The document defines horror films as aiming to create tension, fear, and alarm by using audiences' darkest fears in an unsettling way. It provides the example of Nightmare on Elm Street, which terrifies viewers by having murders occur in dreams rather than reality, leaving no escape. Horror films traditionally use graphic violence and gore as well as dark settings to distress audiences. Common stereotypes include "bad boys" who overconfidently pursue the killer and blonde female characters who are less intelligent and often die after wandering off alone.