jump-scares
Horror movie shocks
Jump-scares are sudden startling moments in horror films, video games, or haunted attractions—a quiet scene interrupted by a monster lunging at the camera, accompanied by a loud musical sting.
The technique is sometimes dismissed as cheap: The movie relied too heavily on jump-scares instead of building real dread.
Also spelled as one word or two.
Frighten suddenly
- frightSudden intense fear
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- tensionStretched or strained state
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
creepy · monster · ghost · demon · slasher · haunted · scream · jolt
Art of choosing moments
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- movementChange in position
- shadowLight blocked by object
reflection · mirror · closet · corner · door · window · background · foreground
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- editingRefining content for clarity
- soundtrackMusic accompanying visual media
- stingSharp wound from insect
- frameSupporting outer structure
audience · theater · reaction · screaming · popcorn · director · timing · reveal
Display or barrier
- controllerDevice directing a system
- streamerNarrow decorative ribbon
- gameplayInteractive elements of gaming
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
enemies · chase · hiding · checkpoint · respawn · immersive · VR · headphones
startle
Frighten suddenly
suspense · creepy · monster · ghost · demon · slasher · haunted · scream · jolt · dread
timing
Art of choosing moments
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- movementChange in position
shadow · reflection · mirror · closet · corner · door · window · background · foreground
thriller
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- editingRefining content for clarity
- soundtrackMusic accompanying visual media
- stingSharp wound from insect
frame · audience · theater · reaction · screaming · popcorn · director · timing · reveal
screen
Display or barrier
- controllerDevice directing a system
- streamerNarrow decorative ribbon
- gameplayInteractive elements of gaming
atmosphere · enemies · chase · hiding · checkpoint · respawn · immersive · VR · headphones
jump-scarespsychological horror
Fear targeting the psyche
creeping dread · existential dread · cosmic horror · body horror · gore
jump, scare, jumps, jumped, jumping, jumper, jumpers, scares, scared