'The body's response to fear or suspense is to ramp up production of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, which mobilise your body's energy resources.

'This is paired with increased heart rate and focused attention. 

'This can all feel rather exhilarating when that tension is released at the end of the film.

'Doing this safely can feel good simply because it is thrilling – consider skydiving as a similar activity which is frightening but also euphoric.'

Endorphins are used by the body to make us feel pleasure and reward. 

They are produced by the brain when eating and exercising but also when the body feels pain or stress, such as during a jump-scare horror movie.

Dr Knowles added that horror movies provide a safe way for people to explore being frightened because in films 'the objects of fear are more simplistic than in real life'.

She added: 'Through this safe interaction, we can learn to cope with negative emotions and develop resilience to fear and stress.'

Her thoughts are supported by a 2012 study from the University of Westminster which showed that viewing a 90 minute horror movie and enjoying a short walk burned the same amount of calories.