This divisive movie-watching habit starts at childhood, new survey says

If your interest in horror started when you were a kid, chances are you still can’t get enough. A survey of 2,000 U.S.adults who celebrate Halloween revealed more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans polled enjoyed horror movies when they were a child, and that number still holds strong at 73% today.In fact, almost two-thirds (65%) saw their first horror movie before they were 11 years old and another 60% agree that watching your first scary movie at a slumber party is a right of passage.But as adults, supernatural and paranormal movies (43%), along with psychological thrillers (40%) and slasher flicks (30%) tend to be fan favorites.A vast majority (84%) of respondents agree that scary movies are a staple of the Halloween season.  During the “spooky season,” Americans average watching five different scary movies, though 23% will enjoy 10 or more.Almost half (46%) indulge in scary movies to get themselves into “spooky season mode,” while 43% will give themselves a fright for the sake of tradition.Still, almost one-third (29%) admit that horror is their favorite genre, no matter the season.Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HI-CHEW, the survey aimed to create Halloween profiles based on their scary tolerance level.Results revealed that 19% consider themselves to be “gore hounds” or those who seek out as much horror and blood as possible.

These respondents also enjoyed a higher level of frights and fears than their peers as children (85%) and are most likely to enjoy gummy Halloween candy (34%).“Kitch-y classic Carls” prefer the usual flicks and some B-grade horror (10%) and fruity candy (23%), while “Ghostbusters” (22%) find joy in all things paranormal, and were the second most horror fans as children (78%). “Family-friendly Frans” (30%), on the other hand, tend to opt for flicks that the whole family can enjoy and most enjoy the Halloween tradition of going trick or treating (54%).“Scared-y cats” prefer as little horror as p...