Opinion | This Halloween season, give horror movies another shot

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Every October, horror movies take over. Streaming platforms roll out their spooky collections, theaters dust off the classics, and you can’t walk through Target without bumping into a plastic skeleton. For some people, it’s the best time of year. For others, it’s when they check out completely.

I get it. Horror has a reputation. It’s the country music of movies.

Too often it’s thought of as nothing more than blood, guts and jump scares. And sure, some films lean into that. But that’s like saying all comedies are Adam Sandler movies, or all dramas are courtroom thrillers.

The truth is, horror is one of the most versatile and layered genres in film. It has something for everyone, if you’re willing to give it a chance.

Take it from me — a working Minnesota screenwriter who has been fortunate enough to sell multiple scripts while partnering with horror legends such as Adrienne King from “Friday the 13th,” Dave Sheridan from “Scary Movie,” and Felissa Rose from “Sleepaway Camp.”

I started out in comedy, touring the country doing stand-up and writing for outlets like CollegeHumor, Funny or Die, and the hit show “Good Mythical Morning.” I grew up in St. Louis Park on the same block where the Coen brothers lived, empowering me to lean even more into humor.

Over time, my comedy background led me into horror. It might sound like an odd jump, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Both comedy and horror are about timing, tension and release. Both tap into universal feelings. And both can surprise you in ways that stick.

What I’ve discovered along my writing journey is that horror, at its best, is less about monsters on screen and more about the ones we live with every day.

Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” confronted racism in America. Jennifer Kent’s “The Babadook” explored grief and depression. Even a recent film like “Weapons,” from Zach Cregger (director of “Barbarian”), blends humor, dread and commentary in ways that feel fresh and exciting.

Yes, horror can be scary, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s kind of the whole point. Watching a horror film is like riding a roller coaster. You get the adrenaline rush without the real-world danger. You walk out of the theater more alive, more awake and sometimes even more appreciative of the calm waiting outside. It’s a feature, not a flaw.

This Halloween season, before you dismiss the genre entirely, consider trying something new.

If gore isn’t your thing, watch a horror-comedy like “Shaun of the Dead.” If you want something more psychological, try “Hereditary.” If you like social commentary, “Get Out” is still as sharp as ever. There is no single way to enjoy horror, just as there is no single way to tell a scary story.

So go ahead, pick a film, turn off the lights, and let yourself be scared.

Worst case, you spend two hours hiding behind a pillow. Best case, you discover a reason to fall in love with movies all over again.