Christians and horror films: is it safe to watch?

Leaders, experts and artists reflect on the limits, risks and discernment required when dealing with dark and emotionally intense content

By Karina Garcia

Horror films and series remain among the most popular genres in world entertainment. But, faced with content marked by violence, spiritually sensitive themes and extreme emotional stimuli, the question remains: is it appropriate for Christians to consume this type of media?

The discussion is not new, but it is gaining strength as productions of this style become increasingly realistic and intense. For many, horror is just fiction, the famous “it has nothing to do with it”. For others, it awakens spiritual and emotional influences that deserve attention.

Pastor and clinical psychoanalyst Sérgio Junger unifies spiritual and emotional analysis when approaching the topic. For him, the question goes beyond “can or cannot”, it is about considering the impact that this type of content has on the health of those who consume it fully.

According to Junger, any activity that does not add to spiritual life or that does not edify must be evaluated carefully, and this includes terror. More than a religious perspective, he highlights the psychological effect:
“Everything that really affects our emotions, shocks… is not interesting. Terror is a shock. I don’t like the radicalism of saying ‘it can’t’, but I believe that everything that is extreme is not good for human beings.”

For the pastor, the biblical principle of balance should guide choices. “Films with a lot of violence, a lot of shock, or even very sad films… none of that is interesting. The less impact we give to our emotions, the better. Balance is always important.”

Even admitting that, personally, he never tolerated horror films, he states that it is not a question of prohibition, but of discernment: “I learned that everything in balance is good and everything in excess is excess.”

Artists who avoid the genre out of conviction

In addition to religious leaders, Christian artists have also spoken out on the issue and both have adopted firm stances.

American actress Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role in the series Three, declared on her podcast that she does not allow her family to watch horror films at home. For her, these contents can open “demonic portals”.

“If you’re watching, or playing video games with this kind of content, this is a portal that can let things into our home. I work in the film industry and I understand how it all works. I know the film has a crew of 200 people, and they’re lighting it, adding the sound effects, etc; however, there’s still something that can be incredibly demonic while they’re making this kind of film.”

Spiritual interference

On the national scene, singer Gabriela Rocha has also expressed concern about the influence of this genre. In posts on social media, she reinforced that terror can interfere with both the emotional and the spiritual and that is why caution is needed.
According to the artist, many of these products “mess with spiritual areas that should not be treated as entertainment” and require discernment so that the Christian does not consume something that, in her view, “feeds fear and spiritual confusion”.

“I’ve seen horror films. I don’t know what feelings you had, but it’s not light. So, yes, people, there are many films that are consecrated (to evil) and they release evil spirits during that film,” he declared.

Entertainment x influence: where is the limit?

The central reflection for many Christians involves two points:
1. Emotional impact
The horror genre works with fear, tension, scares and feelings of vulnerability, elements that can affect people differently.
Insomnia, anxiety and mood changes are effects frequently reported by those who are sensitive to this type of stimulus.

Pastor Sérgio Junger points out that an excess of intense emotions is not healthy, regardless of the content. His guidance is to seek balance and recognize personal limits.

2. Spiritual sensitivity
While some Christians see horror as innocent fiction, others argue that content that addresses demons, the occult, possession or distorted spiritual practices can interfere with spiritual life.

The debate involves the biblical concept of “guarding the heart”, present in Proverbs 4:23, and the guidance in Philippians 4:8 about thinking about what is pure, excellent and uplifting.

For psychologist Ana Carolina Buzaglo Melo, the consumption of horror films can have a significant influence on Christians and on anyone. This type of content can trigger emotional triggers that trigger unnecessary anxiety attacks.

In individuals who already have some predisposition to psychotic conditions, there is still a risk of persecutory symptoms or other psychological discomforts appearing. It is important to consider your emotional state and mental health before consuming this type of entertainment. Therefore, the decision is personal, but it must be responsible

Questions that help in this process:

– Does this content awaken fear, anxiety or discomfort in me?
– Have I experienced spiritual, emotional or behavioral impairment?
– Does this entertainment glorify values ​​contrary to the gospel?
– Am I consuming for occasional fun or out of compulsion?
– Does it build or drain my peace?

The discussion about the consumption of horror films and series in the Christian context is not limited to prohibitions. It involves balance, self-knowledge and sensitivity to the Word. Pastors, psychologists and artists point out that the impact is not only spiritual, but also emotional. With increasingly intense productions, it is up to the Christian to maturely assess whether or not watching horror films and series brings him closer to God or takes him away from peace?