Hu Xiu·2025-09-19 12:06Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the significant rise of horror films in Hollywood, with a notable increase in their market share and box office performance, indicating a shift in audience preferences and industry focus [3][9][10] - Horror films now account for 17% of the North American box office, a substantial increase from 11% in 2024 and 4% a decade ago, showcasing their growing popularity [3] - Major studios are increasingly investing in horror films, with a notable increase in production numbers, as seen with Universal's 29 new films, of which 7 are horror, reflecting a trend of studios capitalizing on the genre's profitability [34] Group 2 - The success of horror films is partly attributed to their low production costs and high return on investment, with examples like "The Blair Witch Project" achieving a box office of $249 million from a mere $60,000 budget [11] - The article discusses the cultural and social influences on horror films, suggesting that they serve as a reflection of societal anxieties, particularly in politically turbulent times [7][22] - Despite the current boom, there are concerns about market saturation, as evidenced by the mixed performance of recent horror releases, indicating that the genre's popularity may not be sustainable in the long term [31][36][39] Group 3 - The article notes that horror films have become a "lifeline" for theaters post-pandemic, as they attract younger audiences who prefer the communal experience of watching horror in cinemas [14][19] - The rise of horror films has led to a competitive landscape, with studios engaging in a "arms race" to produce more horror content, which could lead to diminishing returns if audience interest wanes [34][39] - The article emphasizes the need for innovation within the horror genre, as audiences are increasingly seeking higher quality content rather than repetitive sequels or derivative works [36][40]