Getting into horror for the first time can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve only been watching for a few months, or maybe you just binged your first handful of classics. Either way, new horror fans often make a few common mistakes and the good news is, they’re all easy to avoid.
Trust me: if you tell someone you just started watching horror, you’re far more likely to get bombarded with recommendations than judged. Horror fans love to share. But there are a few pitfalls worth sidestepping before you dive in headfirst. Let’s talk about the four biggest mistakes new horror fans make, and how to avoid them.
1. Thinking You’ll Be Shunned for Not Seeing the “Right” Films
There’s no checklist of movies you have to watch before you’re allowed to call yourself a horror fan. The only real requirement is right there in the name… fanatic.
If you love horror, or if you go out of your way to watch it more than other genres, congratulations: you’re already a horror fan. Period.
Nobody’s handing out merit badges for surviving The Exorcist or memorizing every line from Evil Dead 2. Horror is a massive playground, explore what you want, when you want.
2. Blindly Following Recommendations
Here’s the thing about horror: it’s all about taste, tolerance, and timing. When you’re just getting started, jumping straight into something extreme can be a quick way to burn out.
If your first few watches include Martyrs, The House That Jack Built, or some ultra disturbing arthouse fever dream, you might start wondering what the hell you just signed up for.
So, sure, take recommendations! But don’t feel obligated to watch every movie tossed your way. Pace yourself. Do a little research (unless someone warns you about spoilers, in that case, proceed with caution). If something sounds too out there for your vibe right now, it probably is. Horror isn’t going anywhere, so you can always circle back later when you’re ready.
3. Letting Gatekeepers Get in Your Head
Some people are petty. Some people are just jerks. They’ll hit you with lines like, “You’re not a real horror fan unless you’ve seen XYZ obscure 1970s Italian slasher.”
Fuck that noise.
There’s no fandom, horror or otherwise, that requires someone else’s permission to belong. Most horror fans are welcoming, excited, and eager to share their love of the genre. But like any community, you’ll always encounter a few self appointed “elders” trying to flex authority to feel special.
Think of those people like the infection in Cabin Fever: Avoid them at all costs.
4. Trying to Please Everyone
The quickest way to kill your own enthusiasm is to pretend you like everything. You don’t have to love Hereditary. You don’t have to think Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan is a masterpiece (unless you do, then hell yeah).
Horror thrives on diversity… slashers, hauntings, monsters, psychological slow burns, horror comedy, found footage, body horror, cosmic dread, and everything in between.
Be yourself. Enjoy what you like. The genre’s wide enough for everyone. And honestly, people react way worse to fakes than to someone who’s genuinely into their own thing. Some of the best conversations happen when friends razz each other for liking (or hating) a particular movie. That’s part of the fun.
Final Rule
The universal rule of horror fandom, and life in general, is simple: be nice and thoughtful to people.
If someone gives you a reason not to be, remember this: character isn’t measured by what people say, but by how they react.
So enjoy horror your way. Watch what excites you. Ignore the gatekeepers. And don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong.
Whether you’re new to horror or not, comment below and tell us, what was your first favorite horror film?
Then come hang out with us in the Horror Dork Discord
We’re always talking horror, trading recommendations, and arguing over which sequel actually deserved a remake.
And if you like what we do, join our Patreon for early access to episodes, bonus reviews, and behind the scenes content from Pod Semetary and Media Massacre. Every drop of support helps us keep the lights on (and the monsters fed).
About Horror Dork
Horror Dork digs into the blood, brains, and brilliance of the genre — from deep-cut classics to cult favorites and modern nightmares. Founded by lifelong horror nerds who’d rather talk about VHS box art than go outside.