Favorite Movie Monsters and Their Psychological Appeal

Abstract

A nationwide and demographically representative sample of 1,166 people responded to a survey exploring choices for a favorite movie monster and reasons underlying the choice. Results of the study indicated that, irrespective of demographics, the vampire is the king of monsters. With a few exceptions (e.g., Chucky, Dracula, and sexiness), males and females were generally attracted to the same monsters and for similar reasons. Regarding age differences, younger people were more likely to prefer recent and more violent and murderous slasher monsters, such as Freddy Krueger, and to like them for their killing prowess. Older people were more attracted to earlier vintage, non-slasher monsters like Karloff's Frankenstein. Slasher and non-slasher monsters who ranked in the Top 10 in terms of popularity differed in two important respects: slashers were preferred for their killing prowess while non-slashers were preferred for being objects of empathy, pity, or compassion. Overall, though, monsters were particularly liked for their intelligence, superhuman powers, and their ability to (safely) show us the dark side of human nature.

The source model of group threat: Responding to internal and external threats.

“…Furthermore, by alluding to the existence of an “other,” these genres invite interrogation of the (group) self. Monsters serve functions of exploring ideas of “humanness” and what it means to be one of “us” (Fischoff, Dimopoulos, Nguyen, & Gordon, 2003). As Hardt and Negri (2004) put it: “The new world of monsters is where humanity has to grasp its future” (p. 196).…”

The Multiple Meanings of Age for Television Content Preferences

“…Consistent with this, researchers have noted the popularity of horror films among younger viewers (Tamborini & Stiff, 1987). Fischoff, Dimopolous, Nguyen, and Gordon (2003) noted that younger adults were more likely to choose highly violent characters from slasher films as their favorite movie monsters and to like them for their “killing prowess.”…”