Does a horror movie have to be scary to be good

A scary film, or not? Seems like a subjective feeling, and per what one considers as "scary". Some films have a sense of "dread" or suspense that are good horror films, but not really any scares of significance. For an example, the UK BBC series Thriller from Brian Clemens was mostly this type of program, rarely did it ever have a big scare or sudden shock.

Not at all. Seriously, when was the last time you were legitimately frightened by a horror film? Long time no doubt. I like plenty of horror movies that aren't scary but still have a great premise and are fun to watch. Most notably, any slaher flick.

Now don't get me wrong, it's perfectly fine if a horror movie tries to be scary, since that's the whole point of horror in the first place: being scared. But when they try TOO hard to be scary and forget to give a decent plot with some fun value, it doesn't work. I agree that no one seems to be happy because "the movie wasn't scary enough."

It doesn't hurt, but it is not necessary

"The true horror film (I use the abominable description) has its roots in the fairy tale, and the fairy tale has its roots in the soil of humanity....For the audience, this kind of film is a release--a bizarre world outside ordinary experience where the tensions are enjoyable." Boris Karloff

I've never felt that a movie was scary. The idea of movies being scary doesn't really make sense to me. But I love horror. So, to answer your question, no.

I'm sorry. Seems that I have offended your fragile ego. Even though you are wrong, I'll try not to be doing that again. I don't want your suicide on my conscience.

Oh man. your ego is SUPER FRAGILE. We may both very well commit suicide, but for different reasons.

A non-scary horror movie would make likely qualify it as a cheesy movie, and I love cheesy movies.

At the least, I think it should be suspenseful.