A third of Brits think they could survive a horror slasher film – and beat the villain.
The poll of 2,000 adults found 34 per cent think they’d be able to outrun a masked baddie, with 75 per cent claiming their quick thinking and survival instincts would see them through.
While 42 per cent admitted they’d probably be the first to get picked off, 14 per cent would outsmart the villain with their strategy of 'logic and reason' - and 13 per cent would run and never look back.
A further one in 20 reckon they’d last until the very final scene – though not necessarily make it out alive.
Alicia Afza, a spokesperson for Nerds, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s fascinating to see how many people believe they’d have what it takes to survive a horror movie.
“After all, horror films are as much about quick thinking as they are about courage and chaos.”
The study also found Freddie Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street (40 per cent), Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs (39 per cent) and Michael Myers from Halloween (33 per cent) are the most memorable baddies of all time.
While Freddie (22 per cent) and Hannibal (20 per cent) were also voted the scariest, followed by Pennywise the clown from It coming third (17 per cent).
Almost four in 10 (37 per cent) believe they’d most likely fall victim to death by trusting the wrong person.
While 21 per cent would probably ignore the obvious warning signs or split up from the group (19 per cent).
When it comes to the things people enjoy about horror or slasher movies, 40 per cent like the suspense and tension, and 30 per cent love the psychological twists.
While 40 per cent prefer to watch a scary movie with their favourite sweet snacks.
If they were in a horror film, 48 per cent would want a survival expert by their side (48 per cent), or a calm and logical thinker (47 per cent).
And when it comes to horror film settings, 20 per cent think an abandoned asylum is the most terrifying, while 17 per cent would hate to be stuck in a remote cabin in the woods (17 per cent)
For almost a quarter (23 per cent) the worst mistake a horror film character can make is not finishing off the villain.
And of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com, 48 per cent think the most important rule to follow is never split up.
Alicia Afza for Nerds added: “Just like in any good thriller, it’s all about staying sharp, thinking fast, and keeping your cool when things get sticky.
“However, while most of us think we'd beat the baddie, we're all much happier watching the film with our favourite sweets.”
SCARIEST HORROR FILM VILLAINS OF ALL TIME:
1. Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street)
2. Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs)
3. Pennywise (It)
4. Michael Myers (Halloween)
5. Chucky (Child’s Play)
6. Jigsaw (Saw)
7. Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
8. Samara Morgan (The Ring)
9. Zombies (Shaun of the Dead)
10. Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
