jumpscares
Horror movie staples
Jumpscares are sudden, startling moments in horror media—a loud noise, a face appearing without warning, a creature lunging at the camera.
The technique triggers an involuntary fright response.
Horror films and video games rely heavily on jumpscares, though critics sometimes dismiss them as cheap thrills compared to sustained dread: The movie was all jumpscares, no atmosphere.
Frighten suddenly
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- screamLoud sharp cry
- gaspSudden sharp breath
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
heart-pounding · adrenaline · shock · fright · recoil · shriek · yelp · leap
Knife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- paranormalBeyond scientific explanation
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- monstersFrightening imaginary creatures
zombies · demons · ghosts · poltergeist · possession · found footage · survival horror · creepypasta
Art of choosing moments
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- face revealShowing previously hidden appearance
- bait and switchFraudulent sales tactic
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
Able to be foreseen
- overusedEmployed too frequently
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- formulaicFollowing a set template
- psychological horrorFear targeting the psyche
slow burn · tension · dread · subtlety · craftsmanship · effective · gratuitous · desensitization
Movies meant to frighten
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
- reaction videoFootage of someone responding
- gameplayInteractive elements of gaming
- cutsceneNon-interactive game sequence
trailer · YouTube · Twitch · walkthrough · speedrun · streamer · highlight reel · compilation
startle
Frighten suddenly
jolt · heart-pounding · adrenaline · shock · fright · recoil · shriek · yelp · leap · shudder
slasher
Knife-wielding horror villain
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- paranormalBeyond scientific explanation
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
monsters · zombies · demons · ghosts · poltergeist · possession · found footage · survival horror · creepypasta · Resident Evil
timing
Art of choosing moments
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- face revealShowing previously hidden appearance
- bait and switchFraudulent sales tactic
quick zoom · misdirection · tension release · darkness · flickering lights
predictable
Able to be foreseen
- overusedEmployed too frequently
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- formulaicFollowing a set template
psychological horror · slow burn · tension · dread · subtlety · craftsmanship · effective · gratuitous · desensitization · trope
horror films
Movies meant to frighten
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
- reaction videoFootage of someone responding
- gameplayInteractive elements of gaming
cutscene · trailer · YouTube · Twitch · walkthrough · speedrun · streamer · highlight reel · compilation · thumbnail
- horrorhorror, terror, fear, dread, haunted
- content ratingsMPAA, rating system, movie rating, movie ratings, TV ratings
jumpscarescreeping dread
Slowly intensifying fearful anticipation
psychological horror · existential dread · cosmic horror · body horror · comfort