Target Audience in Horror Films

Age- The usual age for the target audience of a horror films is 15-25. The most common reason for this is that young adults and teenagers enjoy thrills. These thrills are more likely to excite a younger audience rather than an older one. Many young audiences are not put off by graphic images also, but are actually drawn towards them. For example, The Human Centipede (2009) is well known and viewed specifically because of the graphic images and themes it contains. However, many older audiences will be put off by the use of such graphic violence.

Gender- Horror films are generally aimed more at males than females. This is because stereotypically males enjoy the violence more than females. The thrill seeking attitude is also associated with males more so than females. Also young males are stereotypically seen as immature, meaning that they are more susceptible to the blood, guts and gore in horror films. However, many young females enjoy horror films just as much as males although most commonly horror films are not to be aimed at their gender.

Class- Horror films are generally aimed at the middle class. This is due to the fact that they can acquire a good thrill at a reasonably low cost. The upper class may be less likely to watch horror films as they can acquire thrills of they need to do so in other ways, whereas for a member of the working class it may be a way of escaping their more less exciting lives.

Interests and Groups- Generally the target interests of a horror film are blood and intense violence. Also, targeted at individuals that have an interest in the supernatural and the unexplained. They may also be aimed at individuals that enjoy a sense of mystery and illusion, as many horror films withhold information from the audience. Horror films may also be targeted at groups of people. For example horror films are aimed at groups of teenagers, as it is almost a social event to watch a horror film and be scarred together. Groups of teenagers are also attracted to these films as it gives a group something to talk and think about.