Cillian Murphy voted as Best Potential Horror Villain in ODEON Cinemas survey

With Halloween just around the corner, ODEON Cinemas is inviting audiences to embrace the spooky season on the big screen this month. ODEON Cinemas will have a number of new horror and Halloween themed films playing widely across Ireland, including Other Mommy, Clayface, Wildwood and Ghosts: Possession of Button House, as well as family classics such as Hocus Pocus. ODEON Cinemas also offers a range of ways to enjoy more for less, including Bargain Wednesdays and ODEON Extras, giving film fans even more reason to head to the cinema this Halloween.

To celebrate the month that’s in it, ODEON Cinemas Ireland commissioned a Halloween film survey, which revealed some interesting insights into Irish people’s favourite classic Halloween films, the horror movies that scare them the most and the moments that would have them hiding behind their cinema snacks. 

The ultimate Halloween film

When it comes to classic Halloween films, there is a clear winner. Hocus Pocus takes the crown, with half (50%) of respondents choosing the much-loved Halloween favourite. Halloween follows in second place with 16% of the votes, while Beetlejuice takes third place with 14%.

The scariest horror film

While Hocus Pocus may be the favourite for a more light-hearted Halloween watch, Irish audiences have a very different choice when it comes to the films that really make them afraid. The Exorcist was voted the scariest horror film, with 38% of respondents choosing the classic horror. 

The Conjuring followed in second place with 20%, while Insidious, The Shining, Nightmare on Elm Street and IT also featured among the scariest films. 6% of respondents also stated that they don't find any horror films scary at all, proving that very few Irish people aren’t scared so easily.

Watching a horror film alone

For those who enjoy a good scare, it seems having some company can make all the difference. Over half (62%) of respondents said they wouldn't watch a horror film alone, compared to 38% who would be happy to brave a horror movie by themselves.

After all, there is something about watching a horror film in the dark that makes having someone as company feel like a very good idea.

What film moments really scare Irish cinema-goers

When it comes to the horror moments that would have audiences jumping out of their seats, 41% said something suddenly jumping out at a character would scare them the most. 26% are more unnerved by something hiding in the shadows, while 11% said something or someone standing behind an oblivious main character would be enough to make them look over their shoulder.

Possessed dolls also proved to be a major fear, while others said the characters splitting up would have them wondering why nobody in a horror film ever seems to learn their lesson.

The best hiding strategy

When the scares become too much, Irish audiences have a few tried and tested survival tactics. Almost half (44%) said they would cover their eyes and peek through their fingers when things get too scary, while 18% would simply close their eyes and hope for the best.

A further 7% would hide behind their popcorn, proving that cinema snacks can serve a purpose beyond keeping hunger at bay, while 6% admitted they would simply walk out once they reached their scare limit.

The Halloween film genre of choice

When asked what type of Halloween film they would most like to watch, Irish audiences were split between spooky fun and serious scares. 30% opted for a family-friendly spooky film, while another 26% chose a classic serial killer horror.

Supernatural films followed with 23%, and surprisingly only 10% chose possession films, arguably because Irish people are quite superstitious.

Ireland’s favourite actor to play a villain

When it comes to Irish talent taking on the role of the villain, Cillian Murphy came out on top, with respondents choosing the Cork native and Oscar-winning actor as the Irish star they would most like to see play a sinister character. Barry Keoghan, Domhnall Gleeson, Jessie Buckley, Alisha Weir and Paul Mescal also received strong votes.

What Irish people would fall for in a horror film

When faced with a classic horror movie situation, answering a mysterious phone call was the scenario that Irish audiences thought they would most likely find themselves in, with 32% choosing it as their potentially fatal error.

Another 26% would be likely to go upstairs to investigate a strange noise, while 17% said checking under the bed would also be a classic mistake. 

The big screen makes Halloween even scarier

When it comes to what makes watching horror in the cinema such an experience, a third (31%) of people said it is the atmosphere of a dark room and big scares that makes the difference. Cinema snacks came in second at 20%, while 17% said being surrounded by other people adds to the experience.

Scariest things to do after a horror film

For some audiences, the horror doesn't end when the credits roll. A third (33%) of Irish people admitted that trying to sleep afterwards would be the worst part, with the thought of something hiding under the bed proving difficult to shake.

Another 29% said they would be keeping all the lights on when walking around in the dark, while 17% said the silence afterwards would suddenly make every noise suspicious. However, 10% said nothing would bother them once the film was over, claiming they would sleep like a baby after even the scariest horror film.

At ODEON Cinemas, audiences can enjoy the full Halloween cinema experience, from classic spooky favourites to the latest horror releases. With the big screen, amplified sound, dark cinema atmosphere and plenty of snacks to hide behind, there is no better place to get into the Halloween spirit, whether you're looking for a fright or prefer to keep things family friendly.

For more information or to book online, visit www.odeoncinemas.ie. 

Slán go fóill.