How to get MORE scared while watching horror movies?

Good question. I've pondered that myself, because I've seen hundreds and hundreds of them, so I've mostly lost the ability to get scared. I remember when I was a kid, and we went to the movie store, I would sneak away from my folks and visit the horror section and just the content on the back of the VHS tapes freaked me out but I loved it. I got scared easily but over the years it's become so much harder.

Here's what I do and I recommend you try it:

1. Set the mood. Try watching the movie late at night, alone, in the complete dark, with headphones. Open the blinds. Trust me, this creates a sense of paranoia.

2. Get in the mood. What are some things that get you on edge, or that you fear? Dwell on those things. Afraid of spiders? Have someone catch a big one and set it loose in the house to keep you on your toes. That'll put you on edge. Also, LET YOURSELF BE SCARED. Don't fight it, just let it happen.

3. Get in the movie. Just immerse yourself. Turn off your phones and other distractions. Focus on the movie.

4. PRETEND. This is just something I do personally, and it sounds silly, but it's helped me get more freaked out in the past. Pretend you're in the movie. Or pretend that whatever is in the movie is in or outside your home. I have a thing with glowing eyes, it's a slight phobia I developed as a kid, so when I watch some horror movies to get scared, I'll look out the window and I guess imagine a pair of red glowing eyes peering back at me just on the other side of a flimsy glass window (kinda like in the movie "Critters").

5. and finally, DO NOT give in to skepticism. It ruins horror movies. You know those people. They laugh and jeer at every moment, tearing it apart with logic and reasoning and poking fun at the characters' decisions. Horror movies are not for people with this mentality. So throw away disbelief and try not to guess what's coming. If you truly follow this rule, and you still can't help but laugh and/or disbelieve, then most likely the movie just sucks.

If you genuinely follow these steps, and it doesn't work, maybe you're one of those people who just aren't affected by horror movies. Doesn't mean you still can't enjoy them. Let me know if it does work though :)

Edit: Just thought of another one that should be #1: Pick an actual scary movie. What scares YOU? It's different for EVERYBODY. What scares you might not scare the next person, and vice versa. Paranormal Activity was I think the last movie I saw (except Insidious) that actually scared me. But obviously there are millions of people who thought the movie was laughable. I strongly disagree.

Ooo, thought of another one. Do you game? If so, play a scary game right before you watch! Like Five Nights at Freddy's or F.E.A.R. or Amnesia or Condemned. Or just watch game footage on Youtube. Games are a whole 'nother level, they're immersive and you can't help BUT be pulled into the world of the game.

Watch them alone in the dark, very late at night.

Set a couple of alarms on your phone really loud to go off every 20 minutes.

Turn the movie up loud.

Alone, in the dark. With the windows open- if it's safe.

in the dark

At night, home alone, in the dark.