Jedward face UK's 'most haunted inn' for 'next level' horror film challenge

Gen Z are proving to be real scaredy-cats when it comes to horror films. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a whopping 70% can only endure a frightful flick by peeking through their fingers or taking cover behind another viewer. This figure plummets by half for the more hardened Gen X generation.

To make the film more tolerable, 12% of younger viewers resort to cracking jokes throughout, with a mere 13% genuinely enjoying the experience and claiming they're 'rarely' frightened by what they're viewing on screen.

Consequently, the study commissioned by M&M'S, in support of the brand's latest platform It's More Fun Together, discovered that many people favour watching family-friendly Halloween films, rather than those intended to spook viewers.

Pop duo Jedward didn't let fear hold them back as they bravely visited Britain's most haunted house, The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire, for a Halloween film night.

The pair confessed: "We love Halloween, but this challenge was next-level scary. Creaky floors, flickering lights and lots of jump scares."

"The only thing that got us through was watching together and having plenty of snacks in between screams," they added.

Almost half of Brits are planning a cosy Halloween movie night at home, yet a study revealed that 19% of adults believe they've experienced something spooky or paranormal during such an event.

This figure rises to 42% among Gen Zers, with a quarter admitting they felt a presence in the room with them. A third reported feeling an unexplained chill in the air, while another third heard 'strange noises' like creaking, scratching or other eerie sounds.

Consequently, a quarter of adults surveyed will switch to a comedy or light-hearted show after a horror film to help them relax.

Other coping strategies for watching scary films include keeping the lights on (13%) or using snacks as a distraction (24%).

Meanwhile, 11% casually check their phones during particularly frightening scenes, and 10% keep a pet close by for comfort.

To tease those who aren't fans, three quarters enjoy playing a prank on a loved one or mate during a horror film, such as sneaking up on them after a loo break or subtly turning off the lights.

1. Harry Potter
2. Ghostbusters
3. The Addams Family
4. Beetlejuice
5. Hocus Pocus
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas
7. Gremlins
8. The Witches
9. Hotel Transylvania
10. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-rabbit