Watching a Scary Movie Burns as Many Calories as Exercise

You've likely heard that exercise is the best way to burn calories, but what if there's an unexpected alternative? Recent studies suggest that watching a scary movie might be just as effective at shedding those extra pounds. While it may sound too good to be true, the science behind this phenomenon is intriguing. As you settle in for your next horror film marathon, you might be doing more than just entertaining yourself—you could be giving your metabolism a surprising boost. But before you trade your gym membership for a streaming subscription, there's more to evaluate about this unconventional calorie-burning method.

Key Takeaways

Horror movies can burn up to 200 calories in 90 minutes, comparable to some light exercise sessions.
The physiological fear response from horror films increases heart rate and adrenaline, similar to exercise effects.
Films with more jump scares tend to elevate heart rate and calorie expenditure more effectively.
'The Shining' tops the list of calorie-burning horror movies, burning approximately 184 calories per viewing.

The Science Behind Horror Calories

While you might think your only workout is reaching for popcorn, watching a scary movie actually triggers a surprising calorie-burning response in your body.

The science behind this phenomenon is rooted in your physiological response to fear. When you're engrossed in horror films, your heart rate increases and adrenaline surges through your system. This heightened state boosts your basal metabolic rate, leading to a higher calorie burn.

Research from the University of Westminster found that watching scary movies can burn up to 200 calories in 90 minutes, comparable to a 30-minute walk. The more jump scares a film has, the greater the calorie-burning effect.

Your emotional responses to horror, such as fear and excitement, mimic the effects of physical exercise on your body. So, next time you're watching a spine-chilling flick, remember: you're also giving your metabolism a boost.

Top Films for Calorie Burn

If you're looking to maximize your calorie burn while enjoying a good scare, certain horror movies stand out as top contenders.

‘The Shining’ leads the pack, helping you burn an impressive 184 calories during a 90-minute viewing. As you become immersed in the intense atmosphere and psychological thrills of the film, your heart rate rises, effectively contributing to this calorie burn. It’s fascinating to consider that while your body is engaged, the human brain power consumption during such an experience also spikes, as it processes suspense, emotions, and plot twists. This combination of physical and mental engagement makes watching ‘The Shining’ not only a chilling experience but also an unexpectedly effective workout for the mind and body alike.

'Jaws' follows closely, allowing you to shed 161 calories as you watch, while 'The Exorcist' contributes to a 158-calorie burn.

'Alien' and 'Saw' round out the top five, burning 152 and 133 calories, respectively.

These films are particularly effective at increasing your metabolic rate due to their intense suspense and ability to trigger adrenaline responses.

As you watch these scary movies, your body reacts to the on-screen thrills, resulting in a higher calorie burn compared to less intense films.

Fear Vs. Traditional Exercise

You might be surprised to learn that the fear response triggered by watching horror movies can rival some forms of traditional exercise with respect to calorie burn. When you're watching horror films, your body experiences a physiological response similar to exercise. Your heart rate increases, adrenaline surges, and your metabolic rate rises. This combination can help you burn calories passively, with studies showing a potential burn of 100-185 calories during a 90-minute session.

Films with more jump scares tend to elevate your heart rate further, leading to greater calorie expenditure. While it's not a replacement for regular exercise, engaging with horror movies offers a unique opportunity for passive calorie burning.

The adrenaline increases can also lower your appetite and boost your basal metabolic rate, mimicking some effects of physical activity. It's an appealing option for those who prefer entertainment over structured workouts.