Horror as Entertainment

Horror films are supposed to frighten, excite, and terrorize the mind. So why is it then that audience find horror films so enjoyable to go see? Why any sane person would put themselves through and prefer the scares and spills of horror to a light comedy or action packed drama? I think the answer lies in the psyche of the average human.
In the core of all people, there lie certain fears which seem to be inbred into ourselves. Whether they are innate or learned is a different question, but regardless, they still exist. To face these fears in reality would put exponential amounts of stress on a person physically and emotionally. Few beings encounter there deepest fears on a regular basis, and yet, these emotions run deep within.
Horror films give audiences a way to face these deep fears in a non-threatening fashion. The action is realistic at the time when enthralled in the movie. Your emotional responses are real, but at the end of the film, the horror is over. It is back to reality and the fear subsides as the events of the movie are further removed from consciousness.
Although this may be true, there are other forms to face such fears. Why is it that horror films are more popular over other forms? Fears in the form of film are less real, less threatening, even when involved mentally in the movie. Audiences can be active within, and yet still removed. Other forms, such as haunted houses, are more real. The beings, although fake and not truly threatening, are materialized in front of an audience. This more realistic form makes fears more real and reactions more irrational.
Personally, I enjoy watching horror films. It is a thrill to be scared and not know what is coming next. Yet, I do not find haunted houses or other forms of terror enjoyable. Although I can remove myself from the situation and realize it is fake, it is extremely difficult to do so when feeling threatened. This type of reaction is explained well by Carroll. The emotions are false; they are actually very real in the situation and apply to both film and haunted houses.
Horror films can be enjoyed because of the circumstances which surround them. Audiences choose what the monster or story will be from the title and are not physically threatened. There is more control over the situation although all reactions are realistic.