Horror movies have been a popular genre for decades, providing thrills and chills to audiences. But for the characters in these films, making the wrong move can mean certain death. Fortunately, characters can better their chances of survival by following a few key rules.
Don’t Split Up
This may seem obvious, but separating from the group is one of the worst things a character can do in a scary movie. There is safety in numbers, so staying together is key. When characters split up to “cover more ground” or check out a strange noise, it rarely ends well. That’s prime opportunity for the killer to pick them off one by one.
Avoid Going Into Creepy Places Alone
Characters should avoid entering any creepy locations by themselves, including abandoned buildings, basements, attics, etc. These places spell trouble in horror movies. If a character absolutely must investigate, they should always bring backup. A creepy setting plus isolation is a recipe for disaster.
Don’t Drop Your Weapon
When characters arm themselves with makeshift weapons like knives, bats, garden tools etc., they must hang onto them! Too often, someone will drop their weapon when startled or bump into something, leaving them defenseless. Characters should keep weapons firmly gripped when exploring or fleeing from danger.
Be Very Cautious at Night
Many horror movie slayings happen at night, when visibility is lower. Characters should be extra vigilant after dark and avoid exploring outside. If travel is necessary, they should stick to well-lit paths and open areas as much as possible. Darkness masks the killer’s approach!
Keep Your Cell Phone Handy
Cell phones allow characters to call for help and keep track of each other. But they often neglect their phones when danger arises! Characters shouldn’t simply drop or forget their phone when something frightening happens. They must remember this lifeline.
Head Straight For the Exits
When it becomes clear a killer is loose, many characters overstay their welcome by lingering, hiding, or searching for others. As soon as a character realizes they are in immediate danger, making a break straight for the nearest exit could save their life. Never investigate further or wait around during an active threat!
Move Quickly But Don’t Fall Down
Running for your life? Pick up the pace but watch your step! Tripping or knocking over objects creates noise that gives away your location. Move fast but carefully through the woods, upstairs, or any uneven terrain.
Check the Back Seat
A parked car can seem like a convenient hideout, but characters should always check the back seat first! Otherwise they might discoveries a killer or corpse waiting for them. Likewise, looking into the car before getting in could foil a sneaky ambush.
Avoid Investigating Strange Noises
Unexplained sounds like knocks, bangs, and cries for help can be enticing to curious horror movie characters. But investigating these noises often means walking straight into the villain’s trap. Ignoring the noises and quietly making an exit is a better tactic.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Situational awareness is key to noticing danger before it notices you. Whether escaping through the woods or exploring a creepy basement, characters must stay alert. Constantly scanning your surroundings for any movement or threats can help prevent a killer from sneaking up.
Put Down the Distracting Object
That photo album of good times past or mysterious old artifact you just discovered – put it down! Lingering too long over objects that distract your attention can spell doom. Stay focused on your surroundings, not what’s in your hands.
Hide Well Out of Sight
When hiding from a pursuer, characters must secure spots where they cannot be seen. Merely ducking behind a curtain or under a desk likely won’t cut it. Find a room you can lock and closet or crawl space to get out of view.
Fight Back as a Last Resort
When running and hiding fail, fighting back against your attacker is a last ditch option that could save a life. But it is risky – better to subdue or distract the killer just long enough to make your escape.
Avoid Going Into Rooms With Just One Exit
When characters enter rooms where their escape would be restricted ? like just one door/window ? they can easily become cornered. Always look for rooms with multiple exit points so you won’t get trapped!
Beware Loved Ones Turned Killers
The last person you suspect is often the one trying to harm you in horror films. This traitorous friend or relative now sees you as a target. Defend yourself, run, and tell authorities right away if a “victim” was the killer all along.
Never Assume the Killer Is Dead
Slashers have a habit of popping up again just when characters let their guard down. After seemingly defeating the killer, don’t turn your back! Watch them closely until you are well away to be sure they are down for good.
Conclusion
Avoiding classic horror movie mistakes and using some common sense greatly improves one’s odds of survival. Remaining vigilant and abandoning dangerous investigate-at-all-costs attitudes are key. Sticking together in well-lit areas and readying an escape plan also set characters up for success. With preparation and alertness, protagonists have a better shot at outsmarting slashers, ghosts, and monsters alike!
By following these tips, characters can avoid becoming just another victim. While more cautious behavior reduces risky scenes, it leads to better decision-making that boosts survival chances in frightening situations. What other strategies help beat the odds in perilous horror movie scenarios?
Other Survival Tips
Here are some additional tactics that may increase a character’s chance of surviving a horror movie ordeal:
Secure Potential Weapons
Look for useful everyday items like kitchen knives, tools, blunt objects, scissors, pepper spray, etc. that could be used to defend yourself if confronted by a killer.
Reinforce Hiding Spots
Use materials on hand to barricade entrances to your hiding place and muffle sounds that might give away your location.
Send Out an SOS
If cell service is available, send a text or email to multiple people letting them know you are in danger and your specific location.
Utilize Distractions
Cause diversions like triggering alarms, knocking over objects, or throwing items to disorient the killer and make your escape.
Keep Your Energy Up
Eat snacks, drink water, and rest briefly when possible to stay energized enough to run or fight if needed.
First Aid Skills
Basic first aid knowledge could help you mend injuries sustained during an attack, improving your chance of getting away or surviving.
Gather Intel
Any info you can safely gain about the killer’s motives, weapons, identity, or past victims could aid police or your survival strategy.
Watch Your Step
Scan the ground for hazards like dead leaves/twigs, spilled liquids, toys, etc. that can make sound or trip you up when fleeing.
Fight Dirty
If attacking the killer in self-defense, aim for vulnerable body parts like the eyes, throat, or groin to stun them.
Create an Escape Route
Scope out multiple routes away from the threat location. Find quick exits that avoid potentially blocked or dead-end paths.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Stay alert and ready to move or defend yourself at all times, even when you think danger has passed.
Trust Gut Instincts
If something feels wrong, don’t ignore that feeling! Your subconscious may detect danger before you consciously do.
Mistakes That Decrease Survival Chances
Horror movie characters also make many blunders that hinder their odds of staying alive. Here are some key missteps to avoid:
| Investigating noises alone | Remaining in hazardous locations |
| Dropping weapons | Forgetting phones/car keys |
| Splitting up the group | Lingering near corpses |
| Getting distracted | Falling down frequently while fleeing |
| Hiding poorly | Turning your back on the killer |
By being aware of these common mistakes, characters stand a better chance of avoiding the inevitable demise that befalls so many horror movie victims. Caution, vigilance, and quick thinking under extreme stress are required to outwit whatever sinister forces are at work.
Horror Movie Survival Quiz
Let’s see how much you’ve learned! Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of horror movie survival tactics:
Question 1
You and two friends are exploring an old abandoned factory at night armed only with flashlights. You hear a strange noise down the hall. What should you do?
A) Say “Let’s split up and search faster!”
B) Suggest returning outside to the car and calling the police.
C) Flee the building immediately and regroup outdoors.
D) Tell your louder friend to walk ahead and investigate the noise.
Answer: C – Splitting up, investigating further, or using a companion as bait would all be very dangerous! The safest move is to exit together right away.
Question 2
You encounter the reanimated corpse of your neighbor in their basement. Their eyes glow red with evil. What should be your first priority?
A) Try communicating with them to learn if any humanity remains.
B) Search the basement for a weapon to fight them off.
C) Quickly escape the high-risk basement setting.
D) Give them a comforting hug.
Answer: C – You are in imminent danger. Flee the hazardous basement immediately to maximize your chance of survival.
Question 3
Your group takes shelter in an abandoned barn overnight during a thunderstorm. You start hearing animal noises from the loft above. What should you do?
A) Send your asthmatic friend upstairs to check it out.
B) Use a long stick to poke around the loft from a safe distance.
C) Barricade the barn doors, then turn on music to drown out the noises.
D) Quietly sneak out the back and take cover somewhere far away.
Answer: D – Venturing upstairs to satiate curiosity would be an unnecessary risk. Getting everyone to leave discreetly is the safest bet.
Conclusion
Emphasizing smart preparation, vigilance, caution, and quick thinking under distress can greatly improve a character’s odds of surviving a harrowing horror movie ordeal. But carelessness, curiosity, and split-second emotional reactions often override logical thinking when a life-threatening villain is pursuing you. Truly beating the odds requires repressing those unsafe impulses for your best shot at seeing another day.
Staying calm under pressure and resisting the urge to needlessly endanger yourself are key to making the right choices when circumstances are dire. With the disturbing killers and twisted scenarios in horror films, characters need every advantage they can get just to stand a fighting chance. Avoid their hard-learned lessons by sticking to the survival smarts described here next time things take a dark turn!