A new survey found that nearly one in three adults (29%!) still admit they’re afraid of the dark.
And not just in a “haha, cute” way. 24% sleep with a nightlight, and 10% go full “lights on” all night. Surprisingly, men are more likely to admit this than women.
Of course, some people make peace with fear by continuing to force themselves to experience it. About 28% of adults say they love horror movies. So yes, we’re a nation of people who leave the bathroom light on after watching The Conjuring.
Men top the charts in horror fandom… 33% say they love scary movies compared to 24% of women…
But they’re also more likely to have nightmares afterward. Big talkers until Pennywise shows up.
The survey also found that horror movies take a real toll on sleep. 28% of people say they’re more likely to wake up in the middle of the night after watching one, 22% say they sleep worse overall, and 12% say they sleep fewer hours.
So the next time someone laughs at you for sleeping with a nightlight, remind them: at least you’re not the one who watched Hereditary at midnight and now thinks your coat rack is haunted. Or maybe that’s you too.
Their 2025 ranking of The Scariest Movies According to Science is out, and it’s based on cold, hard data—specifically, how fast your heart starts pounding while you watch.
Here’s how they figure it out: volunteers are hooked up to heart monitors while watching a lineup of horror movies, and their heart rates are tracked from start to finish.
The higher the spikes, the scarier the movie. Simple, scientific, and absolutely terrifying.
According to this year’s study, “Sinister” (2012) remains the undisputed champion of fear. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke, the film’s mix of true-crime writing and supernatural terror has once again left audiences with the biggest jumps in heart rate.
Right behind it is “Host” (2020), the pandemic-era Zoom horror flick that somehow managed to make video calls even scarier than they already were. And in third place is “Skinamarink” (2022), a hauntingly slow, surreal nightmare that proves minimalism can be just as scary as monsters or gore.
Here’s the full Top 10 list:
“Sinister” (2012)
“Host” (2020)
“Skinamarink” (2022)
“Insidious” (2010)
“Hereditary” (2018)
“The Conjuring” (2013)
“Smile 2” (2024)
“Smile” (2022)
“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (2005)
“Talk to Me” (2022)
The Science of Scare Project has been running this heart-pounding experiment for years, and while the lineup changes, Sinister almost always lands near the top. The takeaway? Even a decade later, it still knows how to get under your skin.
If you’re looking for a scientifically proven reason to sleep with the lights on tonight, start from number one and work your way down. Just maybe keep a defibrillator handy.
October is basically spooky season’s Super Bowl, which means it’s officially time to line up your Halloween movie playlist.
But if you’re staring at a million choices and can’t decide between witches, ghosts, or chainsaw-wielding maniacs, “People“ magazine has you covered. They teamed up with an astrologer to match every Zodiac sign with the perfect Halloween flick.
Whether you believe in horoscopes or just want an excuse to rewatch a classic, here’s what the stars picked for you:
Aries gets “Friday the 13th”, since this fiery sign matches the film’s nonstop intensity.
Taurus is paired with “Scream”, because calm, steady Sidney Prescott embodies their grounded Earth energy.
Gemini is all about “Hocus Pocus”. Mischief, witty banter, sibling chaos? That’s peak Gemini.
Cancer gets nostalgic with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. Tender, sentimental, and cozy—like a pumpkin spice latte for the soul.
Leo takes center stage with “Halloweentown”. The drama, the sparkle, the flair? Leo to a T.
Virgo aligns with “Ghostbusters”. Practical, resourceful, and obsessed with problem-solving. Who you gonna call? Virgo.
Libra is matched with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Bold, over-the-top, and a little scandalous—sounds about right.
Scorpio gets “Halloween”. It literally takes place in Scorpio season, and Michael Myers’ unstoppable energy is very on-brand.
Sagittarius gets the chaotic fun of “Beetlejuice”, a sign as wild and adventurous as the movie itself.
Capricorn connects with “The Addams Family”. Dark humor, gothic vibes, and Saturn-approved deadpan wit.
Aquarius lands “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Quirky, innovative, and never satisfied with the ordinary—Jack Skellington could be their mascot.
Pisces gets dreamy with “Casper”. Whimsical, emotional, and just delusional enough to fall for a ghost.
So, if you’re ready to start spooky season right, maybe let your Zodiac sign pick the movie tonight. And hey, even if you don’t totally vibe with astrology, at least it’s a solid excuse to queue up a classic.
Ellen Ripley’s death in “Alien 3” seemed like the end of the story . . . or so fans thought.
But according to Sigourney Weaver herself, there may be a path for Ripley’s return. (Or her clone, Ripley 8, from “Alien Resurrection?) Speaking at New York Comic Con, Weaver revealed that longtime “Alien” producer Walter Hill has written 50 pages outlining how her character could come back to the franchise.
Weaver said she’s already met with Disney (which now owns 20th Century Studios) to talk about the idea.
“[Walter] wrote 50 pages where Ripley would be now, and they are quite extraordinary,” she told the crowd. “I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but I have had a meeting with Fox, Disney, or whoever it is now.”
She admitted she never really felt the need to revisit Ripley’s story, saying, “I was always like, ‘Let her rest, let her recover.’” But Hill’s new take, she said, feels true to both Ripley and today’s world. “It’s very much about the society that would incarcerate someone who has tried to help mankind. She’s a problem to them, so she’s sort of tucked away.”
Weaver added that the new story begins in a powerful way and that she’s considering working with Hill to develop it further.
“It’s a very strong first 50 pages,” she said. “I’m thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be.”
If this project moves forward, it would mark the first time Weaver has played Ripley in over two decades. But for fans, the idea of Weaver returning to the role that made her a sci-fi legend is enough to reignite the hope of seeing Ripley, battle-scarred, brilliant, and still fighting . . . one more time.
If you think your dog deserves an Oscar for “Best Couch Hog,” wait until you see this list.
Den of Geek has rounded up the all-time greatest canine performances in film and television, and the results prove that Hollywood’s biggest stars don’t always walk on two legs.
At the top of the list? The legendary Lassie, or rather the six heroic Collies who shared the role across decades: Pal, Lassie Junior, Spook, Baby, Mire, and Hey Hey. These pups defined loyalty, bravery, and perfectly timed barking, making “Lassie” the ultimate good dog story.
Coming in at #2 is Indy, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever from “Good Boy”, the new horror movie told entirely from a dog’s perspective. The film has been getting attention for its eerie premise and standout canine acting, so this ranking gives Indy some well-earned treats.
Third place goes to Terry, the little Cairn Terrier who stole hearts as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz”. Over 80 years later, Toto’s “We’re not in Kansas anymore” moment still lives rent-free in our collective memory.
Here’s the full Top 10 lineup of Hollywood’s best four-legged performers:
Pal, Lassie Junior, Spook, Baby, Mire, and Hey Hey (“Lassie”)
Indy (“Good Boy”)
Terry as Toto (“The Wizard of Oz”)
Spike (“Old Yeller”)
Buddy (“Air Bud”)
Messi as Snoop (“Anatomy of a Fall”)
Uggie (“The Artist”)
Higgins and Benjean (“Benji”)
Chris (“Beethoven”)
All 22 Labradors who shared the role of Marley (“Marley & Me”)
What makes this list extra fun is the reminder that dogs have been stealing scenes since long before CGI or TikTok filters. From heroic Collies and loyal Terriers to chaos-loving Labs, these stars remind us why dogs will always be Hollywood’s best co-stars.
George Lucas gave the world Star Wars, lightsabers, and Darth Vader’s iconic breathing, but even die-hard fans admit his dialogue could be… let’s say clunky.
Mark Hamill just reminded everyone of that fact by revealing one line from the original film that he flat-out dreaded saying—and is still grateful never made it to the screen.
The scene was supposed to happen as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo approached the Death Star in the Millennium Falcon. Han was ready to turn back, but Luke had other ideas. Lucas’s original dialogue for Luke went like this:
“But we can’t turn back. Fear is their greatest defense. I doubt if the actual security there is any greater than it was on Aquilea or Sullust. And what there is is most likely directed toward a large-scale assault.”
Yes, that’s one sentence.
Hamill explained that while the line technically made sense, there was no natural way to deliver it. He said, “As a sentence, it makes sense. But to make it sound like it’s an original thought that just occurred to you and deliver it in a spontaneous way is really, really hard.”
Luckily, the line was cut before filming. Imagine Luke Skywalker trying to sound inspiring while rattling off what basically sounds like a military textbook footnote.
This moment isn’t unique in the galaxy far, far away. Fans often joke about Lucas’s dialogue, pointing to lines like Anakin Skywalker’s infamous “I don’t like sand” speech in the prequels. But Hamill’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best edits in Hollywood aren’t about flashy effects or reshoots—they’re about knowing when not to force actors into a word salad.
In the end, Luke Skywalker’s journey still became one of cinema’s most beloved arcs, without a detour through Aquilea and Sullust. And Hamill? He’s still thanking the Force for sparing him that verbal obstacle course.
British actors Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness and American Mark Hamill on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Written, directed and produced by Georges Lucas. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
If you’re planning a family movie night, you’ll want something festive without accidentally giving your toddler nightmares. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Halloween movies for kids of every age group.
Little kids, ages 2 to 7 At this stage, “scary” means maybe a pumpkin with slightly pointy eyebrows. Classics like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and Disney’s “The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad” bring cozy nostalgia with zero trauma. If you’re looking for something newer, “Hotel Transylvania” gives you a monster mash with Adam Sandler’s voice leading the way, while “Monsters, Inc.” proves once and for all that even scary creatures can be lovable.
Big kids, ages 7 to 11 Now we’re talking about kids who actually want a little fright with their fun. Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the ultimate spooky-but-sweet option, while Disney Channel’s cult favorite “Halloweentown” is peak ‘90s kid magic. “Casper” keeps things ghostly but friendly, “Frankenweenie” lets Burton flex his black-and-white quirkiness, and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” may not be a “Halloween movie,” but between the costumes, the candy, and the aliens, it earns its spot.
Tweens Middle schoolers live for chaos, and these movies deliver. “Hocus Pocus” is basically required viewing if you want to be allowed into spooky season. “The Addams Family” nails that goth-but-funny energy, while “Goosebumps” (with Jack Black as R.L. Stine) is scarier than it has any right to be. For straight-up silliness, there’s Adam Sandler’s “Hubie Halloween.” And if your tween wants a comedy that also features a truly disastrous party, “Fun Size” is the pick.
Teenagers The training wheels are officially off. “Beetlejuice” and “Poltergeist” are classics that bring the perfect mix of creepy and campy. “Gremlins” proves that small pets can, in fact, destroy your life. “Ghostbusters” is always a crowd-pleaser (and yes, the special effects are gloriously retro), while “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” finally puts those haunting childhood book illustrations onto the big screen.
So whether you’ve got a toddler who thinks pumpkins are hilarious or a teen who insists they’re “too cool” for movie night but secretly still wants popcorn and ghosts, this list has you covered. And if you’re the parent who’s on their 87th rewatch of “Hotel Transylvania,” just remember… it could be worse. At least it’s not “Caillou: The Halloween Special.”
October is here, and while we say goodbye to summer and start dodging pumpkin spice everything, there’s plenty to actually get excited about this month. From big-time sports events to major movie releases (and yes, a few bizarre food trends), here are some of the top things happening in October 2025.
Sports Fans, This Is Your Month
If you’re into sports, October is kind of a buffet. Baseball’s postseason is in full swing, with Game 1 of the World Series scheduled for October 24. Over in the NBA, the new season tips off October 21, and hockey fans get their fix starting October 8 when the NHL drops the puck on its new season.
In short, you can basically glue yourself to a couch and not run out of games to watch.
Big Movies (and Big Stars)
The box office is stacked this month. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back in action with The Smashing Machine, an MMA biopic landing in theaters this Friday. If you’ve missed Daniel Day-Lewis (who hasn’t?), he returns after a seven-year hiatus in Anemone, also out this Friday.
Tron: Ares hits theaters October 10, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein drops in limited release on the 17th (before heading to Netflix), and Jeremy Allen White stars as The Boss in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, coming October 24.
So basically, whether you’re into robots, monsters, or moody musicians, you’re covered.
TV Shows Are Coming Back to Life Too
Streaming fatigue? October’s got some comfort food TV returning to your screen. Abbott Elementary is back, Saturday Night Live returns for its 51st season this weekend, and Grey’s Anatomy and 9-1-1: Nashville premiere October 9. Other dates to circle: Elsbeth and Tim Robinson’s new HBO Max show The Chair Company on October 12, NCIS on the 14th, 9-1-1 (OG flavor) on the 16th, Tracker on the 19th, and The Witcher season 4 wraps it all up on October 30.
So yeah, your DVR (or algorithm) is about to get real busy.
Holidays, Both Big and Bizarre
Obviously, Halloween caps the month off on October 31. But along the way, we’ve also got Yom Kippur starting tonight, and a double holiday situation with Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 13.
Some of the lesser-known holidays are a little more… creative. Like International Beer and Pizza Day (October 9), National No Bra Day (also the 13th, which makes for a fun combo), and National Cat Day on the 29th.
Whether you’re watching baseball, binging TV, or contemplating green spaghetti (we see you, Arizona), October 2025 is ready to entertain.
If your idea of the perfect night is turning off the lights, grabbing some popcorn, and screaming your lungs out at a horror flick, CableTV.com has a gig for you. The site is offering $666 (yes, the devil’s favorite number) to watch, rank, and review five scary movies as part of what they’re calling a “Thrillternship.”
This spooky side hustle isn’t just about the cash. The chosen “Thrilltern” also gets a $50 Uber Eats gift card for their midnight snacks and a one-year subscription to Screambox, so the scares can keep on coming long after the experiment is over. But there’s a catch: applicants must be 18 or older, and the deadline to apply is October 7th.
CableTV is clear that this isn’t for the faint of heart.
In their words, they want “real fans of fear, enthusiasts of the eerie, and devotees to the dreadful.” Translation: if you’re the type who hides behind a pillow during “Hocus Pocus”, this job probably isn’t for you.
The assignment is simple but chilling. You’ll choose five movies from their curated list of 13 of the scariest horror films ever made. And it’s a heavy-hitting lineup.
Think classics like “The Exorcist” (1973), “Halloween” (1978), and “The Shining” (1980), alongside modern nightmares like “Hereditary” (2018) and “Get Out” (2017). The list also includes cult favorites like “The Thing” (1982), “Candyman” (1992), and “The Evil Dead” (1981).
Your job is to watch, survive, and then rank and review them. Easy money, right?
Unless you pick something like “Martyrs” (2008), which has been traumatizing audiences for years.
These kinds of promotions pop up every Halloween season, with companies paying people to binge horror movies in exchange for their screams, opinions, and social media buzz. The $666 payout is a clever marketing nod, but the free snacks and streaming subscription sweeten the deal.
So if you’ve got nerves of steel, a love of horror history, and a tolerance for creepy late-night Uber Eats deliveries, this Thrillternship might be your dream (or nightmare) gig. Just don’t forget to sleep with the lights on after “IT” (2017).
Would you sign up for $666 to scare yourself silly, or are you leaving this job to the horror junkies?
Raunchy humor is among the best kinds of humor. Some of the most cringe-worthy, disgusting, and downright filthy scenes in movies and TV are also the ones that make us laugh until we can’t breathe.
Cracked.com recently rounded up some of the funniest raunchy scenes of all time, and the list is basically a highlight reel of moments you can’t believe actually made it past studio executives. Here are the best of the best:
There’s Something About Mary – The infamous “hair gel” scene. You know it. You can’t unsee it.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me – Mike Myers takes slapstick to a new level when Austin drinks something he definitely shouldn’t.
Animal House – John Belushi’s “I’m a zit, get it?” gag remains gross-out comedy royalty.
Dumb & Dumber – Jeff Daniels’ explosive bathroom disaster. Fun fact: Daniels says Clint Eastwood once told him that exact thing happened to him on a date. Yes, THAT Clint Eastwood.
Bridesmaids – Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph’s dress-shopping meltdown that ends in full-on public restroom chaos.
Crazy, Stupid, Love – A wildly uncomfortable moment where a 17-year-old gifts nude photos to a 13-year-old who’s crushing on her. The laughs here come from how horrified Steve Carell’s character is when he finds out.
Ghostbusters – Dan Aykroyd gets… a supernatural favor of the oral variety. This one confused a lot of kids in the ‘80s.
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls – Jim Carrey being “reborn” from the back end of a rhino is still one of the most talked-about physical comedy moments ever.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno – Kevin Smith goes full raunch, with a cameraman suffering the world’s worst job hazard during a “backdoor” scene.
American Pie – One time, at band camp… do we even need to finish the sentence?
Raunchy comedy isn’t just about shock value, though. These scenes became legendary because they balance gross-out gags with clever timing and characters we actually care about. It’s the same formula that’s kept comedies like Superbad, The Hangover, and South Park alive in the cultural conversation for years.
And if you’re clutching your pearls reading this list, remember: you laughed too.
