HALLOWEEN GIVES THE UK NIGHT-MYERS

Fright night classic, Halloween returns to the big screen at Vue, as Michael Myers is voted one of the UK’s most feared horror characters

Hannibal Lecter, Pennywise the Clown and Michael Myers are some of the top cinematic figures who terrified Brits when they first graced the silver screen.

A study into the most frightening films and figures has revealed the star of The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter, is the villain who sends the most chills across the country.

A Nightmare on Elm Street nasty Freddy Kreuger took second place in the scare stakes, followed by Pennywise the Clown, the shape-shifting star of It.

The research, commissioned by Vue, was released to celebrate the big screen return of classic horror film Halloween, on its 40^th anniversary since the original became a fright night favourite, as well as the release of a new Halloween instalment. Michael Myers, the masked serial killer from the series, appeared in a prime position, ahead of horror staple Count Dracula and Stephen King’s iconic madman Jack Torrance from The Shining.

Nic Ravery, Screen Content Analyst, commented: ““Horror has been part of movie history since the beginning of cinema, and these movies have fascinated generations of cinemagoers from the start because of their power to unlock primal fears within us. These films continue to be as enjoyable and memorable today – even more so when every spine-tingling moment is in 4K. For those feeling extra brave, Vue is bringing the original John Carpenter’s Halloween back to the big screen to celebrate its 40th Anniversary on the 31st October while the new Halloween is now screening nationwide”.

According to Brits, the top factor which makes a great horror movie villain is the idea they could be anywhere at any time – even right behind you at the cinema. Forty per cent of Brits watched a movie so frightening they have never been able to work up the nerve to watch it ever again.

One in four of those surveyed have only been able to stomach a single viewing of The Exorcist, and one in seven allowed themselves one watch of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre before locking the film away forever.

Thirty per cent of viewers would describe themselves as ‘jumpers’ when the tension begins to ramp up in a horror film, ready to leap up at any time.

While one in seven believe they are impossible to scare, no matter what a chiller throws at them.

One in four feel reassured when they watch a scary film at the cinema because there are lots of people around them to keep them safe from any nastiness reaching out from the screen.

And almost half (47%) enjoy seeing the rest of the cinema react to the thrills and chills.

Book tickets to see Halloween at your local Vue now and tickets to the special 40^th Anniversary screening of Halloween on 31^st October at www.myvue.com.