What Makes a Film a "Horror Film?"

I'm just wondering how you determine if a movie is a horror movie. I look at Gothika for example...Is this a horror movie? I'm sure that someone has some way of determining this. Please help...

[StepfatherFan]

Rule numero uno...it MUST be scary. Blood and gore is optional.

[Leper Messiah]

Originally posted by Ghostface
I'm just wondering how you determine if a movie is a horror movie. I look at Gothika for example...Is this a horror movie? I'm sure that someone has some way of determining this. Please help...

Are you some kind of retard?

[sleepaway]

Characters being in a horrifying situation usually ending in death and mutilation!

[kpropain]

Originally posted by Leper Messiah
Are you some kind of retard?

Hey it seemed like a legitimate question to me wtf do you know. real intelligent answer there pal. And I think sleepaway hit the nail on the head.

[Leper Messiah]

Originally posted by kpropain
Hey it seemed like a legitimate question to me wtf do you know. real intelligent answer there pal. And I think sleepaway hit the nail on the head.

Sorry, I expect people to know english. If he knew the definition of "Horror", or just got familiar with some of the words in the english language, he wouldn't have to ask such stupid questions.

Don't agree with me? Why don't you post another amusing "STFU n00b" picture.

I'm an asshole, I apologize in advance.

[kpropain]

I think what he is trying to say is that movies like Gothika and movies like say for example Panic Room which are usually classified as thrillers, how do you tell the difference. But since you asked.

[PsychoticPanda]

Not completely something that scares you. Signs scared me when I first when to go see it. But, it's not horror movie..

Anything that was made to be a horror movie. That was meant to SCARE..I guess. Even if it doesn't scare you. But, yeah, blood and guts are optional.