{
  "id": 17105989,
  "title": "Why Do Horror Films Have Such a Hold on Our Imaginations?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/why-do-horror-films-have-such-a-hold-on-our-imaginations",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-29T18:53:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hyperallergic",
    "slug": "hyperallergic",
    "url": "https://hyperallergic.com/why-do-horror-films-have-such-a-hold-on-our-imaginations/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles — Horror films, often dismissed as lowbrow entertainment, possess an undeniable allure that captivates audiences by tapping into our primal fears. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles presents The Horror Show, an exhibition exploring the rich history of the genre and challenging its perceived marginal status in cinema. Beginning with the legendary Dracula's cape worn by Bela Lugosi in the 1931 film Dracula, the exhibit curators have curated a diverse array of artifacts, ranging from costumes and props to film posters and scripts from both iconic masterpieces like The Shining and Psycho to lesser-known gems like Tales From the Hood and The Stuff. By blending visual artistry with narrative storytelling, the exhibition aims to elevate the status of horror films in the cinematic landscape.",
  "summary": "An exhibition at the Academy Museum explores the transgressive power of scary movies, channeling our deepest fears about life, death, and the unknown.",
  "key_points": [
    "Horror films captivate audiences by tapping into primal fears",
    "Academy Museum of Motion Pictures presents The Horror Show exhibition",
    "Exhibition showcases costumes, props, posters, and scripts from iconic and lesser-known horror films"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}