History Main / NightmareFuel

All examples of this trope should be specific and give details of what was scary. This is not TroperTales, so don't write in first person.

'''Some examples of things that are generally Nightmare Fuel include -- but are not limited to -- the following:'''

On the other hand, Nightmare Fuel doesn't exist just in the horror genre and is not always the main focus of the films and shows in which it is present. In the case of such movies and shows where Nightmare Fuel or anything related to horror is far from the norm, it can be unsettling when it does occur due to the [[MoodWhiplash stark contrast]], especially if the genre of the film or show is far from horror, such as comedy or animation, [[NightmareFuel/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic or when in a show]] [[WhatDoYouMeanItsForKids with a very specific target demographic]].

* [[CrapsackWorld The]] [[SadistTeacher incredible]] [[WretchedHive depravity]] [[CorruptCorporateExecutive and monstrosity]] [[AbusiveParents of]] [[HumansAreBastards human beings]] [[KidsAreCruel at]] [[TeensAreMonsters their absolute worst]].

[[caption-width-right:350:From [[Creator/JamesCameron James Cameron]]'s [[BasedOnADream nightmares]] to yours!]]

For many {{horror}} films, achieving this effect is the whole point (and many in-universe examples arise because KidsShouldntWatchHorrorFilms). For [[HollywoodPsych some reason]], many of us like to be scared on purpose. There may be a euphoria generated by surviving something that seems scary, or maybe we know that fiction can't hurt us (not physically, anyway) and the idea of choosing to be scared without the danger is fun. Some think it's cathartic or therapeutic in some way to explore our fears from a position of relative safety. In any case, this is normal for the genre. Others are [[NightmareFetishist fascinated by the very things that most people avoid]]. Occasionally, it overlaps with {{Squick}}.

* FanDisservice

* [[MindRape Having your mind played with]], be it [[LaserGuidedAmnesia wiping your memory out]], MindControl, [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashing]], {{gaslighting}}, re-enacting past horrific events, [[MindProbe invasion of your thoughts]], or whatever else [[IncrediblyLamePun comes to mind]].

* [[MindRape Having your mind played with]], be it [[LaserGuidedAmnesia wiping your memory out]], Mind Control, [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashing]], {{gaslighting}}, re-enacting past horrific events, [[MindProbe invasion of your thoughts]], or whatever else [[IncrediblyLamePun comes to mind]].

* [[CompleteMonster Characters so vile and horrific that it is completely impossible to find any kind of redeeming quality in them]].

* The [[CompleteMonster most evil character with no redeeming values whatsoever]].

* Having your body controlled by something to do horrible things, [[AndIMustScream yet your mind is unaltered and all you can do is watch helplessly.]]

** NightmareFuel/PublicServiceAnnouncement

* NightmareFuel/{{Anime}}

* NightmareFuel/{{Manga}}

* [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking Taxes.]]

* [[MindRape Having your mind played with]], be it wiping your memory out, Mind Control, [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashing]], re-enacting past horrific events, [[MindProbe invasion of your thoughts]], or whatever else [[IncrediblyLamePun comes to mind]].

* [[CreepyChildrenSinging Creepy children singing]], especially in menacingly low horror scenes, that suggest some sort of supernatural uncontrollable evil entity being around and even worse, taking the form of innocence - a child.

* [[Creepy Children Singing]], especially in menacingly low horror scenes, that suggest some sort of supernatural uncontrollable evil entity being around and even worse, taking the form of innocence - a child.

** NightmareFuel/Gamebooks