Jump scares kinda suck, don’t they? Well, it depends on who you ask. For YouTube’s Now You See It, it’s like a magic trick: it’s all about the build-up, the 30 seconds before you reveal your hand. But in most horror films these days, it’s used as a lazy, uninspired and cheap trick, a way to provoke a quick bit of fear from the unsuspecting viewer. When done correctly, however, a good jump scare can keep the audience off balance, elicit tension and establish fear of the unknown, which can carry throughout the duration of the running time. This is found in horror flicks like “The Sixth Sense,” “Insidious,” “Poltergeist,” “Jaws” and, most recently, “The Witch, as well as some non-horror films like “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “Jurassic Park” and “Pulp Fiction.” And in the appropriately titled “Why Jump Scares Suck,” the thesis found in the title is explored in detail.
READ MORE: The 50 Best Horror Movies Of The 21st Century So Far
But, if you like your jump scares just fine, thank you very much, then you’re in luck. Burger Fiction (via Live For Films) has put together 40 of his favorite jump scares with the boldly titled “This Supercut Will Make You Jump (40 Greatest Movie Jump Scares).” As expected, they don’t all come from horror movies either. Clips used in this supercut include “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Se7en” and “The Dark Knight,” in addition to popular horror favorites like “Alien,” “Saw,” “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and more. So turn off the lights, get tucked under the blanket and watch both videos below, if you dare.
You have to see Nerdwriter’s YT stuff on films. Really insightful, as well.