In recent years, horror moviemakers have been utilizing creative promotional tactics to thrill their audience. These tactics, which include immersive experiences using augmented reality and virtual reality technologies, deliver formidably exciting marketing stunts. Thanks to horror’s unique nature, they aim to both thrill and terrify, leveraging techniques like found footage and ambiguous previews to enthrall viewers.
Such innovative measures drive intense suspense and uncertainty, blurring the lines between fiction and reality and tantalizing audiences with partial plot insights. The goal is to create massive public interest, overwhelming demand, and strong box office numbers.
2024 marked a significant resurgence in the horror genre, with over a dozen highly appreciated films released. These movies brought forth unique themes and storytelling techniques, balancing physical fear with mental terror. Consequently, this revived interest from filmmakers and studios, signaling a new era for horror cinema in 2025.
One noteworthy example of promotional creativity was Lionsgate’s marketing for Saw X (2023).
Immersive tech enhances horror film marketing
They leveraged an iconic character, replacing Nicole Kidman’s AMC introduction with a monologue from Billy the Puppet. This move surprised audiences and quickly gained significant attention.
In 2019, the simultaneous release of Child’s Play and Toy Story 4 provided an unusual marketing opportunity. Promotional posters of Child’s Play humorously displayed Chucky, terrorizing Toy Story characters, cleverly combining two popular franchises and sparking audience curiosity. Likewise, M3GAN’s (2022) campaign capitalized on the character’s distinct look, leading to an internet sensation where fans impersonated the doll and performed a specific dance, enhancing viewership.
In conclusion, these unique promotional techniques add extra excitement to the horror movie experience. Maintaining audience interest and delivering unique cinematic experiences pique curiosity and anticipation, making the horror genre captivating to both avid enthusiasts and occasional thrill-seekers. Thus, clever promotional strategies significantly influence a horror movie’s success and the viewers’ overall cinematic experience.
