Exploring Horror Movie Tropes: How They Are Used to Create Fear and Tension
Tropes are considered a staple in every horror movie. Many tropes are loved by some and despised by others. In this article, the top 5 horror movie tropes are explored.
First, the question “What is a trope?” is addressed. A trope can be defined as a common narrative device or motif in literature, film, television, and other forms of storytelling. It is an identifiable plot element, character type, or narrative technique that is widely used and recognized within a particular genre and culture. Examples include the “final girl,” the “love triangle,” and the “reluctant hero.”
Now the top 5 tropes in horror movies are examined
Jump scares
Jump scares are regarded as one of the most classic horror movie tropes. Sudden surprise, shock, and fear are created through their use. Audiences are often startled, causing them to jump out of their seats.
A prime 
example can be seen in A Nightmare on Elm Street, where Freddy is shown jumping out at Nancy from behind a bush. While this trope is disliked by many, the thrill of being jump-scared is enjoyed by others.
example can be seen in A Nightmare on Elm Street, where Freddy is shown jumping out at Nancy from behind a bush. While this trope is disliked by many, the thrill of being jump-scared is enjoyed by others.
The Final Girl
This trope is widely popular, perhaps even more so than jump scares. A protagonist is provided for the audience to root for and identify with, even in the darkest scenarios.
The Final Girl is typically portrayed as the sole survivor of a horror movie, confronting the villain and ultimately defeating them. A prime example is Alice in the 1980 Friday the 13th, where the head of Pamela Voorhees is cut off by her.
While final boys and couples also appear (as seen in Evil Dead and The Cabin in the Woods, with Ash Williams presented as an epic Final Guy), the Final Girl remains iconic.
Demonic Possession
This trope is particularly enjoyed in strong paranormal films. Fear of the supernatural is tapped into, with the idea presented that something evil can take over a person’s body and soul. Intense and terrifying moments are often produced as a result. The notion of an external force entering and controlling a body is unsettling to most.
A standout example is The 
Exorcist, a film credited with launching the supernatural sub-genre. Scenes were included that reportedly caused fainting and protests among audiences.
Exorcist, a film credited with launching the supernatural sub-genre. Scenes were included that reportedly caused fainting and protests among audiences.Creepy Kids
The use of creepy kids in horror movies is a popular trope. One of the deepest fears of viewers—the corruption of innocence—is tapped into. Children are generally viewed as pure and innocent, so when they are shown as corrupted by evil forces, terror is created in the audience. It is also suggested that no one is truly safe, not even the most innocent.
Notable examples include the children in Children of the Corn (particularly the red-headed Malachai) and Gage in Pet Sematary, both widely regarded as deeply unsettling.
children in Children of the Corn (particularly the red-headed Malachai) and Gage in Pet Sematary, both widely regarded as deeply unsettling.Tell me a town of demonic children isn’t scary. I find children in horror films the scariest creatures. There is something about being innocent and taken over by evil that does not sit right with me.
The Unknown
Fear of the unknown is acknowledged as universal. In horror movies, the unknown is employed as a powerful tool to generate fear and tension. An atmosphere of mystery and suspense is created, with viewers left uncertain about what will happen next. A strong example is Michael Myers in Halloween, where the concept of something lurking in the darkness, ready to strike unexpectedly, is emphasized.
Through these horror movie tropes, a sense of terror and unease is instilled in viewers by filmmakers, which is what defines a horror movie as horror. Certain films are known to evoke deep terror in specific viewers—for instance, Jaws, where both the shark and the water itself contribute to the fear.
Now did you know that Tropes can create a memorable character? Yup!
It is worth noting that tropes can also be used to craft memorable characters. Familiarity and understanding are fostered with the audience through tropes such as the Final Girl, the Evil Villain, or the Scream Queen, allowing investment in the characters’ stories.
The Final Girl trope is especially effective, as a strong female lead is typically presented who survives the onslaught of evil and emerges victorious. The Evil Villain trope provides a clear foil to the hero, with the antagonist’s motivations made understandable and the conflict between good and evil highlighted.
The Scream Queen trope introduces a classic archetype, often incorporating comedic relief and increasing memorability.
Favorite tropes or those most disliked can vary widely. In a future article, the most disliked tropes in the horror genre will be discussed, as many exist.
Thank you for reading. Thoughts and comments are welcomed below.
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