The Bible does not mention horror movies specifically, but it gives principles that apply to the type of content believers choose to watch. Christians are called to guard their hearts and minds and to pursue what is pure and edifying.
Paul writes:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Horror movies often glorify fear, violence, the occult, and darkness. Scripture warns against filling the mind with such things:
“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:3)
“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
God has not given believers a spirit of fear:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Watching content that cultivates fear, anxiety, or fascination with evil contradicts the peace and discernment believers are called to walk in. Jesus said:
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” (Matthew 6:22–23)
Christians are to be sober and vigilant, not entertained by what glorifies the demonic or the macabre. While not every suspenseful or dramatic story is sinful, the believer must examine motives, content, and impact on the soul:
“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22)
Discerning media choices is part of walking in holiness. The goal is not legalism but to protect the heart and honor the Lord in all things.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
