But there are some instances of actual emotion and warmth.
Behold, my favorite sentimental scenes in horror:
Frankenstein (1931)
Never mind that he's going to throw her in the water five seconds from this moment.
Frankie met a friend, and couldn't we all use one of those?
The Village (2004)
My favorite romantic scene in a horror movie comes at this moment of quietness on a porch.
Not a lot of dialogue, but a boatload of emotion. Well played, and yes, I did tear up during this scene.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
Aww, this scene is so poignant. Poor little Billy Harley. As his daddy holds him one last time, it's hard not to choke up a bit. And wish for vile vengeance against those a-hole teenagers.
The Others (2001)
Grace's husband comes back from the war - or does he? The two share a long overdue reunion, only to discover he may have never been there in the first place. A sorrowful bit of film that always gets to me.
The Sixth Sense (2001)
I still get a lump in my throat when Cole finally tells his mom about his ability - and then proceeds to mention something that was said by Lynn's (dead) mother that only she would know. A powerful, yet tearful few minutes in film.
The Evil Dead (1981)
Who else thinks it's hokey yet sweet when Ash gives his beloved the necklace? Try to forget you've seen the rest of the film, in which Ash has to kill Deadite Linda when she succumbs to Kandarian demons. Yeah, makes that necklace seem all the more important.
Let the Right One In (2008)
When you love someone, age isn't usually a barrier. But being alive usually helps. In Eli and Oskar's case, however, love knows no bounds. This scene above is proof, even though the entire movie is a love letter to sentiment - you just have to know where to look.
The Shining (1980)
In a rare moment of tenderness, Jack Torrance (already under the influence of the Overlook) gives Danny a loving hug. Danny, however, does not seem to reciprocate. Hmm....
I Am Legend (2007)
Because I couldn't put a pic of the moment when Sam died - because it gets me right in the gut - I instead chose this pic of the two friends bedding down for the night, to the sound of the roaring Darkseeker crowd outside.
Stephen King's IT (1990)
"Your hair is winter fire. January embers. My heart burns there, too."
Enough said.
Ghost Story (1981)
After a lovely sundae for two and a stroll in the rain, Alma and Don come back to her place for a little rendezvous. Too bad she is a vengeful ghost. Always spoils the fun.
From Hell (2001)
In a movie as dark as this one, it's really hard to see anything even remotely affectionate, but Johnny Depp and Heather Graham manage one steamy moment in a grungy alley, and it's the only true emotional moment in the film.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Steve likes Alice. See the way he touches her face when he says 'thanks, Alice'. What a tender moment... Too bad Alice has the hots for Bill instead. Too bad both Steve and Bill end up dead anyway.
Carrie (1976)
Didn't you just for a minute....think things might work out okay? That Carrie and Tommy might just fall in love and everything will be coming up roses? When they stand on stage, holding hands and accepting the king and queen crowns... And then all hell breaks loose.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
One of the calmest moments in the thrill ride that is DOTD is Frank, accepting his imminent death and saying good bye to his daughter. Touching, depressing, intense, and hard to watch.
Psycho II (1983)
My favorite moment in one of my favorite movies is when Norman, realizing he is slipping into insanity again, turns to Mary for comfort. He relays a story about his mother making him toasted cheese sandwiches, which sounds ridiculous, but it works. Cue the violins.
Jaws (1975)
Winner of my Most Sentimental Moment in a Horror Movie award, this scene from Jaws is what got me thinking about this post to begin with. It's such a touching segment in the film, when father and son do their little copycat routine, and end with Brody asking for a kiss, to which his son asks why? He responds with "cause I need it". And he does. After all, he's got one big mother of a shark to hunt.