Are “slasher” horror films sexually violent? A content analysis

Abstract

Diverse viewpoints have emerged over whether male or female characters endure the brunt of the violence depicted in the subgenre of horror movies commonly referred to as “slasher” films. In order to address this issue, a content analysis of 10 slasher movies was conducted. Although the data reveal that death and destruction are predominant components of slasher films, there is no evidence of a systematic bias in the appearances or deaths of protagonists as a function of gender. Other content attributes of these films are examined and their implications discussed.