considering if our time and mental energy might be better spent on more uplifting entertainment or activities that relax and calm our nervous systems. Our media preferences can impact our priorities and deteriorate or cultivate our relationship with God.
Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 tells us “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts are enormously impacted by what we watch, hear and focus on. The content and ideas we absorb through entertainment media can shape our perspectives on life, morality, relationships, the nature of good and evil, and God Himself.
Scary movies often portray the world as a cruel, depraved and hopeless place. They may negatively influence our outlook on life and view of humanity in a way that contradicts a biblical worldview. We must guard our hearts against ungodly lies and distortions about reality.
Consider Your Conscience
Romans 14:23 warns that “whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” While scary movies may not be strictly forbidden, if we have nagging doubts about them or an uneasy conscience, that should be respected.
God has given each of us an inner compass through the Holy Spirit. If we experience deep unease or reservation about a certain movie, that is often God’s wisdom guiding us away from potential danger, and we should listen.
Set An Example For Others
As believers we have a responsibility not to cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9). Young or immature Christians may follow our example to compromise their consciences and watch movies that pollute their minds and spirits. Parents must also guard the innocence and impressionable minds of children.
Being sensitive to how our liberties in questionable areas could influence others is important. While no one can control how people interpret our actions, we should seek to model purity, self control, moderation and obedience led by scripture.
Pray For Discernment and Conviction
In the end, Scripture does not provide definitive “thou shalt nots” on scary movies. The Bible guides us to principle rather than rules. But God knows each human heart and what detracts or draws us closer to Him. We can ask for His wisdom and discernment when deciding about specific movies. Through prayer, the Spirit will stir conviction in each individual about what honors the Lord.
As Philippians 1:9-10 states, we can pray “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” With scary movies, as with all choices, pursuing closeness with God is our highest aim.